By Jennifer Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director
For many Massachusetts residents, the years around retirement are full of big financial decisions. High living costs can make those choices feel even heavier. So can a complicated system that isn’t always easy to navigate. Long-term security isn’t just about higher returns. It’s about having clear, timely information.
That’s where AARP Massachusetts comes in. Our work focuses on helping people understand the systems that shape financial security later in life. We aim to make the process feel less intimidating and more manageable.
One of the most significant challenges facing older adults is managing the transition from employment to retirement. Decisions about Social Security, health coverage, and retirement income are often made years before people fully understand their long‑term impact. AARP offers easy-to-use educational tools that help people feel more prepared and confident as they approach retirement, especially during the pre-retirement years, when there’s still time to make choices that can really matter.
By translating complicated topics like when to claim benefits, how to plan for health care costs, and whether you’re on track for retirement into clear, practical guidance, AARP helps people move forward with greater peace of mind and fewer unwelcome surprises. You can check out the AARP Retirement Calculator and find out when — and how — to retire the way you want. 54% of pre-retirees say they have no idea how much they’ll need to retire. Use this calculator to learn, double-check and make sure you’re on the path to your “someday,” each month. Find it at aarp.org/retirementcalculator
Caregiving is another area where financial strain often goes unrecognized until it becomes overwhelming. In Massachusetts, 1.4 million people provide unpaid care to older loved ones, frequently absorbing out‑of‑pocket costs while juggling work and family responsibilities. AARP Massachusetts has been a leading advocate for a refundable family caregiver tax credit, arguing that caregivers play a central role in keeping people at home and out of more costly institutional care. The proposed credit would help offset caregiving expenses and acknowledge caregiving as a public good, not just a private burden.
Housing costs also loom large for older adults, particularly for those trying to remain in their homes on fixed incomes. AARP has long worked to raise awareness of the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit, a state program that can return thousands of dollars to eligible homeowners and renters aged 65 and older. Many eligible residents never claim the credit simply because they are unaware of it or unsure how to apply. Through education and volunteer tax‑assistance programs, AARP helps ensure this policy functions as it was intended—as a tool to support aging in place rather than a benefit that goes unused.
From everyday money decisions to major policy fights, AARP works to make aging easier to navigate. Think of AARP as a wise friend and a fierce defender, helping to transform the experience of aging. We have a number of online and in person events to help you navigate the choices that come up as you approach retirement. You can find information at aarp.org/ma.
Jennifer Benson is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.
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