Retirement and Estate Planning Basics

As the Baby Boom ages, there are increasing demands on educators to help people prepare for retirement. It is important that the foundation of this programming is based on basic budgeting, goal setting and action planning—all activities that are common across financial education programs. This conversation and brief discusses The AARP Finances 50+ Model and […]

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Protecting Elders from Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves the misuse of a senior’s financial resources by family members, friends or (more rarely) strangers.  This brief further defines financial abuse, why elderly are targets, and the warning signs that abuse may be occurring.  The brief also gives tips for preventing financial abuse and what to do when abuse is suspected.  Most […]

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Planning for Retirement: Understanding Social Security Claiming Options

Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is a challenging financial decision that requires an assessment of your life expectancy, ability to work, health care needs, spousal situation and financial solvency. The complexity of the Social Security system can be overwhelming. The Sept, 2012 brief and audio file explore a few of the financial issues […]

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Retirement Rules of Thumb

With the aftermath of the Great Recession still wreaking havoc on many American’s financial position, many consumers and professionals are questioning just how much they need to save for retirement. This brief reviews a few common rules of thumb and suggests how consumers might take – or leave – the advice. Presented March 14, 2011 […]

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Retirement Planning

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has created  Building Wealth: A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Financial Future.  This tool helps people to develop a plan for building personal wealth. There is a free workbook  (also available in Spanish) and an animated CD-ROM version.  The document includes basic and more intermediate concepts related to retirement […]

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Understanding Social Security Insurance Programs

Social Security is more than just a retirement program – it is a social insurance that pays benefits to: People who have already retired People who are disabled Survivors of workers who have died Dependents of Beneficiaries The Issue Brief provides an easy to follow overview of the Social Security Insurance Programs.  The PowerPoint provides […]

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Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

Reverse mortgages offer homeowners an alternative to selling their home to generate income in retirement.  A reverse mortgage allows a homeowner to convert a portion of home value into cash while allowing them to continue living in their homes. Presented April 2010 ———————– Additional Resource: Q and A from HUD mp3 File* Alternative Financial Products […]

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