Saving more for retirement is always a good idea, especially now.

Saving as much as possible, handling rollovers correctly and avoiding costly penalties are the keys to success.  See if you made any of these 8 big mistakes.

In 2009, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated that Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), a cornerstone of retirement savings, sank to a median value of less than $29,000 post-financial meltdown.

That leaves many Americans working even harder to recoup their losses and stay on track to make retirement a reality. The good news is that many people can increase their saving potential simply by learning more about IRA dos and don’ts.

“There’s no question that saving through an IRA is a strategic move, but it’s not quite as simple as ’set it and forget it,’” says J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner with USAA. “Staying aware of what to do and what not to do can really pay off, especially now, when you have the opportunity to invest and potentially save on your tax bill.”

Montanaro outlines eight of the most common mistakes IRA investors make when it comes to making the most of this retirement-saving tool:

1. Thinking you’ve missed the deadline: Though 2009 is over, it’s not too late to make your IRA contribution count toward this year’s tax bill. This year, you have until April 15 to make “2009″ IRA contributions and claim eligible deductions on your tax return.
2. Not contributing enough: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax deductible, within limits, so you can help secure your future and cut this year’s tax bill at the same time. If you’re younger than 50 years old, you can contribute up to $5,000 annually. Maxing it out makes for maximum tax savings.
3. Not playing catch-up: Age does have its rewards. If you’re 50 or older, you may be eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 (up to $6,000 per year) to an IRA account. This “catch-up” contribution offers a chance to kick your savings into overdrive.
4. Assuming you can’t contribute: If you’re a stay-at-home spouse, you can still open an IRA as long as contributions from both spouses don’t exceed your combined taxable compensation. A “spousal IRA” is especially handy when the working spouse is already covered by an employer retirement plan and can’t deduct IRA contributions. What you can deduct will depend on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), but every bit counts.
5. Rolling the wrong way: If you’ve recently switched jobs or lost your job, you can roll the funds from your old employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Just be sure the transfer is made directly from one custodian to the next – a direct rollover. If the payout goes to you first, it will be subject to a mandatory 20 percent withholding tax. Then, you’ll have only 60 days to move the funds you received, plus the 20 percent that was withheld, to a new account or you’ll have to pay income taxes on the distribution, plus an early withdrawal penalty if you’re not at least age 59 1/2.
6. Not considering a Roth: You might be able to save more on taxes in the long run by contributing to a Roth IRA instead of a Traditional IRA depending upon your tax situation. Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax deductible, but the Roth can provide tax-free withdrawals come retirement time. And starting this year, the income restrictions to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA have been eliminated, opening the door to millions more investors. Ask a trusted financial adviser if opening or converting to a Roth IRA would be the right move for you. It’s important to keep in mind that conversions from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are subject to ordinary income taxes, so it’s recommended that you consult with a tax advisor regarding your particular situation.
7. Withdrawing too early: Your IRA is designed to remain untouched until you reach age 59 1/2. If you make a withdrawal from your Traditional IRA before then, you’ll have to pay taxes on the income and investment earnings, and fork over a 10 percent penalty, with some exceptions. While a Roth IRA allows you to withdraw your contributions, not including earnings, at any time without taxes or penalties, you’ll thank yourself later for not raiding the piggy bank.
8. Procrastinating: More than any technicality, it’s plain old procrastination that hurts investors the most. Whether its uncertainty in the markets, cash flow concerns or the rising costs of college, there will always be excuses to put off this year’s IRA contribution. But time-honored investing principles show that consistent contributions – through good times and bad – provide the clearest path to long-term investing success. So make the commitment and take action to help secure your financial future now.

For complete IRA details, visit www.irs.gov and search for Publication 590.

–Article Courtesy of RateNerd and ARAcontent.  RateNerd provides personal finance information and best checking account offers from banks.

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How ICE on your cell phone can help save your life – and possibly someone else’s.

Did you know your cell phone can help save your life or the lives of others in an emergency situation, even if you’re in no condition to use it to call for help?

When a debilitating crisis occurs like an accident or illness, emergency teams that respond to the scene will want to have as much information as possible about your health – including contact information for the person who can make decisions on your behalf.

Your cell phone can often speak on your behalf when you’re incapacitated.  Emergency personnel are trained to look in your phone for phone numbers designated with the acronym “ICE” – which stands for “In Case of Emergency.” They’ll use that information to get in touch with someone who can make decisions for you.

But a cell phone is no substitute for a personal emergency medical response (PERS) system, or medical alert system for seniors. In the event of an emergency, seniors need the simplicity of a large, single medical call button that is programed to contact emergency response personnel who have their information.  An emergency fall is not the time to wonder if the cell phone is charged, or to remember which buttons to press.

Some cell phones already come pre-programmed with the ICE function, so all you have to do is punch in the appropriate numbers. If you’re among the 50 million Americans who own an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can place all your critical medical information in the hands of emergency personnel by using the free ICE App. To download ICE App for free, log on to the iPhone Apps Store and search “ICE-app” or visit www.ice-app.net.

Created by online legal service LegalZoom.com and Donate Life America, ICE App allows emergency responders to access information about you, including your name, a photograph (to match the phone to you), birth date, height and weight, medical conditions, blood type, allergies, medications, emergency contacts and your organ donation wishes – a feature that could help save the lives of people waiting for organ donations.

Ninety percent of Americans think organ donation is the right thing to do, yet only 28 percent have taken the appropriate steps to register as an organ donor. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can register as a donor at donatelife.net.

“Having emergency contact and medical history information immediately available in your cell or smart phone can help emergency responders make quicker decisions during those precious first minutes, a time that could mean the difference between life and death,” says Brian Liu, cofounder and chairman of LegalZoom.

Once you’ve downloaded the app to your iPhone, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the contact and medical information. Once you’re done, place the ICE App icon in the top right corner of your touch screen, where first responders will see it right away when they check your phone. All information is stored on your phone, and not on the Web, ensuring your private information stays in your possession and that first responders can access it, even when the phone has a weak or no cellular signal.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

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More than 90 percent of colon cancer cases are curable if caught in their early stages.

Colon cancer is the second-deadliest form of cancer in the U.S., yet it doesn’t have to be.

In an effort to showcase the important message that screening equals prevention when dealing with colon cancer, an awareness campaign called Stop Colon Cancer Now, and powered by AmSurg, aims to educate the public about early detection and prevention of the disease, to eliminate the stigma associated with colonoscopies and to increase regular screenings for people over 50 and for other groups at added risk for the disease.

The risk of a person having colorectal cancer in his/her lifetime is about 1 in 19. Almost 75 percent of colon cancer cases have no prior family history and most have no symptoms. Scientists are still unsure of exactly what causes colon and colorectal cancer, but some risk factors have been identified, including a high-fat diet, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases.

Americans continue to battle this disease at alarming rates with 49,920 reported deaths in the U.S. in 2009. It is important to understand who is at risk, and what the available prevention methods are, to eliminate the onset of colon cancer.

Colon cancer indiscriminately affects people regardless of race, sex, economic status or geography. There often are no symptoms. It is important to get screened if you are:

* 45 and older and African-American

* 50 or older

* 40 or older and have a family history of polyps or colon or rectal cancer

* Have a history of cancer or polyps found earlier

The easiest way to prevent colon cancer is to schedule a colonoscopy.  A colonoscopy is a painless screening test that provides important information about your digestive health. For most patients, a colon cancer screening does not have to be performed at a hospital. Today, many outpatient centers provide screenings by highly skilled physicians in a more relaxed, personal environment and usually with much lower out-of pocket costs for the patient.

No matter where you live or work, stopcoloncancernow.com provides valuable education, colon cancer screening options, screening locations, insightful patient stories and more.

Additional information on colon cancer and prevention methods can be found online at www.stopcoloncancernow.com.

– Article courtesy of ARAcontent

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Over 31 million Americans of all ages live with some level of hearing loss, according to the Better Hearing Institute.

Our increasingly noisy society has, unfortunately, ensured hearing problems are no longer an exclusive affliction of age; while people 55 to 64 make up the largest group with hearing loss, the second largest segment are people who are just 45 to 54, a time when many of us are in our prime financially, socially and professionally.

Hearing loss can stand in the way of all those positive things in life. Research has linked hearing loss to a number of emotional problems, from negativism to chronic depression. Helen Keller, blind and deaf since infancy, once observed that while a loss of vision “separates us from things,” hearing loss “separates us from people.”

Fortunately, assistive technology has advanced by leaps and bounds since Keller’s era. It’s now possible to find a hearing aid to fit nearly any lifestyle, no matter how active or relaxed, and any cosmetic preference, from discreet to virtually invisible.

“Wearing a hearing aid has improved my quality of life,” says golf legend Arnold Palmer. “Golf is my business. I found that when I could hear the click of a golf ball to actual noise level, it improved my golf. Once I could hear the golf club hitting the ball, it gave me a much better definition of what I needed to do in hitting some shots.”

“Early hearing aids didn’t assist the wearer well in certain complex sound situations, such as when using a cell phone or in a noisy environment like a concert or crowded restaurant,” says Dr. Barry Freeman, from hearing aid maker Starkey Laboratories, Inc. “And many people were concerned with the cosmetic and social aspects of wearing an aid.

“Hearing aids are not just large pieces of plastic sitting behind your ear any more. Today’s hearing aids run and process sophisticated algorithms just like a computer to provide the listener with an excellent experience – all wrapped in an elegant package,” Freeman adds. “From hearing better in noisy situations like restaurants to eliminating annoying whistling (feedback), there is a hearing aid solution to meet every need.”

Choosing a hearing aid that’s right for your hearing loss can directly affect your quality of life. The experts at Starkey offer some tips and advice when choosing a hearing aid:

Consider the style.  There are now many options, including behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), completely-in-canal, in-the-canal and in-the-ear. Each offers a different level of assistance and cosmetic appeal.

* BTE styles are appropriate for most types of hearing loss, and technology such as Starkey’s Sweep Technology, which allows the wearer to adjust volume and settings with a simple sweep or touch of the finger, make a BTE aid appropriate for those with limited dexterity. A BTE sits on the back of the ear and has a tube that runs to an ear bud or custom earmold in the ear.

* RIC styles are appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss and offer a more discreet, open-fit solution. They lessen feedback by widening the distance between the microphone and the receiver. The RIC also sits behind the ear and has a thin tube that connects to an ear bud or custom earmold in the ear. The receiver in a RIC is in the ear near the ear bud instead of in the case behind the ear.

* For those seeking a small, discreet aid, completely-in-canal is a good option. Nearly invisible when worn, this style is good for treating mild to moderate hearing loss and uses the natural anatomy of the head, pinna and ear canal to provide a clean, clear signal. They are custom designed to fit entirely in the ear canal, reducing feedback and improving sound quality.

* In-the-canal styles fit within the ear canal but are still slightly visible within the outer ear. Good for treating mild to mildly severe hearing loss, they offer a variety of options despite their small size.

* People with limited dexterity might also benefit from an in-the-ear style, which is a custom-made shell that fits in the outer portion of the ear. Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss, they are easy to insert and adjust.

You can learn more about hearing aid styles and how to choose the one that’s right for you at www.Starkey.com.

– Article courtesy of ARAcontent

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The purpose of your caregiving closet is to organize personal care items that you use daily, regularly and/or may need at some point in the future.

If you and you caree live in separate households, you may want to create two closets–one for each household.

Becky Lowry, training director, and Nancy Hanley, RN, team manager, from MyHealthCareManager, shared tips on how to create a caregiving closet on their Caregiving.com blog.  They are kind enough to let us share the list with you.  They are even running a contest for the best caregiver’s closet – click here for the details.

While the initial set-up may take time, you’ll find that having an organized closet that has just what you need, when you need it, is a life-saver. The closet also will come in handy when you take a break; your back-up will be able to step in more easily because the necessarily supplies are organized and handy.

So, here’s the list of products and supplies for your Caregiving Closet:

Over the Counter Medications

• Acetaminophen – chewable tablet, liquid and suppository
• Anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen/naproxen sodium)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Stool softener
• Gastrointestinal medication (client preference or diagnosis driven)
• Antihistamine
• Anti-diarrheal
• Weekly pill reminder box
• Diabetic supplies
• Glucose tablets
• Blood sugar monitor and supplies
• Extra insulin and syringes

Oxygen Supplies

• Extra portable oxygen tank

First Aid Supplies

• Instant hot/cold packs
• Band-Aids
• 4X4 gauze pads
• Tape
• Kerlix
• Ace wraps
• Normal saline rinse
• Sling with safety pins
• Scissors/tweezers
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm
• Body lotion
• Hat/umbrella
• Digital scale
• Digital thermometer
• Automated blood pressure system

Incontinence supplies

• Washable bed protectors
• Briefs
• Perineal care wipes
• Protective/barrier cream/ointment

Emergency supplies

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio
• Blankets
• Change of clothes
• Extra 2 day supply of prescription medication
• Bottled water/Gatorade
• Snacks like protein bars/nutritional drink supplement

Safety preparation

• Medical Alert system
• Phone programmed with 911
• Emergency numbers placed by phone
• Hand held shower head
• Shower chair
• Non-skid mat for shower/tub
• Toilet frame/riser
• Grab bars
• Soap on a rope
• Double sided tape to secure throw rugs

Cognitive safety preparation

• Door, bed, chair alarms
• Special door locks
• Lock up – medication, alcohol, cleaning supplies, guns, etc.
• Alzheimer’s safe return system
• Alerting police of senior situation

Vial of Life (Ready Reference card)

• Medication list
• Allergies
• Physician list/phone numbers
• Diagnoses
• Contacts/phone numbers

To ease in re-stocking, hang a list of the products and supplies in your closet on the closet door.

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3. How To Prevent Falls In The Home

An elderly woman who fell in the bathroom of her home waited for more than two days for help.

KILLEEN, TEXAS (February 2, 2010) — A Killeen, Texas woman in her late 60s who fell in the bathroom of her apartment Sunday waited for help for more than two days until police forced their way into the residence Tuesday in response to a call from the woman’s concerned landlord.

Click the image below to watch the KWTX News report.

“We forced entry into the residence and found her disabled in the bathroom,” Killeen police Sgt. Frank Plowick said.

When police found her at around 9 a.m. Tuesday, she was barely conscious and dehydrated.

“She lives here by herself,” Plowick said.

“No one actually knew that she was missing, or hadn’t been seen until the few people that communicate with her realized she hadn’t been seen since Sunday,” he said.

The landlord called police after the woman was late paying her rent for the first time.

She did not have a personal medical alert system, police said.

She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Her name and information about her condition weren’t available Tuesday.

Belton Senior Center Director, Elaine Murray, said communication is vital to the safety and well being of elderly Central Texans.

“Have someone you can call that will check on you,” Murray said.

“You can also check on them. That way, it’s sort of a give and take. That is a way to protect yourself in your own home,” she said.

Murray stressed the importance of elderly people who live alone to keep in touch with people outside of their homes.

“Reach out,” she said.

“You’re going to need to let someone know you’re there by yourself, someone you trust,” she said.

– This article and video courtesy of reporter David Williams of TV Station KWTX of Waco, Texas.

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“No one should go without a needed hearing aid because of an inability to pay,” says Dr. Sergei Kochkin, executive director of the Better Hearing Institute (BHI).

That’s why BHI has just published “Your Guide to Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids” – the first comprehensive guide on how people can obtain financial assistance to purchase hearing aids.

According to BHI, two out of three adults with hearing loss do not use hearing aids because of financial constraints.

“Of the thousands of annual inquires we receive, the most frequent topic concerns financial assistance for hearing aid purchases,” Kochkin says.

For the free hearing guide, go to www.betterhearing.org and click on “Request Hearing Loss Guides.” It will help you quickly and easily identify charitable foundations, private organizations, insurance plans, corporate benefits and government programs that can help you get the hearing healthcare you need.

Of the more than 34 million Americans with hearing loss, at least 95 percent could benefit from hearing aids.

When left untreated, hearing loss reduces earning power, disrupts relationships, causes a wide array of psychological problems, impairs cognitive functioning and even has negative health effects.  Those who have difficulty hearing can experience such distorted and incomplete communication that it seriously impacts their professional and personal lives, at times leading to isolation and withdrawal. Hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today. And six out of 10 Americans with hearing loss are below retirement age.

Untreated hearing loss is linked to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. Advances in digital technology have dramatically improved hearing aids in recent years, making them smaller with better sound quality. Designs are modern, sleek and discreet. Clarity, greater directionality, better speech audibility in a variety of environments, better cell phone compatibility, less whistling and feedback than hearing aids of the past and greater ruggedness for active lifestyles are common features.

“Many Americans of all ages with unaddressed hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids,” says Kochkin. “We hope that this financial guide will help people get the hearing aids they need to appropriately address their hearing loss and improve their lives.”

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Falls are very common in the home.

Watch this video and take these preventative steps to avoid falls at home.

1. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent falls. Have regular vision and hearing tests.
2. Review all prescriptions, as some can contribute to falls.  Take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly.   Tell your doctor if your medication makes you faint, dizzy or lightheaded.
3. Install proper lighting throughout your home. Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms. Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
4. Keep your floor and stairs free of clutter, and avoid using scatter rugs.
5. Have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home. Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.
6. Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant. If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly. Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
7. Take the same precautions for outdoor steps. In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.
8. Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.
9. Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. It’s a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall. If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.
10. Use a rubber mat along the full length in your tub, and a non-skid bath mat beside the tub.  Keep a medical alert button handy in the bathroom.
11. Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety. If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are in good condition. Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.

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Caregivers are not alone.  You have lots of company, just one click away.

My list contains a lot of newer blogs, and blogs that have hit their stride in the past year.  All of them are valuable additions to your RSS reader. Some of the bigger blogs in the caregiving community may not appear, but that’s OK as you’ve probably already heard of them anyway!

If you want to follow these people, and hundreds of others who think about our family members, check out our Twitter list! So without further ado, here’s my list of 30 Caregiver Blogs To Watch in 2010.

30 Caregiver Blogs To Watch in 2010

This list isn’t in any particular order, I’ve just listed 30 of my most favorite caregiver blogs of the past year who I expect big things from in 2010.  I tried to group them into a few broad categories, but most do cover multiple topic areas, so please check them all out.  If I missed a great blog that you follow – please leave a comment and let everyone know about it.

Caregiver Support and Community Blogs

• MLBerg’s Caregiver’s Blog
• 3GenFamily Blog
• Caring Today’s blogs

Alzheimer’s Related Blogs

• Alzheimer’s Reading Room
• KnowItAlz
• Minding Our Elders
• Our Alzheimer’s
• KnowItAlz.com Blog
• My Elder Advocate
• Puzzles and More: Diversional therapy resources
• The Boomer Chronicles
• The Dementia Caregiver’s Toolbox
• Alzheimer’s Team
• Well Spouse Association
• Aging Care

Assisted Living and Nursing Home Blogs

• A Place for Mom
• Aging Parents Insights
• Time Goes By

General, Well Written Blogs about Seniors, Aging, Elderly Isues

• My Elder Advocate
• Aging Patent’s Authority
• http://carebuzz.com/blog/
• A Family Caregiving Story
• Aging with Grace
• All Things Aging
• Career Change for Seniors
• In Daughters’ Care
• Marina’s Abundance
• Orphan at 60
• OurParents
• Parent Your Parent
• SandwichINK.com
• Transition Aging Parents
• Caregiver Tips

If I missed a great blog that you follow – please leave a comment and let everyone know about it.

Self Improvement from SelfGrowth.com

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You may chalk up that flutter in your chest to too much rich food during the holidays, or think that your heart skips a beat here or there in response to the upcoming tax season.

For most people, those occasional irregularities are harmless. But if your irregular heart rhythms are combined with a diagnosis of heart failure, they can be serious – and ignoring them may make your condition worse.

Your heart is essentially a powerful electric pump. If a breakdown occurs in the heart’s complex internal communication system, it can cause your heart to beat irregularly. It’s possible for healthy people to experience occasional irregular heart beats. But if you already have heart problems, you should be aware of the symptoms of an irregular heart beat.

On its Web site www.abouthf.org, the Heart Failure Society of America points to these common symptoms of an irregular heart beat:

• If your heart skips a beat, flutters or pounds in your chest.
• You experience dizziness or feel “light-headed.”
• You experience sudden shortness of breath not related to physical exertion.
• You feel inexplicably weak from time to time.
• You faint or suddenly lose consciousness.

If you regularly experience these symptoms, see your doctor. In order to diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely start with an electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors electrical activity in your heart. If the ECG doesn’t explain your irregular heart rhythm, your doctor may next ask you to wear a Holter Monitor, a small, portable device that records your heart beats over a longer period of time – typically 24 to 48 hours. He’ll also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms while wearing the monitor. There are several other tests that can help diagnose heart rhythm problems. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

If tests show that you have a heart rhythm problem, you may not necessarily need treatment. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan for you if the problem requires treatment. This plan may include medicines such as blood thinners that help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke, an implantable device like a pacemaker or defibrillator to help regulate your heart beats, or even surgery.

You can take some steps to minimize the impact of your irregular heart rhythm. Check with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medications, including nutritional supplements. Immediately tell your doctor if you experience muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue or weakness or a dry mouth – these can indicate a potassium imbalance that can make your heart problems worse. If you smoke, quit, and reduce your alcohol consumption. Exercise under the guidance of your doctor; don’t start any exercise program until you’ve consulted with him or her.

You can learn more about irregular heart rhythms and heart failure at www.abouthf.org, the Web site of the Heart Failure Society of America.

– Article courtesy of ARAcontent

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