If you're looking ahead to the future but you’re feeling a bit shaky about your retirement savings, you’re not alone. According to a February 2021 research report by the National Institute on Retirement Security, 56% of respondents said they’re worried about achieving a financially secure retirement. If your savings fell short in 2021, the new year is a great time to get back on track and reach your retirement goals. The Penny Hoarder has rounded up a few tips to help get you there.
1. Stash Money in Your 401(k) Before 2021 is Over
Stepping up your retirement savings now — before 2021 ends — could give you a nice tax gift next year. That’s because contributions made to your 401(k) before Dec. 31 help lower your yearly taxable income. It’s not a tax credit or deduction, but by lowering your taxable income you could save money at tax time — or even boost your refund. The maximum you can contribute to a 401(k) in 2021 is $19,500 — or $26,000 if you’re 50 or older — by the end of the year.
2. Don’t Have a 401(k) at Work? Open an IRA With a Robo-Advisor
Not everyone has access to a 401(k). In fact, 33% of all private industry workers lacked access to any sort of employer-provided retirement plan in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If that’s your situation, you can still save for retirement on your own. And we promise, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Robo-advisors are online companies that use computer algorithms and advanced software to build and manage your investment portfolio. They take the guesswork out of investing by picking stocks and bonds that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. The best robo-advisors on the market give you access to tax-advantaged individual retirement accounts (IRAs). You can set one up in less than 20 minutes without ever picking up the phone or speaking with an actual person. Companies like Wealthfront and Betterment give you the option to open either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA when you create your account. Both accounts let you contribute up to $6,000 a year in 2022, or $7,000 for people 50 and older. Roth and traditional IRAs also come with sweet tax perks. But how and when you get a tax break is different. As a quick reminder: Traditional IRA Taxes aren’t withheld when you put money in and your contributions lower your yearly taxable income (like a traditional 401(k) does). However, you’ll get a tax bite on the backend when you withdraw money in retirement. If you tap your account funds before age 59.5, you’ll pay a 10% IRS penalty. Roth IRA The government takes out taxes when you fund your account and contributions don’t help lower your yearly taxable income. But you won’t pay any taxes when you withdraw money in retirement. Plus you can withdraw your contributions at any time with no taxes or penalties. Using a robo-advisor is a super easy way to start saving for retirement because it can help you decide if a traditional or Roth option is better for you. The robo-advisor will fill your IRA with diversified, long-term investments and offer easy-to-use online tools that make retirement planning interactive and accessible. Unlike a traditional 401(k), your IRA contribution deadline is April 15, 2022. If you don’t hit the $6,000 contribution cap this year and you’re worried about a 2022 tax bite, you can add money to your traditional IRA no later than April 15. Likewise, if you meant to start an IRA this year but forgot, you can still open an account and fund it in 2022 — but count the contributions toward 2021.
3. Gig Workers and Self-Employed People: Consider One of These Accounts
If you’re a gig worker or self-employed, the word retirement might make you laugh. You don’t get the option of opening a standard 401(k) at work so it may be difficult to know where to start. Thankfully, there are five different retirement accounts for small business owners, self-employed people and individual contractors. • Traditional IRA • Roth IRA • Solo 401(k) • SEP IRA • Simple IRA A solo 401(k) is an individual 401(k) specifically designed for a business owner with no employees. It lets you serve as both an employer and an employee — and make contributions in both capacities. The contribution limit is very high: $61,000 in combined employee and employer contributions in 2022. Solo 401(k)s also come in both Roth and traditional forms, so you’ll have your choice on tax savings. Another option is a SEP IRA. Unlike a solo 401(k), you can add a few employees to a SEP IRA. Or you can use it just for yourself. For a self-employed person, you can contribute up to 25% of your net earnings to a SEP IRA, up to a max of $61,000 in 2022. As always, don’t contribute more than you can afford. Look at your cash flow and business expenses for the year to decide how much you can comfortably put away each month. 
4. Don’t Panic Sell or Withdraw Money Early Selling investments is literally one of the worst things you can do with your 401(k) when the market drops. Many people learned this lesson around March 2020 when the stock market nosedived — only to rebound a month or two later. Remember this: The losses you see inside your retirement account aren’t actual losses until you sell. If you simply wait for the market to recover, your investments will go back up. A single day — or even a few weeks — of volatility shouldn’t change your long-term savings plan. A down market is not a time to panic. In fact, smart investors see it as a time to buy. Cullen Roche, a Wall Street pro and founder of Orcam Financial Group, summarized it nicely: “The stock market is the only market where things go on sale and all the customers run out of the store.” If there’s a crash in 2022 and you have extra cash on hand, consider transferring some to your retirement account. This lets you buy additional shares when prices are low. Then again, timing the market is tricky. A better long-term strategy is dollar-cost averaging, where you invest on a regular schedule no matter what’s happening in the stock market. If you have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your 401(k) or IRA, you’re already practicing dollar-cost averaging. You’re investing on a regular schedule (each time you get paid). No matter what strategy you choose, don’t withdraw money from traditional retirement accounts early unless it’s a true emergency.
5. Use Some of Your 2022 Tax Return to Buy I Bonds
Inflation ramped up in 2021 — and it might stick around for a while in 2022. Investors tend to shy away from bonds when inflation is high. But some bonds, like Series I bonds from the U.S. Treasury, offer interest rates indexed to inflation. That means their interest payments increase as inflation increases. In November 2021, the government set an eye-popping interest rate of 7.12% on I bonds purchased now through April 2022. That 7.12% interest rate won’t last forever. The Treasury will calculate a new I bond rate May 1, 2021. If inflation continues to heat up, you could get even more interest on your bonds. If it cools off, your interest rate declines — although you can’t lose money with I bonds. You just might not earn much interest for six months. There are a couple ways I bonds can help boost your retirement savings. If you’re a young, risk-taking investor with a stock-heavy portfolio, you can diversify with a safe asset like I bonds. Or if you’re an older investor planning to retire in the next two to 10 years, I bonds provide a risk-free place to stash cash while earning a much higher return than CDs or savings accounts. You can’t buy I bonds through your 401(k) plan or an online broker. You have to purchase them online from the U.S. Treasury Direct website. You can also choose to receive part of your tax refund in paper I bonds. You can buy up to $10,000 worth of I bonds each year — but you have to wait at least a year after purchase to cash them in. If you decide to buy, make sure you absolutely don’t need access to the money until at least 2023.
6. Stop With the Excuses and Get Started, No Matter Your Age
It may never feel like the right time to get started saving for retirement. It might be confusing and intimidating to open your first 401(k) or IRA. But the only way to overcome those fears is to jump in and get started. We have easy-to-follow strategies for how to save for retirement whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s. Boosting your retirement savings doesn’t need to be dramatic or life-altering. If you received a raise at work this year, for example, use a percentage of it to fund your future. Even setting aside $10 or $20 more from each paycheck next year can make a huge difference. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Ditch the excuses in 2022 and start contributing what you can reasonably afford to your retirement. You’ll thank yourself later.
Article by Rachel Christian, a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Read original article here.
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by Katie Tejada
Moving is a big step and one that needs to be taken seriously. While many aspects of a successful move are self-explanatory, some just aren’t - and it’s sometimes these details that can help save you the most time and money. Here are 7 tips about moving you’ve probably never heard before.
Plan Ahead with Educational Enrollment If you have kids, notify the staff of their school of your move at least a month in advance. During this time, you’ll want to get a hold of all of their school records. You’ll also want to start the enrollment process of the new school your children will attend. You don’t want your kids to miss school because you started the enrollment process too late. Doing all of this in advance will ensure you have a smooth educational transition for yourself and your children. Plan a Yard Sale If you’re moving and you don’t plan on taking every single item you currently own with you, planning a yard sale is a great way to get rid of extra stuff and make money. As soon as you start thinking about moving, you should take a look at all of your possessions. Take time to decide what you need to take with you and what you don’t. 
While preparing for a move, it’s best to keep things simple and don’t overthink the process. When it’s time to move, we often realize that we own much more things than we thought we did. If you own items that you don’t remember owning, it’s probably best that you sell them. If you own items that serve you no purpose and you don’t use them regularly, you should probably sell those too.
Pack an Essential Kit Many people are overwhelmed by the events of Moving Day and can forget to look after themselves. An essential kit is a collection of everything you need to stay comfortable during the move and it helps you stay focused on the task at hand rather than on your or your family’s needs. Pack a small suitcase or duffel bag with all of the items you might need throughout the day, like glasses or contacts, medication, toiletries, chargers, a few bottles of water, and snacks, plus anything else you’ll need on the fly to stay more comfortable throughout the busy day.
Pack Plates Like Records
Avoid broken plates by packing them vertically, like records. We know this tip may come as a true surprise because if you’re ever watched a moving scene on TV, you’ve probably seen the characters pack their plates horizontally. However, vertical is always best because it puts the weight of the plates into the cardboard of the box rather than on top of one another. And when you’re packing your boxes with fragile things like plates, do not leave any empty spaces in them. Professional movers often won’t move boxes that feel unbalanced or loosely packed. Fill the gaps in your boxes with packing paper, clothing, or towels to ensure they’re nice and snug for Moving Day. Strategize your Food Situation When Moving Day is getting close, it’s time to start strategizing your food situation. You can avoid food wastage by planning to have a completely empty fridge and freezer by the time Moving Day arrives. As the countdown gets shorter, grocery shop very intentionally. This will help you to consume all of the food items you have before it’s time to move. If you’re not able to consume everything you have, check local shelters to see if they accept donations of unopened and unused food. If you’re not able to donate food, ask close neighbors, friends, and family if they would like your groceries. Call Utility Companies As soon as you know you’re moving, call utility companies located in your new neighborhood. Make sure your power, water, internet, and whatever else you’ll need are up and running before Moving Day. This step is essential on your moving checklist, as you want to ensure your comfort at your new place. Depending on availability, utility companies can take days or even weeks to turn on utilities. You don’t want to be left in the dark while you’re stuck on a wait list for your power connection. Take Pictures Don’t worry, we’re not pressuring you to start a blog or submit photos to an interior design magazine. However, taking a few pictures should be a part of your Moving Day. Let’s take a quick look at what you should take pictures of and why: ● Box contents - Taking a quick picture of the contents of your box will help to jog your memory about what is in each box when it’s time to unpack. ● The back of your TV - More often than not, TVs involve quite a bit of wire connections. Take a picture of the back of your TV so you’ll remember exactly to set up your wiring when it’s time to watch your favorite show at your new place. 
Try to make moving day fun and stress-free. If you have small kids and pets that are not able to assist with packing, make babysitting arrangements so they’re out of the way and safe. Play music while packing to make it seem like less of a chore and do whatever else you need to make your moving process fun.
If moving seems like too much for you to take on by yourself, consider using a professional moving service. Using a moving service will help to eliminate some stress that may be involved with Moving Day. Your movers will ensure all of your belongings get to your new home, safe and sound. Author Bio: Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, home-enthusiast and former HR professional. She often covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate, finance and law, but also enjoys writing about travel, interiors and budget-friendly topics. 
Image Credit: Pixabay
For travelers who have seen their free-movement rights denied due to the pandemic, here is a list of 5 countries outside the United States that currently allow visitors to enter without quarantine, COVID-19 test, or vaccine. Please note that governments can and will change entry restrictions depending on economic, politic and epidemiology factors. As of today these are the ones welcoming back tourists, no questions asked. Check each country's travel requirements before planning your trip. Read original article here. 1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been open for tourism without restrictions since August 1, 2020. Although visitors do not need to quarantine or bring a COVID-19 test, they must purchase a medical insurance that covers any COVID-19 related medical treatment, quarantine lodging and repatriation for up to USD $50,000.
2. Mexico
Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 PCR test or quarantine for entry and all countries are welcome to visit. According to the media they have had an increase in cases.
3. Columbia
Colombia does not believe in mask wearing or putting any restrictions to its visitors. Back in June, the government reopened all businesses and tourist venues. Major cities are setting things up to hold music events with more than 10,000 people.
4. Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic only requires its visitors to agree to random COVID-19 rapid tests upon arrival in case travelers feel unwell. Visitors must be aware of the strictly enforced curfew that goes from 6pm to 5am (with a grace period for movement until 9pm.)
5. Albania
Albania lifted its remaining entry restrictions on May 5, 2021. Wearing a face mask in public settings is no longer mandatory and gatherings of up to 50 people are currently permitted.
There must be countless ways to save (and make) money, I've listed some of my favorite ways here: 1. Use Cash - most people tend to spend less when paying cash vs. a credit card or even a debit card. As an added incentive, some retailers, such as gas stations - offer discounts to cash paying customers in order for them to save money on high bank merchant fees. 2. Pay Bills Online - sign up for auto payments online to pay your bills. Not only will you save money on postage stamps and checks, but it also ensures that your payment is not late - avoiding those pesky late fees! Tip - I always pay off my credit card statement balances each month. 3. Earn Rewards When You Shop - whether it's buying groceries or stocking up on items online or offline, I make sure I am using the appropriate credit card to maximize my cash back earnings! Since I'm spending money anyway, why not get a rebate on my purchase. Two of my favorite cash-back shopping portals are Mr.Rebates and BeFrugal - both offer cash-back rewards for shopping online. 4. Wash Clothes In Cold Water - this will save you money on energy costs and your clothes will come out just as clean. Make sure you are doing a full load, to save even more energy. 5. Do-it-yourself beauty regimen - why pay a professional if you can do it yourself? I personally dye my own hair, give myself the occasional manicure & pedicure and masque facials. 6. Split Your Meal - save money by splitting an entree (with or without an appetizer or salad) with another person. The bonus is that you won't be tempted to overeat and maybe even lose some pounds. Whenever you go out to restaurants, there are other creative ways to save money when dining out. 7. Save Leftovers - don't just reheat your leftovers, get creative - add other ingredients to make a whole new meal. My personal tip - most leftovers taste better with butter, garlic and onions! 7. Shop Thrift Stores - check out flea markets, swap meets, thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales for great and unique finds in clothing, accessories, furniture and home items for a lot less. 8. Grow Your Own - save money on herbs such as basil, cilantro, rosemary or lavender. Plant your own herb garden or potted herbs to add to salads and meals. Plant and grow your own vegetables & fruits too. 9. Recycle Gift Bags, Wrapping Paper, Ribbons - if it can be re-used, don't throw it away! I always recycle gift bags, tissues, bows, ribbons, etc.. from previous presents. 10. Homemade gifts - if you love to bake, make some yummy cookies or brownie and present it in a gift basket or tin. If you love photography, print out some photos of the recipient and place them in a set of inexpensive frames. You can also make a potted arrangement of succulents from your own garden. 11. Snap Up Coupon Deals - be on the lookout from daily deal sites such as Groupon. Redeem restaurant or other discount deals that you know you will really take advantage of. You can also get cash back when dining out. 12. Do-it-yourself Home Improvement Projects - tackle projects around the house, such as painting or basic landscape work, etc.. this saves a lot of money on professional services. 13. Save on Insurance Cost - if you are on the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, consider purchasing an SUV, a pick up truck or even a mini-van. These types of vehicles usually cost less to insure than others. Another way I've saved money, is to shop around for a better deal before your policy expires. 14. Free Tire Air Checks - keep your tires inflated to maximize gas mileage, especially on long trips. Low tire pressure robs gas mileage - up to three miles per gallon! Get free air checks at tire centers such as Discount Tire stores. They have also rotated my tires for free. 15. Walk or Ride your Bike - instead of driving a few blocks to your destination, why not walk or ride your bike? It will save you money on gas and it's good exercise also! 16. Free T.V. - I watch my favorite TV shows on their respective network or on YouTube. Another great option is Tubi or Crackle. You can also go to your local library and borrow any available DVD's, usually 2 at a time. 17. Swap or Borrow - whether they are tools, magazines or books, you can swap or borrow them with friends. This concept also works for clothing and accessories you no longer wear or want. 18. Shop The Dollars Stores - visit your neighborhood dollar stores - such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, 99cent Only, Dollar General, Dollar King, etc.. to find great values on basic essentials. 19. Unplug Chargers - disconnect devices such as phone, computer, small appliance, and other chargers, from the wall when not in use. If the charger is plugged into the wall it is still on and consuming energy even if you aren’t charging. 20. Free Magazines - if you have miles that have accumulated in various airline rewards program but do not enough for airline tickets, redeem them for free magazines. I've subscribed to some of my favorite magazines, such as People, Cosmopolitan, Traveler, Architectural Digest, etc. 
Happiness can be elusive when life is too complicated. As daily commitments multiply, we find ourselves becoming conditioned to shifting between multiple tasks, creating lengthy to-do lists and juggling complicated schedules. When we’re not overwhelmed, we may feel proud that we can keep up with it all. It’s all part of making a living, but in the end it can stand in the way of making a life. Does your schedule leave you time for things that bring true happiness? These things vary for each of us, but for most people true happiness consists of spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that reveal the richness and beauty of the world around us. To get the most out of these activities, you must approach them from a place of stillness, peace and calm. A busy life can be personally fulfilling, but it may leave you feeling too frazzled to achieve the stillness and peace that will allow you to connect with deep happiness and the underlying beauty of life. You can’t just walk away from the responsibilities that fracture your time, but you can simplify your life so that your mind is calmer and more open to the hidden treasures in life. Here are 7 ways to get started with simplifying your life and working towards a more peaceful state of mind with less.
Remember that simplicity is a process, not a destination. For most of us, there is no escaping the inherent complexity of our lives. However, by deciding to simplify your life and spend more time seeking true happiness, you’ve started on a road that can lead to profound changes in your life. There is no final destination at the end of this road. Because life is forever changing and evolving, and you are evolving along with it, you will never reach a point of perfect simplicity and endless happiness. But each moment you spend on the path to simplicity does have the potential to bring more serenity and happiness into your life. 
With all the clutter in the world today, it's important to find ways to make our lives a little less complicated and a lot more stress-free. I've listed some ways that I've personally done to simplify my life and in the process either saved money or even made some money! Here are my top 10 tips on simplifying your life: 1. Declutter & Purge - We all tend to accumulate "stuff". When it becomes a bit overwhelming, it's time to declutter your home, your car, your closet, your purse/wallet and your office. I allow myself to purchase one new (or vintage) item as long as I've purged one item out aka the "one in, one out" rule. I usually sell on OfferUp or Craigslist or donate it to Goodwill once I've edited things I no longer need or want. 2. Organize - Now that you've gotten rid of unnecessary clutter, it's time to get organized! I've found that baskets are a great way to keep things neat and tidy. I use baskets for towels in the linen closet, for office supplies, I even use baskets in my refrigerator. Keep paperwork, bills, invoices, etc.. labeled and filed in folders. You can also save a lot of time by organizing your closet so that you can see everything at a glance. By having a place for everything it will make it easier and simpler to find things when you need them. 3. Consolidate Finances - Although I believe in having a diversified investment portfolio, I think having one or two banking institutions has made my life a little more simple. I only use one credit card which I always pay off each month. Plus it's a cash-back rewards credit card. I keep track of all of my expenses and check my accounts online daily, so there are no surprises (like fraudulent charges). I have my savings accounts with Ally Bank, which is a great online bank that offers better interest rates than most. 4. Make a List - I'm a big believer of writing things down. Whether it's a grocery list, an errands list, a 5 year goal list, etc.. I think it's important to visualize your tasks or goals. For example, by having a list when I go food shopping, I tend to stick to the list and in turn save money along the way. It's a great feeling to cross something off my list once I've accomplished said item on list. 5. Eliminate Cable & Landline - I eliminated both my cable/satellite and home phone line many years ago. It's so freeing to not waste time flipping channels looking for shows I don't really care about. I now only watch shows or movies online for free on TubiTv whenever I want to. I got rid of my landline and only use my mobile cell phone, this has saved me a lot of money. My only home technology expense is my internet service. 6. Plan Errands Efficiently - When I run errands or go shopping, I try to do it all in one trip. Not only does this save me time, effort and energy, but it saves on gasoline plus wear and tear on my car. If there's a coupon that's about to expire and it's something I am actually going to use, I plan my trip around it that day. 7. Automate Payments - Most people already do this - by automating your bill paying online, you will never miss a payment, which means you avoid late fees plus you save money on postage. Set up auto payments for your mortgage, credit card, utilities, etc.. online. Make sure to keep track of your recurring expenses so that you know you're within your monthly budget. You should also automatically deposit a recurring amount to your savings account. 8. Don't Let Things Pile Up - The most overwhelming part of tidying up is when it's a big pile of mess! Don't let things get to a point where it seems too much to take on. For example, when the mail arrives, designate whether it's something to keep or toss in recycle bin. Also, when you have enough dirty clothes for a large load (in cold water to save energy) then it's time to do laundry. Rather than waiting till there's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, wash them after each meal. By doing chores when they need to be done will seem less daunting. 9. Pay Off Your Debt - This is easier said than done, but once you've eliminated or at least reduced your debt, you will feel a sense of freedom that's priceless! One tip I've already shared is to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month, which means you don't incur interest charges. I have a set amount each month for outgoing expenses that I try to not exceed (barring emergencies of course). Tackle your lower balanced loans or debts first and try to pay those off right away. If possible, use cash as much as possible and only spend what you can afford to pay off. 10. Eat Leftovers - I think it's a shame when perfectly good food goes to waste. Often times when we go out to eat, I or some of my friends have food they couldn't finish - I'm always the one packing it up to take home. By eating leftovers, it's just one more meal I don't have to worry about cooking, plus it's super frugal. Another simple tip that goes a long way is to make chicken soup in a slow cooker, this can make several cups of soup and clean up is easy. Bon Appétit :) 
Tax day is here, it's the second year the feds have given us an extension. The the IRS has moved Tax Day, this year to May 17, 2021. Time to celebrate with some awesome freebies and deals. The Penny Hoarder scoured the internet to figure out what companies are offering deals, discounts, and freebies on Tax Day this year. Every little bit helps, right? Retail Tax Day Deals Most retailers offer discounts on specific tax software sold in-store, and others just offer great deals around Tax Day. We’ve rounded up the following general Tax Day deals in retail stores: Dollar General The weekend before Tax Day, Dollar General is cooking up savings that are quite nice. Spend $25 pre-tax on or before 5/15/21, and you’ll save $5. Best Buy Best Buy is offering up to 20% off tax software. Amazon Buy TurboTax Deluxe for $10 off on Amazon and get a $10 Amazon gift card. Tax Software/Filing Tax Day Deals Talk about waiting until the last minute! If you still need help ahead of Tax Day, check out some of these deals on software and tax prep: TaxSlayer Get 35% off your federal tax return, valid through May 17, 2021. TurboTax Get $20 off TurboTax through May 15, 2021. H&R Block Get 20% off H&R Block online tax filing products through May 31, 2021. TaxAct Get 20% off your federal tax return, valid through Oct. 30, 2021. E-File Get 40% off tax filing through E-File.com, valid through May 21, 2021. Food and Drink Tax Day Deals Celebrate the end of tax season with a free meal or a free round of drinks. Here are some of the best 2021 Tax Day freebies for food and drink: WOWorks The WOWorks family of restaurants is new to the scene but is hitting the ground running with Tax Day discounts at all of its brands, including The Simple Gree, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Frutta Bowls and Saladworks. On Tax Day only, you can get your favorite entree for just $5.17. Kona Grill On May 17, relax with a drink (or two!) at Kona Grill, where you can get up two House, Skinny or Watermelon Margaritas for just $10.40. Get it? 1040? Don’t worry, you’ll stop seeing those numbers in your dreams soon enough. Great American Cookies Got a sweet tooth? Check out Great American Cookies for one free original Chocolate Chip Cookie on May 17. Marble Slab Creamery Is ice cream more your thing? The sister brand to Great American Cookies is offering a free Regular Ice Cream when you buy another Regular or a Best Value Ice Cream. Again, this is only good on actual Tax Day 2021. Miscellaneous Tax Day Deals Bumper When shopping for a used car, it’s a good idea to get a vehicle history report. CARFAX is not the only name in the business; from May 12 through May 19 of this year, Bumper.com is offering 20% off vehicle history reports for anyone using that tax refund to buy a used car. Southwest Airlines If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account, login and click the link for TurboTax. If you file using that link, you’ll earn 1,000 points. Straight Talk Get massive savings on a new phone during tax season. Straight Talk has insane Tax Day discounts on the Samsung Galaxy A51 (save $200), LG Stylo 5 ($100 off) and more. 
Image Source: Pexels
by Hal Salazar
The idea of a nursing home or assisted living placement is something most of us don't even agree to consider for ourselves or our loved ones at first. Still, we may not be able to care for ourselves or provide full-time in-home help for a loved one, so nursing homes or care homes can be the best option when high-quality care is needed 24-hours.
Choosing the Right Nursing Home
The decision to move to a nursing home or place a loved one in a care facility will be much easier if you take the time to research the homes that will match your needs or your parent's needs for long-term care. During this time, and based on your situation, the idea of nursing home placement at an excellent facility can be a fantastic idea, as your loved one will get the care they need, and you'll be able to visit them frequently. Making the decision on nursing home or assisted living placement is challenging, so here are a few aspects to consider.
1. Close Location
When looking at different nursing homes or assisted living facilities, location is one of the most important factors to have in mind. If you're the one needing care, you want to be as close as possible to your family, and if you're looking for a care facility for a loved one, you should be able to visit them easily. Although nursing homes are equipped with special health services, they are not fully operational hospitals, so you should also factor in distances between the nursing home and the nearest hospital.
2. Availability of Special Care
What is the patient suffering from? Will they need incontinence care or memory care? Can they prepare their meals or they need help with that? These are some important questions to ask when looking for a nursing home or assisted living facility. For instance, if your loved one has Alzheimer's, you should choose a nursing home with an Alzheimer's unit. They should also offer health care services for various patient needs; if the loved one has dementia, you should consider a place where they can do rehabilitation therapy.
3. Great Services
Although they all provide long-term care, different nursing homes or assisted living facilities offer various services and health care, so it is imperative to find the one that provides the services you or your loved one needs. While some services are crucial for meeting the patient's specific needs, others are just as vital for improving their quality of life. For instance, the meal and dining experience have been demonstrated to make a significant difference in nursing home residents' satisfaction. Most professionals recommend that you should always visit the home during mealtime before making the final decision. Check whether the residents are allowed to choose between meal options, if they are provided with special dietary needs, and if they are offered nutritious food.
4. Overall Cost
The final aspect to think of when selecting a nursing home or an assisted care facility either for you or for a loved one is the overall cost. Between savings and insurance coverages, you need to figure out the budget. Whether you or your loved one rely on Medicaid, you need to ensure that you're financially feasible to select the best option.
Selling your or your loved one's home can be a fantastic way to pay for the long-term care at the facility. Before listing the house, however, you need to thoroughly do your research on home prices in the area to understand and later calculate the profit you can make from the sale. To make things easier, work with a real estate agent who will be able to walk you through all the steps you need to take to sell the house.
Make the Best Decision
Understanding the aspects to consider when choosing a nursing home or an assisted living facility, either for you or for a loved one, can help you make the best decision. The right nursing home will have the care services you or your loved one require and will be close by.
About the author:
Hal Salazar created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano. |
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