Okay, so they’re not a secret—it’s just that people don’t really know they’re out there. So this month I’m going to clue you in on some of the more “secret” benefits for seniors.

Debt is something that you do not want when reaching retirement. It can drain your funds that are supposed to sustain you for the rest of your life. But reducing debt before or during retirement can be difficult. Most advisers recommend first paying off debt with the highest interest rates, but Guy Baker, a financial planner in Irvine, CA, suggests to start small.

You probably know someone who has needed long-term care. Maybe you have witnessed a family member, friend or colleague struggle with the emotional and financial issues that can come with a long-term care experience. The truth is, no matter when the need arises, because of age, disability, or because of an unexpected illness or accident, long-term care can affect any age group, any social strata, and any geographic location. But what is it and how can you plan for it?

Sometimes home care by a loved on just isn’t an option. This is when seniors and their families may begin to consider a long-term care facility. In the next few posts I will discuss some questions to ask and what to consider when deciding on long-term care facilities.