Author: Loire Kroeger

How Annuities Work Annuities are a type of insurance contract designed to turn your balance into future income. You can buy an annuity with a single lump sum payment or through many small payments over time. The annuity may then grow your balance, according to the type of annuity you choose. When you are ready,…

When ordering an estate appraisal, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the effective date of value — that is, the specific day the appraiser is estimating the property’s market value. This can be a bit confusing, especially if multiple family members, tax professionals, or attorneys are involved. We’re here to…

As we age most of us experience some health changes.  Perhaps one of the most dreaded is memory loss.  While some forgetfulness can be upsetting, it can also be a normal part of aging.   All of us can misplace items and eventually find them.  Someone with dementia may misplace an item by putting it in…

For some people, loneliness can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but small steps toward connection can make a significant difference. Research shows that micro conversations with strangers can help improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness. This explains why in the UK, the new charity Happy to Chat is trying to encourage people to talk to each other when…

Add motion sensor lighting to every entrance. Set a table near the door to collect items upon entry. Look for tripping hazards that can lead to falls, like rug edges sticking up, exposed cords, or narrow walking spaces between furniture. Remember to place rubber backs on rugs to stop slippage. Place items, such as dishes,…

To discuss how to organize and plan home repair, I would like to tell you a short story.  A friend of mine (Mike, you know who you are!) told me recently that, “if I was organized, I would be dangerous.” We commented back and forth for a bit about some related character traits, but for…

Health literacy is a central focus of Healthy People 2030. One of the initiative’s overarching goals demonstrates this focus: “Eliminate health disparities, achieve improved health for all, and attain health literacy to improve the health and well-being of all.” Which Healthy People 2030 objectives are related to health literacy?  Six Healthy People objectives — developed by the Health Communication…

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, kicking off the holiday season! Soon, we’ll be diving into days filled with eating, drinking, and celebrating—temptations at every turn. If you are in charge of cooking or selecting the items for the meal here are seven (7) tips for making the healthiest meal. My final suggestion for staying…

Feeling like you’re cold, not sweating?  That doesn’t mean you can’t overheat.  Learn and be familiar with the basic signs and symptoms of dehydration.  Layering clothing and maintaining adequate hydration are important parts of good overall body temperature regulation.  In addition, water-friendly fruits and vegetables like watermelon, peaches, and celery (yes, celery!) are good sources…

If you would rather watch a video than read, then just click HERE.  It has all the same stuff! What are Sump Pumps Sump pumps are electric water pumps that take collected water below the surface of a basement floor and send it out of the house, usually into the yard. Most sump pumps are…