Don’t get stuck with capital gains tax bills

By Kelley R. Taylor
Posted on July 16, 2025

A rise in home values has led to an increase in the number of homeowners unexpectedly facing capital gains taxes when selling their properties. Despite a generous capital gains tax home exclusion of up to $500,000, more homeowners are discovering that the profits from the sale of their homes surpass the tax-free limit. Data reveal that last year, approximately 8% of home sales resulted... READ MORE

Best cold-weather places to retire

By Stacy Rapacon
Posted on July 10, 2025

Some like it hot; others not so much. If you dream of a retirement destination where you get to bundle up for long winters and enjoy jacket weather in the summertime, head north. Many of the following locales offer an abundance of winter activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing, as well as several other year-round benefits, including low taxes and affordable living costs. To... READ MORE

Where the wealthy can retire in style

By Eileen Daspin
Posted on July 03, 2025

Erica Jong had the audience’s rapt attention. The 82-year-old writer, famous for her 1970s bestseller Fear of Flying, was discussing creativity and her need to capture the world around her in prose and poetry. As Jong spoke, sunlight streamed through 24-foot windows. The walls were clad in red onyx marble, and the beamed ceiling was crafted from white oak. Jong could have been... READ MORE

Some herbs come back year after year

By Jessica Damiano
Posted on June 27, 2025

If you like to cook, odds are you’re painfully aware of the price of herbs at the supermarket. But for the cost of a 1- or 2-ounce plastic clamshell packet, you can buy a plant that will produce aromatic herbs for your kitchen all summer long — and even year after year. Perennial herbs are among the easiest edibles to grow at home. All they require is sunlight (with some shade),... READ MORE

How to choose the best walk-in bathtub

By Jim Miller
Posted on June 24, 2025

Dear Savvy Senior, Because of my back pain and mobility problems, I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub that’s safe and easy to get in and out of. What can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some top options? —Old and Achy Dear Old and Achy, For mobility-challenged people, a walk-in bathtub can be a terrific option to consider because they’re... READ MORE

When collectors and cleaners collide

By Lori Borgman
Posted on June 23, 2025

I like to say that I am married to a “collector” because “pack rat” sounds unkind. My husband comes from a long line of collectors. When they closed out the farmhouse his father lived in all his life, the lead auctioneer kicked off the three-ring, two-day auction under the main tent bellowing, “Ladies and gentlemen! The same family has lived in this house for 103 years! As near ... READ MORE

Long-term care insurance more flexible

By Derek Miser
Posted on June 19, 2025

As people live longer and health care costs continue to rise, the need for long-term care (LTC) insurance has become increasingly important in retirement planning. This type of insurance has evolved significantly in the past decade. Before 2010, LTC policies were largely traditional, with a “use-it-or-lose-it” approach. Today, new product structures such as asset-based solutions and... READ MORE

Some home improvements are tax-deductible

By Kate Schubel
Posted on June 19, 2025

Over the years, after countless aesthetic and maintenance upgrades, you’ve finally decided to retire in your forever home. But is your house ready for retirement? According to AARP, more than 75% of adults aged 50 and older want to “age in place” in their current homes. However, one-third say they need modifications to make that happen. Fortunately, the IRS allows tax... READ MORE

Baltimore Housing News July 2025

By Beacon staff
Posted on June 17, 2025

Baltimore senior living apartments now open Just five blocks south of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore is a new senior apartment building for people over 62. Opened in May, The Terraces at Park Heights includes 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The affordable senior housing community has a rooftop deck, lounge, coffee shop, library and computer center. It’s also “green,” with... READ MORE

Is a 55+ community right for you?

By Lisa Gerstner
Posted on June 16, 2025

Thinking about moving to a 55+ community? Once limited to the Sunbelt, these developments, designed for people 55 and older, can now be found throughout the nation, from Washington state to right here in Maryland. And more of them are popping up, like two Gatherings properties, in Owings Mills and Reisterstown, and the new Merritt Station in Dundalk, which opened last... READ MORE