Retirement Reset - How to Recover from Financial Disaster

A simpler life might salvage your retirement.

 Millions of Americans have experienced catastrophic financial losses during 2020 and early 2021. Others have managed to survive, but faced many setbacks.  They may have had to take a lower paying job, or they may have had to empty their savings and retirement accounts in order to get through the year.  Others have been weighed down by heavy debts and may be behind in their mortgage or rent payments.  If you are among those who wonder how you can get back on the path to financial recovery and reset your retirement plans, this article contains some practical solutions.  

If you need to drastically revamp your lifestyle, you may also want to read the book, "Minimalist Budget: Simple and Practical Budgeting Strategies to Save Money, Avoid Compulsive Spending, Pay Off Debt, and Simplify Your Life."  (Ad)  This book can be helpful for people of all ages who want to get out of a downward financial spiral. 

The November 2020 AARP Bulletin also offered their own recommendations to help people get back on track.  They divided their recommendations into several areas including cash flow, housing, and retirement savings. Below is a summary of what they suggest.

How to Fix Your Cash Flow Problems

If you are behind in your monthly bills and you have no idea how you are going to pay off your credit cards, you know you are in trouble.  Correcting a cash flow problem means you may have to cut back on your spending and, if possible, increase your income.

Start with a budget.  Write down everything you spend in a month, and decide which items you can live without, either permanently or until you can get your finances back under control.  Small expenses add up.  See how long you can do without cable, perhaps with the help of one or two streaming services.  Shop for the lowest price internet and Wifi.  Turn your thermostat down a few degrees in winter and up a few degrees in summer.  Plan your meals so you only buy what you need at the grocery store.  Look for other ways to economize.

If this project seems overwhelming to you, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) and the Financial Counseling Association of America (fcaa.org) can both help you with budgeting, debt negotiation and loan consolidation.  It could be beneficial for you to talk to them to see if there are ways you can negotiate with your credit card companies and other creditors, such as healthcare providers, and reduce your interest rate and/or the balance you owe.  You may also be able to consolidate your debts, so you have a manageable monthly payment.  In a worst case scenario, you may qualify for bankruptcy, which would give you a chance to start over.

Take aggressive steps to get your debt under control.  There are also other steps you can take to manage overwhelming debt, in addition to debt consolidation or bankruptcy. You may be able to transfer your credit card debt to a zero interest card, or take out a lower interest personal loan to pay it off.  Once you do, pay off the amount you owe as quickly as possible, and do not add to your debt until your current debt has been paid off.  This may mean going a year or longer without purchasing new clothes, traveling, or making unnecessary purchases.  Once you have the debt paid off, however, it will be worth it, because you will have your life back on track again.  

Earn extra income.  You may be able to speed up paying off your debts by increasing your income in your spare time.  There are many ways you can do this.  Try Upwork or Fiverr to get freelance gig jobs., Etsy to sell your handmade crafts, dog walking, giving lessons in a skill you have, or signing up to work for a food delivery service.  Apply all the money you earn towards paying off your debts.  You can also raise extra money by selling things you do not need on eBay or Craigslist.  

See if you qualify for any benefits.  Many people qualify for government aid or other local assistance, but do not realize it.  If you are in a dire situation, see if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps), Meals on Wheels, or have a local food bank where you can get a weekly box of food.  Talk to your county Social Services office or check out local government websites to see if you qualify for any kind of assistance. If you are a small business owner, find out if your state or local government is offering grants to help small businesses survive.  Apply for everything you can find.  AARP also has more information about local benefits at aarpcommunityconnections.org.

How to Fix Your Housing Problems

For most people, their largest monthly bill is housing.  If this is your situation, and you are having trouble covering all your expenses, you have several options for getting this expense under control.

Should you downsize?  You might be able to decrease the size of your mortgage payments by refinancing.  If this is not an option, the most obvious solution is to move somewhere less expensive. 

If you rent, that could mean finding a cheaper, smaller apartment, even if it requires a couple to live in a one-room studio apartment; or, a larger family might move into a one-bedroom place with the children sleeping in the living room for a year or two.  We all have to do whatever we can to keep a roof over our heads, if at all possible.  You might also contact Social Services to see if your family is eligible for low-income housing or a rent voucher, at least temporarily, to prevent you from becoming homeless.

If you own a home, but can no longer afford it, you may be able to improve your finances by selling your current home and buying one which is much less expensive, with lower payments, taxes and utilities.  You might even consider moving into a condominium.  If you are a senior citizen whose children have grown and left home, downsizing is a particularly good idea, since you may no longer need all the space you have.  In fact, downsizing is quite common at this stage of life and, since you are no longer commuting to a job, you may be able to move to a lower-cost area, such as a rural community or small town.

Can your current home earn money for you?  Another option is to take in a roommate, rent out part of your home (especially if you have a separate living area with its own entrance), or rent out space in your house for storage, such as the basement or garage.  Any arrangement you make should be carefully thought out, with a written agreement regarding the rights and expectations for each person, especially if you will be allowing someone to live with you. Make sure you have a clear understanding regarding visitors, utilities, meals, pets, laundry, cleaning, yard work, and other chores. 

Fixing Retirement Problems

If you have lost your job and used your retirement funds to survive, you may wonder how you will ever recover financially so you can retire someday.  The above recommendations will help you get your living expenses in balance.  However, will they still be in balance when you retire?  Will you be able to live on your projected Social Security benefits, along with whatever is left of your retirement savings?  If not, you may need to take even more drastic measures to increase your secondary income and lower your housing costs.  Making the hard decisions now can make life easier as you age. In addition, do the following:

Add to your retirement savings.  Even if you can only add $25 a month, try your best to rebuild your retirement savings.  Invest it wisely so that it begins to grow.  As you pay off your debt, add at least half of what you are saving in debt payments and add the money to your retirement account.  Time is on your side.  The longer you have, the more your retirement accounts can recover. 

Wait as long as possible to collect Social Security.  If possible, wait until you are 70 to begin to collect your Social Security benefits. If you cannot wait that long, wait as long as you can.  Every month you wait will slightly increase your benefits.  Your benefits will be much higher at age 70 than if you take them early, and they might be enough for you to live on, even without much retirement savings.  According to Fidelity.com, "If you claim Social Security at age 62, rather than wait until your full retirement age (FRA), you can expect up to a 30% reduction in monthly benefits. For every year you delay claiming Social Security past your FRA up to age 70, you get an 8% increase in your benefit."  As you can see, waiting as long as you can will give you a significant financial advantage and could almost double your benefits.

You may also be able to earn a little extra money from one of the side jobs mentioned above. Earning a few hundred extra dollars a month from a hobby or part-time job can be the equivalent of the income you would earn off of $50,000 to $100,000 in savings.  (If $100,000 earns 3% or $3,000 a year, that equals $250 a month, which you may be able to earn working a few hours a month on a side gig, thereby replacing the retirement savings you lost.)

Learn how to stretch your wealth to the maximum. A helpful resource is "Ed Slott's Retirement Decision Guide" - the most recent edition edition. (Ad) This inexpensive book is loaded with ideas for getting the most out of whatever assets you have.

One way or another, most people will be able to make the necessary changes to survive financially during retirement. If you are still having difficulty, seek professional advice and financial assistance. The earlier you make the necessary changes, the easier things will be for you in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:   Pixabay

Improving Your Life, Health and Happiness - Tips for Senior Citizens

This month we have a wonderful guest post from Jennifer Scott on how to have the best possible quality of life as we age. Whether you make New Year resolutions or not, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to set realistic goals for ourselves. Since 2020 was a particularly stressful year for most people, it seems that most of us are hopeful that 2021 will be much better. This guest post has some great ideas for starting things off right.

Hopefully, many readers will return to this article as the year goes by, to review the ideas presented here and find even more ideas for getting the most out of life as we age.  For people who want to go deeper, they may want to read  "Healthy Aging" by Andrew Weil, M.D.  (Ad)  Below is the article by Jennifer Scott.

4 Simple Ways Seniors Can Take More Control of Their Life, Health, and Happiness


You are only as old as you feel, but what steps can you take to help you feel younger? If you are an adult over the age of 65, you may be asking yourself this question on a regular basis. Well, the answers really are not as complicated as you may think. As it turns out, the simplest of changes for your physical and mental health can equate to the most significant increases in your quality of life. Here are a few of those simple changes for you to try. 

Make Your Home Safer to Help You Age in Place


Right now, you probably feel fairly safe in your home. But as you age, maintaining that safety becomes slightly more challenging, which is why many seniors opt to modify their homes for safety, accessibility, and convenience. In terms of safety, the changes you need to make are ones which will prevent you from falling in your home. A minor fall may not seem like a big deal, but falls for seniors can result in serious injuries. Falls can even shorten your lifespan or hasten dementia.

With this in mind, you may want to start with modifications which will reduce fall risks, such as installing a walk-in shower or opting for non-slip flooring. Smart home technology can provide safety for older adults, as well, but adding these gadgets can also make your home more convenient for you to age in place comfortably.

Another way to stay safe in your home is by investing in a service for home maintenance. Depending on your mobility, attempting strenuous housework on your own can be harmful. Such tasks may include mowing the lawn, landscaping, and cleaning the house. If you need assistance, hire a professional who is located in your area and is within your budget. 

Choose Wisely When It Comes to Medicare Coverage


You also do not want to fall short on your healthcare coverage. Medicare can definitely help you on this front, but you need to know a few facts to get the most benefits out of your plan. That typically involves supplemental coverage, by adding a Medicare supplement to your basic Medicare, OR converting from basic Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Before you make those changes, use an online Medicare guide to go through state-by-state plans and coverage. You may also want to do some research around Medicare coverage restrictions. Many Medicare newcomers are surprised to discover that they need to sign up for a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover prescription drugs, particularly if they are on basic Medicare plus a supplement. A drug plan is usually included in most Medicare advantage plans, but you want to be certain. That kind of information is vital, because in most cases you can only make changes to your plan once a year. 

You can get a great deal more information about Medicare by reading, "Medicare for Dummies," (Ad), "10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make," (Ad) or a similar book before you make your final selection.  It could save you from making a costly mistake in your Medicare coverage.


Use Your Diet to Improve Your Overall Well-Being


Medical care is essential for seniors; however, did you know that proper nutrition and a healthy diet can help prevent many chronic health problems for older adults? Nutrition is always important, but as you get older, your dietary needs tend to change. You may need more fiber to prevent diabetes, less salt to lower your blood pressure, and more whole foods to preserve your overall health. Getting whole foods into your diet can be tricky, however, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. So, if shopping for healthy foods is an obstacle, you may want to try a meal delivery service. (Ad) There are so many options to choose from and you can even customize kits to fit special dietary needs, including vegan, low-carb, and paleo. Many meals from various services are available for under $10.


Commit to Regular Exercise in Your Golden Years


Healthy eating is a good step to improve your health, but for seniors looking to really boost their overall physical health, there’s no better option than regular exercise. For older adults, that involves more than just a regular exercise plan. While exercise is important for your physical health, being active in your senior years requires that you always put safety first. Your physical abilities change as you age, so any form of exercise you engage in needs to be something that you feel completely comfortable with. A good way for seniors to engage in safe and low impact exercise is Pilates. It helps improve flexibility, balance, and strength, and reduces the risk of falls. Pilates studios have professional instructors who can help you modify moves and poses to your abilities, and you’ll get a chance to socialize. There are other low-impact forms of exercise you can try, too, such as swimming, yoga and even walking.  Find an exercise you enjoy and do it regularly. 


Searching for Happiness? Your Start-up Business May Help


Part-time or full-time retirement is rarely a good thing for us to do. In fact, many seniors make the choice to kick start their careers during retirement age. Over 25 percent of start-ups are established by older adults. That's up from 15 percent two decades ago.

Why are more senior adults choosing to start a business? For the majority, it comes down to what makes them feel fulfilled. Not surprisingly, three-quarters of senior entrepreneurs give their lives a satisfaction rating of 8+ out of 10 after starting a business. They enjoy the challenge and activity that entrepreneurship provides them.

So, if you’re feeling a bit stagnant and idle, then think about which parts of your jobs you loved and what you would want to do going forward. It is completely reasonable to build a career that revolves mostly around the things you love to do. Once you have determined which direction you want to go, it is time to choose a business structure that works for you (for example, many people choose to register as an LLC) and get started! 

If you have no idea how to set up a business (most of us are unsure of what to do), then you could begin by reading a book like "How to Start A Business in 30 Days."  (Ad) You might also take a class from a local community college. If you have a great idea, there are ways to turn it into a viable business.

The secret to thriving in your golden years is really no secret at all. Making healthier choices — for your mind, body, and spirit — will always lead to more quality in your life. That goes for seniors and anyone looking to live life to the fullest. Your happiness and health are up to you! 

Don't forget to also check out the book  "Healthy Aging" by Andrew Weil, M.D.  (Ad)  It will give you even more information about how to improve your life, health and happiness as you age.

For more great resources for your golden years, including retirement information for the US and overseas, check out the articles at Baby Boomer Retirement. 

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Photo Credit: Pexels

2020 Taught Us Resilience - Finding the Good in a Tragic Year

There is no question that 2020 has been one of the most unusual and challenging years in our lifetime.  While most Baby Boomers are old enough to have suffered through a variety of setbacks, difficulties, family deaths, medical problems, and other issues during their lifetimes, we have not been immune to the added burden of living through the unexpected 2020 pandemic and the resulting financial stress.

Millions of people lost jobs in 2020. Some lost their businesses. Others lost family members, either to Covid-19 or another illness. To make matters worse, 2020 was also politically very divisive, with hotly contested national and local elections. People were stressed, lonely, worried about money, and concerned about our nation.

So, bearing in mind all the difficulties we have experienced as a nation, how can we end the year by putting a positive spin on things?

Most of us survived! First, of course, is the fact that those of you who are reading this have survived one of the bleakest periods of time we have experienced in our lifetimes. You may feel beaten and scarred.  You may be worn out, sad over the loss of loved ones, and in financial pain. However, we all have reason to hope that the worse is behind us or will soon be behind us as the vaccine begins to roll out for more people. When we feel ready, we will be able to move forward, start to rebuild our lives, and pray for a brighter future.

We have learned to be grateful for the things we have - Over and over, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, I heard people giving thanks for the simple things in life ... food, a roof over our heads, and people we care about, whether we have been able to see them in person or not.  I also heard people say they were grateful for the problems they did not have.  So many have suffered so much, nearly all of us can acknowledge that there are people we know who have had it much worse than we have.

We have learned to appreciate our friends and family - While staying at home for months at a time, many of us really looked forward to phone calls, letters, emails, greeting cards and Zoom meetings with friends, family, book clubs and other groups.  Outdoor picnics, family dinners and religious services became the few times we saw anyone in person, other than the people we live with.  Taking a walk and chatting, while wearing a face mask and standing six feet from our neighbors became the new norm, and we adjusted to it well.

We have been able to laugh at the absurdities of 2020 - As stressful as 2020 has been, many of us found humor in some of its more absurd memories. How many of us hoarded toilet paper, cut our own hair, gave up wearing makeup, and had fun shopping for the craziest face mask? My husband bought one that made him look like he was sticking his tongue out at other people. All our grandchildren chose fun face masks ranging from puppy noses to skeleton faces. We read 2020 jokes and memes almost daily, and we were able to laugh through the pain.  What a gift! 

If you have been slow to find a way to see things in a more positive way, you might it helpful to read the Dan Harris book "10% Happier:  How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works -- a True Story."  (Ad) It could help you find ways to be happier, too. 

Covid-19 gave us the perfect excuse to get out of unwanted social engagements - On the other had, we all have those obligatory social commitments we dread, and Covid-19 gave us the perfect excuse to not attend.  For one year, we were able to avoid those awkward visits with relatives, unwanted house guests, and required social events.

Vaccines are on the way - While we may be able to see some positive things from 2020, the truth is that most of us are happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Vaccines are on the way.  A few people have already received their first vaccine shot. While it will take months before the doses have been distributed and the majority of people have been vaccinated, it is a relief to know that there is reason to hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight.

Finally, 2020 is over!  For those of us who were able to get through the year, most of us can look forward to a better life in 2021. While it is unlikely that any of us will soon forget the events of 2020, and the impact the year had on our life, at least we can put this year behind us ... and that is a relief!

If you are interested in learning more about saving money, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits:  Google images

Top Retirement Posts in 2020 - What Concerned Baby Boomers the Most?

Every December, one of my final articles on this blog is a summary of the posts which engaged our readers the most during the year.  The topics which are of most interest change from year to year, and this annual report reflects what was on the minds of the majority of our readers in 2020. 

Considering that 2020 was a particularly unusual year, it should come as no surprise that Covid-19 weighed heavily on the minds of all Americans, not just Baby-Boomers.  Consequently, seven of the top ten articles from 2020 dealt with Covid-19 in some way.  In preceding years, articles about dementia attracted the most attention on the Baby-Boomer-Retirement blog.

During 2020, in addition to posts about Covid-19, the remaining popular articles dealt with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and when to use do-it-yourself programs to write your own will. (Ad) Below is the list of the top ten articles from 2020 on the Baby-Boomer-Retirement blog, with links to each of them, so you can read them easily.

TOP 10 ARTICLES FROM 2020

Covid-19 will Lower Social Security Benefits for People Born in 1960 - This was the #1 article on this blog during 2020 because it dealt with both Covid-19 and the effect it will have on Social Security benefits for nearly everyone. In particular, it explains why Covid-19 will seriously reduce the benefits of people born in 1960.  A significant number of older workers lost their jobs this year, and some were forced into early retirement, requiring them to take their Social Security benefits years earlier than they planned.  Some workers chose to retire early because they were afraid to go back to work during the pandemic. Both these events are likely to affect their retirement income for the rest of their lives. What most of us did not know, however, is that people who happened to be born in 1960 are are going to be affected more than everyone else.  This is because of the way Social Security benefits are calculated.  Whether or not you were born in 1960, you will want to read this article. 

Doctor Visits and Covid-19: Dealing with Medical Appointments - Americans of all ages have been concerned about whether or not it is wise to get routine medical treatments during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Should you go to the doctor's office or try to handle everything over the phone or during a video chat?  What should you do about routine physical examinations, getting your teeth cleaned, or emergency healthcare?  How should you handle a change in your health, such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, an unusual rash, sudden exhaustion or weakness?  This article will help answer those questions.

In-Home Caregivers and Covid-19: Why Your Caregiver Should Continue to Come -  This was a guest post by Kelsey Simpson of Comfort Keepers.  She explained why it is important for people who need a caregiver to continue to allow them to visit their homes.  The risk of living without the care you need could be more dangerous than your risk of getting Covid-19 from a careful caregiver who follows the recommended Covid protocols. 

Do-It-Yourself Wills - The Pros and Cons - This post was written in January, 2020, before we knew that Covid-19 was beginning to enter our country. Once the pandemic was recognized, the article grew even more popular, as a wide variety of people, including younger adults, began to think about writing a will.  This is an important topic, because roughly 60% of American adults do not have a will. With thousands of people dying every day just from from Covid-19 alone, it has made everyone more aware of the importance of letting others know how they want their property distributed, if they should die.  It is a grim topic, but an important one.

Insulin Co-pays Capped at $35 for Medicare Beneficiaries in 2021 - What You Need to Know -  This was a guest post written by our Medicare expert, Danielle Kunkle Roberts.  It explains why diabetics need to make sure they have one of the new Medicare plans for 2021 so they they can take advantage of the special, lower co-pays for insulin. Anyone who is diabetic or pre-diabetic, and is at risk of becoming insulin dependent, should contact an insurance broker, and make sure they enroll in an appropriate plan.

Beware Coronavirus Scams - Fraud is Increasing! -  This was a heartbreaking article to write. The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has caused businesses to close and people to be laid-off. As a result, many Americans are in a tough financial situation.  Millions of people are unemployed and some of them have had difficulty claiming their benefits.  Impoverished people are becoming desperate and, as a result, more and more of them are falling for ruthless scams, often costing them what little money they have left. This article goes into detail about the specific scams you need to avoid. 

Covid-19: Older Workers and Retirees can Lower their Financial, Emotional and Physical Risk - This article investigates the Covid-19 issues which have created problems unique to older Americans, with suggestions on how to mitigate those issues, when possible. No matter what effect Covid has had on you and your family, this article will be helpful. 

Covid-19 and other Infectious Diseases: How to Lower Your Risk - This article contains practical suggestions on how to reduce your risk of getting Covid-19, as well as other infectious diseases such as pneumonia, influenza, norovirus, meningitis, tuberculosis, MRSA, strep throat and the common cold.  The good news is that many of the same behaviors which will protect people from Covid-19 will also protect them from other diseases. The more we adopt these behaviors, the healthier we will be!

Covid-19: Avoid People You Love - You Could be Contagious and Not Know It - While the last article explained the steps we can take to protect ourselves from infectious diseases like Covid-19, this article explains how to protect other people, especially the people we love.  While it has been hard to keep our distance from loved ones who do not live in our homes, staying away right not could be one of the most loving things you could do. 

Medicare vs. Medicaid - Different Government Programs - People are often confused about our federal Medicare and Medicaid programs.  While both provide healthcare to their beneficiaries, the requirements are different.   This article explains the programs, as well as their similarities and differences.  If you are confused about Medicare (who isn't?), you may be interested in reading the new book by this blog's Medicare expert. It is titled, "10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make."  (Ad) It could save you a lot of money and frustration.

If you are interested in learning more about saving money, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits: Screenshot of Baby-Boomer-Retirement blog