Stephanie Miles

Caring.com senior editor

About

Stephanie Miles, Senior Editor of the Finance channel, is a former business journalist for the online Wall Street Journal and CNET Networks. She focuses on consumer issues including finance and personal technology, as well as consumer marketing and advertising. Stephanie's father died following a sudden stroke in 2005, so she is intimately familiar with the emotional and financial issues that are faced by adult children following the death or catastrophic illness of a parent.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Thursday October 29, 2009

    1. 10 Things You Should Know About Your Parents' Finances

      Checklist - Knowing about your elderly parents finances can help with future management. Review these 10 important elderly parent finance questions. 3 Comments

  2. Friday October 02, 2009

    1. 7 Things to Look for When Choosing a Financial Planner for Your Parents

      Article - Choosing a financial planner is important. Here are 7 things to look for when searching for a smart financial planner.

    2. 5 Most Important Financial Questions to Ask Your Parent

      Article - You won't know what kind of shape your parent's finances are in until you ask. Money is always a sticky topic, so come to the discussion prepared to cover the most important issue.

  3. Monday July 20, 2009

    1. Medigap Insurance 101

      Article - What is medigap? What are the medigap insurance plans, and what do they cover? Who's eligible for medigap?

  4. Thursday July 16, 2009

    1. How Medicaid Works

      Article - Learn about Medicaid care, Medicaid eligibility requirements and Medicaid coverage. Find out if Medicaid care is a good option for elderly loved ones. 3 Comments

  5. Tuesday June 09, 2009

    1. 8 Questions to Ask the Lender Before Getting a Reverse Mortgage

      Checklist - 8 key questions to ask a lender before signing a reverse mortgage agreement. Read our free checklist to be better prepared for reverse mortgage. 1 Comment

  6. Friday May 08, 2009

    1. How Medicare Works

      Article - How does Medicare work? What is Medicare? Who qualifies for Medicare? What does Medicare cover? 2 Comments

    2. How Do Reverse Mortgages Work?

      Article - Reverse Mortgage: A Beginner's Guide. A free informative guide on reverse mortgages. 2 Comments

    3. What Is Long-term Care Insurance?

      Article - Long Term Care Insurance is one of the best ways to minimize expenses as you care for an aging parent or other family member. 2 Comments

  7. Thursday May 07, 2009

    1. A Buyer's Guide to Reverse Mortgages

      Buying Guide - Read our free reverse mortgage guide to help you understand how reverse mortgages work and what to look for in a reverse mortgage at Caring.com.

  8. Wednesday May 06, 2009

    1. 8 Warning Signs an Older Adult's Finances Are Off Track

      Article - What are warning signs that parents are losing control of their finances? One sign that they're losing control of their finances is mail piling up. 4 Comments

    2. How to Protect Older Family Members From Fraud

      Article - Common financial scams that target the elderly -- and how you can help your family avoid them. 3 Comments

  9. Thursday April 30, 2009

    1. 5 Most Important Financial Questions to Ask Your Parent

      Checklist - You won't know what kind of shape your parent's finances are in until you ask. Money is always a sticky topic, so come to the discussion prepared to cover the most important issues: 2 Comments

  10. Saturday November 01, 2008

    1. Social Security Increase: Will It Be Enough for Your Parent?

      Blog Post - The government announced the 2009 Cost of Living Adjustment for Social Security recipients, and said that it will raise benefits by 5.8 percent. But people are facing many double digit increases in the cost of living. 2 Comments

  11. Friday October 24, 2008

    1. Tough Financial Times Bring Out the Scams

      Blog Post - Scammers are taking advantage of the financial crisis, and consumer advocates are warning seniors to be careful of new cons designed to exploit people's fears about the economy.

  12. Friday October 17, 2008

    1. Beware: Scammers Are Targeting Grandparents

      Blog Post - The so-called Grandparent Scam has victimized hundreds of seniors. The Better Business Bureau advises verifying the identity of any callers before wiring cash. 3 Comments

  13. Friday October 10, 2008

    1. Look Online for Hundreds of Ways to Save Money

      Blog Post - As the financial crisis shows no signs of slowing down, here are ways to save money and free up cash.

  14. Friday October 03, 2008

    1. When Money Is Tight, More People Cut Back on Healthcare

      Blog Post - During these rocky economic times, an increasing number of people are saving money by cutting back on spiraling health care costs.

  15. Friday September 26, 2008

    1. What the Financial Meltdown Means for You and Your Family

      Blog Post - In light of the market meltdown of the past few weeks, it does make sense to reevaluate your financial situation and investment strategies. 1 Comment

  16. Friday September 19, 2008

    1. Medicare Hotline Leaves Callers Cold

      Blog Post - Medicare patients looking for help with the government health insurance program are told to first call 1-800-Medicare for help. But that may be the last place they should turn. 1 Comment

  17. Friday September 12, 2008

    1. Keeping Your Parents Safe From Scammers

      Blog Post - Senior citizens are attractive targets for scammers, according to a new report, but there are some simple and easy things you can do to help keep your parent from being victimized. 1 Comment

  18. Friday September 05, 2008

    1. Tough Times Can Turn Seniors into Bargain Hunters

      Blog Post - The tough economy is forcing more seniors than ever into bankruptcy, and leading many older people to find bargains available only to them. 2 Comments

  19. Friday August 29, 2008

    1. Millions Falling Into the Doughnut Hole

      Blog Post - Medicare Part D has a coverage gap, the doughnut hole, that forces millions of people to give up taking needed medications, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation study.

  20. Friday August 22, 2008

    1. Storm Watch: What About Reverse Mortgages?

      Blog Post - With hurricane season upon us, it's important for reverse mortgage holders to understand the implications of natural disasters.

  21. Friday August 15, 2008

    1. End-of-Life Financial Lessons Learned the Hard Way

      Blog Post - Francine Lipman, who teaches tax law, discovered that even she was ill-equipped to prepare herself for the financial realities of her mother's death.

  22. Friday August 08, 2008

    1. New Type of Loan Turns Insurance Policies into Cash

      Blog Post - A new type of loan will allow older adults to borrow against their life insurance policy.

  23. Friday August 01, 2008

    1. Reverse Mortgages: Dragged Down By The Mortgage Mess?

      Blog Post - Included in the new mortgage bill are overhauls to the rules governing reverse mortgages. But are the new rules enough to calm worried seniors?

  24. Friday July 25, 2008

    1. 10 Signs Your Parent Is Struggling Financially

      Blog Post - Financial problems may not be immediate apparent. Here are tell-tale warning signs that elders are feeling the need to cut back on their expenses. 1 Comment

  25. Friday July 18, 2008

    1. Fraud Protection for Your Parents (and You)

      Blog Post - Protect your family from fraud by using these easy tips, and avoid scammers who are sending out fraudulent stimulus checks and letters to lure seniors into giving up personal information.

  26. Friday July 11, 2008

    1. Medicare Reimbursement Mess Fixed -- For Now

      Blog Post - Medicare reimbursements to doctors were increased when Congress solved a Medicare reimbursement mess, but only temporarily.

  27. Friday July 04, 2008

    1. Seniors Hit Hard By Overdraft Charges

      Blog Post - High banking fees are hitting senior citizens hard, but seniors can protect themselves by monitoring their account online. 1 Comment

  28. Friday June 27, 2008

    1. Your Parents' Estate: Not a Windfall Anymore

      Blog Post - Our parents are living longer and are faced with astronomical expenses, which means that most of us shouldn't count on becoming huge inheritances. 1 Comment

  29. Friday June 20, 2008

    1. Social Security Benefits: Getting Carded?

      Blog Post - Social Security recipients will soon be able to get their monthly benefits loaded onto a pre-paid debit card. If your parents are getting their checks via direct deposit, they should probably stick with that system and not switch over to the debit cards b

  30. Friday June 13, 2008

    1. Medicare: Billing Hassles Ahead

      Blog Post - Medicare patients may be in for a billing nightmare this summer. They should check with their doctors to see if Medicare coverage will be affected. 1 Comment

  31. Friday June 06, 2008

    1. Going For Broke? Seniors Turn to Newer Loans To Avoid Cash Crunch

      Blog Post - Seniors hurt by the tough economy are raising money using reverse mortgages, life insurance settlements and 401k loans. In exchange for up-front cash, your parent may lose future equity or investment gains, so help them make smart money choices.

  32. Friday May 30, 2008

    1. Tax Rebate Update

      Blog Post - If your parents tax rebate hasn't arrived yet, they aren't alone. If their tax rebate is missing, check the IRS Web site for help.

  33. Friday May 23, 2008

    1. Medicare Headaches

      Blog Post - Navigating the Medicare maze can be a headache, but here are resources to help you along the way.

  34. Friday May 16, 2008

    1. Reverse Mortgages: Time to Look at Other Options?

      Blog Post - If you're looking into a reverse mortgage for yourself or your parent, two new articles may give you pause.

  35. Saturday May 10, 2008

    1. Where can I find financial assistance for assisted living costs?

      Answer - Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for my mother's assisted living facilities?

  36. Friday May 09, 2008

    1. Cell Phones That Won't Scare Mom

      Blog Post - Check out Jitterbug: a simplified cell phone with features designed just for seniors. 1 Comment

  37. Monday May 05, 2008

    1. My mom is 65 and did a reverse morgage. Are her kids responsible in any way?

      Answer - My mom is 65 and did a reverse mortgage. Are her kids responsible in any way?

    2. As a caregiver is there any kind of aid or tax breaks I can...

      Answer - Are there any tax breaks or tax credits for caregivers?

    3. How can I get paid for caregiving?

      Answer - My mom has advanced breast cancer. Can I get paid to be her caregiver?

    4. Are there programs that can help with the cost of in-home care?

      Answer - Are there programs that can help with the cost of in-home care?

    5. How can I find financial aid to care for my mother in her home?

      Answer - I gave up my job to care for my widowed mother after my father died. Is there any financial aid to help?

  38. Tuesday April 29, 2008

    1. Easy Money: It's Not Too Late!

      Blog Post - Although the April 15th tax deadline has come and gone, your parents may still be eligible for this year's rebate check -- even if they didn't file a return.

  39. Friday April 25, 2008

    1. How Retirement Is Changing

      Blog Post - A rundown of emotional and financial issues facing current and future retirees.

  40. Monday April 14, 2008

    1. Doctors Don't Seem to Care for Medicare

      Blog Post - Although the vast majority of doctors accept Medicare, many place limits on how many Medicare patients they'll take in their practice because the government reimburses them at a relatively low rate. 2 Comments

  41. Friday April 11, 2008

    1. Insurance Coverage: Denied!

      Blog Post - What do you do when your parent's insurance company denies coverage for the care that his doctor has ordered? 1 Comment

  42. Friday April 04, 2008

    1. My Own Last (Online) Wishes

      Blog Post - Facebook users can let friends and family know their final instructions via a new application called My Own Last Wishes.

  43. Friday March 28, 2008

    1. Back It Up

      Blog Post - Companies that offer backup childcare or elder care services have more loyal employees, according to a new survey. 1 Comment

  44. Friday March 21, 2008

    1. Easy Money

      Blog Post - If your parents earned $3,000 last year, they're entitled to this year's tax rebate. Even if your parents haven't filed taxes in years because they're retired, they should file this year to ensure they receive their rebate. 1 Comment

  45. Monday March 03, 2008

    1. Reverse Mortgages: Looking for Trouble?

      Blog Post - Reverse mortgages--a loan for people ages 62 and older that pays homeowners based on the equity they've built up in their house--can be a great way for our parents to pay off medical bills, pay for home improvement projects, or take that trip they've been dreaming of for years... 1 Comment

  46. Wednesday February 27, 2008

    1. How can I help my boomer mom plan for her retirement

      Community Post - Ah, welcome to life in the sandwich generation -- worrying about how to provide for your kids AND your parents!