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  • Get Tax Help for Seniors

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    There’s a reason most people get help filing their taxes: taxes are really, really complicated. Between social security, tax credit, exemptions, deductions, property taxes, there are a ton of complex things to keep up with. It’s no surprise that a number of seniors get intimidated when it comes to filing their taxes. There are changing technologies, changing tax rules, and fixed incomes can all make tax season difficult for seniors. Here are some of the best ways to get tax help for seniors.

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    AARP Tax-Aide

    Whether or not you already have an AARP membership, or know someone who does, this is a great way to go. The AARP Foundation has tax aide services that can be a lifesaver for seniors. The best part is that you don’t even need to be an AARP member to take advantage of this great service! It’s available for anyone over 50, free of charge. You can meet with these tax professionals free of charge online or in person, whichever you prefer! That way, if you would rather talk face-to-face, or if you prefer to file form the comfort of your home, you’re set either way!

    The volunteers who work for the AARP Tax-Aide program are also IRS-certified tax professionals. These aren’t amateurs who are going to mess up your taxes, these are people who are certified and know what they’re doing! That way, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the help you need with your taxes and the peace of mind that includes.

    If you go for an in-person session, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re available all throughout tax season, from January to April 15th. Generally, these visits occur in convenient and public locations. Community centers, public libraries, banks and shopping malls are all common locations for these visits, so you need not worry about meeting in person. These locations are in public, well-lit and easy to access, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the meeting location.

    Best of all, the online side of this tax service is available year-round to answer your questions about taxes. If you have any burning questions you need answered and want to be ahead of the curve, this is a great way to go! That’s what happens when you go through an organization as helpful as the AARP.

    Federal Government Tax Assistance

    There are two tax services offered by the IRS. There’s the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. If you go through the IRS website, you can find in-depth information on both of these programs. Both the VITA and TCE programs have physical locations throughout the country you can visit to receive direct, in-person help with your taxes.

    Firstly, the VITA is a good program for those seniors who still earn some income, such as through a part-time job or perhaps through owned property. The VITA program typically helps those who do not speak English fluently, disabled people, people under a certain income level and the elderly. These services are primarily geared at seniors who make an amount of money under a certain threshold. Generally, those seniors who make more money than this threshold should consider going with professional paid tax services.

    The TCE, for its part, is geared more for seniors who aren’t sure where to turn for tax help. The service is specifically for seniors of age 60 or older who are on a fixed-income. These types of people are the exact ones that the TCE was created to help. If you or someone you love lives on a fixed income and needs income tax help, the TCE is the right call to help. They help seniors with things like retirement income and pensions, as opposed to traditional income methods. The free service is also volunteer-based and offers help during tax season. The volunteers are all IRS-certified professionals.

    State Taxes

    Both the VITA and TCE programs offer help with state taxes as well as federal taxes, so this usually shouldn’t be a huge concern for seniors. However, beyond this, some states do offer a state-specific tax program to help seniors if they have state-specific tax questions. While such situations would be rare, if a senior needs help with complex aspects of their state taxes in particular then they should look into whether their state offers a tax program.

    In the event it doesn’t, don’t panic! The bar association of your state may provide pro-bono legal help to seniors seeking tax advice. Local CPAs or other professionals may also offer help for seniors at no cost, so consider looking into these avenues!


  • Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Thinking about Senior Independent Living? We’ve put together the top 10 best and worst states for retirement and Senior Living.

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    Searching for Medicare Part D?

    Posted: January 24, 2021

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you may find that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare. If you are currently in a difficult situation where the health care bills are […]

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  • Expert Insight: These Are The Top Medical Alert Systems of 2019

    Expert Insight: These Are The Top Medical Alert Systems of 2019

    You and your loved ones deserve the fastest and most reliable emergency help in the event of a fall, stroke, or heart attack. We’ve researched, reviewed, and ranked the best medical alert systems on the market to provide your family with the ultimate protection and peace of mind. The top 5 medical alert systems of 2019!

    Our expert staff compared the most important factors seniors and their families consider in a medical alert system and highlighted the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, of each medical alert company.

    5. Bay Alarm Medical

    With pricing plans that fit any budget and over seven decades of proven customer service, Bay Alarm Medical is a premier medical alert provider that you can trust. We’re very impressed with Bay Alarm Medical’s overall service offering. Very affordable pricing and a wide variety of services that make them our #1 rated medical alert system for 2019.

    • Most popular choice – $19.95/mo
    • 1000+ Google Reviews
    • 30-day risk-free trial
    • Ultra-fast response times
    • Best refund policy
    • No hidden fees or contracts

    4. Mobile Help

    MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert company that manufactures all of their devices in-house. Choose MobileHelp if you want the latest in medical alert technology. If you’re looking for the latest medical alert technology, MobileHelp is a highly recommended provider. Very good buying experience, low-pressure sales, and a good choice of device options that will fit your loved one’s protection needs.

    • Robust in-home and gps offerings
    • Two buttons included with purchase
    • Best in class mobile gps devices
    • Free lockbox with every order
    • No hidden fees or contracts

    3.Life Station

    For years, LifeStation has delivered trustworthy, 24/7 medical monitoring. The starting price is affordable and their service has been proven to be dependable and reliable. LifeStation is a very reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. They don’t have the prestige or testimonials like our higher-ranked providers have but when the button is pushed, you can be sure help will arrive.

    • Many years of experience
    • In-house USA monitoring
    • Reliable service
    • Reliable equipment

    2. Medical Alert

    Medical Alert delivers trustworthy 24/7 medical monitoring. Shipping is free and their service is dependable and reliable. The alert buttons are light and have a long-lasting battery. If you’re looking for reliable and simple in-home system, these guys fit the bill. As a plus, Medical Alert provides monitoring services outside of the USA.

    • BBB A+ with many years of experience
    • Recommended for customers outside of USA
    • Trusted and reliable

    1. Get Safe

    Beautiful, modern aesthetics in an easy-to-use package. GetSafe combines senior medical alert monitoring with a splash of home security for added peace of mind. GetSafe differentiates itself in the aesthetics department. From the website to the packaging and to the device, customer experience is at the forefront of this brand. You’ll get beautiful looking hardware, an easy to setup user experience, and a package that doesn’t scream “help i’ve fallen”. We feel that GetSafe has done a great job by creating a medical alert ecosystem that delivers on ease of use and functionality. Automatic fall detection, voice-enabled wall buttons, and monitored smoke alarms are also available as add-ons. Pricing starts at $29.95 and although a little pricier than other brands, we feel the added benefits are worth the cost.

    • 50-state licensed
    • Great modern-looking hardware
    • 4GLTE Cellular for homes without landlines
    • Free wi-fi indoor hd camera


  • Best States to Live in for Seniors: Where Should You Retire?

    Best States to Live in for Seniors: Where Should You Retire?

    When the time comes to retire, you want to make sure you’re living somewhere that is ideal for your lifestyle and is the best for your finances. There are a few historically popular places to retire to: Florida, Nevada, Arizona. But are these really the best places to live when you’re over 65? Today we’re looking at some of the best states to retire to, and which are less than ideal.

    Best States to Live in for Seniors

    South Dakota

    Oddly, South Dakota tops the list as best state for seniors to live in, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the state has a very low cost of living, due in large part to its incredibly low population density. The region is largely populated by smaller communities, marked by its flat expanses of land and generally quiet living in the region.

    The tax burden on retirees is rather low, which makes this a great pick for people looking to live in a quiet and inexpensive state. The weather is also quite consistent: while it may snow a bit more than some other states, the risk of things like tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes is negligible at best. In all, one of the most plain and “boring” states in the US is actually the best overall for retirees!

    Utah

    Another high-scoring state in terms of retiree living, Utah has many of the same features that South Dakota does. It’s got a low population density, a low crime rate, and few tax burdens for seniors. The high concentration of Mormons is actually partly to thank for the low crime rates: the religiously pious don’t tend to break into houses or hold up banks.

    Utah’s also got very stable and predictable weather, and is unlikely to be hit by extreme weather phenomena. While it’s not quite as quiet and distant as South Dakota, it can feel like the middle of nowhere if you live far from major cities. This, coupled with the relatively low amounts of traffic, makes Utah a prime choice for retirees to move to.

    Florida

    Florida often scores high on lists of best states to retire to. There’s a number of great reasons for this, though they’re a bit more counterbalanced than states like South Dakota or Utah. Florida has no state income tax, something that makes it a great state for retirees with lots of post-retirement income. It’s also got many retirement communities dedicated to providing a place for seniors who move to the region.

    One of Florida’s biggest drawbacks is also one of it’s best features to some people: the weather. It’s a sub-tropical regions (unless you’re in the Keys, then it’s just tropical!) and it experiences warm weather year-round. Other drawbacks to the Sunshine State include the crime rate, relatively high cost of living and high population density leading to heavy traffic in most regions.

    Arizona and Nevada

    Despite its reputation, Arizona scores lower on the list of retiree states than you might expect. Many polls and lists put it around 30th best state for seniors. This is due to a number of factors, but they often sound similar to the reasons that Florida isn’t as attractive as some other states. The same goes for Nevada, which often falls somewhere in the 41st to 43rd place in the list of best states for retirees.

    These states earned these low spots through their incredibly hot and arid weather, their heavy population density, and their crime rates. It’s worth noting that few retirees actually move after retiring: typically people retire in the very state they worked in, or closest to their family. However, if you’re looking to retire far from home, make sure you pick a state that’s ideal for seniors to live in.


  • Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    It’s a simple fact of life that everyone needs a phone. It’s surprising, then, that so many seniors are so resistant to upgrading to a new smartphone. After all, smartphones are deceptively simple devices to use and operate. However, many people don’t realize just how senior-friendly these devices are. Most modern smartphones sport huge, bright displays and bold, easy-to-read text. Even phones that aren’t marketed for seniors have settings that can be activated to make them that much easier for seniors to use! Here are some of the best phones that make life easier for seniors.

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    GrandPad

    First things first, let’s talk about that adorable name. GrandPad. Doesn’t that just make you start grinning? As that name suggests, this is a device that is geared for seniors specifically, not just one that happens to be a good device for them. This one is a great pick due to its big screen and easy, intuitive controls. It’s really, really big, too: it’s something of a cross between a cellphone and a tablet. Those who want something with lots of screen space and a huge base font are in luck with this one.

    The device, unsurprisingly, handles calls, internet browsing, email and all of that good stuff. It supports video calls as well as voice, which is great for distant grandparents who want to video chat with their grandkids. Another cool feature is the ability to view social media streams without needing to have an account. This lets grandparents keep up with family without having to navigate complex social media profiles, which is awesome in our book.

    Other awesome features of this phone/tablet hybrid that make it great for seniors are the wireless charging dock and 4G LTE connection. The wireless charging, for its part, is great since you don’t have to keep up with any wires or fiddle with trying to fit the charging cable into a port. All-in-all, this is one of the best phone options for seniors.

    iPhone X Plus

    The iPhone X line of smartphones has a huge design benefit for seniors. That’s the lack of any face buttons. However, the base iPhone X and XS phones are a bit small when compared to phones that are ideal for seniors. The iPhone X Plus, however, is a great size for seniors. Apple’s iOS platform is very intuitive, and gesture-based commands are easy to learn. The FaceID unlocking method is also great for seniors, as it make it easier for them to unlock their phone without needing to always input a password.

    Apple offers a number of great features for seniors through their iOS platform. For instance, if a senior user is having a hard time finding a function, they can call “hey, Siri” and call up the voice command assistant in their phone. This will allow them to use simply commands like “call Susan” or “text Bob,” which lets them get around some of the tougher parts of navigating an operating system.

    Another feature that senior users love about Apple’s iPhone line is the built-in FaceTime video calling feature. FaceTime features crisp, clear video and sound quality and makes you feel like you’re really in the room with your family when you call them up. Generally speaking, Apple’s products are sturdy and you can expect them to last a long time. They are also very responsive, with snappy menus and short loading times. All in all, iPhones are great for anyone, not just seniors.

    Galaxy Note 9

    Another great smartphone for seniors is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. This massive phablet is a great cross between a phone and a tablet and sports a handy stylus. The pen is a favorite of older phone users who love to have precise control when it comes to touch screens. Tight, tactile and easy-to-use, the Note 9 is an example of everything a phone should be.

    The Note 9 also uses biometric scanners to unlock the phone. You can opt to use either fingerprint scanners, iris scanners or both to open the phone, meaning you don’t have to constantly enter a password over and over to access your phone’s information. Much like the iPhone, there is also an integrated voice assistant in the form of S Voice. This allows you to use your voice to make calls, video chats or send text messages.

    In all, there are many great options for phones for seniors out there. However, these are some of the best overall options. Big displays, easy access and great video chat services all make these ideal choices for seniors.

  • Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Are a grandparent with a number of wonderful grandkids you want to safely drive back and forth between fun events? Maybe you pick them up from school on Fridays so they can spend the weekend with you, or maybe you take them with you to church on Sundays. No matter the reason, you’re going to need a good vehicle to safely get yourself and your grandchildren around town. Some of the safest vehicles for seniors with grandchildren are SUVs. Today we’re looking at some of the best (and safest) SUVs for seniors.

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Honda Pilot

    Honda’s got a great reputation that they’ve earned through constantly putting out excellent vehicles that are safe and last for a long time. The reliable and safe Honda Pilot makes a great vehicle for seniors as it’s slam-full of features to keep you and your passengers safe! That includes forward collision warnings, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and other safety features. These are ideal for senior drivers as they operate in the background and aren’t intrusive but will kick in to help you when you need them.

    What’s more, this isn’t just about safety. The Honda Pilot also sports excellent performance! The engine is V6 and the ride is fun and lively. If you’re looking for something that’s both safe and fun all at once, it’s a hard balance to strike. Honda, however, manages to strike that balance excellently. With 280 horsepower, this is a vehicle that can really move! The Pilot also sports impressive fuel economy, getting 27 MPG highway and 19 MPG city. For a V6 SUV, that’s not too bad!

    The Honda Pilot’s base trim level starts right around $32,000. The base trim includes a 5-inch infotainment display and has access to voice-activated controls, which is a favorite of many seniors.

    Subaru Forester

    The Forester is a great pick for those on a bit more of a budget. That’s because the base trim of the Forester starts right around $25,000, making it a bit easier to swing for those with a tighter budget. Much like the Pilot, one of the biggest draws to the Forester for seniors is the safety features that you get. The Subaru DriverFocus features are available on the Forester, and these features are excellent. They monitor driver behavior and give warning if the driver is behaving unusually.

    Drivers can also opt for front collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring, those these upgrades are not included in the base trim. Some great design features also make this a wonderful pick for seniors. For instance, the door sills are quite low to the ground, and the door openings are rather wide. This makes getting into and out of the vehicle easier than in most SUVs.

    The engine isn’t quite as impressive as the likes of the Honda Pilot, though it’s not a slouch. The Forester sports a 4-cylinder, 185 horsepower engine that offers 33 miles per gallon on the highway. This engine also nets you 26 miles per gallon in the city, making up for the relatively lower horsepower compared to other vehicles in the class.

    Acura RDX

    The Acura RDX is a popular SUV, especially among seniors, due to its luxurious features and great drive. It’s a bit on the pricey side, starting around $40,000, but many find it to be well-worth the price. It’s got a great 4-cylinder engine under the hood, putting out 275 horsepower and netting a solid 28 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. These numbers are made more impressive, however, by the luxurious vehicle that houses the engine.

    The full, robust entertainment system in the vehicle is sure to impress the grandkids, and it offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of which are excellent integration systems for smartphones! Integrated voice commands allow you to control the vehicle’s entertainment options without having your eyes leave the road, too. This keeps you safer while driving, as taking your eyes off the road is a quick way to become distracted and potentially get hurt.

    The Acura RDX also supports AcuraWatch, the proprietary safety suite that runs in many Acura vehicles. AcuraWatch implements features such as lane keeping, emergency breaking, road departure warnings and more. This is excellent for drivers who might be worried about potential threats while driving. Keeping yourself and your grandkids safe is certainly a chief concern, and the Acura RDX is a great vehicle for keeping that concern at the top of your priority list!

  • Get Tax Help for Seniors

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    There’s a reason most people get help filing their taxes: taxes are really, really complicated. Between social security, tax credit, exemptions, deductions, property taxes, there are a ton of complex things to keep up with. It’s no surprise that a number of seniors get intimidated when it comes to filing their taxes. There are changing technologies, changing tax rules, and fixed incomes can all make tax season difficult for seniors. Here are some of the best ways to get tax help for seniors.

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    AARP Tax-Aide

    Whether or not you already have an AARP membership, or know someone who does, this is a great way to go. The AARP Foundation has tax aide services that can be a lifesaver for seniors. The best part is that you don’t even need to be an AARP member to take advantage of this great service! It’s available for anyone over 50, free of charge. You can meet with these tax professionals free of charge online or in person, whichever you prefer! That way, if you would rather talk face-to-face, or if you prefer to file form the comfort of your home, you’re set either way!

    The volunteers who work for the AARP Tax-Aide program are also IRS-certified tax professionals. These aren’t amateurs who are going to mess up your taxes, these are people who are certified and know what they’re doing! That way, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the help you need with your taxes and the peace of mind that includes.

    If you go for an in-person session, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re available all throughout tax season, from January to April 15th. Generally, these visits occur in convenient and public locations. Community centers, public libraries, banks and shopping malls are all common locations for these visits, so you need not worry about meeting in person. These locations are in public, well-lit and easy to access, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the meeting location.

    Best of all, the online side of this tax service is available year-round to answer your questions about taxes. If you have any burning questions you need answered and want to be ahead of the curve, this is a great way to go! That’s what happens when you go through an organization as helpful as the AARP.

    Federal Government Tax Assistance

    There are two tax services offered by the IRS. There’s the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. If you go through the IRS website, you can find in-depth information on both of these programs. Both the VITA and TCE programs have physical locations throughout the country you can visit to receive direct, in-person help with your taxes.

    Firstly, the VITA is a good program for those seniors who still earn some income, such as through a part-time job or perhaps through owned property. The VITA program typically helps those who do not speak English fluently, disabled people, people under a certain income level and the elderly. These services are primarily geared at seniors who make an amount of money under a certain threshold. Generally, those seniors who make more money than this threshold should consider going with professional paid tax services.

    The TCE, for its part, is geared more for seniors who aren’t sure where to turn for tax help. The service is specifically for seniors of age 60 or older who are on a fixed-income. These types of people are the exact ones that the TCE was created to help. If you or someone you love lives on a fixed income and needs income tax help, the TCE is the right call to help. They help seniors with things like retirement income and pensions, as opposed to traditional income methods. The free service is also volunteer-based and offers help during tax season. The volunteers are all IRS-certified professionals.

    State Taxes

    Both the VITA and TCE programs offer help with state taxes as well as federal taxes, so this usually shouldn’t be a huge concern for seniors. However, beyond this, some states do offer a state-specific tax program to help seniors if they have state-specific tax questions. While such situations would be rare, if a senior needs help with complex aspects of their state taxes in particular then they should look into whether their state offers a tax program.

    In the event it doesn’t, don’t panic! The bar association of your state may provide pro-bono legal help to seniors seeking tax advice. Local CPAs or other professionals may also offer help for seniors at no cost, so consider looking into these avenues!