- The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012
- The 10 Sunniest Places to Retire
- 10 Bargain Retirement Spots
- 10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone
- 10 Best Places for the Wealthiest Retirees
- 10 Fast-Growing Retirement Spots
- 10 Best Places for Single Seniors to Retire
- 10 Places with the Most Retirees
- 10 Places with the Oldest Population
- 10 Most Affordable Cities for Long-Term Care
- 10 Places to Launch a Second Career
- Best & Worst Places to Build a Nest Egg in Retirement
- 10 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life in Retirement
- Best Places to Downsize in Retirement
- Best Places for Military Retirees
- 10 Historic Places to Retire
- 10 Most Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement
- 10 Great Places for Wine Lovers to Retire—(sounds like fun!)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Retirement: So Many Choices
If you are about to start a new chapter in your life, namely retirement, there is homework to do. It requires thought and planning in order to find exactly what you’re looking for, even if you think you have a general idea. However, if you have no clue as to where to begin, perhaps this will help you to get started.
One of the most useful search tools is offered by US News & World Report. The Best Places to Retire Lists will help you to sift through and examine the multitude of remarkable choices that are available for retirement. There are literally hundreds of options from which to choose—no matter what your dream is. The Lists include:
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Dangers of Personal Loans and Family
Loaning money to family – to do it or not to do it? That is the question.
Each family views money differently, and when the need for financial assistance arises, there are many ways of approaching it. Often, parents who are also seniors are put in the tough position of an adult child asking for a loan, perhaps for college tuition, a down payment on a home, to start a business or to help pay expenses. A parent’s natural instinct is to help a child, even if that child is an adult. Seniors have to be especially careful about lending money because many are on limited income. If the senior takes the loan out of savings and the loan is not repaid, the senior is not able to recoup savings as easily as someone who is still in their working years. If the senior should need the money for health reasons, long-term living expenses or unexpected occurrences, and the money is not there, how will that senior survive?
Money and family are a precarious combination. The risk of loaning money to family is that relationships may be compromised because of the situation – if the details of the arrangement are unclear or if the borrower neglects to pay the lender all together. The lender may feel taken advantage of, while the borrower feels entitled.
Careful consideration when lending money
A parent should thoroughly consider giving money to an adult child. Enlisting an attorney or an accountant may be necessary to assure proper structuring of the loan and payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may also be curious as to the nature of the arrangement, another reason to have a professional help set up the loan.
Read the full length of this article, click here.
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us
Similar articles:
Estate Plans Help Seniors Keep Control
Easy and Affordable Home Improvements for Senior Safety
Why Seniors Should Consider Daily Money Management
Each family views money differently, and when the need for financial assistance arises, there are many ways of approaching it. Often, parents who are also seniors are put in the tough position of an adult child asking for a loan, perhaps for college tuition, a down payment on a home, to start a business or to help pay expenses. A parent’s natural instinct is to help a child, even if that child is an adult. Seniors have to be especially careful about lending money because many are on limited income. If the senior takes the loan out of savings and the loan is not repaid, the senior is not able to recoup savings as easily as someone who is still in their working years. If the senior should need the money for health reasons, long-term living expenses or unexpected occurrences, and the money is not there, how will that senior survive?
Money and family are a precarious combination. The risk of loaning money to family is that relationships may be compromised because of the situation – if the details of the arrangement are unclear or if the borrower neglects to pay the lender all together. The lender may feel taken advantage of, while the borrower feels entitled.
Careful consideration when lending money
A parent should thoroughly consider giving money to an adult child. Enlisting an attorney or an accountant may be necessary to assure proper structuring of the loan and payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may also be curious as to the nature of the arrangement, another reason to have a professional help set up the loan.
Read the full length of this article, click here.
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us
Similar articles:
Estate Plans Help Seniors Keep Control
Easy and Affordable Home Improvements for Senior Safety
Why Seniors Should Consider Daily Money Management
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Job Hunting After 50
There is good news. Really.
Companies actually do hire seniors. However, one unfortunate and often overlooked fact is that many baby boomer job seekers do not know how to conduct a modern job search, or properly present themselves to employers. An ineffective resume or a poor interview can seriously derail anyone’s job search—especially that of the mature job applicant. Unfortunately, this can shut him out of the job market.
The good news is that Carol A. Silvis is an experienced author who has taught training courses to older adults re-entering the workplace. Having written extensively on the subject of career topics and concerns, her most recent book is Job Hunting After 50. It is specifically designed to prepare seniors for the job search by arming them with a plan for success.
This book shows them how to assess and update their skills and qualifications; use the appropriate technology; prepare their own resumes for today’s job market; and dress with style for the interview. Silvis identifies the most common mistakes seniors make, showing them how to best avoid certain pitfalls. In addition, she addresses their energy levels and attitudes.
The goal is to commit one’s time to finding the right job by approaching it systematically and intelligently. Silvis has laid out some tried and true principles to follow in order to simplify the process. Her book will be a boon for the boomers and their parents who are job hunting at this time.
Wishing you luck in your search,
~Laraine Jablon
Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com
Companies actually do hire seniors. However, one unfortunate and often overlooked fact is that many baby boomer job seekers do not know how to conduct a modern job search, or properly present themselves to employers. An ineffective resume or a poor interview can seriously derail anyone’s job search—especially that of the mature job applicant. Unfortunately, this can shut him out of the job market.
The good news is that Carol A. Silvis is an experienced author who has taught training courses to older adults re-entering the workplace. Having written extensively on the subject of career topics and concerns, her most recent book is Job Hunting After 50. It is specifically designed to prepare seniors for the job search by arming them with a plan for success.
This book shows them how to assess and update their skills and qualifications; use the appropriate technology; prepare their own resumes for today’s job market; and dress with style for the interview. Silvis identifies the most common mistakes seniors make, showing them how to best avoid certain pitfalls. In addition, she addresses their energy levels and attitudes.
The goal is to commit one’s time to finding the right job by approaching it systematically and intelligently. Silvis has laid out some tried and true principles to follow in order to simplify the process. Her book will be a boon for the boomers and their parents who are job hunting at this time.
Wishing you luck in your search,
~Laraine Jablon
Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com
Monday, April 9, 2012
LAST CHANCE ENROLLMENT FOR 3 UPCOMING LIVE CSA CLASSES:
LAST CHANCE ENROLLMENT FOR 3 UPCOMING LIVE CSA CLASSES:
- Cincinnati, OH - April 24-27th, 2012
- Nashville, TN - May 22-25th, 2012
- Long Island, NY - May 22-25th, 2012
CSAs, we encourage you to audit a live class to earn yourself 15 CE credits or pass the information along to a friend or colleague who also specialize in the senior industry. Contact us today for more information on any of the classes above, 800-653-1785 or society@csa.us.
- Cincinnati, OH - April 24-27th, 2012
- Nashville, TN - May 22-25th, 2012
- Long Island, NY - May 22-25th, 2012
CSAs, we encourage you to audit a live class to earn yourself 15 CE credits or pass the information along to a friend or colleague who also specialize in the senior industry. Contact us today for more information on any of the classes above, 800-653-1785 or society@csa.us.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Healthy Aging, According to Dr. Bloom
Dedicated. This word best describes Dr. Patricia Bloom. For over 30 years, she has been involved in geriatric patient care, education, and research at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Her title is Director of Integrative Health for the Martha Stewart Center for Living and she is an associate professor in the department of Geriatrics. Dr. Bloom is committed to the promotion of healthy aging: integrative health; stress reduction; mind body medicine; along with meditation and mindfulness for caregivers.
Often she is asked about the relationship between aging and creativity. Believing that great life experience comes with age she says, “While there is a lot of concern about what happens to brain function as people get older—especially about memory and dementia--there’s real data that senior wisdom is something that is accrued with life experience. Wisdom feeds into creativity. The older person is able to manifest his life experience and his wisdom, so that being creative and growing in new directions is the hallmark of successful aging.”
She cites Grandma Moses and Albert Einstein as two interesting, historical people who bear this out. Both aged well; both took up new forms of creative expression later in life. The former established herself as a fine artist, while the latter took up the violin.
Dr. Bloom advises, “One of the most effective ways of maintaining brain function as we age is to continue to be healthy in general. We know all of the risk factors that you hear about for heart disease--high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or having an inactive lifestyle. All those things that put seniors at risk in other realms of health, are also risk factors for heart disease and Alzheimer’s.” Staying healthy by eating a good diet and being physically active are not easy things to do, but it is this combination that Dr. Bloom sees as “the real fountain of youth” for seniors. Careful attention to both diet and exercise has been shown to prevent many diseases that are associated with aging, and it fosters the maintenance of brain function, as well.
How does keeping active help? This geriatrician posits that there are literally reams of research data that prove this point. “Physical activity is a strong predictor of mortality. If you look at people’s exercise capacity, how able they are to be vigorously active, it is a very strong forecaster of how long they will live. And, for each increment up the scale they are for physical activity, the longer it would predict for their length of life.”
You don’t have to be a marathon runner though. Dr. Bloom wants older adults to know that they should not get discouraged even if they’ve been couch potatoes all their lives. She emphatically assures them, “If you go from the lowest quartile of physical activity to the second to the lowest quartile, you really improve your health status.”
The best advice this specialist has to offer includes continuing to be mentally and socially connected. She encourages seniors to be involved in everything. “Follow your passions, be truly engaged in life.”
For more information, visit www.mountsinai.org/profiles/patricia-a-bloom
This blog is posted by Laraine Jablon.
Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com
Often she is asked about the relationship between aging and creativity. Believing that great life experience comes with age she says, “While there is a lot of concern about what happens to brain function as people get older—especially about memory and dementia--there’s real data that senior wisdom is something that is accrued with life experience. Wisdom feeds into creativity. The older person is able to manifest his life experience and his wisdom, so that being creative and growing in new directions is the hallmark of successful aging.”
She cites Grandma Moses and Albert Einstein as two interesting, historical people who bear this out. Both aged well; both took up new forms of creative expression later in life. The former established herself as a fine artist, while the latter took up the violin.
Dr. Bloom advises, “One of the most effective ways of maintaining brain function as we age is to continue to be healthy in general. We know all of the risk factors that you hear about for heart disease--high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or having an inactive lifestyle. All those things that put seniors at risk in other realms of health, are also risk factors for heart disease and Alzheimer’s.” Staying healthy by eating a good diet and being physically active are not easy things to do, but it is this combination that Dr. Bloom sees as “the real fountain of youth” for seniors. Careful attention to both diet and exercise has been shown to prevent many diseases that are associated with aging, and it fosters the maintenance of brain function, as well.
How does keeping active help? This geriatrician posits that there are literally reams of research data that prove this point. “Physical activity is a strong predictor of mortality. If you look at people’s exercise capacity, how able they are to be vigorously active, it is a very strong forecaster of how long they will live. And, for each increment up the scale they are for physical activity, the longer it would predict for their length of life.”
You don’t have to be a marathon runner though. Dr. Bloom wants older adults to know that they should not get discouraged even if they’ve been couch potatoes all their lives. She emphatically assures them, “If you go from the lowest quartile of physical activity to the second to the lowest quartile, you really improve your health status.”
The best advice this specialist has to offer includes continuing to be mentally and socially connected. She encourages seniors to be involved in everything. “Follow your passions, be truly engaged in life.”
For more information, visit www.mountsinai.org/profiles/patricia-a-bloom
This blog is posted by Laraine Jablon.
Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Relationships in Retirement
As a species, humans are social beings. We feel most comfortable when surrounded by those who have mutual feelings of love, trust and understanding. Our family, friends and colleagues are important throughout all phases of life and retirement is the time when we need companionship most.
As your clients adapt to retirement, loved ones can help them through the rough patches and assist in appreciating the good times.
Most people recognize that when they retire, relationships they have with people from work will change drastically or become a distant memory. In the beginning, we may stay in touch but as months pass, meetings and correspondence dwindle. Eventually, there are occasional thoughts but little to no interaction. In retirement, your clients need to forge a new path, let go of some relationships and build new ones.
To be successful socially, your clients need to work at keeping up with current friends and be proactive in seeking new ones. This means continually going to social events and gatherings, meeting people and sending out positive signals of interest. Encourage your clients to take time to introduce themselves when in the company of new people and inquire about their backgrounds and interests. If a client shows interest in them, in most cases they will reciprocate and new relationships are formed.
As part of a client’s relationship planning, have them consider their service providers. This includes their spiritual leader, doctor, insurance agent, accountant, lawyer, advisor (you) and neighbor. A spiritual leader provides guidance, their doctor, insurance agent, accountant, advisor and other service professionals provide professional advice and neighbors, peace of mind when your client is away and camaraderie when at home.
Many successful retirees have shared with me how enhancing the relationship with service providers has enriched the bond, often from simply supplier to friend. And it doesn’t take much – a note of thanks, a card recognizing special events including birthdays, a call to enquire how they are. One lady reported that she bakes cookies for the staff and doctor when she visits her local health clinic. She said, “When I show up with my favorite chocolate chip cookies, the staff beams with appreciative smiles and sincere thanks. They often say how I’ve brightened their day. We all feel great and a little bit closer.”
Recognizing people for being in our life is a very personal gesture and how your client does it will vary from person to person, relationship to relationship.
Cy is constantly rewarding those in his social circle. He recognizes the birthdays of his accountant, financial advisor and life insurance agent. When asked why he takes the time and effort to remember their birthdays, Cy’s answer is, “These people are important to me. They play a critical role in my life and help me keep my financial and personal affairs in order.”
Take the time to talk with clients about their plans to find and meet new people. Share with them the secret of enhancing relationships with service providers. Clients will appreciate your caring and concern and in turn you’ll enjoy your job a little more.
------------------
Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is also author of the best-selling book, Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It! Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. Rick now offers ‘Women’s
Only’ retirement planning workshops. To contact Rick, call 416-282-7320 or www.dontjustretire.com. Twitter: @dontjustretire.
As your clients adapt to retirement, loved ones can help them through the rough patches and assist in appreciating the good times.
Most people recognize that when they retire, relationships they have with people from work will change drastically or become a distant memory. In the beginning, we may stay in touch but as months pass, meetings and correspondence dwindle. Eventually, there are occasional thoughts but little to no interaction. In retirement, your clients need to forge a new path, let go of some relationships and build new ones.
To be successful socially, your clients need to work at keeping up with current friends and be proactive in seeking new ones. This means continually going to social events and gatherings, meeting people and sending out positive signals of interest. Encourage your clients to take time to introduce themselves when in the company of new people and inquire about their backgrounds and interests. If a client shows interest in them, in most cases they will reciprocate and new relationships are formed.
As part of a client’s relationship planning, have them consider their service providers. This includes their spiritual leader, doctor, insurance agent, accountant, lawyer, advisor (you) and neighbor. A spiritual leader provides guidance, their doctor, insurance agent, accountant, advisor and other service professionals provide professional advice and neighbors, peace of mind when your client is away and camaraderie when at home.
Many successful retirees have shared with me how enhancing the relationship with service providers has enriched the bond, often from simply supplier to friend. And it doesn’t take much – a note of thanks, a card recognizing special events including birthdays, a call to enquire how they are. One lady reported that she bakes cookies for the staff and doctor when she visits her local health clinic. She said, “When I show up with my favorite chocolate chip cookies, the staff beams with appreciative smiles and sincere thanks. They often say how I’ve brightened their day. We all feel great and a little bit closer.”
Recognizing people for being in our life is a very personal gesture and how your client does it will vary from person to person, relationship to relationship.
Cy is constantly rewarding those in his social circle. He recognizes the birthdays of his accountant, financial advisor and life insurance agent. When asked why he takes the time and effort to remember their birthdays, Cy’s answer is, “These people are important to me. They play a critical role in my life and help me keep my financial and personal affairs in order.”
Take the time to talk with clients about their plans to find and meet new people. Share with them the secret of enhancing relationships with service providers. Clients will appreciate your caring and concern and in turn you’ll enjoy your job a little more.
------------------
Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is also author of the best-selling book, Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It! Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. Rick now offers ‘Women’s
Only’ retirement planning workshops. To contact Rick, call 416-282-7320 or www.dontjustretire.com. Twitter: @dontjustretire.
Monday, April 2, 2012
More About Medicare and Changes in 2012
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors is hosting our April Educational Webinar on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 at 12:00 (Noon) MST.
Want to know more about the differences among Medicare Parts A, B, C and D? Have questions about the differences between open enrollment, annual enrollment and special enrollment? Curious about the new 2012 Medicare changes to premiums, deductibles, and co-payments? Then attend this free webinar on Medicare!
The best part of this webinar? CSAs will have access to the entire webinar package so they can use it to educate their own clients. The package will include:
SPACE IS LIMITED so be to register now! If you are unable to login after the webinar has reached capacity,this entire webinar package will be available to CSAs immediately following the live presentation.
Want to know more about the differences among Medicare Parts A, B, C and D? Have questions about the differences between open enrollment, annual enrollment and special enrollment? Curious about the new 2012 Medicare changes to premiums, deductibles, and co-payments? Then attend this free webinar on Medicare!
The best part of this webinar? CSAs will have access to the entire webinar package so they can use it to educate their own clients. The package will include:
- a PowerPoint note-taking booklet
- a handout on Medicare 2012 premiums
- a handout illustrating the case study and how it applies to the different Medicare parts
- a handout on additional resources for seniors
- a full speaking script
SPACE IS LIMITED so be to register now! If you are unable to login after the webinar has reached capacity,this entire webinar package will be available to CSAs immediately following the live presentation.
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