The Best Way to Choose a Plan During Medicare Open Enrollment Season
Medicare open enrollment is here (October 15 - December 7), and POWWOW encourages clients aged 65+ to work with a trusted resource to ensure existing coverage is still suitable.
How to Review a CCRC Contract in Massachusetts: Key Details & Financial Risks
Before signing a Massachusetts CCRC contract, review refund terms, apartment upgrades, and financial strength to protect your deposit and care.
Smart Ways to Save on a multi-generational trip to Europe
Learn how one family of six planned and paid for a multi-generational trip to Europe. Tips on saving, splurging wisely, using credit cards, and avoiding common pitfalls — without sacrificing fun.
Your Next Chapter at Brooksby Village: How to Plan Financially with Confidence
Considering a move to Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA? Learn what it costs and how to plan financially for assisted living with help from a local fiduciary financial advisor.
GUIDE Model: A New Approach to Dementia Care and Caregiver Support
Dementia affects millions of individuals and their families, presenting complex challenges that require comprehensive care and support. Recognizing this need,…
Homestead Protection in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Learn how a Homestead Exemption protects your home. Discover how homestead exemptions work in MA, New Hampshire and other states, along with key filing steps and recent law changes.
How Pooled Trusts Maximize Elder Care Benefits for Solo-Seniors
Learn how pooled trusts help seniors in Massachusetts qualify for MassHealth while preserving assets. Read about eligibility, benefits, and expert tips for elder care planning.
Gift Ideas for Seniors this Holiday Season
Discover thoughtful gift ideas for seniors this holiday season! From meaningful experiences and consumables to professional services and practical gadgets, find perfect ways to show your love while avoiding clutter. Make their holidays special and stress-free!
Understanding Medicare Plan Coverage: What You Need to Know
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part and Medicare plan options and their costs.
The Best Questions to Ask During an Assisted Living Tour
One of the most FAQs I receive from families is what questions to ask during an assisted living tour. If you google it, you'll find some pretty exhaustive lists. I’ve distilled down the best topics and insight to focus on as you consider an assisted living community.
Understanding Medicare IRMAA Brackets and How to Plan Early
Planning ahead for IRMAA surcharges has become more important as the bracket tiers narrow and Medicare premiums increase.
How to avoid accusations of fraud when helping an elderly relative
Caregivers must be mindful of potential challenges that can arise, including accusations of fraud. Sometimes things start off on the right foot, but can land on a sour note unexpectedly. Here are some steps well-meaning caregivers can take to protect themselves.
How to Avoid 7 Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Learn how everyday families can benefit from estate planning to ensure their intentions are seen through and how to avoid common estate planning mistakes.
Effectively Gifting to Your Grandchildren At Any Net Worth
Effectively benefiting the next generation comes in all shapes and sizes, learn about your options to gift relative to your net worth.
CCRC vs Nursing Home vs Assisted Living: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right type of care community for a loved one depends on their specific needs, health conditions, and preferences. Here is my overview of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes to help you make an informed decision.
What to know about applying for Medicaid in Massachusetts
Medicaid in Massachusetts, known as MassHealth, provides long-term care coverage to eligible low-income seniors within the state. Applying for this coverage can be daunting, but understanding the big picture can be helpful.
How to pre-pay funeral-related costs. (Yes – there are multiple ways!)
Pre-paying a funeral is a way to plan and cover the costs associated with your end-of-life services in advance. Pre-paying can come into play to ensure services are carried out as intended, to help with Medicaid eligibility, and provide a little reprieve of responsibility as loved ones grieve.
How to write a great obituary
Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, as it requires capturing the essence of a person’s life and honoring their memory. Here are some guidelines to help you write a great obituary for your loved one.
How ChatGPT can help Senior Citizens remain Independent
Here are the top three suggestions on how a senior may be able to make use of ChatGPT in ways that are different than what's already available through other popular technologies.
How Caregivers Can Receive Support Services
Caregivers of an aging loved one often feel like they're stranded on an island with no support. But take heart that there are options if you know where to look.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) can be tax-deductible! Find out how to save on taxes.
Read how you may be able to save a bit on taxes if considering a CCRC. You may potentially be able to deduct a portion of the initial buy-in and ongoing rent.
Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens
Determine what existing travel coverage you have first, and whether additional travel insurance is a good idea.
A Refresher on Medicare Plans for 2023
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part/Plan options and their costs for 2023.
How to Choose a Nursing Home
There are big differences in the quality of nursing homes and the care they provide. 2 Sisters Senior Living Advisors help us identify and prioritize criteria for this difficult decision.
Tips for the Fast Growing Sandwich Generation
Adult children often find themselves unprepared in the position of primary caregiver for their parents. Finances (and even more importantly TIME allocated toward supporting family) can be very dicey for members of the Sandwich Generation.
What to Expect for Paperwork When Moving to a Retirement Community
When agreeing to move forward at a retirement community, be prepared for the paperwork so you don't encounter delays.
North Andover Conference on Aging
June 24 & 25. Programs are free and open to the public. To register for sessions and/or keynote speakers please call the senior center or register online
Should I Adjust My LTC Policy? The Latest Premium Hike Is 95%!
If you've owned a LTC policy for 10+ years you've likely received a premium increase. Should you accept it or adjust coverage instead?
A Refresher on Medicare Plans for 2022
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different…
Quentara Costa at Caffe Nero in North Andover.
Three Considerations When Moving to Assisted Living
POWWOW, LLC was recently featured by Linda Lecomte, REALTOR® in her new Andover-area inspired website and newsletter Shop Dine the Andovers.
When you need to consider estimated tax payments
Passive income can unintentionally cause tax penalties for late or underpayments. This is avoidable by making estimated tax payments.
Why I Love Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts are a tax-trifecta savings vehicle that are often overlooked due to bias against the less popular Flex Savings Accounts.
Event: The Affordability of Elder Care
On April 13, Quentara will review what to consider financially when assessing care options and how to increase your chances of retaining independence. Via Zoom. RSVP here.
Visting Aging Family Members After COVID
65% of people with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. What's your plan in the event aging loved ones didn't fair well during COVID?
Second Opinions: When to Call a Doctor vs a Medical Advocate
When receiving treatment options for a diagnosis, learn when you may want to reach out to a doctor vs a health advocate.
Downsizing Your Home Without Upsizing Your Stress: Tips for Seniors
If you’re worried about downsizing your home, you really shouldn’t be. While finding the right home for your budget and…
Should I be paid for my caregiving efforts?
Even if you're not providing hands-on physical care for an aging parent, you're still likely spending a ton of time…
How to care for the elderly during Coronavirus mania
If you're related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have…
3 Factors cause almost a 100% chance of seniors falling
I recently read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. His insight perfectly blends medicine and emotion when it comes to…
Vets, Don’t Miss Out on “Hidden Benefits”
As a veteran you may feel like you're participating in an Easter egg hunt to find all your benefits. This…
Can you afford the elder care?
Can I Afford Elder Care?
As a Certified Financial Planner™ specializing in elder care I am asked this question daily. Unfortunately, all too often the…
Caught in the middle: When sibling and aging parents don’t get along
It's your birthday, and mom, age 81, gives you a call. After pleasantries, she mentions how short-tempered your brother has…
The sandwich generation needs to budget for LTC and health.
Budgeting Tips for the Sandwich Generation
Find out Powwow's most frequently asked elder care question.
My #1 Most Asked Question on Elder Care
Whenever I discuss elder care I can count on being asked one question..."What if I run out of money?"Long-term elder…
When Parents Won’t Accept Help
"I can't hear you... LALALALALALALALALALALA"I recently presented on elder care to seemingly dissimilar groups. Despite their backgrounds, they all had…
Quentara presenting at Bayberry Assisted Living alongside Attorney Patrick Curley.
Bayberry Assisted Living: Panel Event on Navigating Elder Care
Quentara Costa visited Bayberry at Emerald Court alongside Patrick Curley of Curley Law Firm in Wakefield, MA to discuss elder…
Change ahead for FINRA advisors, POWWOW interviewed for Quentara's input.
FINRA Creates New Rule to Help Seniors
"The person you named 10 years ago to be your power of attorney isn't necessarily the correct fit for today…
How Tech Can Help You Be a Great Caretaker
... Even from hundreds of miles away! Most of us want to have a role in caretaking our aging loved…
Elder Financial Abuse within Families
"Making the call [on elder fraud] is simple when the thief isn’t related to the client. But when the miscreant…
Businesswoman Writing Ideas On Glass Screen During Meeting
Making sure your money will last in retirement
"A recent Merrill Lynch Age Wave survey showed 37% of people over 50 believe they may need long-term care during…
Starting the Health Care Conversation
"Where will your clients live, and for how long? What roles will their children or other caretakers play? Have they…
Reverse Mortgages
I often receive questions about reverse mortgages, particularly on whether they're a viable solution to afford elder care. The first…
Good Financial Reads: Elderly Care
XY Planning Network offers consumer blogs that follow specific interests and subject matter. This is a great (and FREE) way…
Long Term Care Insurance
Is it worth considering? Age 50-60 has traditionally been the sweet spot for reviewing long-term care insurance options. New research…
Elder Care Decisions Begin at 50
I’m a big believer in discussing elder care with my clients as young as age 50. I use this age…
The importance and opportunity within elder care planning
I'm thrilled to share an article highlighting the reasons for my commitment to help seniors and their family. "As a…
A Promising Future for Alzheimer’s Research
Last night 60 Minutes did a piece on Alzheimer's research. While scientists believe they have found the cause, preventative treatment…
The Conversation Project
90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important.27% have actually done so.*Initiating conversation…
Dad is having a hard time getting around, is assisted living the right decision? Where do we go from here?
The New Normal
Elder planning is a touchy but important subject. Whether it’s for yourself or that of a loved one, the impact…
