Even if you have a partner who traditionally manages household finances, it’s important to be involved in the budgeting and investing decisions that have an effect on your overall financial picture. Some credit traps to avoid: When using revolving credit, avoid spending more than you can pay off at the end of each billing cycle Be aware of hidden interest and fees When transferring balances to take advantage of low interest rates, be sure to pay off outstanding balances before the teaser rate expires Be sure to make payments on time; otherwise it could negatively affect your credit report Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child’s college education. Or you might be concerned about planning for...
Continue readingA Woman’s Guide to Health Care in Retirement
At any age, health care is a priority. But when you retire, you should probably focus more on health care than ever before. This is especially true for women. Women live longer, develop certain chronic conditions (e.g., osteoporosis) at a higher rate than men, and are more apt to experience medical limitations that directly affect their daily activities.1 That’s why it’s particularly important for women to factor in the cost of health care, including long-term care, as part of their retirement plan. How much you’ll spend on health care during retirement generally depends on a number of variables including when you retire, how long you live, your relative health, and the cost of medical care in your area. Another important factor to consider is the availability of Medicare. Generally, you’ll be eligible for Medicare when you reach age 65. But what if you retire at a younger age? You’ll...
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