AARP - Social Security Planning

"The AARP Social Security Resource Center is as an online retirement-planning tool designed to help you figure out your eligibility for Social Security payments, when you can get them, and how much you and your family can receive. In this section you’ll find easy-to-understand answers on eligibility topics including:

• Who is (and isn’t) covered by Social Security.
• Criteria to qualify for retirement, disability, spousal and survivor benefits.
• Enrolling in Medicare.
• Social Security options for people living (and retiring) abroad.

Use the web link to visit the AARP Social Security Resource Center.

Today's Caregiver: Planning Helps You Choose the Right Senior Living Option

For most people, having a conversation about end-of-life issues with their aging parents or other family members can be a difficult task, especially as we consider all the types of living options available to seniors today.

There are numerous options to support seniors’ needs, but family members trying to choose what is best for their loved ones may feel overwhelmed if they have not considered all their options prior to a debilitating illness or a loss of functionality. That is why arranging where your loved one will live is one of the most important provisions in a healthy aging plan.

Whether you opt to do the research for yourself or seek outside guidance, it’s helpful to consider all the options available on the market before your senior has to make a choice.

Check out this article from Today's Caregiver magazine on how to select the most appropriate senior living option for a loved one.

Free Financial Planning Tools from Investor.gov

Guidance and investment tools to help you make decisions and plan wisely. Tools include: a RMD calculator, a compound interest and savings goal calculator, social security retirement estimator, a mutual fund analyzer, and a 529 Expense analyzer.

Aging in Place in 2023: What is it? And how can you do it.

This is a great article on aging in place because it considers both the upside AND the downside to committing to aging in place. I've been an advocate of aging in place for a number of years and still consider it a good model for many people, but I've learned that perhaps not all retirees. This article includes those points in their presentation of aging in place.

Ron Smith

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 6 people will be age 60 or older by 2030.

Though everyone’s aging process is unique, many older adults are deciding whether to remain in their homes or move to an environment like an assisted living community — whichever best caters to their well-being and supports healthy aging.

Research suggests that many older adults want to remain in their homes while surrounded by loved ones and the community they’re used to until it becomes difficult to do so.

In addition, a 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey by AARP of 2,826 U.S. adults found that about 75% of people over age 50 want to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible.

Choosing to live in your home or the community you’re familiar with as an older adult is known as aging in place. Here, we deep dive into what it is and how you can age in place.

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home

How to plan ahead to age in place.

Planning ahead is hard because you never know how your needs might change. The first step is to think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. Maybe you live alone, so there is no one living in your home who is available to help you. Maybe you don't need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situation.

NIH's National Institute on Aging does a good job of introducing the notion of planning for change as we age and the need to consider aging in place as a mechanism to deal with those changes.

5 Steps to Retirement Planning in 2023: An Introduction and How-to Guide

NOTE: The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Why is retirement planning important?

Planning for retirement is a way to help you maintain the same quality of life in the future. You might not want to work forever, or be able to fully rely on Social Security.

Retirement planning has five steps: knowing when to start, calculating how much money you'll need, setting priorities, choosing accounts and choosing investments. Generally, financial advisors suggest you invest more aggressively when you’re younger, then slowly dial back to a more conservative mix of investments as you approach retirement age.

20 Steps to Take When Preparing for Retirement

Making money-related changes now can reduce financial stress during retirement.

By Rachel Hartman| Reviewed by Katy Marquardt| May 10, 2023, at 3:40 p.m.

Preparing for retirement doesn't have to be difficult or complex. Even if you don't have a detailed plan for retirement in place, taking small steps can make a big difference as you approach retirement.

Here are 20 steps to take now to prepare for retirement . . .

NCOA: Money for Older Adults

As we live longer, our savings need to last longer, too. Get tips for money management, avoiding scams, and reducing debt to help make the most of your money as you age.

Check out the numerous financial planning resources available from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) A great, reliable resource.

AARP - Links to Financial Planning Tools and Concepts for Retirement

A collection of excellent articles for those planning for retirement as well as those already in retirement.

Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans: Get Ready Now.

In the case of an emergency or a disaster, older Americans need to be prepared in advance to be sure that they have the resources, knowledge and support needed to survive. This PDF from Ready.gov addresses preparing a kit of emergency supplies, making a plan and being informed about what might happen. Download this guide and begin your preparations.

AARP - 10 Financial Moves to Make in Your 60s

Time to make big decisions on where to live and what to spend

by Patricia Amend, AARP, November 2, 2021

It’s getting close . . . very close! For most of your adult life you’ve planned for retirement, and now that you’re in your 60s, it’s very close indeed. Are you getting ready? Will your transition be as smooth as possible? Will you start this new chapter in your life with a sense of optimism?

Like most people, you may not be so sure. A 2019 economic well-being study published by the Federal Reserve indicated that just 45 percent of nonretired adults over the age of 60 believe that their retirement planning is on track. What’s more, 60 percent of nonretirees who hold a 401(k), IRA or other self-directed retirement savings accounts aren’t comfortable managing their own investments.

If you haven’t already done so, financial advisers recommend taking an inventory to think things through. Consider making two checklists — one for your lifestyle, and another for financial matters — to assess your situation and determine the steps you need to take as the countdown continues. Be sure to enlist the help of an adviser whenever needed, and use the following as a guide.

AARP - Financial News & Investment Advice

Money

"Get the latest financial news and expert advice on money management to budget effectively, spend wisely, build a nest egg and live well in retirement."

AARP does a good job of defining the basic financial concepts that relate to successful retirement and senior living. Check their website for some valuable resources.