If you are part of the baby boomer generation (born between 1944 and 1964), you already know how important it is to save for your retirement. Little remains of the security our parents once enjoyed through company pensions. Today, the responsibility for retirement saving has shifted from employers to employees, and Social Security provides only a base level of income. Today, it’s up to you to put the “golden” in your “golden years.”
Most likely, you’ve been saving diligently over many years in order to maintain your current lifestyle during retirement. But, have you factored long-term care (LTC) into the equation? Many people fail to consider what would become of their finances if they or someone close to them became incapable of caring for themselves, even temporarily. Although it’s tough to contemplate, it is likely that you or someone you love will eventually need LTC.
LTC services range from custodial care in the home to medical care in a nursing home, and the majority of LTC services provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, and toileting. You are generally considered to be in need of LTC if you have difficulty performing two or more of these daily activities due to physical limitations, cognitive impairment, or both.
If you have accumulated wealth, such as retirement accounts or savings, and your funds are sufficient to cover LTC expenses, then you’re ahead of the game. However, if you hope to bequeath assets to your heirs, the cost of LTC could interfere with the best-laid plans.
There may be options, such as selling property or borrowing from a permanent life insurance policy. But, these strategies affect the amount of wealth you have to leave to heirs, and there may be tax consequences.
Maybe it’s time to consider LTC insurance (LTCi). Policies vary, but in general, they provide a set amount of coverage that can be used in a number of ways. Should you come to need daily assistance, LTCi can help cover the expenses of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even home health care. You may find that such coverage allows you to remain independent, while also increasing your options for care.
With LTCi, you can minimize the financial risk associated with extended care and relieve the burden of uncertainty for yourself and your loved ones. Furthermore, if you purchase a qualified policy, premium payments may be tax deductible. Whether you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, the time to begin planning is now. Each year you wait can cost you more money. Premiums are based on age and benefits. So as you age, your risk of needing LTC increases, along with the total cost.
Most people don’t think about LTC until it becomes a reality for them. As you prepare for your retirement, don’t overlook the possibility that you or someone you love may require LTC. While you don’t know what the future holds, proper planning today for an uncertain tomorrow may help preserve your hard-earned assets and enhance your options for care.
Source: Copyright © 2023 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Financial Media Exchange.
Bob has a passion for making your money work hard for you. He takes profound joy in ironing out a plan for a long and comfortable retirement, no matter what your current income or level of wealth. With a work ethic second to none, he has a zeal for transforming uncertainty into stable ways for you to protect your future and your family. He knows that the quality of your life you enjoy today can remain as rewarding—or even better—after retirement.
With a strong background in information technology, Carol is instrumental in building operational policies and strategies that keep the organization functioning smoothly. Carol’s organizational skills and her flexibility to jump from priority to priority along with her commitment to customer service makes her an essential part of the Grimard Financial team. When Carol is not working with the Grimard Financial Family, she is a very creative and accomplished photographer.