Members of the Sandwich Generation are typically in their 40s or 50s today, and there are quite a lot of them: about 53% of Millennials and 29% of Gen Xers, according to sandwich generation statistics reported by the Pew Center. Having two sets of dependents (children and parents) can be burdensome financially as families are…
Retirement planning is complicated. Retirement planning when you are married – or part of any kind of committed couple – is doubly complicated. If you are married, you need to use a retirement calculator for married couples, or a retirement calculator for couples. When you are part of a couple, there are double the financial…
Before you got married, you probably discussed where you wanted to live, whether or not you would have kids and your general hopes for the future. Before you bought a house, you and your spouse talked about where would be best, what size home you hoped to acquire, and more. Before you had kids, you…
You have probably read about the perils of loneliness as you age and how feeling alone can actually reduce your life span by as much as regular smoking does. However, some research suggests that it is not just a matter of having relationships, it is also who your friends happen to be. It turns out…
Making friends in retirement can be difficult, but incredibly important. Get tips for forming meaningful and joyful relationships.
While the focus at family gatherings should be on love, catching up, food and celebrating, holidays may be the only time to have face to face time with your children, parents or siblings. And, it may be a rare opportunity to talk about important financial matters. Talking about money may be one of the most…
Signing up to start Social Security is simple. However, finding the right Social Security strategy for you can be complicated but VERY worthwhile. Here are 15 tips for making the best Social Security decision: Social Security Strategies For Almost Everyone 1. Delay the Start of Benefits for As Long As Possible This Social Security strategy…
Gray divorce — divorce after 50 — can really cramp your retirement lifestyle. When you say ‘I do,’ your personal finances may not be the first thing on your mind. But the truth is, couples who get married and stay married have benefits that single people simply don’t, such as being able to split up…
Episode 28 of the NewRetirement podcast is an interview with Cameron Huddleston, an award winning personal finance journalist and author, about her experience planning for and caring for aging parents. Her work has appeared in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Business Insider, Chicago Tribune, Fortune, Huffington Post, Money, MSN, USA Today and many other publications. A mom…
So, what type of empty nest parent are you? Are you: Super proud that they are setting out on their own? Still supporting them financially? Relieved and happy to have more time on your own? Sad and lonely that your children have flown the coop? Guessing that they’ll be back shortly? Shrewdly calculating how much…
College costs can feel overwhelming — especially if you are trying to retire sometime soon (or even just save for a future retirement). How to fund college education is a critical question and families need to explore all of their options. You are not alone if you are worried about paying for both big expenses…
You probably looked at your parents’ and grandparents’ retirement as times of slowing down. But, if you are in your 50s, 60s and even 70s or 80s, I am willing to bet that is not how you feel about your own future. Now — the age of retirement — is an exciting time to restart…
Saving for retirement can be an incredibly difficult task, especially when your path is filled with hurdles such as job loss, rising inflation, and debt. One obstacle you may not think about is your own family. Juggling family commitments makes it hard for many adults to save for their own financial future. It can force…
As if saving enough to pay for your own retirement isn’t worrisome enough, research from Merrill Lynch and Age Wave suggests that most people over 50 (6 out of 10 in fact) are providing financial support to family members in need — either on a one off basis or as continuing regular support. Giving money…
While there are lots of benefits to marriage, if you are a woman or you are married to one, you face a a huge retirement disadvantage — a significantly steeper climb toward having adequate retirement savings. A new study from TIAA estimates that in order for two recent college grads to have the same amount…
Your adult children want to help you as you age. However, they need you to be open to giving them details about what’s to come, according to a Fidelity Investments Family & Finance Study. The study also found that whether you think you are communicating or not, the kids are not hearing you (alas, some things…
Once you have solidified your own retirement plan and have saved enough, you may find yourself wanting to help your grandchildren. You might want to lessen their financial burden by paying for their college or reward them for meeting various goals. 1. Gifting Giving money is one way to help your grandchildren. If you are…
Retirement planning for women — wives, daughters, mothersBoth women and men continue to save money for retirement in their 401(k)s at the same rate, but due to many factors, women — you, your wife, your daughter, your mother — are less financially prepared for retirement than men, according to recent research from Aon Hewitt. Of…
It’s taboo. It’s not polite. It’s personal. These are all things you’ve probably heard when it comes to talking about money. Keeping your lips sealed about your personal finances is pretty common, but your financial future may be in jeopardy if you’re not willing to have a straight talk about retirement planning. Straight talk about…
Lesley Stahl knows a lot about many different things. As a long time journalist, she has covered the Watergate scandal, President Reagan’s assassination attempt, the Gulf War, and many other historic events that have shaped our world. However, of everything she has experienced in her life, becoming a grandmother is the event that she says…
Have you ever considered living in a multi-generational home? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a multi-generational family is defined as “those consisting of more than two generations living under the same roof.” If you enjoy being around family and you’re planning for retirement or nearing retirement age, multi-generational living might work in your favor.…
The holidays are right around the corner, and while that involves the excitement and cheer of family get-togethers and festive parties galore, for many it also means the financial stress of buying presents for their children. Often, parents spend more than they intend to on their kids during the holiday season. Some people resort to…
It turns out that wealth in retirement doesn’t necessarily rid you of certain troubles and concerns. In fact, investors who have at least $1 million in assets are most worried about burdening their children later in life. We probably all share this fear no matter our financial circumstances. Take Action to Avoid Consequences The weird…
There’s something powerful about knowing that it’s never too late to learn something new. It can be as simple as putting yourself out there and welcoming new experiences. Want an example? Saffron Cassaday, Director of the Cyber-Seniors Documentary, has inspired a national campaign called Connecting Generations. Her campaign looks to connect young mentors with older…
Do you provide care of an older relative or parent? If so, you’re probably among the 40.4 million Americans who provide unpaid eldercare. Eldercare providers are defined as those provide unpaid care to someone age 65 or older. This population typically needs care because of conditions related to aging, and can range from providing household…