Why Many Seniors Underestimate Long-Term Care Costs
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m never going to a nursing home” or “I’ll think about long-term care later” you’re not alone. Most people spend decades planning for retirement, and yet ignore one of its biggest potential expenses: who will care for you if you can’t care for yourself. While you might be able easily to budget for groceries and housing, many people completely leave care out of their plan. And even if you don’t end up in a facility, many seniors need to hire someone to help them with daily tasks. It’s an uncomfortable topic, so many push it off or assume Medicare will pick up the tab. Unfortunately, avoiding the issue can cause major issues for your family.
Denial is a common coping mechanism when facing aging-related decline. Families often postpone planning until a crisis forces quick decisions, when options are limited and prices are highest.
~Terri Monroe, SavingAdvice.com
Teri Monroe’s article unpacks the common myths and blind spots that leave older adults unprepared. She explains that Medicare only covers short-term medical care (not ongoing help with daily living) and that the average price tag for assisted living or nursing homes can soar past six figures a year. Costs vary widely by location and are rising faster than inflation, meaning today’s estimates will likely fall short tomorrow. Monroe also highlights emotional roadblocks that delay planning until it’s too late. While many people hope for “free” family caregiving… it also comes with hidden costs, from burnout to lost income for those forced to take care with you. The best plan is to face it early which may mean buying long-term care insurance or setting up a dedicated savings fund. The earlier you start, the more control you’ll have later.
Goldman Sachs Warns: The Retirement Math No Longer Works—Even for the Rich
Most people assume that if they save diligently, invest wisely, and avoid major financial mistakes, retirement will take care of itself. But what happens when the math behind that promise stops working? The costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, and education have skyrocketed, while wages have barely budged. and that gap is eroding the foundation of the “save and you’ll be fine” retirement formula. Even high earners are finding it harder to balance short-term expenses with long-term goals, as lifestyle inflation and economic pressures squeeze every paycheck. The result is a generation of Americans—across all income levels—wondering if the traditional path to retirement security has quietly become obsolete.
With housing, healthcare, education, and caregiving costs far outpacing wage growth since 2000, Goldman’s researchers argue that it’s no longer possible for many households to balance immediate needs with long-term savings goals.
~Financial Freedom Countdown
This article by Financial Freedom Countdown gives commentary on Goldman Sachs’ 2025 Retirement Survey & Insights Report. Goldman Sachs finds that affordability, not discipline, is now the biggest obstacle to long-term financial security. Millennials and Gen Z are hit hardest by high housing and debt burdens, while even affluent families report living paycheck to paycheck. Despite these challenges, many workers remain overly optimistic and underestimate how much they’ll spend and how long they’ll live. The report offers a few bright spots: early savings tools like children’s investment accounts and expanded access to 401(k) plans could help close the gap, while retirees who combine grit, flexibility, and personalized planning tend to fare best. In short, the rules of retirement are being rewritten and to thrive, savers must adapt by starting early, staying resilient, and embracing smarter, more creative ways to stretch every dollar.
15 Work Habits That Can Quietly Steal Your Career
Ever feel like your workdays are somehow busier but less productive? You’re not alone. Many professionals find themselves drowning in meetings, chasing endless email threads, or redoing the same tasks not because they’re lazy, but because hidden habits quietly sabotage their productivity. These employees often claim they have “good work ethic” or “attention to detail,” but over time, their habits chip away at efficiency, energy, and even career growth. Whether it’s over-polishing a presentation, clinging to outdated software, or saying yes to everything, these small patterns can snowball into big problems. The modern workplace rewards focus, adaptability, and smart prioritization but many people have habits that act as time thieves and prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Working too long on minor details creates major slowdowns. Tasks stretch far beyond necessary timeframes when teams obsessively polish every element. Smart professionals know when good enough gets the job done.
~Josh Hasting, Invested Wallet
In this article, Josh Hasting breaks down the everyday behaviors that drain momentum and stall advancement that often happen without people realizing it. He points to culprits like redundant approval processes, endless documentation, micromanagement, and poor meeting culture as major time sinks. Even well-intentioned habits, like perfectionism or taking on too much responsibility, can lead to burnout and missed opportunities. The article highlights how organizations that trust employees, embrace automation, and streamline communication not only save time but also create happier, more innovative teams. For individuals, the takeaway is simple but powerful: focus on what truly matters, set boundaries, and stop confusing busyness with progress.