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ABLE Accounts Give Disabled Americans Flexibility

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ABLE accounts are a 529 account with all kinds of bells and whistles built specifically to serve disabled Americans.

After years of grassroots advocacy efforts from the disability community, ABLE accounts were birthed into legislation in December 2014. And thanks to legislation passed in late 2022, more people will become eligible for it soon (more on that in a bit).

Why Open an ABLE Account?

529 accounts are traditionally state-sponsored and used to save for your child’s college education. Though you can’t deduct your contribution, the money grows without being taxed and is not taxed when it’s withdrawn for approved college expenses, notably tuition.

If you are the parent of a disabled child, their future in higher education may be unclear. However, an ABLE account allows you to save or invest money for a potential university experience, but the funds can also be used for a myriad of other life expenses.

Outside of saving for college, there are several reasons both disabled individuals or parents of disabled children may want to open an ABLE account.

Asset Tests: Supplemental Security Income and Beyond

When you are disabled, the system can make it difficult to achieve financial independence. For example, in order to gain access to meager amounts of Supplemental Security Income benefits you are only allowed to have $2,000 in assets. The SSI resource limit is $3,000 for couples. Assets can include the value of your bank account, second vehicle, life insurance policies, cash on hand and more.

Asset tests

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Steps for Creating a Budget

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One of the most important things that you can do for yourself is create a budget and stick to it so that you can understand where you may be going wrong when it comes to savings. Making a budget can seem very overwhelming, but you can do it. All it takes is for you to break down a process bit by bit, because nobody can get through to their savings goals without knowing their incomings and their outgoings.

You can start with figuring out what your incoming earnings will be post-tax with the Take Home Pay Calculator, and from there, start breaking down your bills that you have to pay. Once you’ve broken down the list of bills that you have to pay, IE your expenses, you can then learn to track your expenses and your transactions to find out what your budget is covering and what it’s not. No matter how you feel about budgeting, here are the steps that you can take to create one to make you feel more in control of your finances.

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List your income first and foremost. It doesn’t have to be just from your main job. Maybe you sell cakes, or you sell art on the side. Whatever your incoming may be, whether from the government, from your job, or from any site hustles, you need to list it all down Any single time in a month you gain extra cash. That is your income. List your expenses

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Helping Loved Ones with Elder Debt

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Elder debt is one of the most threatening things to the quality of life of an older person. Being retired with limited income is hard enough. So elderly loved ones don’t need debt on top of it. But we’re all human, and you can help with gathering documents and keeping accurate records.

Help them Make Decisions

As we age, we can lose the ability to make good decisions, which is one reason why elderly people get into debt. There are also scams that target the elderly to take advantage of them. Lasting power of attorney allows you to make decisions on their behalf, especially when it comes to money. The lasting power of attorney cost varies based on the firm, but many have a fixed fee. You can also apply to be a third-party mandate for your loved one’s bank account.

Gather and Organize Bills

One of the first things you can do is help your elderly loved one take control of bills. Gather all bills that need to be paid. You can then organize these into priorities. For example, essential bills like rent, utilities, and taxes need to be paid ASAP. You can also call on behalf of your relative to come to an arrangement for payment. Most agencies, creditors, and providers are happy to work with you as they would rather keep customers, even if you owe them money.

Help with Elder Debt Using Apps

It is a common belief that most older people can’t use technology. Of

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Precious Metals or Crypto: Which is the Smarter Investment?

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In the evolving landscape of investment options, both cryptocurrencies and precious metals have captured significant attention. Each offers unique benefits, appealing to different types of investors. In this article, we’ll explore the strengths of both investment types, compare them directly, and help you determine which might be the smarter choice for your financial goals.

The Appeal of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies have revolutionised the investment world with their innovative approach to finance. Here are some compelling reasons to consider investing in them:

Rapid Growth Potential

One of the most attractive features of cryptocurrencies is their potential for rapid growth. Early investors in Bitcoin and Ethereum have witnessed remarkable returns, making cryptocurrencies a highly appealing option for those seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities. The decentralised nature of these digital assets means they are not controlled by any single entity, offering a hedge against political instability and traditional financial systems.

Technological Innovation

Cryptocurrencies are underpinned by blockchain technology, which has wide-ranging applications beyond just digital currencies. Blockchain’s promise of transparency, security, and decentralisation has the potential to disrupt various industries, from finance to supply chain management. Investing in cryptocurrencies allows you to be part of this technological revolution, with the possibility of high returns driven by the growth and adoption of blockchain technology.

Market Accessibility

The cryptocurrency market is accessible to investors worldwide, with a relatively low barrier to entry. This accessibility allows investors to participate in the market with smaller amounts of capital compared to traditional investments. Moreover, the 24/7 nature of the

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