Welcome to the Blog
About Me
Quentara Costa, CFP®
Quentara Costa helps the sandwich generation prioritize kids, self, and aging parents. For years Quentara was the primary caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 70. Since his passing, she’s become a mother of three. Professionally she received a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Bentley University and has held the CFP® designation since 2010. Community involvement includes hosting the Merrimack Valley Senior and Caregiver Group and volunteering for Budget Buddies.
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Shapes Your Taxes in 2026 and Beyond
July 17, 2025
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Smart Ways to Save on a multi-generational trip to Europe
July 15, 2025
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Your Next Chapter at Brooksby Village: How to Plan Financially with Confidence
May 22, 2025
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Introducing Financial Concepts Series: Ages 10–14
May 5, 2025
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Why Your Paystub Tax Withholdings Are Probably Wrong—and How to Fix Them
May 5, 2025
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GUIDE Model: A New Approach to Dementia Care and Caregiver Support
April 4, 2025
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5 Money Moves Gen Xers Are Doing Differently Than Older Generations
March 31, 2025
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The Hidden Connections Between Real Estate and Estate Planning Updates
March 26, 2025
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6 Things Even the Upper Middle Class Can’t Afford in 2025
March 26, 2025
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Choosing Guardianship for Your Children: A Critical Part of Estate Planning
March 7, 2025
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The Year-End Capital Gains Surprise: Why It Happens & How to Prepare
March 7, 2025
1 Comment
Homestead Protection in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
February 13, 2025
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How to Evaluate Public Schools When Considering a Move
January 15, 2025
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How Catastrophic Weather Events Are Reshaping Homeowners Insurance Nationwide
January 10, 2025
1 Comment
All you need to know about 2025 Tax Adjustments to Premiums, COLAs, Brackets and Thresholds
December 6, 2024
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Smart Strategies for Managing Your Child’s Cash Gifts
December 6, 2024
4 Comments
How Pooled Trusts Maximize Elder Care Benefits for Solo-Seniors
November 22, 2024
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Gift Ideas for Seniors this Holiday Season
November 16, 2024
2 Comments
Understanding Medicare Plan Coverage: What You Need to Know
October 9, 2024
2 Comments
Halloween Tips and Tricks from a Certified Financial Planner®
October 9, 2024
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Understanding New and Ongoing FinCEN and BOI Reporting Requirements
October 2, 2024
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The Financial Implications Of Hiring A Nanny For Child Care
September 10, 2024
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Closing an estate of a Loved One: A Step-by-Step Guide
September 10, 2024
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How buying real estate changed on August 17th
August 21, 2024
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FAFSA Delayed Again in Year 2 Rollout
August 21, 2024
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The Best Way to Choose a Plan During Medicare Open Enrollment Season
August 21, 2024
6 Comments
Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives Explained
July 8, 2024
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The Best Questions to Ask During an Assisted Living Tour
May 28, 2024
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Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider for My Aging Parents (2024)
April 18, 2024
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Beyond Funding College: How to Financially Empower Your Children
April 18, 2024
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Inherited Wealth: Understanding it’s Limitations and Leveraging a Financial Planner
April 4, 2024
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Understanding Medicare IRMAA Brackets and How to Plan Early
March 15, 2024
1 Comment
Proven Strategies To Defend Against Financial Fraud And Avoid The Next Ponzi Scheme
March 12, 2024
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How to avoid accusations of fraud when helping an elderly relative
February 23, 2024
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Top 5 Changes to the FAFSA form
February 19, 2024
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How to Avoid 7 Common Estate Planning Mistakes
February 5, 2024
6 Comments
Maximize Last Year’s Tax Savings with these 5 Tips
January 19, 2024
1 Comment
The SECURE 2.0 Act – For Retirees (or soon-to-be)
January 14, 2024
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Effectively Gifting to Your Grandchildren At Any Net Worth
January 6, 2024
1 Comment
Life Insurance For Children: Pros & Cons
January 6, 2024
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CCRC vs Nursing Home vs Assisted Living: Making the Right Choice
December 16, 2023
3 Comments
Leaving the greatest gift of all: A tax-reduced estate
December 14, 2023
9 Comments
Introducing Financial Concepts Series: Ages 6-9
November 8, 2023
3 Comments
New Year’s Resolutions for The Sandwich Generation
November 7, 2023
3 Comments
Introducing Financial Concepts Series: Ages 3-5
October 12, 2023
3 Comments
Massachusetts Updates to a New State Estate Tax Calculation!
October 5, 2023
6 Comments
Guide to flood insurance: Here’s what to know
September 13, 2023
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What to know about applying for Medicaid in Massachusetts
September 13, 2023
3 Comments
Prepare for Student Loan Payments
August 18, 2023
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The Value of Diversification
August 18, 2023
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How to pre-pay funeral-related costs. (Yes – there are multiple ways!)
August 18, 2023
2 Comments
CCRCs Can Offer Tax-Deductible Living
August 17, 2023
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Financing options in a high-interest rate environment
July 24, 2023
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How to write a great obituary
July 17, 2023
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The Latest on Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment
July 14, 2023
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How to Teach your child to be their own IEP Advocate as they Head to College
June 9, 2023
1 Comment
How ChatGPT can help Senior Citizens remain Independent
June 7, 2023
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Relocating due to LGBTQ Health, Education, and Saftey Concerns
June 5, 2023
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Just Married: Newlywed Estate Planning Cheat Sheet
May 9, 2023
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The Ultimate Downsizing Checklist Before Retiring
May 9, 2023
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Where to Best Save for College
April 20, 2023
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How Caregivers Can Receive Support Services
April 7, 2023
1 Comment
Understanding FDIC in light of the Silicon Valley Bank failure
March 13, 2023
1 Comment
From Layoff to Takeoff: How to be Prepared for your Next Adventure
March 1, 2023
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) can be tax-deductible! Find out how to save on taxes.
March 1, 2023
3 Comments
The History and Business of Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2023
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Are your kids stressed about family finances? Psychologists weigh in.
February 6, 2023
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The SECURE 2.0 Act – For Workers
January 30, 2023
1 Comment
Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens
January 4, 2023
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Understanding the History of the January Effect
January 4, 2023
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Ahhh it’s Year-End! What do I need to do before 12/31?
December 7, 2022
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A Refresher on Medicare Plans for 2023
November 1, 2022
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All you need to know about 2023 Tax-Related Adjustments to Premiums, COLAs, Brackets and Thresholds
October 27, 2022
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Is a Roth IRA Right for You?
October 5, 2022
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How to Choose a Nursing Home
October 3, 2022
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College is an Investment – Treat it like one!
October 3, 2022
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Biden Finds Out You Can’t Please Them All after Announcing Student Loan Forgiveness
September 5, 2022
2 Comments
How to Capitalize on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
September 5, 2022
3 Comments
How to Minimize Taxes During Market Downturns
August 24, 2022
3 Comments
Tips for the Fast Growing Sandwich Generation
August 18, 2022
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Will Biden Continue to Defer Student Loan Repayment?
August 11, 2022
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Where to keep your cash now that interest rates are high(er)
August 11, 2022
2 Comments
Direct PLUS Loans
July 19, 2022
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What to Expect for Paperwork When Moving to a Retirement Community
July 15, 2022
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Are Solar Panels a Worthwhile Investment?
June 13, 2022
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North Andover Conference on Aging
June 9, 2022
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College Planning Timeline
May 3, 2022
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Does increasing mortgage rates make the prospect of buying a home better or worse?
May 3, 2022
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Should I Adjust My LTC Policy? The Latest Premium Hike Is 95%!
May 3, 2022
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4 Tips For Living a Satisfying Retirement
April 19, 2022
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Student Loan Repayments are Extended… AGAIN!
April 6, 2022
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Set to Jet? 5 Useful Tips Before Packing Your Bags.
April 6, 2022
1 Comment
What’s the Best Age to Start Social Security?
February 28, 2022
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How to have a financial conversation with your partner
February 3, 2022
6 Comments
Time’s Up! Paying for College
January 31, 2022
5 Comments
New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions 2022
January 4, 2022
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We Could See a Student Loan Pandemic in 2022
January 4, 2022
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Will my cash app and marketplace transactions be reported to the IRS?
January 3, 2022
1 Comment
Build Your Own Turkey
November 15, 2021
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Is the Roth 401(k) an Option for You?
November 15, 2021
2 Comments
