What can we help you find?

When crafting a Retirement plan, be sure to include Life Purpose and Legacy. Having purpose will get you up and going each morning! My Life Plan Assessment will evaluate how satisfied you are with you…

When crafting a reti…

When crafting a retirement plan, be sure to include Life Purpose and Legacy. Having purpose will get you up and going each morning! My Life Plan Assessment will evaluate how satisfied you are with your current purpose. Check it out here: https://carolmarak.com/life-plan-assessmentStart with a personal mission statement that reflects your core values, passions, and the impact you want to have during your retirement years.#1. Reflect on Core Values and PassionsBegin by identifying your core values—those fundamental beliefs that guide your decisions and actions.Ask yourself: What prin…

*Hi everybody it’s Carol Marak Thank you for visiting Solo and Smart, my YouTube channel. Offering the latest news and updates on solo aging.In yesterday’s Solo and Smart video, Healthy Aging, …

*Hi everybody it’s…

*Hi everybody it’s Carol Marak Thank you for visiting Solo and Smart, my YouTube channel. Offering the latest news and updates on solo aging.In yesterday’s Solo and Smart video, Healthy Aging, I talk about the complexities and risks of growing older because aging places us in unfamiliar territory and it’s the reason we need a navigation system to negotiate the barriers.Data in studies like this, published by the University of Michigan, illustrate the reasons we need not only to stay on top of our physical health, but also stay tuned in to other domains such as social connections an…

Planning for longevity is unsettling because growing older is stacked with complexities and risks. Older age places us in unfamiliar territory and it’s the reason we need a navigation system to nego…

Planning for longevi…

Planning for longevity is unsettling because growing older is stacked with complexities and risks. Older age places us in unfamiliar territory and it’s the reason we need a navigation system to negotiate the barriers. The Life Plan Assessment launches the roadmap by rating your level of satisfaction of the 10 life domains. The domains include health and fitness, housing, social connections, support network, legal matters, finances and Money, faith and spirituality, life purpose, finding transportation, and fun and engagement. Starting today, I want to discuss how the domains interrelat…

*In designing the membership site, each member would learn their top aging risk by completing the Life Plan Assessment: https://carolmarak.com/life-plan-assessment.After discovering your top risk(s…

*In designing the me…

*In designing the membership site, each member would learn their top aging risk by completing the Life Plan Assessment: https://carolmarak.com/life-plan-assessment.After discovering your top risk(s) you’ll be given easy, step by step strategies, worksheets, forms, videos, activities and more that guide you to making improvements!The best part? You will not be left on your own—there will be a community of peers who face similar challenges https://carolmarak.com/solo-membership-club.Here are the top challenges that the Life Plan Assessment evaluates:*Health and Caregiving: The Fo…

I don’t know if this is of interest, but I had the idea to start a membership site around what I already know, do, and love.The idea emerged from recognizing a common desire for deeper engagement …

I don’t know if th…

I don’t know if this is of interest, but I had the idea to start a membership site around what I already know, do, and love.The idea emerged from recognizing a common desire for deeper engagement beyond my workshops, webinars, and seminars. Participants often express the need for further guidance and support as they navigate the issues of aging alone.A club would entail:Shared Experiences and Solutions: Engage with others who understand the solo concerns and sharing similar challenges.Development and Growth: Cultivate new habits, develop skills, and enjoy ongoing discussions to deepe…

The phenomenon of solo aging versus aging within traditional family structures presents a variety of contrasting experiencesSocial and Support System: Solo Aging: Individuals may lack a built-in sup…

The phenomenon of so…

The phenomenon of solo aging versus aging within traditional family structures presents a variety of contrasting experiencesSocial and Support System: Solo Aging: Individuals may lack a built-in support system which can lead to challenges in managing daily tasks, health care, and decision-making processes. They also face the high risk of social isolation and loneliness, if proactive steps are not taken to build and maintain social connections. Finding engagement and purpose requires initiative, such as community involvement, hobbies, or part-time work.Traditional Family Structures: Indiv…

Solos need a nearby support network because for individuals like me, we lack the immediate family support that is typically available in traditional family structures.Without a spouse or nearby chil…

Solos need a nearby …

Solos need a nearby support network because for individuals like me, we lack the immediate family support that is typically available in traditional family structures.Without a spouse or nearby children, we could have difficulties in managing day-to-day tasks, making important decisions, and coping with health or financial concerns.Having a network of peers, neighbors, and friends will provide emotional and social support but can also offer practical assistance when needed.When creating your network, hone your social skills.Social skills give you the ability to interact with a variety …

Family caregivers play a vital role in providing care and support to their loved ones.However, the responsibilities of giving care often leads to financial challenges and debt accumulation, making …

Family caregivers pl…

Family caregivers play a vital role in providing care and support to their loved ones.However, the responsibilities of giving care often leads to financial challenges and debt accumulation, making it crucial for them to take proactive steps towards improving their financial assets and debt issues.A new report published from the 33rd annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) finds that caregivers are more likely to have lower levels of assets and more likely to have problems with debt than non-caregivers.Over fifteen years ago, I faced these challenges and created a life plan assessmen…

Unique Challenges: Health and CaregivingSolo aging, a journey undertaken by individuals without the traditional support network of close family, presents unique challenges, particularly in the realm…

Unique Challenges: H…

Unique Challenges: Health and CaregivingSolo aging, a journey undertaken by individuals without the traditional support network of close family, presents unique challenges, particularly in the realms of health and caregiving.Managing Healthcare and Medication IndependentlyAs health needs become more complex with age, solo agers must develop strategies to handle their healthcare effectively. This includes maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date list of medications, understanding their purposes and potential side effects.Deciding on Long-Term Care Arrangements and FinancingLong-te…

Joy Loverde, author, The Complete Eldercare Planner (revision 4) and Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old, discusses longevity and its effects of growing older.Joy brings unique thoughts and quest…

Joy Loverde, author,…

Joy Loverde, author, The Complete Eldercare Planner (revision 4) and Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old, discusses longevity and its effects of growing older.Joy brings unique thoughts and questions for us to consider: Start thinking about: Who's going to look at me (to me) FOR care?The questions Joy addresses: What’s your definition of care? (Expanded definition of significance of longevity) (Why we can expect to be caregivers. Longevity. We’re aging with people alongside them and we care about them.) What is the significance of longevity as it relates to caregiving?Joy's book…

Navigating Financial Concerns—third unique challenge of aging aloneThe aging alone demographic, often referred to as 'solo agers', faces unique challenges that necessitate a tailored approach to f…

Navigating Financial…

Navigating Financial Concerns—third unique challenge of aging aloneThe aging alone demographic, often referred to as 'solo agers', faces unique challenges that necessitate a tailored approach to financial planning. The strategy outlined here focuses on four critical areas: Retirement Planning, healthcare costs, Estate planning, and emergency funds. By addressing these key aspects, solo agers can cultivate a more secure and confident financial future.1. Retirement Planning: Ensuring a Sustainable Income Stream Retirement planning is crucial. Solo agers must evaluate their retirement savin…

Watch this video interview of a solo ager and how she benefits using Total Life Tele-Therapy, covered by Original Medicare with select supplemental coverages.Mental Health is one of the top concerns…

Watch this video int…

Watch this video interview of a solo ager and how she benefits using Total Life Tele-therapy, covered by Original Medicare with select supplemental coverages.Mental health is one of the top concerns when growing older. Find out more: https://bit.ly/TotalLife_LearnMore

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Thank you for trusting me with your time and consideration when thinking about the challenges of aging alone. It's a topic that's driven my purpose for the last 10 plus year…

Happy Thanksgiving t…

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Thank you for trusting me with your time and consideration when thinking about the challenges of aging alone. It's a topic that's driven my purpose for the last 10 plus years.Because we're in the season of gratitude—For the next week, I invite you to draw attention to the things you're thankful for.Keep a gratitude journal and refer to each everyday. There's nothing more powerful than appreciating what we're given.Enjoy this season of joy!

As I promised you last week, this series will include the unique challenges of aging alone. The first challenge: Lack of Built-in Support System for Solo AgersOne of the unique challenges faced by s…

As I promised you la…

As I promised you last week, this series will include the unique challenges of aging alone. The first challenge: Lack of Built-in Support System for Solo AgersOne of the unique challenges faced by solo agers is the lack of a built-in support system.Read the full article here: Navigating the Challenge of Lack of Built-in Support https://carolmarak.com/newsletters/navigating-the-challenge-of-lack-of-built-in-support-system-for-solo-agers.html

Are you solo? You're not alone. Just look at the numbers! Hello, I'm Carol Marak, I simplify the complexities of growing older alone.Who exactly are solo agers? Well, we're the aged, community-dwell…

Are you solo? You're…

Are you solo? You're not alone. Just look at the numbers! Hello, I'm Carol Marak, I simplify the complexities of growing older alone.Who exactly are solo agers? Well, we're the aged, community-dwelling individuals who are socially and/or physically isolated, without an available known family member or designated surrogate or caregiver.Since 1950, the number of unmarried adults (of all ages) in the U.S. has steadily climbed. It now approaches the number of married adults.If you read the article, Solo? You're Not Alone, (https://www.davisfinancialgrp.com/soloist/solo-you-re-not-alone) writ…

Live of the Snug Safe app a daily check in for solos—available on iPhone and Android. Go the the App store and download either the free option or subscription service (more features) at $9.99/mo. Us…

Live of the Snug Saf…

Live of the Snug Safe app a daily check in for solos—available on iPhone and Android. Go the the App store and download either the free option or subscription service (more features) at $9.99/mo. Use SOLO10 for a 10% discount!

Janet saw a video promotion of Total Life Tele-therapy discussing the features and benefits of receiving therapy right from home. Janet is a solo ager and wanted to address a few issues and challenges…

Janet saw a video pr…

Janet saw a video promotion of Total Life Tele-therapy discussing the features and benefits of receiving therapy right from home. Janet is a solo ager and wanted to address a few issues and challenges about personal concerns and growing older alone.She signed up with Total Life to receive tele-therapy. Listen to the video to hear what Janet has to say about her experience.If you're interested in trying out Total Life Tele-therapy, click here https://bit.ly/TotalLife_LearnMore

Today, I want to talk about something that's been really important for me lately: tele-therapy. It's a game-changer for improving your mental health, and I want to share some tips and insights with yo…

Today, I want to tal…

Today, I want to talk about something that's been really important for me lately: tele-therapy. It's a game-changer for improving your mental health, and I want to share some tips and insights with you. Without further ado, let’s get started.First things first, create a calming environment for your sessions. Find a cozy spot, light some candles, or just be in a quiet place where you can fully focus on yourself and your therapist. I know that therapy can be difficult to start, but I promise that your therapist will understand you with no judgment.Tele-therapy is all about connection. Your…