January 28, 2010

5 Moves to Make After Age 50

If you are 50 or older, there are key steps you should take to prepare for your future.
You may have a long to-do list when it comes to your financial and personal future, but here are five tasks that you should move to the top of your list:
1. Evaluate Your Finances There’s no time to lose—pay down debt and increase your savings. If you’ve dreamed of making a difference by supporting a favorite cause, consider a life income gift to balance philanthropy with future financial needs. 2. Review Your Insurance Needs Sitting inside old desk files may be unneeded life insurance policies. Take a look at your family’s future needs; long-term care insurance may make more sense now than large life insurance policies. Consider using policies you no longer need to make charitable gifts. 3. Enlist Legal Documents Now Durable and health care powers of attorney allow someone you choose to make financial and medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so. 4. Check In on Your Will Life has a tendency to sneak up on us, so it’s important to take time to make sure your will still protects the people you love. And, if you’re interested in supporting a charitable organization, a codicil to your will is a simple way to accomplish this goal. 5. Do What You Love Indulge yourself with an exciting new pastime. Or, consider volunteering with an organization close to your heart, such as ours. You’ll feel good about helping us carry out our important work.
Certain charitable gifts made to Lewis & Clark can offer you tax and financial benefits. Contact Sharon Bosserman-Benson at (503) 768-7911 or sharon@lclark.edu to learn about options that may work for you.