Don’t get stuck with capital gains tax bills
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
