Senior & Assisted Living Advisor Throughout Illinois
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Articles and Videos

Use the following articles and videos to help you make an informed decision. Please contact your Senior Advisor if you have questions.


Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Fact Sheet Requires Adobe Reader

SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness and with limited income and resources. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Fact Sheet Requires Adobe Reader

Social Security pays benefits to people who can't work due to a medical condition that's expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Making Budgets Work Presented by Edwin Urbieta of BMO Bank 

Edwin discusses how to identify personal obstacles to budgeting. Learn how to create and apply a structure to track and analyze spending. Edwin also reviews examples of short, medium, and long-term goals and go over the importance of debt reduction and building emergency savings. Presented on August 24, 2023 by Edwin Urbieta, VP Regional Sales Manager, Financial Wellness Program Manager, Relationship Manager, Benefits Specialist, BA, BMO Bank

Scams Resources Requires Adobe Reader

Included on this handout are resources to help research charitable organizations and where to go to report a scam or to inquire if something is valid.

Social Security: Understanding the Benefits 

Navigating a government program can be overwhelming. During this presentation, Megan will give an overview of Social Security’s programs and online services. Included in this presentation will be a discussion of disability, retirement, survivor’s benefits, and Medicare. Megan will go over when to apply for benefits and where to find benefits information online. Presented on January 11, 2022 by Megan Forristall, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

Optimizing Social Security Benefits 

Presented by Donna Adams, Sales Director, Paradise Financial Partners We will talk about the benefit possibilities; how they can potentially be optimized (sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars); and what you need to know to help ensure your claiming decision doesn’t result in a lifetime of lost income. Yes, we’ll even talk about the question on many people’s minds: will it be there? Presented at Elderwerks Senior Fair 2020

Credit - Facing Retirement Challenges 

Presented by Donna Rasmussen, Financial Literacy Educator at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois, Inc. at Elderwerks Senior Fair 2020.

Social Security Disability Change & Confusion 

Presented by Jeffrey Rabin, Managing Partner, Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. at Elderwerks Senior Fair 2020

Financial Steps for Caregivers Requires Adobe Reader

What you need to know about protecting your money and retirement by WISER (Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement) wiserwomen.org

Should I be on My Parent's Bank Accounts? 

While it is a good idea to provide account access to a trusted family member, the actual titling is extremely important and can have unintended consequences if not coordinated with the estate plan of the parent.

Natural Disaster Victims Mortgage Assistance Information 

Picking up the pieces after a natural disaster can be confusing and frustrating. For homeowners facing property damage, there might be questions about making mortgage payments, especially if you have additional housing costs because your home is uninhabitable after a storm.

Bankrate 

Provides articles, information, resources and comparison tools for a variety of financial topics.

Daily Money Managers Value 

Article written by Ifaat Bosse of Bottom Line Financial regarding working with a money manager.

Investors Beware - Fiduciary Rule is Dead 

Written by Terry Savage

Paying for Senior Care 

Understand Your Financial Options for Long Term Care

Medicaid vs. Inheritance 

It's important to put money into a Trust for your loved ones.

Money Smart for Older Adults: Prevent Financial Exploitation Requires Adobe Reader

This guide was put together by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and FDIC. It's a good guide to help avoid identity theft, knowing what to do to be financially prepared for retirement and much more.

Long Term Care Planning for You & Your Family 

One of the most stressful times in the life of a family can come when a long term care event arises and family members face the task of finding and paying for a loved one’s long term care. Finding the best care is difficult enough, but when plans aren’t in order and families don’t know how they are going to pay for long term care services, an already emotionally and financially taxing situation can take an even greater toll on a family.

Reverse Mortgages…Are they a good idea or a bad idea for seniors?? 

Information on how reverse mortgages can benefit seniors.

Do I Even Need A Financial Consultant? Requires Adobe Reader

Why you need a financial consultant to plan for retirement and for your senior housing needs.

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