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.
Top 5 Changes to the FAFSA form
September 14, 2023
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Understanding FDIC in light of the Silicon Valley Bank failure
March 13, 2023
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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
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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 Retirees (or soon-to-be)
January 30, 2023
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The SECURE 2.0 Act – For Workers
January 30, 2023
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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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Gift Ideas for Seniors 2022
December 10, 2022
1 Comment
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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The Best Way to Choose a Plan During Medicare Open Enrollment Season
October 26, 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
2 Comments
How to Minimize Taxes During Market Downturns
August 24, 2022
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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
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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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A satisfying retirement is more about how you will spend your time, not your money.
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
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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
5 Comments
Time’s Up! Paying for College
January 31, 2022
5 Comments
New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions
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
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Effectively Gifting to the Next Generation at any Net Worth
December 9, 2021
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Gift Ideas for Seniors
December 8, 2021
2 Comments
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
Social Security Gets Massive 5.9% Raise in 2022
November 3, 2021
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A Refresher on Medicare Plans for 2022
October 17, 2021
3 Comments
Will all my transactions soon be reported to the IRS?
October 17, 2021
1 Comment
Halloween Tips from a CFP® (Post-COVID)!
October 17, 2021
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Medicare Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
October 15, 2021
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What you need to know about Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021
September 17, 2021
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Understanding Medicare IRMAA Brackets and How to Plan Early
September 14, 2021
1 Comment
Can insurance companies charge the unvaccinated higher premiums?
August 21, 2021
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Back to School Planning is More Expensive This Year
August 21, 2021
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Securing childcare when you head back to the office
July 20, 2021
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What charitable deductions look like in 2021
July 20, 2021
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Three Considerations When Moving to Assisted Living
July 20, 2021
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Monthly child tax credit payments start July 15. Here’s what parents need to know.
July 3, 2021
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Should Cryptocurrencies Be A New Asset Class?
June 14, 2021
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When you need to consider estimated tax payments
May 25, 2021
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Federal Student Loan Pause may extend beyond September 30, 2021
May 13, 2021
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Why does rising inflation make stock prices fall?
May 12, 2021
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Why I Love Health Savings Accounts
April 20, 2021
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6 Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances
April 2, 2021
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How to ask for more Financial Aid, and hopefully get it!
April 2, 2021
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Event: The Affordability of Elder Care
April 2, 2021
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Visting Aging Family Members After COVID
March 14, 2021
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What’s In The $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package?
March 14, 2021
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2 Pieces of Savings Advice to Reconsider
February 4, 2021
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Preparing for College: Tips and Tricks
February 4, 2021
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Second Opinions: When to Call a Doctor vs a Medical Advocate
January 20, 2021
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Finding Financial Aid for Private Schools
January 12, 2021
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What Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2020 Tell us?
January 12, 2021
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New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions
January 1, 2021
1 Comment
Keeping the Holidays Happy During COVID-19
December 9, 2020
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Elder Care and College Planning Can Create a Sticky Situation for The Sandwich Generation
December 9, 2020
1 Comment
Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
November 10, 2020
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How tax planning may be impacted after the election
November 3, 2020
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Halloween Tips from a CFP®!
October 7, 2020
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Effective Options to Reduce Credit Card Debts without Hurting your Credit
September 23, 2020
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Budget Basics for College Students
September 20, 2020
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How the S&P500 fairs after an Election Year
September 20, 2020
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Downsizing Your Home Without Upsizing Your Stress: Tips for Seniors
September 1, 2020
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Should I be paid for my caregiving efforts?
July 12, 2020
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4 Ways College Admissions Will Change Next Year
May 9, 2020
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Where to put your next dollar
May 8, 2020
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