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Financial Services For Seniors
from: Senior Services Guide Staff WritersSeniors have a myriad of financial decisions they need to make as they approach retirement age. Those that had retirement accounts need to determine how to access the funds so that they will last the rest of their lifetimes. Others may be wondering what the financial implications of early retirement will be for them. Health issues may have increased and eaten more of the family budget, but empty nesters will have less household needs. Some may even decide to downsize their home or move to a retirement-friendly state or community. Others will try to maintain part-time employment in a field they enjoy. All these decisions require careful financial foresight and planning before one actually takes the plunge and retires. A review of the financial services for seniors is a must for those wanting to retire with some degree of comfort or security.
Retirement Planning
Many financial planners and employers offer free consultations or retirement information and financial services for seniors. Take advantage while you are still employed to learn the ins and outs of 401Ks, pensions, IRAs, and other retirement wealth vehicles. Begin to take stock of how much you expect to receive from Social Security and how much from other sources. Write your current budget and assume it will be 20% to 30% less after retirement.
Health Issues
The government has many social services available to seniors in the form of Medicare and Medicaid. The eligibility requirements can change with legislation, but typically one must be 65 years of age to receive benefits from either program. Medicaid is need based and so even though one is 65 years of age, one might not be eligible. Medicare can come with monthly premiums and so would need to be included in a retiree’s expenses once they retire. In addition, other long-term health care plans will need to be included in your financial planning so that you don’t outlive your financial resources.
Reallocation of Assets
A financial planner can review what plans you have in retirement. Whether it’s to move to a different state, downsize your home, or start a new business. Today’s seniors are very active and with such activity come expenses. Any business offering financial services for seniors will want to gauge the lifestyle needs of their client and try to gear a financial plan to those needs. All assets including cash bank accounts, real estate, stocks and bonds can be reviewed and recommendations given on whether to keep as they are or reallocate them to investments that hold less risk with a good rate of return.
These are three of the major financial services for seniors, but there are still many more that should be taken into account. Legal obligations or protection may need to be included. Estate planning in the event of heirs and tax considerations is also important. Finding a business that offers sound financial services for seniors can lay a good foundation for plenty of secure and fruitful years of retirement.
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