For more information about the author, click to view their website: Edward Jones
There’s
a quote about the importance of setting goals that says, “If you don’t know
where you’re going, any path will take you there.” You probably have dreams
about retirement, vacations, hobbies and more. But if you don’t have a strategy
with financial goals in place, you may not make the choices that can best set
you on the path to achieve those dreams.
Setting
goals helps define and showcase your purpose, passions and priorities. And
establishing your own strong financial goals can help you earn and enjoy a wide
variety of short- and long-term achievements throughout your life. When you reach your financial goals, you can feel a sense of
accomplishment in seeing your efforts literally pay off. But how do you get
started?
Prioritize your needs and wants. Think
about the things that are most important to you and then outline them as
financial “must-haves” and “wish-list” targets. Start with the big-ticket items
and work through to ideas that may not cost as much. A must-have for many people
is having enough to live comfortably through retirement. Being able to afford
the college of your child's choice, without incurring mounds of debt, is
another. Your wish list, on the other hand, may include things like saving for
vacations, hobbies or entertainment expenses.
Create
detailed short- and long-term goals within your financial strategy. It’s
important to be specific about the goals you want to achieve and how much
you’ll need to achieve them. One way to do this is by making your goals
measurable. Assign estimated dates and costs to each
goal so you can plan how much to save and how much
time you have before you need the money. For example, for your retirement goal,
be specific about how many years before you want to retire. And once you do,
how you plan to spend your time — perhaps traveling the world, turning your
hobby into a business or taking your grandkids on outings. These can have
vastly different price tags.
Be
willing to compromise. Reaching one, or more, of your goals may
mean compromising. If your must-have is building your dream home but it's not
looking quite affordable, you may need to make a trade-off — build it a bit
smaller, work a year or two longer or trade in some of your wish-list goals so
you can stay focused on your must-haves.
Hold yourself accountable to stay on track. Once your strategy is in
place, it’s not a set-and-forget exercise. Actively tracking
your progress and managing your decisions and actions can help you be
better positioned to reach your goals. Use time-tested principles for making
financial decisions, not predictions. Diversify, own quality investments and keep
a realistic perspective, especially for your long-term goals. Maintain your focus and don’t let your emotions control
your investment decisions. It can be helpful to meet with a financial
advisor at least annually to review your full financial strategy, address any
changes in your life or your goals, and discuss your progress and new ideas.
As you
achieve certain milestones, celebrate them. You may even want to refresh your outlook
with new goals. Take pride in your ability to strategize and accomplish a
personal financial goal for yourself by following the path you envisioned and
created.
Chad Choate III, AAMS
828 3rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-462-2445
[email protected]
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area. TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling. Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management
After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward. Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning
When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision. Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care