Takeaways
Grandparents should clarify whether financial assistance for their grandkids is a gift or a loan.
Consider 529 plans for education funding to ensure fairness and tax benefits.
Grandparents should also ensure their own financial security, especially regarding potential long-term care costs.
Grandparents often…
Takeaways
The federal estate tax exemption for 2026 will increase to $15 million per individual, with married couples exempt up to $30 million.
The annual gift tax exclusion will remain at $19,000 per individual for 2026, with a lifetime gift and estate…
Takeaways
Starting in 2026, employees aged 50 and older who earn over $145,000 must make 401(k) catch-up contributions on an after-tax (Roth) basis, losing the immediate pretax deduction.
Affected high earners should check if their employer offers a Roth 401(k) option and…
Takeaways
There’s a notable “inheritance expectation gap” between older adults’ plans to leave inheritances and younger adults’ expectations of receiving them, as revealed by a recent LegalZoom survey.
Older generations generally plan to leave more in terms of value and variety of…
Takeaways
Medicare is implementing changes in 2026 to lower prescription drug costs, enhance consumer protections, and test new care management approaches.
New negotiated prices for some prescription drugs and an annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 for Part D covered medications will lead…
Takeaways
Understanding your long-term care insurance policy and its specific requirements (benefit triggers, covered services, elimination periods) is crucial to preventing claim denials.
Common reasons for claims denials include insufficient medical documentation, preexisting condition exclusions, failure to meet elimination period requirements, and…
The effects of the federal government shutting down may not always seem direct or immediate, but the risks and disruptions are real.
Takeaways
Many older adults rely on federal programs for income, health care, and support services, making them particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by a government shutdown.
While core benefits such as Social Security and Medicare payments are largely protected, administrative functions, customer…
Takeaways
Emotional wellness is critical, but often overlooked, for older adults in long-term care.
Approaches that do not involve medications (e.g., gardening, reminiscence therapy, social activities, and technology) show promise in improving emotional well-being.
Families can also play a vital role in supporting…
Takeaways
Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
This increase applies to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, with payments starting in January 2026 for Social Security and December 31,…
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