AARP North Carolina

For many people, finding their “what’s next,” means having time to travel. This week on Real Life, you will hear from world renowned travel expert Samantha Brown, host of several programs on the Travel Channel. Brown, who is AARP’s Travel Ambassador, is on board to help you be a savvy traveler. Real Life caught up with her this week when spoke at an AARP Life Reimagined event in Wilmington where she provided an audience of all ages tips and advice for those planning trips both large and small.

RALEIGH -- As North Carolina’s population ages, nearly all of the state’s voters ages 45 plus (92%) believe it is important to be able to provide care so their loved ones can keep living independently in their own homes. 2014 North Carolina Caregiving Report FINAL collected the opinions of North Carolina residents on issues related to providing unpaid care to loved ones and proposals to provide support for family caregivers.

Governor McCrory released his $21.5 billion budget that holds most existing programs steady with inflation. Looking toward the future of this state, health, retirement and financial security for families and seniors are critical.

In North Carolina, 1.7 million people are providing care to family members or loved ones at some point of time each year. Why is the issue of family caregiving so important right now? What kind of challenges do they face? What kind of resources do family caregivers need?

You’ve worked hard for a place to call home, a family, a job, and maybe a few extras. Orchestrating so many life events for others can leave you with little time for yourself. Finding the time to focus on your future is particularly important for women, who generally have more years to cover in retirement with fewer resources. However, planning for your own tomorrow is vitally important: If you don’t plan for yourself, someone else will plan for you.

Washington, DC – Last week, Robert Palombo of Southern Shores participated in the graduation ceremony for AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI.

By Charmaine Fuller Cooper

This week on “Real Life,” AARP continues to look for ways to save you money. Credit unions often offer benefits not provided by traditional banks. What are they? Are they right for you?

Did you know that scam artists are filing fraudulent tax returns and stealing people’s identities? In 2014, the IRS reported over 15 million fraudulent tax returns. If you are a victim, the IRS will notify you by mail that you have filed more than one return. The IRS will never call you.

WILMINGTON -- Looking for ways to share your life experiences, skills and passions in your community? AARP makes it easy to help out in the Cape Fear Region on the projects and with the people you care about most.