Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

Jean Kitching, 57, is feeling the financial fallout from a divorce. Her lifestyle has dramatically changed with the loss of her husband's income and she

Jean Kitching, 57, is feeling the financial fallout from a divorce. Her lifestyle has dramatically changed with the loss of her husband's income and she fears retirement looming on the horizon. She plans to work until age 70 in order to play catch-up. Then she wants to move south to a cheaper location in Virginia or the Carolinas to retire. Kitching earns $29, 573 ($2, 479 monthly) and noted that she has two adult children. She also noted that a long-term goal was "someone to care for me when I am unable to care for myself," but the specifics were unclear. Other financial goals in the short and intermediate term are a $1,800 cruise, $2,000 of home improvements, pre-paid funeral expenses, and "money to live on $3,500 per month." Another concern is health insurance. After her divorce, Kitching felt that she could not afford to pay her ex-husband's employer over $5,000 annually for coverage. She lives in fear of a major illness or disease (e.g., cancer) because her current employer does not provide health benefits. Kitching has been gradually spending money received from her divorce settlement to make ends meet. The simple fact is that she can't afford her lifestyle and her savings is running out. She estimates that there is at least a $500 per month gap between what she earns and what she spends. No specific monthly expense figures were provided, but she listed car insurance as a major concern. Asset and debt figures were listed, however. Kitching's net worth is $121, 293. Her major asset is her $145,000 home. She also has $206 in checking, $1,960 in savings, $5,786 in two bank CDs, a $2,625 money market fund, $4,602 in mutual funds, $3,514 in stocks, and $20,000 of personal property. On the debt side, Kitching owes $56, 032 on her home, a $28,759 mortgage and a $27, 273 home equity loan. Other debts are a $4,611 personal loan and $1,760 owed to a friend. Kitching is concerned that her debt load has been rising. Her house needed a number of repairs, which resulted in the home equity loan. Kitching has no will to indicate her estate planning wishes. "I don't have enough to worry about, she notes. She has a $20,000 whole life policy that could pay funeral costs and $300,000 of liability coverage on her car. She has no earmarked retirement savings such as a 401(k) or IRA.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

From Zero To Zen Secret Keys To Nurturing Your Numbers And Finding Financial Flow

Authors: Liz Lajoie

1st Edition

1683507045, 978-1683507048

More Books

Students also viewed these Accounting questions