AARP Social Security Calculator

When will you claim your Social Security retirement benefits?

"For many of us, Social Security is the most important part of our retirement picture, and deciding when to claim is a big decision. The amount of your benefit will depend on your average income over your working years, your spouse’s average income and the age at which you claim benefits.

This calculator will help you decide when to claim and show you how to maximize your benefits."

Use the following link to take advantage of this AARP tool.

Medicare Makes It Easier to Compare Doctors, Health Facilities Online

A streamlined Medicare online tool will make it easier for consumers to compare and choose their providers, including hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other facilities, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare is consolidating eight separate interactive websites that allow consumers to find providers based on geography, cost, professional experience, government ratings and other factors. Up to now, individual tools have covered doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, hospice care, inpatient rehabilitation services, long-term care hospitals and dialysis facilities.

Stylish Home Updates That Make Aging Easier

AARP is a great source of information for seniors. One of the major areas of focus has always been on Aging-in-Place.

Check out this recent article that "explains how large and small renovations, stylish updates and space reconfigurations can improve safety and quality of life — allowing you to live more comfortably now and into the future.​"

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning from AARP

According to a recent survey, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The phrase "estate planning" may sound like an exercise for the very rich, but thanks to the complicated nature of the U.S. legal system, even people with modest assets need a written document, or will, that specifies how those assets will be distributed upon their death. Yet according to a recent survey by the Harris Poll, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The top reason cited? They "haven't gotten around to it yet." They also fear it will be difficult and expensive, says Lisa Honey, director of product marketing for Rocket Lawyer, the online legal resource that commissioned the survey. Then there's the simple fact that, as Honey puts it, "people don't want to think about death."

HomeFit Guide

A free publication (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) featuring smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages.

This is where you start your Aging-in-Place journey and help protect yourself and family members from unnecessary falls or other injuries.

Can be viewed online, downloaded or ordered as a hardcopy document from AARP.

Great Dog Breeds for Grownups: A Guide to Choosing a Pup to Match Your Personality Whether you’re a homebody or traveling in retirement, there’s a good canine companion for you

"Dogs are cute, cuddly and good for your physical and mental health. They bring companionship, boost your daily step count and time outside, and can get you interacting with other dog lovers, says Lorraine Rhoads, director of health and safety at Dogtopia, a provider of dog day care, boarding and grooming services throughout North America.

For the 11.1 percent of adults 65 and older living alone, or for those who just would like a fur baby to have around, getting a dog may be a good idea. But there are many lifestyle factors to consider before jumping into dog ownership with both feet (and all paws)."

Check out this informative AARP article on how to select just the right dog for your lifestyle!

AARP Staying Sharp

"AARP Staying Sharp, an online program that shows you how to build habits that support your brain health — and have fun doing it!"

"How you spend your day can have a big impact on brain health, research shows. Eat well, move often, see friends, get good sleep, manage stress, keep learning. We'll share the whys and the how-tos."

What Do I Get?

"Take the Cognitive Assessment and other tests to see how your memory and attention are working today, then learn strategies to support brain health as you age. We've also got games for a fun distraction."

Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins

Knowledge is power. Take some time to understand your cognitive skills. Thirteen tests in all to help you think about what strategies to practice for your brain health.

Make Brain Health a Habit

AARP's Global Council on Brain Health reviewed the latest research to offer the best advice. The result is the six pillars of brain health. Learn how to build habits around all six.

Choose Your Path

An extensive menu of interactive challenges and activities plus meditations, exercise demos and TED videos. Need a healthy recipe? We've got you covered.

PLEASE NOTE: AARP offers a free version of these tools and an expanded version with AARP membership. Check it out!

AARP - How to Write a Memorable Obituary

"Pay tribute to the little and big things that made your loved one special."

"Carl Reiner, the legendary comedy writer, producer, director and performer, told CBS Sunday Morning in 2015 that the first thing he does in the morning before he has coffee is read the obituaries. “If I'm not in there, I know that I'm alive,” he said."

An informative article from AARP on how to tackle writing an obituary. Most of us have little or no experience and this article is a good way of pulling it together.

VA Expanding Health Care Access to Millions of Veterans

"All veterans who have served in combat zones since the Vietnam War, along with veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials while training or on active duty, will become eligible March 5 to enroll directly in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency announced Feb. 26.

The move speeds up the expanded benefits, which were mandated by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022. Instead of the phased-in approach called for in the act — a process expected to take years — millions of veterans will become eligible for health care without having first to apply for VA benefits.

Check this AARP site for more information on the accelerated implementation of the PACT Act:

VA Health Care Expands for Millions of Veterans (aarp.org)

Documents that you Need to Take Advantage of Free AARP Tax-Aide Service

Documents You Need for Free Help from AARP Tax-Aide -

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will get your tax returns filled out and filed — all for free.

"The program, aimed at taxpayers 50 and older, is free and doesn’t require AARP membership. You’ll get assistance from volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service. You can even get your tax return sent electronically for free, which will speed your refund. To get help with preparing your tax return from an IRS-certified volunteer, book an appointment using the Site Locator. But you can’t just walk in empty-handed or — even worse — with a shoebox full of receipts. Here’s what you will need:"

Check out this AARP article: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Important Tax Prep Documents

Smart Ways to Cover the Cost of a Funeral

You probably don’t want to think about it, but at some point, you are going to die and someone's going to have to pay for the funeral.

The attached article from AARP offers some suggestions for covering the costs associated with a cremation/funeral/memorial service.

AARP - Navigating a Broken System - A Guide for Researching Senior Living Options in Arizona

"Arizona’s long-term care system is fragmented, expensive, and inequitable. Over the last several years, countless news stories have exposed horrific instances of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults due to systemic failures. Families have repeatedly conveyed that they need help navigating the complex system and ensuring that their loved ones receive proper care.

In response, AARP Arizona and the Arizona Republic partnered to create the following resource guide to help families better understand Arizona’s long-term care system and to protect their loved ones from harm. The guide delves into such topics as comparing types of facilities, signs that someone may need additional support, and questions to ask when choosing a facility. It also exposes where the system has failed and provides some recommendations for improvement."

Check this link for valuable information on Arizona's long-term care system: Navigating a Broken System (aarp.org)

Thinking About Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease? Five Questions to Consider

"Ask yourself the five questions below to help understand your risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease."

The five questions are:

• How old are you?
• Does Alzheimer's run in your family?
• What's your lifestyle?
• What medical conditions do you have?
• What about biomarkers?

For more information check this article posted by AARP from the NIH - National Institue on Aging.

Sign These Papers!

5 estate planning documents that Suze Orman recommends for every family presented by AARP.

14 Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2023

Scammers are like viruses: They continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends, using them for new ways to separate us from our cash.

These criminals “are so adaptable, they’re going to just follow the headlines,” says Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP.

AARP - Money Map

Navigating your finances just got easier.

Whether you're managing debt today or saving for tomorrow, let AARP Money Map™ guide you to better financial health and peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Money.

Our free online money management tools help you slash your debt, build up savings, and more.

Features focused on your finances.

GET YOUR PLAN

Get personalized plans that fit your goals. Your plan includes tips and monthly activities that help you stay on track.

GOAL TRACKING

Track your financial goal progress against your action plans for reducing expenses, paying off debt, saving for emergencies, and more.

CALCULATORS

Estimate the costs of using a credit card or borrowing money via a personal loan, home equity loan, or retirement plan.

DASHBOARD

See your road ahead clearly with a central view of your tools and progress.

DEBT PROJECTIONS

Find your best route for paying off debts with estimates for payoff dates and possible ways to save.

FUNDING SOURCES

We’ll help you navigate the pros, cons, and true costs of payment options for unplanned expenses.

MILESTONES

Create a savings plan complete with milestones to help keep you on track.

BUDGETING

Use Budget Builder to help prioritize expenses, pay down debt, and reach your savings goals faster.

Use the following link to access the AARP Money Map tools.

How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

"A 'celebration of life' honors the passing of a loved one in a personalized way."

"Memorial services have become more prevalent as cremation has outpaced traditional burials in the U.S., a trend fueled by boomers’ growing concern about the cost and environmental impact of burials coupled with a fall in religious affiliations."

AARP Virtual Community Center

FREE interactive online events and classes designed for learning, self-improvement, and fun from AARP.

Check out this AARP site for a rich collection of helpful information.

How to Access SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits

"If you’re on a fixed income and see costs keep going up, or if you’re struggling to make ends meet on a tight budget, you are not alone. AARP Foundation can connect you with resources and assistance to help you stretch your grocery budget. Assistance is available for adults of all ages through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides participants with a credit card-like card (EBT card) for making purchases at grocery stores and some farmers markets. Millions of older adults use SNAP to afford the food they need each month and AARP Foundation wants to make it easier to apply and enroll."

Check out this AARP website to learn more about SNAP and see if you qualify for assistance.

AARP Veteran Report Newsletter

Sign up for AARP Veteran Report, a free twice-monthly newsletter that salutes military service and celebrates the contributions of military families to our country and our communities.

AARP Veteran Report provides practical help and news you can use, as well as inspring stories twice per month. We’ll also share other occasional emails, including giveaways and special offers.

Information on Planning Your Own Funeral

AARP has published a number of articles on funerals. This article provides information on how to plan for your own funeral in advance.

Help Your Family Plan Your Funeral Far in Advance

Make life easier for your family by gathering information and providing them with your preferences before you die. Notes on what you would like included in your obituary or at your service can make this difficult time much easier for your loved ones.

Tips to Finding a Quality Nursing Home for Your Loved One

Tips from AARP on how to use online tools and in-person visits to assess long-term care facilities. Do your homework in advance before you actually need to select a facility.

Arizona AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Arizona Taxpayers,

Locations for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites will begin opening on February 1, 2023, to prepare taxes for the 2022 tax year. Please consult the “Locations” tab on this website to find a Tax-Aide location near you. We look forward to assisting you at any of our Arizona locations.

Geofrey Wolfe
Arizona
State Coordinator

Many of our Tax-Aide locations will be offering traditional In-Person tax assistance this year. Most of our sites will offer appointments and some will reserve space for walk-in taxpayers. Appointments are still recommended, as we cannot guarantee service to every walk-in taxpayer on their day of choice. We appreciate your flexibility when making an appointment, and you will find more information about appointments on the Locations page.

If you have a question or concern, please use the Contact tab to submit a Contact Us form. One of our Arizona Tax-Aide leaders will review your information and respond. If you would like to join our Tax-Aide team of volunteers, please click the Volunteer tab to start the process. We are seeking District and Site Leaders, Technology experts and Instructors as well as tax Counselors.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide continues to place the highest priority on the health and safety of both our volunteers and taxpayers. We ask that if you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, please reschedule to protect yourself and our volunteers.

NOTE: Be sure to check instructions at this site for each tax year.

AARP Tax-Aide assisted more than 31,000 Arizona residents prepare and file their 2022 tax returns earlier this year.

We look forward to helping even more next tax season.

NOTE: If you need in-person tax preparation help between now and February 1, 2024, you may visit our Prescott location by calling: (928) 277-1560

Please check back to this page in mid-January 2024, for updated information about each of our locations for tax preparation. You are welcome to browse the addresses below of our previous locations. We expect – but can not guarantee – that the majority will return next year.

AARP Retirement Calculator

AARP Retirement Calculator: Are You Saving Enough?

Find out when — and how — to retire the way you want.

Are you financially prepared for retirement?

Thinking about retirement can be overwhelming. You may ask:

• Am I saving enough?
• When can I afford to stop working?
• How long will my money last?

Use the AARP Retirement Calculator to help plan your financial future so you can retire when - and how - you want. You've got options. This calculator will help you discover what they are.

Use the following link to access the AARP Retirement Calculator.

AARP - Identified SCAMS & FRAUDS Operating at This Time

Learn how to identify common scams and frauds.

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore (AARP)

How to spot early indicators that your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or dementia​.

"It’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. But persistent difficulty with memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs of something more serious."

This AARP article will help you spot some of the early indicators of Alzheimer's or dementia.

Fraud Watch Network

Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, alerts and fraud prevention resources to help you spot and avoid scams and protect your loved ones. We even cover the latest scams in the news.

Find Support

If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The AARP Fraud Helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. We also offer online support sessions for further emotional support.

AARP - 5 Things You Need to Know About Finances When Turning 65

"It’s a pivotal age for retirement planning — even if you aren’t ready to retire yet."

"Gone are the days when most people retired at 65, received a gold watch, then lived off their pension and full Social Security benefits. But 65 is still an important age financially for retirees and near retirees, in terms of both what you get and what you don’t."

Check out this article from AARP for some hints and tips on actions you need to be considering when approaching. 65.

AARP - Links to Financial Planning Tools and Concepts for Retirement

A collection of excellent articles for those planning for retirement as well as those already in retirement.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

Our toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

AARP’s Fraud Watch NetworkTM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment.

10 Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid

Errors can prove costly to new Medicare enrollees!

Missing deadlines, delaying enrollment or choosing the wrong plan can cost you a bundle when it comes to Medicare. Here’s a list of 10 common mistakes new Medicare enrollees make and how to avoid them, according to the Medicare Rights Center, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit consumer service organization.

What to do When a Loved One Dies

AARP provides a checklist of the tasks that must be considered and completed when a loved one dies.

What I learned from my Mom's Approach to Death

"My mother had been thinking about her own end of life for as long as I can remember. She’d nursed two parents through long, agonizing final chapters, one with cancer and the other with Parkinson’s. Being such a dutiful caregiver forged a determination in her not to end up like her parents. She was almost militant about “not being a burden” to her three girls at the end."

This 2023 article from AARP provides some insight on grief and coping with the end of life.

AARP - Financial News & Investment Advice

Money

"Get the latest financial news and expert advice on money management to budget effectively, spend wisely, build a nest egg and live well in retirement."

AARP does a good job of defining the basic financial concepts that relate to successful retirement and senior living. Check their website for some valuable resources.

Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

Start with small projects and anticipate future needs.