People are living longer now than ever before. This is surely something to celebrate, however, one of the unintended consequences of our additional longevity is that divorce is on the rise for people over 50. In fact, divorce rates for people 50 and older have almost doubled since the 1990s. Divorce is typically not something you plan for in advance but there are things you can do to prepare for the wide range of emotional and financial implications both before and after it is finalized.
Interest Rates and How They Relate to Your Mortgage
When it comes to interest rates in relation to your credit card, student loan or home mortgage, you probably know the interest rate is the price you’re paying to borrow money. But when you hear about interest rates in the headlines, what kind of rates are they talking about? And if rates are moving up, what does this mean for your mortgage or other lines of credit?
The answer isn’t simple.
13 Vital Tips for Downsizing in Retirement
One of the hardest decisions retirees have to make is when and how to downsize in retirement. As we age, stairs can become a nuisance and as maintenance and utility expenses rise, it can make sense to transition to a more simplified arrangement for living.
What’s more, many retirees rely on the equity in their home to help fund their retirement and potential medical costs. [Read more…]
How to Prepare for Healthcare Costs in Retirement
Healthcare is one of the biggest and most unpredictable line items to prepare for in retirement. Medicare kicks in when you turn 65 however there is a big gap in what Medicare covers vs. the coverage you’re used to from your employer’s group plan.
For a couple retiring in 2015, Fidelity Investments reports that they will need to have an additional $245,000 in savings to cover their healthcare costs in retirement.
Portland Financial Planner Tips: Preparing for a Natural Disaster
As financial planners, our job is to help our clients prepare for the expected but more importantly, the unexpected. This can include anything from losing a job, suffering a sudden, debilitating health event, and even a natural disaster. As Portland financial planner, we are increasingly aware of the potential for a major earthquake.
For this reason, we asked the Red Cross to come in to speak to us about the Cascadia Subduction Zone located off the Oregon coast and their tips regarding preparation for this potentially devastating event.