Get The Most Out of Credit Card Rewards for Your Next Vacation

February 1, 2025

According to a survey conducted by Lending Tree, even though 87% of all credit cardholders earn rewards, nearly 70% are sitting on unused cash back, points, or miles. Regarding travel, only 12% optimized their rewards to earn a free flight or hotel stay last year. “Many people who collect rewards are doing so with a goal in mind, such as a dream vacation with their family,” says Matt Schulz, a credit analyst at Lending Tree. “As they earn, those rewards points and miles sit unused.”

While the reasons behind leaving rewards vary, many people don’t know how to use them. Understandably, cashing in rewards benefits for the first time can be intimidating, but that’s no reason to leave value on the table.

Here’s everything you need to know about earning the most travel benefits from your spending and cashing them in for priceless vacation memories.

Compare Credit Cards to Find the Best Fit For Your Goals

Take your time comparing credit cards to find one that fits your needs, and then make it your main payment method. This means comparing bonus offers and the types of rewards offered.

You’ll want to make sure you’ll be able to use the points you earn for the travel you want. A good credit score is a normal requirement to get the best travel rewards cards, which is usually at least 670. If you’re not quite there yet, you may want to focus on improving your credit first to get the best offers.

Everything to Consider When it Comes to Bonus Offers

If you’re open to getting more than one credit card, then you may want to get a few that offer the best sign-up bonuses. A sign-up bonus involves charging a certain amount of money within a specified time period to earn the cash back or points bonus. When using your rewards for travel, you would then put that cash back or points toward your next vacation, including airfare and lodging.

For instance, with a Citi Double-Cash Card, rated the third-best credit card in 2024 by Card Critics, you could earn $200 cash back or 20,000 Thank-you points after spending $1,500 within the first six months. For most people, charging $1,500 worth of expenses over six months is feasible, but your spending capability should be the top consideration when comparing bonus offers. “Sign-up bonuses can be really helpful for folks on a tight budget,” Schulz says. “Just make sure that you’re comfortable with how much you have to spend to get the bonus.”

If you find yourself trying to spend more than you normally would to earn a sign-up bonus, then the cash-back offer likely doesn’t make financial sense. As long as you think of bonus offers as something you could earn simply by paying your existing bills, then they’re a great way to earn rewards toward a vacation you might not otherwise be able to afford.

Rack up Rewards Beyond the Sign-Up Offers

Once you’ve earned your sign-up offers, you’ll want to spend as much on your credit card to continue earning rewards. When considering which cards are the best for you, you’ll want to pay attention to the rewards they offer and what kinds of purchases qualify for reward points. Many card purchases only qualify for points in certain categories, such as gas or groceries, while others only qualify with specific experiences like dining or travel.

This is why it’s so important to think about what you’re already spending money on, because the goal is to earn rewards for what you already need to buy rather than changing your lifestyle to rack up points. “No matter how lucrative the rewards, overspending to get them doesn’t make sense,” Schulz says. “The math just doesn’t work in your favor.” If you’re someone on a budget that saves by not eating out a lot, then a card that rewards you for groceries is going to be the best fit for you, while the person who eats out and hardly ever cooks at home is going to benefit the most from using a card with dining rewards.

Know the Difference Between Types of Points

Typically, credit cards work with certain airlines and hotels where you can redeem your points, so when choosing the card for you, make sure you want to use the companies where your points will be easy to redeem and worth the most value. There are three types of reward points: fixed value, variable value, and transferable points.

• Fixed value points have a clear published dollar value. For example, points might be worth one cent each when redeemed for travel rewards. The advantage of fixed value points is that you can always use your rewards for purchases that would otherwise require cash, but the downside is that there’s no way to outsize the value of your points. A $100 ticket may require 10,000 points at one cent per point.
• Variable rewards involve the cost of a hotel stay or airfare being attached to a specific amount of points, so one night at a specified hotel may cost 20,000 points, even if the cash amount of the room varies. The perk of variable rewards is knowing when to redeem them for outsized value.
• Transferable points are also known as flexible points because they can be transferred to other partner programs for redemption. You may also be able to cash in on rewards as statement credits or redeem them toward travel at a fixed rate. This variability makes transferable points desirable.

It’s easy to lose track of how many points you’ve earned, especially if you decide to earn with more than one card, so consider using a spreadsheet to keep track of your earnings. Once you’re ready to redeem your points for travel, you’ve made it the most exciting part. Simply begin with your credit card’s website, which should be your first stop in redeeming your rewards. The website should have all of the information you need to know, such as comparing cash back versus points for travel or step-by-step directions for transferable points, plus any current promotions.

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Whether or not you’re on a tight budget, earning rewards that can be used toward your next vacation is something anyone who uses a credit card should be taking advantage of. As exciting as traveling can be, traveling for less is even more so. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep track of your spending, rewards earned, and travel goals all in one easy-to-access place. Once you learn how to get the most out of your rewards, you’ll become an expert on traveling for less in no time at all.

Medicare Grocery Allowances: Who Qualifies and Is it Worth it? 

January 15, 2025

In 2020, the Medicare Advantage expanded coverage benefits for those with chronic conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, end-stage renal or liver disease, heart disease, and more. The coverage expansion is referred to as the special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill or SSBCI. Some additional benefits include food allowances and prepared meals, but in some instances, they may even include over-the-counter medications, transportation, and in-home support services.

If you’re interested in receiving a grocery allowance or meal benefits or need food assistance, here’s everything you need to know about the additional coverage.

How the Medicare Grocery Allowance and Meal Benefits Work

Grocery allowances and meal benefits are not the same. If you qualify for grocery allowances, they are issued through prepaid debit cards on a monthly or quarterly basis. While the grocery allowance varies by state, it is usually $50 each quarter.

Under the CHRONIC Care Act, as of 2020, Medicare Advantage plans could also provide meals anytime to keep eligible recipients from needing hospitalization. Meal benefits are often more popular than grocery allowances, but it’s usually only offered for a limited amount of time, which is typically four weeks after a hospital stay.

Knowing Which Plans Offer Food Assistance

Not all Medicare Advantage plans include food allowances, so it’s important to determine if you qualify before choosing a plan. Traditional Medicare Part A and Part B and Medicare supplement plans, which are meant to supplement gaps in coverage, do not offer a grocery allowance. Some Part C Medicare Advantage Plans do offer grocery allowances and meal benefits, such as special needs plans or SNPs and dual-eligible special-needs plans D-SNPs. D-SNPs are meant for Medicare members who are also enrolled in Medicaid and who have a chronic condition. Those with Medicare Advantage plans who are disabled or who have a low-income subsidy or LIS may also be eligible to receive grocery benefits.

The CHRONIC Care Act of 2020 gave Medicare Advantage plans the ability to offer non-medical benefits such as funds for groceries. “Therefore, the Medicare Advantage plan can decide if they want to provide those benefits, and those benefits have to be designed only for the chronically ill,” says Alexandra Ashbrook, director of the Food Research and Action Center. “The non-medical services have to be targeted to people who have at least one chronic health condition, such as those at risk of hospitalization or some other adverse health outcome requiring intensive care coordination,” she says.

Qualifications for the grocery and meal benefits vary by plan, so it’s important to check with the plan’s provider to see what they offer and if your health condition qualifies. Choosing a plan based solely on food allowances isn’t the best approach over the long run. So, even if the plan offers a grocery or meal benefit, it may not justify what you pay for the plan. Whether or not the plan covers medical needs should always be the priority. Take into account every benefit the plan offers before making a decision.

What to do if You Don’t Qualify for Medicare Food Allowances

There are still other options for those who do not qualify for the grocery allowance through their Medicare Advantage Plan. Low-income seniors 60 or older can apply for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Many people don’t even realize that they qualify for these benefits. “Unfortunately, only about 48% of eligible older adults are participating in SNAP,” Ashbrook says. “That’s a really important gap that health care providers and health systems could help to close before looking at any of the other additional food programs.”

Those who are 60 or older and have an income below 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines may also qualify for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program SFMNP or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or CSFP. The SFMNP provides coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be used at farmers’ markets and community farms, while the CSFP is a monthly package of healthy food that the USDA distributes to local agencies for participants to pick up. If eligible, some states even offer package deliveries.

To find out if you are eligible for SNAP or either of these additional programs, you may fill out an application online. If you’re a veteran, for instance, you may be more likely to qualify for USDA food assistance programs. Even if you are not eligible for Medicare grocery allowances, SNAP, or other supplemental programs, you still have options. Meals On Wheels is another program designed to help low-income seniors access prepared meals. The meals are provided on a sliding scale based on a recipient’s income to make them an affordable option for those in need.

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If any food assistance will help you, then exploring every available benefit will pay off. Whether it’s a Medicare food allowance or a USDA-based food assistance program, helping purchase and prepare healthy foods can go a long way in improving the quality of your everyday life. With Insureyouknow.org, you may keep track of your applications, health records, and grocery budgets in one easy-to-access place for all your meal planning needs.

Is Your Home Ready for Extreme Weather?

January 1, 2025

From wildfire season with smoky air to higher temperatures and unexpected blackouts during freezing temps, the reality of extreme weather conditions is causing homeowners to better prepare their homes. While every homeowner should feel safe at home, a recent survey by Certain Teed revealed that less than 48% of people feel confident in their home’s durability in the face of extreme weather.

The good news is that smart updates will bring peace of mind and add value to your home. While some projects cost more money and time than others, there are several that require less of an upfront investment. No matter your budget, here are five easy home improvement areas to consider to protect your home and feel safer during weather events.

HVAC Systems Can Protect Against Temperatures and Poor Air Quality

Because people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, the quality of your home’s indoor air is crucial to the quality of your home life. One way homeowners can prepare for extreme weather and climate events is to make sure they have a reliable and well-maintained HVAC system in place. While it can be difficult to predict when climate-related issues may happen, an HVAC system can maintain inside temperatures, withstand harsh weather outside, and provide filtration that improves indoor air quality no matter what unfolds.

Preventative maintenance on your HVAC system and changing the filter every 30 to 90 days will help prolong the life and quality of your investment. Keeping your system at or above 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the colder months also helps prevent expensive issues like frozen and burst pipes.

Choose the Right Roofing Materials For Your Climate

Roof upgrades significantly increase your home’s resilience as well as its value. “The roof is the first line of defense on a home,” says Teed Lucas Hamilton, manager of applied building science at Certain. “It is important to select the right materials for your climate,” he says. Impact-resistant roofing, solar reflective shingles to combat rising temperatures, and fire-resistant materials are all things to consider when choosing roofing materials. In areas where strong wind is a possibility, hurricane fastening and straps can also further secure your roof.

When updating the roof, take into account the gutters. Simple add-ons like leaf filters help prevent blockages so that water doesn’t back up during heavy rainfall. When flooding is a concern, gutters should direct drainage away from the home’s foundation. Too much water around the foundation can lead to serious structural issues in the future, such as cracks in the foundation. A sump pump, which runs automatically to keep water out of basements and away from the foundation, is another wise investment in areas with heavy rain and storms.

Consider Window Updates or Replacements

In areas where debris impact is an issue, shutters that can cover existing windows ahead of a storm can safeguard a home during large storms. Impact windows, which have a heavy-duty frame and glass that’s engineered to remain intact even if it breaks in a collision, are another option, but depending on the number of windows your home has, they can get expensive.

Less expensive alternatives to shutters and window replacements include sealing existing windows and applying tints.

“First, use caulk to seal up any holes and cracks on the outside. Then apply weatherstripping and use a window or door insulation kit to block the cold and heat from the inside,” Hamilton says. “These changes help strengthen the barrier between your home and the outdoors, saving on heating and cooling and keeping the elements outside.”

Applying window tinting is another example of an inexpensive update that can block up to 80% of summer solar heat while also keeping some heat inside during winter months. Updates such as these protect from weather and increase energy efficiency by creating a better barrier between your home and the outside elements.

Make Simple Exterior Updates

Steel doors, which are made of more durable materials than some more elaborate door styles, upgrade a home’s entry points by withstanding storms. When certain updates, such as replacing every window in the house, are not in your budget, replacing the home’s main entry points with stronger doors can be a good place to start.

Changing the color of your exterior paint is another affordable update that can help with temperature control. “You might think that choosing the exterior color of your home is only about picking what color you like best,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List. “The climate you live in is crucial to picking the right color.”

In hot climates, light colors will help to reflect the sun and keep the interior cool, while those who live in climates prone to extreme colds should choose darker tones to retain heat better.

Maintenance is Key to Safeguarding Your Property

With increased extreme weather events, your home could be damaged slowly over time. It becomes more important to inspect your home for changes and keep up on maintenance to prevent larger repairs and damage down the road. Checking your roof after storms, such as noting any cracks, sagging, or debris in the gutters, is an important part of keeping your roof resilient during the next event. Trees around your home should also be checked for cracks in large branches or soggy soil around the roots, as those should be addressed to prevent damage in a future storm. Gutters should also be cleared regularly to prevent blockages, as well as collect debris from the yard that could become projectiles.

Insureyouknow.org Make sure you’re aware of how your community issues weather alerts. While some use outdoor sirens, others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms. No matter what kind of hazards your community may be prone to, the National Weather Service recommends developing a plan with your family ahead of time, such as knowing where your emergency meeting place is or where the safe room is in your home. Safe rooms are usually those without windows at the lowest level of your home. In the event that your home is compromised, Insureyouknow.org can protect all of your vulnerable paper documents by ensuring digital access, providing you with one less thing to worry about so that you may focus on the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

The Health Benefits of Even the Shortest Vacations

December 15, 2024

Just like an athlete benefits from breaks during exercise, vacations are an important part of someone’s well-being. According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2023, nearly half of the U.S. workers surveyed said they take less time off than the paid time off their employers gave them, while globally, eighty-five percent of workers reported that vacations make them feel more optimistic and that regular vacations are important for their overall health.

“Not taking time off from work to go on vacation or simply rest can lead to overwork and burnout,” says Joyce Marter, a licensed psychotherapist. “People should use all the vacation time allotted to them—and sick days should also be used.

If you’ve been feeling the need for a true rest, here’s everything you need to know about getting the most out of even the shortest vacations.

The Right Amount of Time Off

While experts agree that any amount of vacation time is beneficial, three weeks per year may be just the right amount to benefit your health. The European Society of Cardiology conducted a 40-year-long study that found people who take less than three weeks of vacation time per year have a 37% greater risk of premature death, even despite living an otherwise healthy lifestyle.

Another study in 2020 showed that people who split two weeks of annual vacation time into five short breaks had a 24% lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Even the long weekend can come with serious benefits, as those who took a four-day vacation had improved stress-levels for an entire month after returning to work.

Since the positive effects of a trip usually fade after a month of being back home, taking several short trips throughout the year can be more beneficial than one or two long vacations. Plus, the planning process can make you feel happier than the trip itself, so allowing yourself to plan and look forward to a trip more often throughout the year extends the benefits of your vacation time even more.

The Right Way to Travel

Simply going on vacation won’t necessarily result in feeling as though you have a break. “I’ve heard countless times how exhausted people are when they come back from their vacation and feel like they ‘need a vacation from their vacation,’ and that’s because many times we pack so much into a very short amount of time,” says Esther Susag, a travel blogger. “We want to see everything, do everything, and not waste a minute.”

In order to benefit from any amount of time away, it’s important that you provide yourself with the opportunity to actually rest.

Slow travel is a more meditative approach to traveling that allows people to slow down, as the name suggests, and literally stop and smell the roses. “If you want to really unplug and relax without the stresses of traveling then slow travel may be for you,” says Mark Wolters, a YoutTube travel channel host. “You get to unpack your suitcases less, take fewer planes, trains and automobiles and just relax in a destination.

Once you’re on vacation, give yourself the gift of a loose plan. Do some research ahead of time and bring a list of some things you don’t want to miss when you’re there, as well as a few restaurant possibilities. For every day that you’re there, have a half day’s worth of activities planned, giving yourself the time and space in each place to really enjoy the experience. 

The Right Companion

In order to have a truly beneficial break, it becomes important to choose the people you vacation with carefully. “Spending time with family and friends are all things that we know can increase well-being and even reduce stress,” says Stephanie Preston, psychology professor at the University of Michigan. “There can be a lot of interpersonal conflict over how you manage the schedule and the priorities.”

While the idea of traveling with extended family, for instance, seems like a good idea on paper, trying to please everyone may prove to be the opposite of a relaxing getaway. 

That being said, vacations can also provide the opportunity to bond with your family members and create truly lasting connections with one another. When you plan to travel slowly, your adventure becomes more about being together as a family than about visiting as many attractions as possible. Slow travel provides the space not only to notice your surroundings but also to notice the people you are seeing them with.

The Right Location

Once you decide who to travel with, opt to stay at a vacation rental rather than a hotel. Rentals are rarely at the center of the tourist attractions. This provides both a more relaxing environment to unplug in but also immerses you more deeply into the local experience. Plus, with rentals that have fully stocked kitchens, there’s less of a reason to have to leave and more of an opportunity to stay in and unwind.

The Right Format

Most people intuitively sense that taking a break is good for their health. What’s most important for people to realize is that they don’t need a vacation to have a break. “Many people don’t often have a choice in how much rest is available to them,” says Julia Kocian, a social worker and mental health counselor. “The way society is set up, we treat rest as a privilege, not a right,” she says.

Whether it’s taking a walk in the evening or meditating while you fold the laundry, only you will know what activities best help you to relax. “I view rest as intentionally slowing down or stepping away from an activity, while taking a break can be more active, like going on a walk or stretching,” says Samantha Artherholt, a psychologist and professor at UW School of Medicine. “The goal of any sort of rest or break is it should feel relaxing. You should feel refreshed and better after the break than you did before.”

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Work yourself up towards taking more vacation time by finding ways to distribute downtime throughout your day and week. “The biggest thing is giving yourself permission to do it,” Artherholt says. When you learn more about what feels like rest to you, then you can start planning a handful of short vacations for yourself throughout the year. With Insureyouknow.org, you may store your destination research, savings goals, and travel plans all in one place. Remember that planning for your next vacation may be over half of the fun.

Returning to College: A Simple Guide for Adults

December 1, 2024

Going back to college as an adult can be intimidating, but most people don’t realize that almost forty percent of all college students are adult learners over the age of 25. In addition to adult learners, more than 20% of undergraduate students are parents. Reasons for returning to school differ, such as wanting to enter a new field, ensure job security, or to set an example for their children and loved ones. Some may just want to finish what they started, as 36 million Americans have left college without completing their programs.

There are several perks to going back to school as an adult. The older you get, the more likely you are to know what degree to pursue, what workload you’ll be taking on, and what kind of pay to expect after graduation. These factors actually make it more likely that an adult learner will graduate with a degree that leads them to a better work situation, whether that’s a larger paycheck or a better work-life balance. 

If you’ve been thinking about returning to school as an adult, here’s everything you should know before choosing the path that’s right for you. 

Choosing the Right School for Your Needs

Different schools and degrees will come with different time and financial costs. It’s worth comparing your options, such as opting for a lower-cost school like a community college or looking into online schools if you’ll need to continue managing a busy schedule. Some schools are open admission, meaning all applicants are accepted, such as with community colleges, while others are more selective. If you want to apply to selective schools, then start the process several months to a year before you want to start classes. 

Many schools offer flexible course schedules, including accelerated, self-paced, or part-time degree tracks. Online classes allow students to fit in their studies around their existing schedules. Remote and online learning options are no longer considered a lesser higher education experience and can often allow people juggling work and other adult responsibilities to achieve their school and career goals in a way that in-person classes would never allow them. 

Be realistic about the time your classes and coursework will take you to complete. Many students underestimate the time it takes to complete a program. Reach out to the admissions office and ask how the school can help fit in classes around your busy schedule. “Many colleges will allow you to consider full- or part-time enrollment,” says Elaine Rubin, an Edvisors communications specialist. “If you aren’t attending school full-time, it will take you longer to complete your program or degree, but it may make it manageable. It’s best to talk about this with an admission counselor.

Noncredit education or certificate programs are becoming more popular, particularly in fields like project and program management and content development. While some of these programs require a degree to enroll, others are designed for people looking to switch fields or feel more qualified in a certain skill set, like fund-raising or human resources management. If this is a path you’re considering, take note of whether the institution is accredited, which means they would be taught by faculty and would be more useful if you do end up choosing to pursue a degree later on. 

Paying for College Might be More Affordable Than You Thought

Paying for college as an adult isn’t much different than if you were going to college at 18. There are thousands of scholarships specifically meant for adult learners. In addition to scholarships, there are grants. Grants involve funds meant to pay for college that are usually given by the government and that you don’t need to pay back. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you won’t qualify for college grants without applying first. Start by filling out the FAFSA online and contacting your potential school’s financial aid office.

Some of the most awarded grants include the Federal Pell Grant, which has a maximum payout of $7,395 for the 2024-2025 school year. The amount you’re awarded is determined by your financial need, the cost of your tuition, and whether you’ll be a part-time or full-time student. Other opportunities include a TEACH Grant, which is for students who want to become teachers but must agree to work in high-need areas for a certain amount of time after graduation, and state-based grants. 

A 529 plan is a savings account specifically meant for college savings, and many adults don’t realize that they can open one for themselves. One of the biggest reasons to open a 529 is because your earnings won’t be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, 34 states offer additional tax breaks on these account earnings. If you have family members who want to help you go back to school, they can add up to $14,000 per year to your account as a gift to you without being taxed on their contribution.

Many colleges have started allowing adult learners to turn their work experience into college credits, saving them both money and time. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits packages now, so looking into your employee benefits may be the first step in determining ways to pay for college. Education-focused workplaces, especially those in tech and healthcare, will sometimes even allow you time off work to focus on your educational pursuits.

Last but not least is the option of taking out student loans. If you use debt in a smart way and only take out what you need to cover the cost of your schooling, a student loan is not a bad idea. Plus, adult learners with money management experience are less likely to abuse student loans. If you know you’ll be graduating and obtaining a career with a better paycheck, you can devise a timeline for paying off your debt as soon as possible after graduation.  

Set Yourself Up for Success Before You Begin

Gathering your education records will be a good place to start when you’re narrowing down your different options. Not only will the schools you apply to require that you submit your transcripts, but you may also check to see if you have already met some of your degree requirements or prerequisites. If you have other technical schooling or certificates, then gather those as well. 

“Most program policies on transfer credit typically have a maximum limit of 10 years,” says Dr. Bri Newland, assistant dean of the New York University School of Professional Studies Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies. “However, it is crucial to schedule a meeting with an experienced academic advisor who will thoroughly assess your transcripts alongside you, regardless of whether you acquired these credits beyond the specified timeframe.”

When going back to college as an adult with other responsibilities like an existing career or family, staying organized will be essential to your survival. Once you get started with classes, keep track of deadlines and due dates, giving yourself plenty of time to study and complete coursework. Determine where and when you’ll get your work completed, such as a designated space at home or a campus library, and which days and times you’ll use to get your classwork completed. Developing a routine that you can stick to will ensure your success, even when unexpected obstacles arise. 

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Once you do some research, you’ll likely discover that going back to school and attaining the degree you desire is more feasible than you may have thought. With Insureyouknow.org, you may keep track of your transcripts and certificates, college applications, financial costs and payment methods, and eventually, your new degree.

Volunteering for Seniors: Benefits & Opportunities

November 15, 2024

There are good reasons why more than one in five older adults volunteer. A study in the Australian Journal of Psychology found that the more people volunteer, the more their overall life satisfaction increases.

If you find yourself with the urge to help or give back to your community somehow, here’s everything you need to know about volunteering later in life.

The Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that if someone volunteered for at least 100 hours per year, or less than two hours a week, for at least four years, they experienced a reduced risk of mortality, less physical functioning limitations, higher amounts of physical activity, and positive psychosocial outcomes, such as a stronger sense of life purpose. “Volunteering is an affirmation that your time hasn’t ended. It’s also a way to affirm that careers are ongoing,” says Marcia Wall, a career coach. “Continue your career through volunteering, and you’ll continue to have that sense of professional identity that can continue even without getting a paid job,” she says.

Furthermore, volunteerism can prevent social isolation and loneliness, major risk factors for mortality among the aging population. In addition to having the opportunity to utilize the skills you already have, volunteering can provide the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, too. “It’s good for the mind, and for socialization; it’s the idea that we’re all lifelong learners,” says Wall. “There is value in learning for learning’s sake. The idea that our brains and our spirits are still active and you can’t be curious without having a spirit. It’s an affirmation that your time hasn’t ended,” she says.

What to Consider Before Getting Started 

Before choosing a volunteer opportunity, think about your “why” and what kind of work you want to do. Read about an organization’s mission and the ways they go about achieving that. Does the work they carry out align with your values? Volunteering is a way to engage with your interests, so make sure that you look for an organization that makes you feel excited and even motivates you.

Then, check the reviews. Pay attention to positive and negative feedback and how the organization responds. Beware of any place that uses phrases like “work tirelessly” or seems understaffed or over-extended. “First and foremost, volunteers should not be considered ‘free labor,’” says Wall. “Volunteers are skilled and valuable contributors who are choosing to donate their time in exchange for a personal reward of some kind,” she says. Ultimately, it’s important for you to feel in control of the work you decide to do. Remember that it doesn’t have to be long-term; you can always pursue other avenues. Volunteering should never feel like a chore.

Six Options for Older Adults Looking to Volunteer

There are volunteer opportunities out there for everyone. Here are several ideas to get you started on your search.

1. Local or National Charities

Always look at what’s in your backyard first. Habitat for Humanity, for instance, exists nationwide and helps families in your community establish stability and self-reliance by providing them with homes. Food banks always need assistance with daily tasks such as food delivery and donation gathering. Feeding America lists food banks in your area where you can begin. Charity thrift stores are another great way to help with a cause you care about. The items sold there benefit those who buy them, and the proceeds go toward the organization’s efforts.

2.     Local, State and National Parks

The National Park Service is often eager to have new volunteers. Opportunities include helping with one-time special events or long-term commitments that involve tasks such as invasive plant removal or serving as a tour guide and educator.

3.     Animal Shelters

If pets are your passion, working with your local animal shelter may be the right fit for you. While large, well-known organizations like the SPCA and The Humane Society of the United States are great places to work with, smaller local rescues need help, too. Volunteering with a rescue center may involve caring for and playing with animals, providing potential the public with information, cleaning, and helping at fundraising events.

4.     Fostering Younger Generations in a Multitude of Ways

Did you know you could become a foster grandparent for a child living in your community? Fostering a child usually consists of tutoring, mentoring, and caregiving. If that kind of opportunity sounds rewarding, check with your local churches and Americorps for children in need of a foster.

Your local schools are another venue to check with for volunteering to help teachers, tutor children, or chaperone field trips. Eldera is another program that connects those over age 60 to help students with homework, while Big & Mini connects people with common interests intergenerationally. Yet another group is Career Village, which brings former professionals to students interested in those careers. If sports are of interest to you, then coaching a youth team is yet another way to give back to children in your backyard.

5.     Providing Companionship to Older Adults

There are several ways to help people your own age, such as volunteering with your local Hospice agency. Hospice opportunities include being a companion to patients at the end of their lives, helping with clerical duties, or making things like fidget mats and quilts for patients. “You’re one on one with a patient or them and their family,” says Erin Long, a hospice volunteer services manager. “It’s individual volunteering and independent volunteering. We look for someone who is comfortable in independent situations.”

There are other ways to assist older adults, including being a companion to someone still living independently at home but needing a little support. Seniors Helping Seniors is just one organization that connects seniors to volunteers in their area. Hosting a meet-up for seniors in your area is another way to connect with people your age, build community among older adults, and even prevent loneliness. Starts at 60 Meet Ups helps volunteers host casual gatherings at coffee shops.

6. Community Gardens

If you have a green thumb, gardening might be the right cause. Community gardens can contribute healthy foods to their community, beautify your hometown, and provide you with some health benefits. Working in the garden improves both physical and mental well-being. If your neighborhood needs a garden, then AARP can help you get one going.

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Senior Corps links seniors with thousands of opportunities. And don’t forget about checking with family and friends, who may know where the local needs are. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep all of your volunteering research in one place, as well as schedules and logs of the benefits you notice and your impact. Just remember that every act of kindness can create a lasting impact, no matter how small or large. If you’re interested in volunteering, there’s no better time than now to start your search.

Know Your Rights: Flight Cancellations and Delays

November 1, 2024

According to the Bureau of Transportation, almost 1.4 million U.S. flights were delayed in 2023, which is 20 percent of all domestic flights. Nearly 90,000 were outright canceled. Previously, airlines were not required to compensate travelers if their flight was delayed or canceled. They only had to provide compensation if they moved or bumped passengers from an overbooked flight. However, as of April 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final rule requiring airlines to refund travelers who have had significant flight delays or changes, including cancellations.

Since even the smallest change can derail your entire trip, it’s important to know what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled and what rights you have as a traveler. Here’s everything you need to know if your flight is delayed or canceled.

How to Receive a Refund in the Event of Significant Changes

Under the new final rule, airlines must refund passengers when their flight is “significantly changed.” Significant changes include:

• A domestic arrival time altered by more than three hours and six hours for international flights
• Departures and arrivals moved to different airports
• An increase in connecting flights
• Service class downgrades, such as from first or business class to economy
• Any changes to accessibility for those with disabilities, such as to less accessible airplanes

When the airline cancels your flight less than 14 days before your departure, and you want to cancel your plans entirely, the airline must refund you, even if your tickets are non-refundable.

To try and receive compensation for a significantly changed flight, the first step is calling the airline’s customer service line. A little-known trick is to call the airline’s international numbers to avoid long wait times. “While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly,” says Nick Ewen, content director at The Points Guys. “During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help,” he says.

Another option is to use the airline’s app directly from your cellular phone, which allows you to easily rebook your flight for free. You may also visit the customer service desk at the airport, but in the event of flight delays, the line will likely be long.

“It’s good for people to know they have rights,” says Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog for the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “That way, they’re empowered to stand up for themselves,” she says. When the airline cancels your flight, they must provide a prompt refund within seven to 20 days, depending on the initial form of payment. “You don’t have to accept a rebooking, voucher or anything,” Murray says. “They have to give you a refund if that’s what you want,” she says.

How to Work With the Airline When You Want to Continue on Your Trip

If you’d rather continue your trip instead of receiving a refund, the airline will usually offer to rebook you on another flight with their airline. Still, the departure date and time will differ from your original ticket. Airlines can book your flight with a different airline, but they are not required. It never hurts to ask if switching airlines for a more convenient flight is possible. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

A significant change to your flight can become an expensive nuisance when other unexpected costs may arise in the event of altered travel plans, such as meals, lodging, and other forms of transportation. Airlines are also not required to help with these additional unforeseen costs. It’s within their discretion to offer vouchers for meals or lodging, so it’s always worth asking. Most major airlines will cover meals when there’s a delay of three hours or more, and many will cover a hotel stay in the event of overnight cancellations. In most cases, the airline would rather work with you than lose your business.

How to Avoid the Odds of Travel Troubles

There are three things any traveler can do when booking their initial flight to avoid travel troubles: book early flights, avoid connecting flights, and choose airlines that offer multiple flights per day to your destination. To reduce the odds of issues with your flight, it’s best to plan on flying early in the day. Airlines generally experience the least disruptions earlier in the day. Plus, if there is a change, then there’s more time in the day to make alternate plans.

When making your initial flight plans, avoid connecting flights. Connecting flights increase the odds of being stranded somewhere in between your arrival destination when there are unforeseen changes to flight departure times. Choosing an airline with multiple flight departures to your desired destination is another smart way to plan. If your original flight is canceled or significantly delayed, it may be easier for the airline to get you where you need to go if they have multiple flights available that day to where you’re headed.

If you get delayed between your original departure city and final destination, it is wise to plan overnight accommodations even before you book your new flight. That’s because in the event of several delays and canceled flights, lodging in the area will fill up quickly, and no one wants to sleep in the airport. “If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options,” Ewen says, “grab a hotel room near the airport before they’re all taken.”

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Planning for a vacation can be as fun as taking the vacation itself. To keep the joy in your travel, make all of your plans well ahead of time, including plans for the unexpected. With Insureyouknow.org, you may store your destination research, itineraries, and travel needs in one easy-to-access place. That way, you can focus on the trip ahead.

Changing Your Exercise Routine After 50

October 15, 2024

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, American adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, in addition to at least two muscle-strengthening activities a week. The recommendations are based on evidence that shows a link between a sedentary lifestyle and an increase in all-cause mortality.

As you grow older, your body and lifestyle change, so it makes sense that your exercise routine should change as well. The benefits of regular exercise on physical and mental health are numerous, including improved cognitive function, alleviating depression, muscle mass and bone density maintenance, and reduced risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Most importantly, exercising as you age can help you maintain your independence and improve your overall quality of life.

What to Consider Before Getting Started

Before beginning any new exercise routine, it’s important to check with your doctor first. “If you have any medical conditions, always see your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program,” says Karol Watson, a cardiologist at UCLA. Patients with arthritis, for instance, could find high-impact exercise bothersome for their joints, so their physician might recommend low-impact cardiovascular activities, such as walking or swimming. In contrast, patients with high blood pressure might need to avoid heavy weightlifting until they’ve received clearance from their doctor.

After checking with your doctor, another thing to consider is your lifestyle outside of the new exercise routine. In order to maintain your ability to exercise and promote recovery, you’ll need to think about taking care of your body before and after physical activity. “That includes being hydrated and fueling your body with nutritious food,” says Elizabeth Gardner, an orthopedic surgeon at Yale. “It also includes stretching both before and after your workout to help keep your muscles happy and prevent injury.”

Walking is the Number One Recommendation

For heart health, Watson says walking is the number one type of movement she tells all of her patients to begin doing once they hit the age of 50. That’s because walking is the most foundational, universal workout that almost anyone can do. “The best way to start out with an exercise program is with regular walking,” Watson says. “Walking has all of the same health benefits of more intense exercises such as running.” You may receive the benefits faster with running, but the benefits remain the same, including working all of the same muscles. Even better, walking isn’t as risky for older fitness goers as it’s associated with lower rates of injury. Since it’s a low-impact exercise, walking is far easier on the joints than running, where you’re pounding the pavement repetitively.

Walking is something anyone can do no matter where they live, whether urban or rural, and it doesn’t require a gym membership so there are no financial barriers. Plus, spending time outdoors for activity increases the benefits of exercise through increased sunlight and nature exposure. Just because walking is simple doesn’t mean it has to be boring, as there are many ways to vary your walking, like increasing your pace, walking on an incline to incorporate a resistance factor, or giving Nordic walking a try, where you incorporate ski-like poles for more of a total-body workout. Walking doesn’t just have to be part of your workout. Incorporating bursts of walking throughout your day is also beneficial.

Swimming for Overall Health

Swimming is another low-impact exercise that can be done outside if you swim in a natural body of water or outdoor pool. It is one of the few exercises that work the entire body while also improving cardiovascular function. If you don’t find the repetitive motion of swimming laps enjoyable, then a water aerobics class, which has similar benefits, might be a better fit for you.

For those over 50, there are a multitude of health benefits to swimming, such as an increase in lung capacity. Since lung capacity naturally decreases as you age, which can make it more difficult to breathe, regular swimming can improve your overall respiratory function. One of the most surprising health benefits of swimming is improved brain function. As swimming increases blood flow to the brain, the production of new brain cells is stimulated, which improves mental clarity and focus and can help prevent age-related cognitive declines.

Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi for Balance

While yoga, pilates, and tai chi will improve your balance, which becomes increasingly important as you age in preventing falls, all three of these activities also represent a good balance between getting both a physical and mental workout. While all forms of exercise have mental health benefits, yoga, pilates, and tai chi are designed to be particularly meditative. Stretching and mobility exercises such as these will improve your flexibility and joint range of motion, all contributing to preventing injuries.

While both yoga and tai chi will strengthen your core, pilates is known for being an excellent core workout. Having a strong core helps with back and joint pain, posture, and even respiratory function. Many people don’t even realize their cores’ weakness until they try Pilates. “We humans tend to live along a single plane of movement, working the same muscles daily,” says Houston Methodist athletic trainer Leanne Wonesh. “These repetitive movements are what make us so leg and chest dominant. The goal of Pilates is to balance your muscles by targeting and strengthening the ones you don’t usually use in your day-to-day life but would benefit from them being stronger,” she says.

Dancing Your Way to Health

You can easily do dancing at home or a class in your community. When you dance with others, you’ll not only be getting the benefits that come from moving your body, but you’ll be bonding with others as well. You may try ballet, salsa, or tap dance classes on your own and meet others to dance with in class, or if you have a partner, ballroom classes will cover a variety of styles perfect for beginners.

Besides being a form of exercise that you may greatly enjoy, the physical benefits include improved balance, mobility, and reduced joint pain. According to a Saint Louis University study, just two dance sessions per week reduced the amount of pain medication needed by those over 80. In addition to its physicality, dancing also gives your brain a workout. It involves quick decision-making and having to memorize routines and steps, which can create new neural pathways in the brain and help keep the brain cognitively fit.

When to Include Resistance Training

After adapting to some form of aerobic activity, stretching, and some balancing exercises, then it’s time to add at least two sessions of resistance training per week to your exercise routine. A comprehensive exercise plan that includes both cardio that gets your heart rate up and strength training will yield the best results for your overall health. Resistance exercises can include movements that utilize your body weight, like push-ups and squats, resistance machines that you’ll find in a gym, and weight training with dumbbells. If you’re not sure where to begin, then invest in a few sessions with a personal trainer who will make sure you do the right exercises for your goals, as well as show you how to do them correctly to avoid injury.

Insureyouknow.org Perhaps the most important thing about exercising is finding the ones that you’ll stick with because you enjoy them. An active lifestyle includes activities like gardening, walking the dog, and playing with your children and grandchildren. If you’re a social person, then finding someone to workout with can make exercise more enjoyable. If you like sports, then tennis or golf may be more your style. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep track of the exercises you try out, analyze the progress you make, and store all of your health records in one place. By prioritizing exercise as you age, you’ll experience a multitude of benefits to your overall health.

Intergenerational Care Benefits Everyone Involved

September 29, 2024

September is Intergeneration Month, launched by The Intergenerational Foundation, to connect generations and urge people from varying age groups to socialize. The idea behind recognizing Intergeneration Month each September is to promote learning from each other, such as gaining a better understanding of history and the challenges that separate generations. By connecting with different age groups across generations, unlikely friendships form between those who would otherwise never have communicated with each other. 

People balancing raising young children and caring for aging parents may consider looking into what intergenerational daycare can offer. Facilities that provide both child care and senior care are on the rise, and that’s probably because, in addition to being a convenient solution for caretakers, the benefits to each age group are numerous.

If you’re considering Intergenerational Care for your loved ones, here’s everything you need to know. 

What is Intergenerational Care?

Intergenerational care centers provide care for both young children and older adults. “It’s also referred to as a ‘shared site,’” says  Merle Griff, the director of McKinley Center Intergenerational Project. “In many cases, there’s a senior area on one side of the building, a child care area on the other, and a hallway connecting the two. At various points during the day, they come together,” she says. The care provided can take on several forms, but at the core, it’s a service offered to multiple generations to provide care in one place across age groups.

The benefits of multi-generational care include forming connections between people who have a lot to teach one another and who would have otherwise never been allowed to meet. “It brings younger and older people together to increase social connectedness, enhance well-being for the benefit of all ages, and strengthen the web of support that is so integral to families and communities,” says Sheri Steinig, the director of Generations United. “People of different ages come together to learn, play, grow, and interact in planned intergenerational activities as well as through informal encounters,” she says.

The Different Kinds of Intergenerational Care

While intergenerational care means care across generations, the services provided vary. “There are many settings for intergenerational care,” says Steinig. “There can be programs at community centers and schools or care in daycare centers, retirement communities, nursing homes or assisted living and affordable housing,” she says. You may even provide intergenerational care in the form of a multigenerational household where more than two generations live. One in four American households are already multigenerational.

Intergenerational care centers look more like daycare facilities with adult daycare services or nursing home locations. “Each center is run their own way,” says Griff. “There are typically planned, structured interactions during the day,” she says. Both age groups are usually not combined for the entire day. Daily intergenerational activities may look like a combined sport, arts and crafts activity, comparison presentations between then and now, or even cradling opportunities, where seniors are paired with infants to rock and soothe to sleep. To date, there are fewer care centers than intergenerational programs. While there are only 150 sites across the country, care centers are expected to grow in popularity. For instance, The Mount Intergenerational Learning Center, a Seattle preschool within a nursing home, reports having over 400 children on their waiting list.

Intergenerational care programs are structured pairings between children of various ages and older adults. Programs such as these are designed to foster relationships between youth and seniors. It could be a pen pal program between elementary school kids and seniors, college students visiting nursing homes, multi-age choirs, or veterans going to schools to talk to students about their experiences.

To find a program such as this or a care center in your area, Generations United offers a search tool.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Bonds

Many grandparents live thousands of miles away from their grandchildren while aging adults live several states away from their children. According to a study from the University of California San Francisco, 43% of older adults report experiencing loneliness, and those who feel lonely are at a 59% increased risk of declining health.

That’s when intergenerational care can help. Older adults experience a sense of purpose and renewal after spending time with and helping young people. It helps seniors feel like they are not just receiving care but offering care. “Despite the dementia diagnosis, the maternal and paternal instincts can still kick in, and the seniors feel a sense of purpose,” says Jenna Hauss, the president of ONEgeneration. “They can care for others. They don’t always need to be cared for,” she says.

It isn’t just older generations that benefit from the connection. Children who spend time around older adults have fewer biases around such things as walkers and wheelchairs and become more comfortable with these differences. Multigenerational care promotes sensitivity among both age groups. Parents notice that their children are more empathetic, while older adults experience less loneliness, reduced agitation, and improved overall health.

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Intergenerational care addresses two important needs: early childcare and the increasing demand for senior services, but the benefits of this combined service reap rewards far beyond caretaking. Research is proving that both age groups experience different perks from intergenerational connections. If this sounds like it might be the right fit for you and your loved ones, Insureyouknow.org can help you search for care by storing all of your research, financial information, and medical records in one easy-to-review place.

Elections 101 for Seniors

September 15, 2024

It can be difficult to get to the polls no matter your age, but that doesn’t mean anyone should forego their right to vote. In America, voting is a right possessed by every citizen and is one that should not be taken for granted. In many ways, voting is easier than ever, and senior citizens’ votes count more than most. So if you’re an older adult or family member of a senior citizen, it’s important to learn about all of the ways to vote in your state.

Seniors Actually Have the Voting Advantage

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (or AARP), a recent poll showed that voters aged 50 and over will decide the 2024 elections. People over the age of 65 make up the most reliable voting group, and the group with the largest voter turnout has the power to sway the election. The Pew Foundation found that voter turnout during the 2020 presidential election was at a decades-high level, with more than 158.4 million people, or 62% of U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, coming out to vote.

Since U.S. voter turnout actually increases with age, particularly during presidential elections, political campaigns often target older voters. While younger voters can be motivated by certain candidates, older generations have paid consistent attention to long-term policy issues. Senior citizens are especially concerned about changes to Social Security and Medicare, which serve as strong motivators for them to vote.

Seniors Have a Lot to be Motivated About

Senior citizens are the recipients of Social Security and Medicare, which both directly affect their finances and hence make them particularly attuned to policy changes. If they think one candidate winning the election may result in cuts to these programs, that’s a huge motivator to vote. In addition to Social Security and Medicare, the AARP poll found that seniors are also concerned about threats to democracy, the rising cost of caregiving, and the high costs of prescription drugs.

Because of these concerns, older voters view the government as playing a significant role in their lives. Senior citizens tend to be more well-informed about political issues than their younger counterparts. “Interest groups like the (AARP) and others serve to organize for the interest of senior citizens,” says Cleveland, Ohio law professor Atiba Ellis. “Other age demographics don’t have interest groups that seek to motivate participation from across an entire age demographic.”

Often, senior citizens have been members of their community for a long time. The longer someone has been a resident has a direct correlation to feelings of being tied to and invested in their communities. These strong social ties contribute to higher voting rates. Older voters are often more interested in the future of their neighborhoods, so they become politically engaged. “Many older Americans serve as poll workers or volunteer in campaigns,” says director of pre-law at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh Kristen Coopie. “These types of engagement naturally lead to their participation in elections.”

There’s Always Absentee Voting, Mail-In Ballots, and Early Voting

Absentee voting is made available for people who can’t make it to the polls on election day due to a disability or reasonable inability to make it. In order to absentee vote, you must register to do so and request an absentee ballot. When you request an absentee ballot, you must choose from a list of accepted “excuses” to not vote in person. In some states, simply being 65 or older is a valid reason for requesting an absentee ballot. In states that don’t allow age itself to be a reason, seniors may still qualify under another reason, such as illness or disability, so it’s definitely worth looking into. Many states even offer no-excuse absentee ballots, where you may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason at all.

Voting by mail makes it possible to vote when it might be impossible or difficult to make it to the polls. As long as you’re registered to vote and your state offers mail-in ballots, then you may be able to conveniently vote by mail. Your local voter registration office will know if your state offers mail-in ballots. Even before the pandemic, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Hawaii voted by mail, so if you live in one of these states, your ballot is automatically mailed to you. If you can vote by mail and choose to vote, make sure you request your ballot early and mail it in on time.

If you’re not sure about your state’s rules around absentee voting and mail-in ballots, Senior Living has compiled a list of states and what each offers their voters.

If it’s still possible for you to go to the polls or you’d prefer voting in person, then early voting allows you to exercise your right to vote and avoid the crowds. Early voting can provide a sense of relief that you’ve taken care of voting ahead of time and don’t need to worry about missing out on election day. Early voting locations and times will differ from those on election day, so just check local calendars beforehand to find the poll that will work best for you.

Help Getting to the Polls

Your state’s voter registration office wants everyone to vote and will likely be a wealth of resources for you in getting your vote cast. For instance, if getting transportation to the polls or getting into the polls is a concern for you, they will likely know which voting locations will offer curbside voting, as well as be willing to help you find transportation to cast your vote. For instance, the National Council for Aging partnered with Lyft during the 2022 midterm elections to provide free rideshare coupons for seniors needing rides to the poll. Seniors may also ask their family members or caregivers for help getting to the polls on election day or during early voting periods.

Insureyouknow.org The right to vote for every American, including seniors, is vital to protecting our democracy. While it can be an added to errand to get your vote in, it’s one that can be immensely fulfilling and should be thought of as a privilege rather than a tedious to-do. If you’re a senior concerned about getting to the polls or getting your vote cast, contact your state’s voter registration office with your concerns. With Insureyouknow.org, family members and caregivers can keep track of their voter’s registration, scheduling, and transportation needs. This year, make voting a family priority by planning to vote together during the upcoming 2024 elections.