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Life Planning

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While important for every adult, planning for later stages of life is critical for older adults. Later life planning includes estate, funeral, advanced care, long-term care, and more depending on your family (e.g., a grandparent raising a grandchild). Unfortunately, many people often neglect these planning activities until a crisis occurs. The consequences of delaying these decisions cannot be overstated. For example, long-term care is complicated and costly. Without proper planning it may be difficult to get the care you prefer in the location of your choice (e.g., house, apartment, assisted living, nursing home, etc.).

All Life Planning Content
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SDSU Extension hosts Sustaining the Legacy Conferences

November 03, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will continue to assist farmers and ranchers with long-term planning through its Sustaining the Legacy conferences across South Dakota this winter.

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SDSU Extension to offer virtual legal and financial education

October 15, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is working with Nebraska Extension and North Dakota State University Extension to offer a program to prepare you to ask another person to serve as your fiduciary for legal and financial matters.

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Four Advance Care Planning Conversations

This information will help you understand the four advance care planning conversations you need to have about decisions you are asking others to make at the end of your life.

Home health care specialist visiting with an older female adult.

Long-Term Care Planning

From assisted living to home health, learn some important tips for deciding which long-term care options best fit the needs and budget of your loved ones in their later years.

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Purposeful Retirement Book Club Facilitation Guide

A curriculum that can be used to facilitate a purposeful retirement book club in a community.

Couple reviewing social security forms and information at a laptop computer.

What You Need to Know About Social Security for Retirement Planning

Social Security benefits are money you get from the government when you retire. You get them if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time.

A man reviewing an information packet on creating a last will and testament.

End of Life Documents You Should Have in Place

COVID-19 infection and mortality rates fill the news programs. Across South Dakota and the nation, people are have made changes to their lifestyle and the way they accomplish many everyday activities. In response to this illness and the potential for long-term hospitalization and even death, individuals over 18 should also ensure their end of life documents are up-to-date.

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Retirement Tips: Surviving the First Year

Retirement is one of the most important transitions a person will experience during their life. A little forethought can really help a person reconcile their new identify as a retired person.

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Planning for Retirement

No matter what your age or when you plan to retire, now is the time to begin saving for retirement. Learn. some tips to help you become more financially secure as you prepare for retirement.

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Advance Care Planning

Not sure where to start when putting together an advance care plan for your loved ones? Learn some key considerations to get the conversation started.