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	<title>Living Out Of Debt &#187; Terry Stanfield</title>
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	<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog</link>
	<description>Tips and tricks to get and keep you out of debt</description>
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		<title>Launch A New Hobby And Make Extra Bucks By Selling Off Old Jewelery</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/launch-a-new-hobby-and-make-extra-bucks-by-selling-off-old-jewelery/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/launch-a-new-hobby-and-make-extra-bucks-by-selling-off-old-jewelery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:35:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Daniel Mikes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash for gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash for watches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gold to jewelery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gold to sell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make money selling gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell diamonds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell watches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling gold]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/launch-a-new-hobby-and-make-extra-bucks-by-selling-off-old-jewelery/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It happens to be a recognized fact that gold is selling for very high prices right now. During a high market like this, there is no better time to sell gold that you have laying around the house. It can potential net you a fair amount of cash.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It happens to be a recognized fact that gold is selling for very high prices right now. During a high market like this, there is no better time to sell gold that you have laying around the house. It can potential net you a fair amount of cash.</p>
<p>Many of us find it to be a snag when it comes down to locating a good place to sell their gold. Not knowing a lot about this type of process can make you a bit reluctant to go mailing off gold items to a business hundreds of miles away.</p>
<p>A lot of people feel that taking there gold in to an actual shop is the safest way to do this. These little shops are usually in the resale side of things and will never offer you a price that represents the actual value of your items. When you sell to large refiners you can actually end up getting double the amount a brick and mortar location would offer.</p>
<p>Selling old gold jewelry using the net can often bring to you a pretty large sum of money. A gold refiner can offer you the highest dollar for gold as well as silver and platinum too. The base their offer on the actual value of the gold you send them.</p>
<p>Now before you rush off to find somewhere to mail your gold off to, look for a company you can completely trust. The company you choose should have a good track record and have been in business more than just a few months. The longer a company has been around, the better they are going to be able to deal with customers.</p>
<p>The way this whole process works is very easy to understand. You go to the website of the company you choose and request one of their shipping envelopes. When it arrives you drop your gold inside and mail it back to the company. Don&#8217;t worry, postage is usually covered. Once your gold is received it is evaluated and a check is printed in the amount the refiner is willing to pay. They mail this check to you and you are done. Some companies are now also doing PayPal transaction meaning you get your money even faster.</p>
<p>There couldn&#8217;t be a better time to clean out that old jewelery box. More and more companies are coming to light and making this process as safe as possible. Do your research and find one you can trust. Better yet, look for one that is also paying a percentage bonus if you want to earn even more money for getting rid of stuff you don&#8217;t want anymore.</p>
<p>Do you have questions about how to<a href="http://www.andresfinejewelers.com">sell gold</a>? Visit Andres Fine Jewelers us today and for more information on how <a href="http://www.andresfinejewelers.com/index.php">selling gold</a> can help in tough economic times!</p>
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		<title>Learn To Sell Gold The Easy Way</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/learn-to-sell-gold-the-easy-way/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/learn-to-sell-gold-the-easy-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:49:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>George Baily</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash for gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash for watches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gold to jewelery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gold to sell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make money selling gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell diamonds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell gold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sell watches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling gold]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/learn-to-sell-gold-the-easy-way/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It truly is a well known fact that gold is selling for very high prices right now. During a high market like this, there is no better time to sell gold that you have laying around the house. It can potential net you a fair amount of cash.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It truly is a well known fact that gold is selling for very high prices right now. During a high market like this, there is no better time to sell gold that you have laying around the house. It can potential net you a fair amount of cash.</p>
<p>The problem that many people face is finding a reputable place to actually sell their gold. It is easily understandable as to why you might be apprehensive about dropping those items in the mail.</p>
<p>Lots of people feel that taking there gold in to an actual shop is the safest way to do this. These little shops are usually in the resale side of things and will never offer you a price that represents the actual value of your items. When you sell to large refiners you can actually end up getting double the amount a brick and mortar location would offer.</p>
<p>Going online to sell your gold is a good way to find yourself getting a large check in the mail. The refiners we referred to above offer the top prices for gold. They also buy silver and platinum as well. They base the amount paid out on how much your items are actually worth, this nets you a bigger profit.</p>
<p>Before leaping right in and sending your gold to just any online company, you first need to locate one you can rely on. Make sure the company you choose has a good history and has been around for a while. The longer a firm has been in the gold buying industry, the better the service usually is.</p>
<p>The way this whole process works is very easy to understand. You go to the website of the company you choose and request one of their shipping envelopes. When it arrives you drop your gold inside and mail it back to the company. Don&#8217;t worry, postage is usually covered. Once your gold is received it is evaluated and a check is printed in the amount the refiner is willing to pay. They mail this check to you and you are done. Some companies are now also doing Paypal transaction meaning you get your money even faster.</p>
<p>Right now is the perfect time for selling your gold and it is now safer than ever to do so. With more and more companies surfacing, there are a lot of options as to where you can take your business. Keep your eye out for those that are offering bonuses for taking your business to them, this can bring in even more money for the gold you no longer want.</p>
<p>Do you have questions about how to<a href="http://www.andresfinejewelers.com">sell gold</a>? Visit Andres Fine Jewelers us today and for more information on how <a href="http://www.andresfinejewelers.com/index.php">selling gold</a> can help in tough economic times!</p>
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		<title>Who Can Afford Long Term Care Insurance?</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/who-can-afford-long-term-care-insurance/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/who-can-afford-long-term-care-insurance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:39:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terry Stanfield</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby boomers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/who-can-afford-long-term-care-insurance/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Insurance is a wonderful thing. It gives us the peace of mind knowing that someone has our back, and it provides us with the security we need in the event of an accident that can alter the course of our lives. Long-term care insurance is no different, but many feel they cannot get it because they do not know how they will afford long-term care insurance. The question then comes up about who can afford long-term care insurance.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Insurance is a wonderful thing. It gives us the peace of mind knowing that someone has our back, and it provides us with the security we need in the event of an accident that can alter the course of our lives. Long-term care insurance is no different, but many feel they cannot get it because they do not know how they will afford long-term care insurance. The question then comes up about who can afford long-term care insurance.</p>
<p>Many will wait for their near retirement to get long-term care insurance, because at that point the prospect of needing help with activities that we take for granted are only a decade or more away. As a result, many of those who get long-term care insurance are past the age of retirement and they are the ones who pay into it.</p>
<p>However, it is important for the young to understand that long-term care insurance is incredibly important for them as well. Anything can happen in the future and nothing is certain. Nearly half of the people who collect on long-term care insurance are individuals who are below the age of 65. This is because accidents or illnesses that require an individual to seek help with day-to-day activities, even for only a few months, are needed at any age.</p>
<p>So, who can afford long-term care insurance? Well, the short answer is that everyone can. When you are young, you will be able to get long-term care insurance at reduced premiums because there is a much smaller chance you will need it before you are 70. However, if you wait until you are 65, you will pay more. You should look at paying for long-term care insurance the minute you can comfortably do so, and when you have enough finances and assets that you want to protect from a possible life-altering disability. You do not want to be in a situation where you cannot afford to pay your premiums, so you need to wait until you can afford to do so, without setting yourself back. Generally, at that point in your life, you will also have enough finances and assets that you will want to protect them in the event that you need long-term care.</p>
<p>Summary Long-term care is an important part of any future planning for an individual and their family. It will ensure that in the event you need long-term care, you will be covered by the long-term care insurance. However, not being able to afford long-term care insurance can be a problem, but there are so many options to go through with long-term care insurance, you should be able to find at least something that will assist you in the event you need it.</p>
<p>Try and get the insurance when you are younger because it will cost much less, but if you can&#8217;t, try and get it, even the lowest plan, at some point. Remember, even a little bit of long-term care insurance is better than none, so look into getting the long-term care insurance that will give you the peace of mind you need.</p>
<p>You should just ask for help from an insurance representative who specializes in long term care insurance to answer any questions.</p>
<p>Before you go out and buy a policy go to <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com">Long Term Care Insurance</a>, ask questions and request a <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com/quote">long term care insurance quote</a>. We represent 20 of the top LTCi providers. This gives you tremendous options.</p>
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		<title>Long Term Insurance Fraud: How To Avoid It</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/long-term-insurance-fraud-how-to-avoid-it/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/long-term-insurance-fraud-how-to-avoid-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:10:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terry Stanfield</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby boomers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Long Term Insurance Fraud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/long-term-insurance-fraud-how-to-avoid-it/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We do not live in a perfect world and the risk of fraud exists. It may be a fraud through a company offering you products, or it may be fraud through con artists, but the sad truth is it exists. Long-term care insurance is not exempt from the risk of fraud, and there are those out there who will try and benefit off your misfortune and leave you with nothing. One of the important things you can learn from the mistakes of others is how to avoid being a victim of insurance fraud.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We do not live in a perfect world and the risk of fraud exists. It may be a fraud through a company offering you products, or it may be fraud through con artists, but the sad truth is it exists. Long-term care insurance is not exempt from the risk of fraud, and there are those out there who will try and benefit off your misfortune and leave you with nothing. One of the important things you can learn from the mistakes of others is how to avoid being a victim of insurance fraud.</p>
<p>Obviously, the first thing anyone should consider when they are thinking of getting long-term care insurance is research. Researching a company is one of the best ways to prevent long-term insurance fraud. When you look at the record of a company, you will be given a clear indication of how they will treat you and your money.</p>
<p>You should look into the financial rating of a company to determine how legit it is, and how stable it is. Standard &amp; Poor determines the strength of insurance companies, as well as giving detailed financial profiles on thousands of insurance companies. You can also look at Fitch Ratings, which give financial strength ratings for many insurance companies.</p>
<p>When you decide on a long-term care insurance policy, make sure you get the policy when you meet with the insurance broker. Do not fall for the line of &#8216;It is all in the brochure.&#8217; Usually, it is not. You should be able to get the policy, in writing, when you meet with the broker and before you sign it, make sure you read it very carefully, even if you have to take it home to do so.</p>
<p>When you get a policy, you are asked for a month&#8217;s premium up front to process the application. If you choose not to accept the policy or you are declined, you should get your money back in full.</p>
<p>You can also talk to friends of yours to find out what insurance company they go through for their own long-term care insurance policies, if they do. However, do not accept their word because they could be victims of long-term insurance fraud and not even know it yet. Just research the company and if you find out something troubling, let them know. Conclusion Long-term care insurance is one of the best things you can do to make sure you are not a financial burden on your family. However, you do not want to give someone your money and find out later that you were a victim of fraud. Then, with all the money you put in, you come up with nothing and that is a horrible situation to be in. Do your research, ask questions, don&#8217;t sign anything without reading it and always make clear what you expect up front. If you do this, you should be okay and be able to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of long-term care insurance fraud. You should just ask for help from an insurance representative who specializes in long term care insurance to answer any questions.</p>
<p>Before you go out and buy a policy go to <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com">Long Term Care Insurance</a>, ask questions and request a <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com/quote">long term care insurance quote</a>. We represent 20 of the top LTCi providers. This gives you tremendous options.</p>
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		<title>What Long Term Care Insurance Can Do for You</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/what-long-term-care-insurance-can-do-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/what-long-term-care-insurance-can-do-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:57:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terry Stanfield</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care insurance guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[long term care insurance quote]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior health care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/what-long-term-care-insurance-can-do-for-you/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As people begin to live longer lives, the need for long term care has become apparent. You have probably noticed long term care facilities in your area. These range from full service facilities where people who are incapacitated can have round the clock medical care to assisted living where some folks are independent but need help once in a while.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As people begin to live longer lives, the need for long term care has become apparent. You have probably noticed long term care facilities in your area. These range from full service facilities where people who are incapacitated can have round the clock medical care to assisted living where some folks are independent but need help once in a while.</p>
<p>The baby boomers are beginning to age and the need for long term care has become apparent. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 70 percent of people will need long term care at one time in their lives. Yet insurance does not pay for most of this care. In many cases, a person has to use up all of their hard earned savings, money that they maybe wanted to leave to their children, and pay for nursing home care.</p>
<p>Once someone has basically bankrupted themselves by paying for their care, they have to go on public aid. In many cases, they are then transferred to another facility which may be far from their home. This can make it difficult for loved ones to visit with them, only adding to the misery of trying to recover from illness. If the person does get well, they find that they have nothing left &#8211; no home, no savings and no possessions. Everything went to pay for their care.</p>
<p>When you work all of your life, you want to leave something behind to your loved ones after you are gone. You do not want to burden them with debt. Yet many adult children of those who need long term care are paying $150 a day to keep their parents in decent long term care facilities.</p>
<p>This is the reason why you need long term care insurance. Yes, you would like to live to a ripe old age, save your pension and die in your sleep. Unfortunately, it doesn&#8217;t always work that way. Chances are very great that you will end up needing some long term care. This is why it is wise to get insurance.</p>
<p>If you are counting on Medicare to pay for your long term care, forget it. Medicare will not cover these costs entirely. For the most part, you will be on your own. And $150 a day is not unreasonable for the care that you will require in a long term care facility.</p>
<p>Before you go out and buy a policy go to <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com">Long Term Care Insurance</a>, ask questions and request a <a href="http://www.longtermcareinsurance-guide.com">long term care insurance quote</a>. We represent 20 of the top LTCi providers. This gives you tremendous options.</p>
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		<title>How Not To Get Scammed When Investing In Natural Gas</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/how-not-to-get-scammed-when-investing-in-natural-gas/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/how-not-to-get-scammed-when-investing-in-natural-gas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terry Stanfield</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investing in oil and gas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oil and gas exploration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oil and gas investment benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oil and gas investment risks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oil and gas investments]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/how-not-to-get-scammed-when-investing-in-natural-gas/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you are investing in natural gas or natural gas exploration, you are a partner in a project that is digging for this natural resource which is something that we all need. With the push to find cleaner fuel to heat our homes and run our cars, as well as the elimination of the overwhelming dependence on foreign oil, investing in natural gas is a viable investment option. On top of that, there are tax benefits involved in this type of investing that make even a losing project one that can net you money.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='byline'>by Terry Stanfield</div>
<p>When you are investing in natural gas or natural gas exploration, you are a partner in a project that is digging for this natural resource which is something that we all need. With the push to find cleaner fuel to heat our homes and run our cars, as well as the elimination of the overwhelming dependence on foreign oil, investing in natural gas is a viable investment option. On top of that, there are tax benefits involved in this type of investing that make even a losing project one that can net you money.   </p>
<p> But there are also ways to get scammed when you are considering investing in natural gas or natural gas exploration. This is why is it so important to look at the following when you are considering this type of investment:  </p>
<p> Look at the company closely  </p>
<p> Make sure that the company with whom you choose to invest is one that has been around for a while and has a good record in this field. There are plenty of people out there who will try to get you to put up money for a wildcat drilling project that stands little chance of making a strike and finding natural gas. Look for companies that are respected in the field and close to home before you make such an investment.  </p>
<p> Understand what you are getting  </p>
<p> You will not be financing the entire project. When you make an investment for natural gas exploration, you can consider yourself a partner in this endeavor. You should be able to understand the terms of the contract and just exactly what you are entitled to if the project pays off. If you do not understand the contract, you should seek legal counsel to explain to you what you are signing. You want to be sure that you invest in a company that is on the up and up when it comes to looking for natural gas.   </p>
<p> Understand the tax benefits  </p>
<p> One of the most positive aspects about investing in natural gas exploration is that there are numerous tax benefits to go along with this type of investing. Because natural gas discovery is something that has a benefit for the entire nation, the government is eager to encourage individuals to invest in something that can be of great benefit for millions of people. You may want to talk over the tax benefits of investing in natural gas exploration with your accountant. In this type of investment, even a losing project ends up netting you money in tax breaks.   </p>
<p> You can safely invest in natural gas exploration if you follow the aforementioned steps, do your homework on natural gas exploration and choose a company that has a proven track record in this field.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Visit Evans Energy&#8217;s site for information on <a href="http://www.evansenergyonline.com">oil and gas exploration</a> and <a href="http://www.evansenergyonline.com/InvestingInEnergy.aspx">oil and gas investments</a>.</div>
</div>
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		<title>Long Term Care Simplified</title>
		<link>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/long-term-care-simplified/</link>
		<comments>http://livingoutofdebt.com/blog/personalfinance/long-term-care-simplified/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 07:08:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terry Stanfield</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[a]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby boomers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[f]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[h]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[What is Long-Term Care?  When people consider the subject of long-term care, they often think about nursing homes. In fact, long-term care has little to do with nursing homes.  Understanding the difference can help you protect your family and finances.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='byline'>by Terry Stanfield</div>
<p>What is Long-Term Care?  When people consider the subject of long-term care, they often think about nursing homes. In fact, long-term care has little to do with nursing homes.  Understanding the difference can help you protect your family and finances.</p>
<p>The Consequences of Living Longer</p>
<p>Long-term care is a continuum of care services and housing that you will need later in life. Think you won&#8217;t live a long life? Think back 25 years ago. If you had cancer or a stroke, you simply died. Few ever heard of Alzheimer&#8217;s. Today, it is the leading cause for long-term care services. The longer you live, the more likely you are to need care. The question is not who will take care of you, because your family will most often, but rather what will that care do to your family and finances.</p>
<p>Long-Term Care is Usually Custodial Care</p>
<p>Long-term care is defined as needing assistance with your activities of daily living (toileting, bathing, dressing, eating, transferring from one point to another, and continence). It also includes cognitive impairment so severe that the individual needs constant supervision. If you need custodial care, chances are it will be delivered in the community, not in a nursing home. Many of you have heard compelling statistics from The New England Journal of Medicine stating that 43% of those over age 65 will need nursing home care. What the article actually said is that that number may spend some time in a facility. The fact is, few end their days in one.  Every study conducted finds that care is overwhelmingly provided at home. The key question, of course, is who is going to pay for it?  Who Covers the Cost?</p>
<p>Medicare &amp; VA</p>
<p>Medicare, the primary health care program for retirees pays only for skilled or rehabilitative care, not custodial care in any venue. Medicaid, a federal and state program for financially needy individuals will pay for custodial care, but primarily in nursing homes. Funding for home care and assisted living is very limited and based on availability of funds. Veterans believe that the VA will pay for home care, adult day care, or assisted living. As with Medicaid, funding is limited and generally based on service-related disability. In fact, the federal government has as much said this to veterans by encouraging them to purchase long-term care insurance through the new Federal Long-Term Care Insurance program.  The result is that consumers are forced to pay privately for their care. Unfortunately, the best thought-out retirement plan rarely takes into consideration living a long life. Put another way, those assets and income have been allocated to pay for retirement, not for the consequences of living a long life. This results in the need to invade principal and divert income.  As a result, one of a seniors&#8217; greatest fear, outliving their assets, literally may come true.</p>
<p>The Role of Long-Term Care Insurance</p>
<p>The use of long-term care insurance thus becomes an important part of planning for disability caused by living a long life. The product has two roles: helping keep families together and allowing your retirement portfolio to execute for the purpose for which it was intended, namely retirement.  From a family perspective, who will provide your care? Like it or not, children will play a key role. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) doesn&#8217;t replace the need for family involvement in providing care but rather builds on it. It pays professionals to assist the person with the toughest tasks such as toileting, bathing, feeding and continence. This, in turn, allows the family to provide care better and longer at home. That leads to a critical question: have YOU planned for the consequences of living a long life?  From a financial point of view, LTCI allows your retirement plan to stay intact. That is particularly important given the recent steep decline in portfolio value. The product, in effect, protects the balance of your account value. LTCI also protects income. Although you may qualify for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs by transferring assets, your income (pension, social security, IRA and or 401k payout) cannot be protected. When buying this insurance, look for a long-term care specialist. Consider their training, educational credentials, and commitment to help solve your long-term care needs. The key is whether they talk first about a plan or a product. If they are interested in the plan, you are dealing with a professional. If they focus first on product and price, consider getting another opinion.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Before you go out and buy a policy go to <a href="http://www.insurance-e-quote.com">Long Term Care Insurance Quote</a>, ask questions and request a<a href="http://www.insurance-e-quote.com"> long term care insurance</a>. We represent 20 of the top LTCi providers. This gives you tremendous options.</div>
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