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Lifestyle

Holiday Travel Tips For Seniors

December 23, 2016 by Southgate at Shrewsbury

In the coming weeks, many people well be taking to the road and skies to visit loved ones for the holidays. If you’re a family caregiver who is planning on doing a bit of traveling with a senior relative, then your experience may be a bit different. Here are a few tips on how to make your holiday travel go as smoothly as possible.

Planning ahead
The best way to make sure that your holiday travel plans go off without a hitch is to plan ahead. Start packing several days in advance so that if your loved one remembers he or she has forgotten something, you’ll have the opportunity to grab it before you go, instead of being stranded at the airport without the item you need.

If your relative is receiving Alzheimer’s care, it may be difficult for him or her to remember that you will be traveling, or where you are heading this season. In such circumstances, you may be tempted to remind your family member frequently about your travel plans. However, bringing it up too often may be overwhelming, and he or she is could very well forget about your plans again before its time to ship out. If possible, save your reminders for when you’re approaching the date of departure, or when you need your loved one’s help getting ready to travel.

Going by car
If you are heading off on a road trip in the coming weeks, you’ll need to make sure you are well-equipped for your senior loved one. Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes like thick jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. Though you may have temperature control in your car, you never know when you may blow out a tire or break down, and you’ll be thankful you packed extra winter weather items. Also, be prepared to take more frequent stops so the senior in your life can get out and stretch his or her legs and use the bathroom.

Traveling by air
If you are taking a flight this holiday, then make sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, as it may take your senior loved one extra time to get through security and to the gate. Try to reserve the seat on the plane that would be most comfortable for your loved one, like the aisle if you expect he or she will be getting up frequently.

Filed Under: Blog, Healthy Living, Lifestyle

6 Gifts for Grandchildren That Increase in Value

December 16, 2016 by Southgate at Shrewsbury

Toys and games come and go, but if you want to give your grandchildren a gift that will last, think longterm and think investments. These presents aren’t the trendiest items on shelves, but they are more valuable and will help your grandkids for years to come.

  1. Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

If your grandchild is old enough to have earned income, they can invest up to their taxable yearly earnings or $5,500, whichever is lower according to the IRS. The benefit to opening a Roth early is time. A 16 year-old who invests $1,000 yearly in a Roth that generates 7 percent interest will retire with a quarter-million more than someone who invests the same amount starting at age 30.

Money stored in a Roth doesn’t have to be used for retirement adds Barbara Whelehan, assistant managing editor for Bankrate.com and co-author of the finance eBook, Future Millionares’ Guidebook.

“A grandchild could take $10,000 of the funds in the IRA towards a first home if they wanted to,” she says. “They can use it for educational expenses and if they didn’t dip into it, it could grow really nicely over the course of their lifetime…”

There are some stipulations to setting up the fund, so make sure you know them beforehand. And while grandparents can’t set up a Roth for grandchildren, you can help your grandkids set one up, give them cash to invest or match their contributions.

  1. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA)

For those too young for a Roth, a Coverdell ESA can be used for college tuition, private secondary school or other education expenses. Coverdells allow families to save up to $2,000 a year for students under 18. Coverdell funds grow tax-free, but like IRAs, these accounts are only as profitable as their underlying investments.

Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of the college finance sites Finaid.org and Fastweb.com, says for savers who want a wide array of investment options, Coverdells offer greater selection than other education savings vehicles, like 529 plans, but even if you max out the contribution limit every year, it won’t be enough to pay for college. “The contribution limits are going to be something that’s going to hamper you,” he says.

Coverdells are available to families with gross adjusted incomes of $220,000 for married couples or $110,000 for single tax filers and funds also must be used for qualified educational expenses or else you’ll pay a 10 percent penalty and back taxes on earnings. Unless you’re the only one contributing, you’ll also need to coordinate with your children to make sure you don’t exceed the $2,000 limit.

Coverdell funds can be taken out for qualified education expenses at any time, but contributions can’t be made after the beneficiary is over 18 and the funds must be used by the time the beneficiary reaches age 30.

  1. 529 Plans

If paying for college is your goal, 529 plans offer federal, and some times state, tax advantages. 529s come in two forms—prepaid plans which allow grandparents to purchase tuition credits at a rate that’s nominally higher than today’s prices and trade them in once the child is ready for school, and 529 college savings plans which allow families to select an investment portfolio their account is tied to. Both plans offer tax-free growth, make a minimal dent in the student’s financial aid package if the account is held in the child’s or child’s parents name, and can be used all at once to cover qualified expenses or throughout the student’s college tenure. Take 529 money out for a non-education expense and you’ll pay a 10 percent penalty on plan earnings and back taxes on the funds.

Except for the Private College 529 plan which is designed for students attending private colleges and universities, 529 plans are administered through individual states, though many states only offer one of the two types of plans. You can invest in any state’s plan, regardless where you or the beneficiary live, but many states also offer state tax deductions or credits (on top of federal tax incentives) to those who invest in their state’s plan.

These plans come with high contribution limits—in many states, it’s $250,000 to $300,000—and with extra incentives for family members who are looking to unload lots of cash fast. Contributors can give up to $14,000 from a single person or $28,000 from a married couple per year without incurring federal gift tax.

Contributing to a 529 can be as easy as buying groceries, gas or any other daily necessity. Credit cards like UPromise’s World Mastercard and Fidelity’s 529 College Savings Rewards offer cash back rewards that can be deposited in a 529 college savings plan in your grandchild’s name. UPromise rewards can also be used to pay down student loans your grandchild has through Sallie Mae. Both cards have limitations on which 529 accounts they can link to, so do some research to make sure your grandchild will get the maximum state tax incentives through a Upromise or Fidelity account before signing on.

  1. Trusts

A trust fund can set up your grandchild’s fiscal future (and reduce your estate), but it only makes sense if you’re moving serious money says John Palley, an estate planning and trust attorney in Sacramento, CA. Trusts allow grandparents to move “just about any asset on Earth” and to stipulate how assets can be used. The drawback is that they’re costly.

“If you’re giving $5,000, then a trust is probably not economical,” says Palley, adding that it can cost $1,500 to $5,000 to set up a trust.

There are several different types of trusts, Palley adds, and each come with their own set of rules and regulations. Trusts can be set up at any time (the beneficiary does not need to be a certain age) and grandparents setting up the trust have the power to dictate how and when distributions are made.

For grandparents gifting $25,000 or more, trusts can provide a way to reduce estate taxes and ensure that your legacy is used appropriately.

  1. UGMAs and UTMAs (Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minors Act)

For smaller gifts, Palley recommends a 529 or UGMA/UTMA account. UGMAs and UTMAs are held in a custodian’s name (usually the grandchild’s parent) and are tied to underlying investments, meaning that they can gain or lose money depending on the market.

One benefit (or drawback depending on how you see it) is that UGMA and UTMA funds don’t necessarily need to be used for college. Once the beneficiary is of age, funds can be used for any purpose and these accounts don’t have limits on the amount you can contribute, though annual gifts of more than $14,000 from a single person ($28,000 from a married couple) will be subject to federal gift tax of up to 40 percent.

UTMAs and UGMAs offer some federal tax advantages. The first $950 of plan earnings are tax-free and for beneficiaries under age 18, the next $951 to $1,900 are taxed at the child’s tax rate, which is generally lower than the tax rate for the account holder. Fund earnings about $1,900 are taxed at the account holder’s rate.

  1. Stocks

Stocks have the potential to increase in value, but they can also drop. Gifts of stock, bonds or other securities are subject to gift tax regulations, so gifts above $14,000 from a single grandparent or $28,000 from a married one will cost you.

Aside from the fee you’ll pay to transfer the stock, moving stocks or bonds to a child or grandchild’s name won’t incur extra taxes until it’s time to sell, says John Palley. When the child is ready to sell, they’ll have to pay capital gains taxes on the total value of the stock minus the “basis,” which is whatever you originally paid. In simplistic terms, if you purchased 50 shares of a stock for $1 each and now shares are worth $10 each, the recipient of those shares will pay capital gains tax of up to 30 percent on $9 per share.

Filed Under: Blog, Lifestyle

What NOT To Share On Facebook

December 9, 2016 by Southgate at Shrewsbury

There’s no argument that Facebook is the gateway to connecting to the digital world.

Facebook is an easy-to-navigate social media outlet that makes communicating with your loved ones a simple task. It lets reach out to old acquaintances and form relationships with new, like-minded people. But before you can start connecting with your peers, you have to load basic information to your profile page.

The idea of sharing your personal details for the world to see might be intimidating, but Facebook security settings allow you to choose exactly who you want to be able to view what information.

Unfortunately, in the process of adding “friends” on Facebook, it’s very possible to add people you don’t actually know. That means complete strangers could have access to your personal info. That’s why you should never share the following details about yourself on social media:

1. Your full birthdate and place
Sharing your birthday on Facebook might seem harmless, but think again. A study from Carnegie Mellon University revealed posting your full date and place of birth could lead thieves to discovering and stealing your Social Security number. The researchers plugged the specific material into a publicly-available database and found algorithms that pointed them to accurate SSNs.

  1. Your mother’s maiden name
    Many websites provide security questions to allow access to your account in case of a forgotten password. One of the common questions is “What’s your mother’s maiden name?” If you post this information on Facebook, you’re essentially providing your friends with the answer to the clue that gives access to your private bank accounts, wireless service providers and more. Keep in mind that if your mother is on Facebook as well, there is a good chance she may use her maiden name on her profile as well, also giving people that information as well. It’s best to avoid the “mother’s maiden name” security question altogether whenever possible.3. Your address
    When you post your full address on Facebook, you’re giving burglars an invitation to your home. Because of the advances in GPS tracking, Lifewire said criminals can easily plug your information into a website like Google Maps, which has an option for “street view.” This allows anyone to view the entrance, location of security cameras and the vehicle you drive – all key elements for planning out a breaking-and-entering mission.
  2. Your phone number
    If you want your Facebook friends to contact you via telephone, send a private message with your phone number. Don’t post it for everyone to see. A stranger could look up your digits on a reverse phone number tool and narrow down your location.5. A status revealing you’re on vacation
    Notifying your Facebook friends that you’re going away on vacation isn’t the best idea, according to The New York Times. By broadcasting this information, you’re just telling the world that your house is empty, which is pure bait for a burglar.

Using social networking makes connecting with your loved ones easy, but it can take a turn for the worse if you’re not being careful. Conceal personal information and use the security settings to your advantage.

Fortunately for Southgate residents, residing in a senior living community helps prevent security issues that stem from posting your address or revealing you’re on vacation.  However, these other points are extremely valid and caution should be taken to avoid them.

Southgate also offers our residents monthly computer classes covering issues such as online security, computer skills using iPads or mobile devices, and more.  For the dates and times of these classes, please see our monthly event calendar.

Filed Under: Blog, Lifestyle

11 Tips for Keeping Seniors Healthy This Holiday Season

December 2, 2016 by Southgate at Shrewsbury

While the holidays are a time of gatherings with family and friends, they can also be a source of stress, as exercise schedules might be disrupted for shopping excursions and rich holiday meals make it difficult to adhere to a particular diet. Staying healthy can be a challenge during this time of year, especially for seniors.

According to Amy Fuchs, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of The Elder Expert, LLC in Saddle River, NJ, one of the difficulties of the holiday season is not knowing an elderly relative’s limits. “You can anticipate that they might need help, but they might not express to you that they’ve slowed down,” Fuchs says.

Robyn Golden, a licensed clinical social worker and director of the health and aging department at Rush University in Chicago, agrees. “Offer older relatives options and ask them what they want to do, but don’t assume their limitations,” she advises.

To help seniors stay healthy during the holidays, reduce their stress and avoid the holiday blues, keep the following tips in mind:

Make Healthy Choices
From rich meals to tempting and tasty homemade snacks, the holidays are a time for many to indulge in food — or overindulge. Try to plan meals with other events in mind.

For example, if a big dinner is planned for New Year’s Eve, consider serving a lighter lunch of salad or soup. “You don’t want to deny anyone of the food they like to eat at this time of year, but you don’t want anyone to gorge themselves, either,” Fuchs says.

Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is one way you can stay healthy during the holidays. “Senior citizens, especially, need to drink plenty of fluids, as not drinking enough water could cause hospitalization,” Fuchs says. To make it easier to stay hydrated, have water easily accessible at home and keep bottled water in a purse or bag when running errands.

Follow Dietary Restrictions
Some seniors must follow special diets, such as one that is low in sodium. It can be difficult to adhere to a diet during busy, stressful times, especially if there aren’t any healthy options available. “When people get stressed, they tend to overeat and don’t stick to their diets,” Golden says. To make it easier to follow dietary guidelines, keep healthy options like fresh-cut vegetables and fruit on hand.

Drink in Moderation
“Drinking too much can impair functions, and for some senior citizens, drinking alcohol with certain medications can have adverse side effects,” Golden says. Consider offering fun, alcohol-free drinks so everyone can celebrate the holidays.

Keep Exercising
In many parts of the country, the holidays are synonymous with cold weather and snow. To stick to an exercise schedule, bundle up and invite your parents for a walk around the block if the sidewalks are dry. If it’s snowing or icy outside, drive to an indoor shopping mall and walk a few laps while window-shopping.

Shake up Traditions
Between cleaning the house and cooking for a crowd, hosting a big holiday meal can be a source of stress. If an older relative traditionally hosts a big holiday meal, consider passing the tradition on to the younger generation of family members. If the relative insists on hosting, Fuchs recommends younger family members volunteer to clean or prepare part of the meal.

Decrease Gifts
For many senior citizens, especially those on a fixed income, the holidays can be a financial challenge due to purchasing gifts for many family members. To reduce stress from paying for gifts, consider having a family grab bag, where everyone contributes one gift.

Rest after Traveling
For some senior citizens, the holidays are a time to travel long distances to visit family and friends. Whether they travel by car, rail or plane, keep in mind that an older relative might want to rest upon arrival. Golden suggested offering the options of watching television or taking a nap instead of planning a day of shopping and visiting.

Make Homes Accessible
If older relatives are visiting your home for the holidays, ensure your home is safe and accessible. “Be mindful of hazards in your home. For instance, someone with a cane could trip over area rugs,” Fuchs advises. Consider having your relative sleep on the first floor of your home. If that’s not possible, let them stay in a room close to the bathroom. In addition, use nightlights in the hallway so they don’t stumble in the dark.

Take Breaks
Between parties and shopping, the holidays often involve busy days and late nights. If you are planning an all-day outing, carve some time for a nap or a way to relax for a bit, even if it is just to sip tea in a cafe. Little kids, seniors and everyone in between will appreciate it.

Stay Involved
Recognize that senior citizens still want to feel they are part of the holidays. For many, that may include helping out with holiday preparations. “It’s fine to reduce senior citizens’ stress by offering to hold the holiday event at your home instead of theirs, but still keep them involved by having them cook a favorite dish or maybe help decorate the home,” Golden says.

With a few preventative measures and a willingness to change some traditions, senior citizens can stay healthy and safe, while also having fun with their family members this holiday season.

Filed Under: Blog, Healthy Living, Lifestyle

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