Money Matters

Regardless of how much or how little wealth you have, it's important to have a will unless you want the state to take over after you die. Have a lawyer draw one up (the fee depends on how complicated the will is).

Organize all the papers and important documents you'll need to take with you to the lawyer. Your will is an inventory of all that you own-real estate, bank accounts, stocks and bonds (if any), annuities, and life insurance.

No one likes to think about death, let alone plan for it. In many families, discussing one's mortality is an extremely uncomfortable topic. But it is a topic that should be discussed and planned for well in advance of your death.

By pre-planning your funeral, you relieve your family of having to make important financial decisions during a period of great stress and grief-a time when people aren't thinking very clearly and may not know what to do because you never made your wishes known.

With people living longer, healthier lives than ever before, it just makes good sense to think ahead about the living options that might be available to you as you age. Although it’s natural for all of us to need a little more help as we age, no one wants to give up his or her independence and identity.

The good news is that a whole crop of senior housing options has sprung up in recent years offering a wide range of affordable choices that provide just the amount of support you need, while opening the door to a whole new range of stimulating social opportunities.