Boxes Moving Decluttering

Upgrade Your Spring Cleaning With These Three Talks at Darien Library, All Related to Downsizing

Download PDF

Darien Library is offering three talks related to downsizing on the first three Tuesday evenings in April, the library says, “from tips and tricks for decluttering, to getting the right prize for your property, to deciding where to go next.” — an announcement from Darien Library

Each talk is free, each requires registration and takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. There’s no guarantee you’ll save money, time or your sanity from the advice being offered, but your chances may improve. While on the same general subject, the talks are independent of each other, so you won’t miss anything in the talk or talks you’re attending if you just go to one or two,
Downsizing: What’s My Stuff Worth? Have you ever wondered what your antiques, collectibles, or household items are really worth? In this engaging presentation, a professional auctioneer will demystify the valuation process, explain what determines an item’s value, and share tips on identifying hidden treasures.

Seniors and their children

How to Plan for Getting Long-Term Care: A Presentation Thursday Evening at Darien Library

Download PDF

Lou and Jessica Pelletier, advisors at Pelletier Senior Planning will host an educational workshop on long-term care planning. addressing the growing need for care among seniors and baby boomers. The two will give an hour-long presentation Thursday evening, May 23, at Darien Library. It’s never too early to plan for the future. — an announcement from Darien Library

This session is vital for understanding available options as the demand for care rises.

Scam Image from the FTC website Scam

If Someone You Care About Got Caught in a Scam, Here’s How to Help

Download PDF

Sharing a scam experience with someone you know takes courage. If someone trusts you enough to share their scam story, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, here’s some advice to help guide you. — — This article by Jennifer Leach of the FTC Division of Consumer and Business Education, appeareed in the FTC website on April 29. Lead with empathy. Respond with kindness and concern instead of criticizing or expressing disappointment. Scams can happen to anyone.

Connecticut Death Collective 2024

Planning Your Funeral and Legacy, a Three-Part Workshop Series at Darien Library, Starts Tuesday, May 7

Download PDF

A three-part workshop series on planning for your funeral and legacy starts May 7 at Darien Library and runs for two more Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

— from three announcements from Darien Library

Contemplating the end of your life can evoke various emotions. Yet, finding peace in knowing your final wishes are understood can bring reassurance and comfort to you and your loved ones. Session 1 — May 7
Honoring Your Essence: Exploring Burial Options
In our first session, we delve into the various options for your final resting place. From traditional burials to eco-friendly alternatives, we’ll guide you through the choices available, ensuring your preferences are honored. Key discussion points:

Burial options: embalming, natural burial, cremation (fire or water), natural organic reduction
Setting preferences: viewing arrangements, dressing and styling choices
Final resting place: cemetery, scattering, urn, memorial tree or plant

Join us for these workshops as we explore the profound journey of funeral and legacy planning.

Elderly couple beach Seniors Senior Citizens

Panel to Discuss Helping Elderly Parents with Wills, Healthcare, Home Selling, Retirement Homes

Download PDF

The DCA invites to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation — those caring for parents while caring for children — and beyond, in a free panel discussion, Thursday evening, May 2, at the Darien Community Association. Learn from a panel of local senior experts and connect with others who are navigating similar responsibilities and challenges as we face complex life transitions ahead. On the discussion panel will be:

• Michael LaMagna — LNHA, MPA, JD, Attorney at Law with LaMagna McKenna

• Anne McGuire — RN, CCM, founder, Healthcare Pathfinder

• Michele Ranieri — community sales director, Atria Darien

• Deirdre Robbins McGovern — seniors real estate specialist (SRES) with Compass

• Andrea Ruby — downsizing expert, founder & CEO, Living Forward Move Management

If You’re Going … The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the panel presentation with Q&A from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Meadowland headquarters of the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road. Admission is free.

Caroline Wetzel

How to Keep Your Finances in Check When Changing Jobs: A Presentation Wednesday Evening

Download PDF

In a presentation on Wednesday evening, May 1, private wealth advisor Caroline Wetzel will elaborate on her five personal finance tips for professionals changing careers. — an announcement from Darien Library

Wetzel knows what it takes to successfully change roles; she did it herself and advises her clients how to do it, too. If You’re Going … Her presentation will be from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 1 in the Conference Room at Darien Library. You can register here.

Electric vehicle being charged. electric car

Buy an Electric Vehicle in 2023? You May Be Eligible for a Tax Credit

Download PDF

With Tax Day just over six weeks away, AAA Northeast is reminding anyone who bought an electric vehicle last year to check if they’re eligible for a federal tax credit. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
Last year, more than 1.4 million electric vehicles were sold across the country, including over one million fully electric vehicles — both the highest figures on record, according to the Argonne National Laboratory. The federal EV credit changed last year, with limits on which filers and vehicles are eligible, so this is the first time taxpayers will use this version of Form 8936 to claim the credit. Here’s what consumers need to know about who is eligible:

*If your adjusted gross income was below this threshold in either 2022 or 2023, you’re eligible for the credit. **To be eligible for a 2023 tax credit, a vehicle’s final assembly must have
occurred in North America.

Refueling gasoline at the gas pump

Another Nickel a Gallon for Gas in CT, But Prices Are Going Down, AAA Says

Download PDF

Connecticut drivers today are seeing the fifth and final nickel increase in fuel taxes as the state ends its incremental tax phase-in at the pump, says AAA Northeast. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
The nickel increase began January 1, ends this month, and has finally reached the full 25-cent a gallon tax.  Despite the tax increase, today’s statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.58, a penny lower compared to last week. Today’s average is also 54 cents lower than last year. Because of the tax increase, the Nutmeg State has moved up three spots to the 15th place on the list of the highest gas prices in the nation.

Electric Vehicle

If You Bought an Electric Vehicle Last Year, You May Be Eligible for a Federal Tax Credit, AAA Says

Download PDF

With Tax Day just a few weeks away, AAA Northeast reminds drivers who bought an electric vehicle last year, they may be eligible for a credit on their federal tax return. — an announcement from the AAA Northeast

In 2022, according to the EValuateCT dashboard, more than 12,000 electric vehicles were newly registered in the Nutmeg State. The dashboard provides insights into the current state of vehicle electrification in Connecticut. Generally, consumers who purchased a new battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in 2022 are eligible for a nonrefundable tax credit up to $7,500 if the car wasn’t a Tesla or General Motors vehicle. If they purchased an EV on or after Aug.

Study: Connecticut Has the Second-Highest Home Electricity Bills in the Country

Download PDF

Connecticut residents pay the second-highest estimated monthly electric bill in the country, averaging $189.94, according to a study by Payless Power, an electricity provider in Texas. Only Hawaiian residential electricity bills are higher, the study said. Connecticut also had the third highest commercial electricity bills and was also one of the states with the biggest percentage increases in electricity bills. The study used price information as of last August from the U.S. Energy Information Administration . Some findings:

Connecticut has the third-highest estimated monthly commercial electric bill, averaging $1,251.17 

Connecticut has the fifth-highest cost per kilowatt-hour (20 cents)

Connecticut experienced a 28% increase in monthly costs from August 2021 to August 2022

The country’s lowest monthly electricity bills were in Utah and New Mexico, with an average of $88.58 and $97.48, respectively.