Kate Ashford

So to the extent that it's possible, a financial advisor or tax professional can really help you here. And advisors are really accessible these days. You can see them in person or online. Some of them charge a percentage of assets or charge by the hour or charge a fee for a one-time consultation.

So you can generally find someone whose services and fee structure kind of match up with what you need. You mentioned sort of a pension and annuity setup. That would usually show up in steady income payments over time. So that's just something to factor into the budget along with whatever they're getting for Social Security.

So you can generally find someone whose services and fee structure kind of match up with what you need. You mentioned sort of a pension and annuity setup. That would usually show up in steady income payments over time. So that's just something to factor into the budget along with whatever they're getting for Social Security.

So you can generally find someone whose services and fee structure kind of match up with what you need. You mentioned sort of a pension and annuity setup. That would usually show up in steady income payments over time. So that's just something to factor into the budget along with whatever they're getting for Social Security.

I think the biggest thing to know here is that Medicare does not cover long-term care, which can be a huge expense. If your parents have a long-term care policy or life insurance with a chronic care rider, first of all, that's good to know, but take a look at it and understand its limitations and what it covers.

I think the biggest thing to know here is that Medicare does not cover long-term care, which can be a huge expense. If your parents have a long-term care policy or life insurance with a chronic care rider, first of all, that's good to know, but take a look at it and understand its limitations and what it covers.

I think the biggest thing to know here is that Medicare does not cover long-term care, which can be a huge expense. If your parents have a long-term care policy or life insurance with a chronic care rider, first of all, that's good to know, but take a look at it and understand its limitations and what it covers.

Unfortunately, most people don't have long-term care coverage, so paying for things like in-home care, assisted living, or a nursing home will be out of pocket. There are lots of organizations that can answer questions about this. Your local agency on aging is a great place to start. They can generally point you towards some resources if your parents need help.

Unfortunately, most people don't have long-term care coverage, so paying for things like in-home care, assisted living, or a nursing home will be out of pocket. There are lots of organizations that can answer questions about this. Your local agency on aging is a great place to start. They can generally point you towards some resources if your parents need help.

Unfortunately, most people don't have long-term care coverage, so paying for things like in-home care, assisted living, or a nursing home will be out of pocket. There are lots of organizations that can answer questions about this. Your local agency on aging is a great place to start. They can generally point you towards some resources if your parents need help.

If you have questions, I'm a big believer in asking questions. And then to the extent that they need to see a doctor or be in the hospital, Medicare does cover that kind of care. Although the way Medicare covers it depends on whether they've chosen original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. And about half of people 65 and over are on each.

If you have questions, I'm a big believer in asking questions. And then to the extent that they need to see a doctor or be in the hospital, Medicare does cover that kind of care. Although the way Medicare covers it depends on whether they've chosen original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. And about half of people 65 and over are on each.

If you have questions, I'm a big believer in asking questions. And then to the extent that they need to see a doctor or be in the hospital, Medicare does cover that kind of care. Although the way Medicare covers it depends on whether they've chosen original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. And about half of people 65 and over are on each.

Original Medicare is provided by the federal government, and you can see any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies and works more like health insurance you might have had with a job. So there's a network, and you have to use doctors in that network who accept your insurance.

Original Medicare is provided by the federal government, and you can see any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies and works more like health insurance you might have had with a job. So there's a network, and you have to use doctors in that network who accept your insurance.

Original Medicare is provided by the federal government, and you can see any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies and works more like health insurance you might have had with a job. So there's a network, and you have to use doctors in that network who accept your insurance.

At NerdWallet, we generally recommend that if you can afford Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, which is a supplement that helps cover costs, that's the most flexible way to make sure you're covered if something serious happens.

At NerdWallet, we generally recommend that if you can afford Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, which is a supplement that helps cover costs, that's the most flexible way to make sure you're covered if something serious happens.

At NerdWallet, we generally recommend that if you can afford Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, which is a supplement that helps cover costs, that's the most flexible way to make sure you're covered if something serious happens.

You know, it's really hard to be managing both things at the same time. And I definitely put some things on the back burner because I didn't have the time or energy for them. But to the extent that you can be present in your life when you're in your life, you know, help your kids with their homework, take them to school, ask for help when you need it.