Your Best Weekend Reads: The Advantages of Aging in Place, Can You Protect Your 401(k) in a Down Market?, What Not to Buy In Bulk at Costco

And, is a Medicare Advantage plan right for you? Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( October 11, 2024 FOLLOW US:  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [A Step Ahead]( [SIGN UP](format=multipart) ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] [Stepping Into Medicare Advantage Plans]( Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have been in the news lately and the news is a mixed bag. On the one hand, [folks who use MA plans are happy with their coverage]( and rate it above employer-provided insurance with more positive ratings for local plans over healthcare giants such as Humana and UnitedHealthcare. At the same time, except for UnitedHealthcare, the [big insurers have decided to cancel less profitable plans]( as they tackle declining profit margins and smaller reimbursements from the government. [Is a Medicare Advantage plan still right for you?]( Yes, it can be. MA plans still have many features that Original Medicare lacks, such as out-of-pocket maximums and many offer coverage for basic dental and vision care. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan will send you a "Plan Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) each fall. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January. Pay attention to these notices to ensure you continue to have the services and medications you need covered to the fullest extent available. Don’t forget to scroll down to see the results of last week’s poll. Till then, enjoy catching up on some of Kiplinger’s most popular articles this weekend - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Unlock Income Growth with CRE's Prime Logistics]( Experienced investors know the value of consistent growth. CRE Income Fund's preferred shares offer a unique opportunity to invest in prime industrial logistics real estate, with projected IRRs of 18-20% this opportunity provides steady, long-term growth. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] 401(k) ACCOUNTS [] [How to Protect Your 401(k) in a Down Market]( (Getty Images) [How to Protect Your 401(k) in a Down Market]( While there’s no way for investors who own stocks and bonds to avoid short-term losses when market volatility strikes, there are plenty of ways to buffer your portfolio from the brunt of the market storm and keep your retirement savings plan on track. [4 Safeguarding Strategies]( [] BUYING IN BULK [] [Worst Things to Buy in Bulk at Costco]( (Getty Images) [Worst Things to Buy in Bulk at Costco]( When shopping at a big box store, you might think that food is the only purchase you should limit because it spoils — you’d be wrong. You should also avoid stocking up on several non-perishable items if you don’t want to waste more money than you were meant to have saved. Understanding that you might not use such large quantities before they spoil or expire is key to reducing waste. [10 Worst Bulk Buys]( [When Can I Retire?]( As you're deciding when to retire, you'll need to think about how much money you're likely to spend each year. Vanguard advisors are here to help investors like you make more informed and confident financial decisions. [LEARN MORE]( Paid non-client promotion ADVERTISEMENT [] AGING AT HOME [] [The Benefits of Making Your Home Aging-Friendly]( (Getty Images) [The Benefits of Making Your Home Aging-Friendly]( The right home renovations can make the difference between aging in place and moving to a home with a suitable layout or into an assisted living facility. Whether you are reluctant to leave familiar surroundings or doubt if you can afford the fees, customizing your home to meet your current and future needs is feasible. [Renovations For Aging]( [Top 5 Wealth Management Firms in the US]( If you're looking for help with wealth management, retirement, or tax planning, finding the top financial advisor in the United States means choosing between thousands of options. Check out the list of top 5 firms in the US for individual investors. [See the list]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Amazon Warehouse, Now Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains]( Amazon Resale products have a wide range of imperfections, but that leads to some often wildly discounted prices. [3 Major Estate Plan Mistakes to Avoid]( A complete and up-to-date estate plan can help ease your loved ones' worries and make things easier for them after you pass. [Landmark Lawsuit Targets Unfair NYC Property Taxes]( New Yorkers may get another shot at lower property taxes as Tax Equity Now NY’s lawsuit advances. [From building wealth for a secure retirement or investing wisely in any market to money-saving tax planning and much more — Sign up to explore more free e-newsletters here.]( [] How do you tip at a sit-down restaurant? I always tip at least 20%, and more if the service is great. 53.62% I tip the same amount regardless of the quality of service. 6.16% If service is poor, I still tip, but less than 18%. 37.55% I do not tip at sit-down restaurants. It's not my responsibility to pay a server's wage. 2.67% ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. 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