I've written in the past (here, here, and here) about how women should strongly consider long-term care insurance.  The statistics are staggering, yet women's prices are the same as men's prices, making long term care statistically a much better deal for single women than for single men.

Today a South Jersey paper had a thought provoking article on the subject of women and long-term care.  It is well worth reading.  The basic premise is that women need to spend more time looking at the topic than they currently do.  One of my favorite non-long-term care related pieces of advise is this:

Early in retirement, Stifler says, you might need more than 80 percent of your income before retirement because you're likely to be physically able to do things you've planned to do for years - travel, pursue expensive hobbies, fix up your home. And later in retirement, you may face costly health care needs.

The key, says the article, is for women to examine the long-term care policies they are considering closely, and to make sure they are stable companies.  For example, some carriers have raised rates daramatically in the past.  Stick with the big boys, like the companies we offer, and you are less likely to have a rate increase in the future.  We recommend an A-rated or better company.  For example, John Hancock has an "AAA" rating from AM Best.   Women considering long term care insurance also may want to visit the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, at www.wiserwomen.org.