Browse Retirement and Retirement Planning

Brazil. Russia. India. China. These four nations have some of the fastest-growing economies on earth and are becoming drivers in the world economy. In the coming decades, they may command as much attention as the U.S., Japan and other “heavy hitters” … or more. The future aside, we know one thing about the BRIC nations and other emerging markets: collectively, stocks in these countries have outperformedU.S.

Confusing doesn’t even begin to describe it. Throughout the very long debate over health care reform, a great deal of misinformation (spurred by presumption or misunderstanding) was circulating. Additionally, many changes and alterations to the proposed law were made along the way. At this point, some of the arguments your friends, neighbors or co-workers continue to debate don’t even factor into the legislation signed by President Obama. So what’s the truth behind the Affordable Health Care for America Act? Q: Will I be forced to change insurance? A: No.

Retiring from ones job can be a stressful time but it doesn’t have to be. Realize that it’s natural to be nervous, anxious and/or confused when you’re going through a major life change. Your decision to retire is causing you to step outside your comfort zone and is forcing you to make many new decisions and learn new things. Most importantly, remember that you only get one shot at retirement and you don’t want to make any mistakes. So here are some of the more common mistakes people make when retiring and how you can avoid them. 1.

Do you see a warning light flashing? Americans with high net worth and high incomes are preparing for the likelihood of higher taxes in 2011 and subsequent years. High earners are almost certainly going to take the hit if the EGTRRA and JGTRRA cuts fade away at the end of 2010. Here’s a summary of what’s happening – and a look at what might happen. There are some developments you will want to remember, and some tax breaks you might very well want to exploit.

Question: This stock market is nuts! How am I supposed to protect my IRA and 401k from losing money when I’ve only got three years until I retire? Bonnie, Ohio Answer: A few years before retiring, if possible, you should begin to accumulate an amount of money that's equivalent to 2-5 years worth of cash withdrawals (based upon your expected income needs). This systematic accumulation of cash is done on purpose so that you have a "safe-money" source to pull from when the balance of your investment portfolio and the stock and bond markets may be declining in value.

Question: I plan on retiring in 15 years (at age 60) and currently have 85% of my money in stocks. I’ve been maxing out my 401(K) since I was 21, and in the last year, I have seen some frightening drops in my funds. Should I be making any kind of changes to prevent more losses? Larry, Texas Answer: Larry, you’re the poster child for retirement. Congratulations for maxing out your 401k since your first started work.

Question: I’m 55 and not really happy with my job any more. I’d like to retire but I’m not sure I have enough money. What should I do? Liz, New York Answer: Liz, realize that you’re not alone. Many baby boomers are tired and burnt, and no longer want to wake up to their alarm clock come Monday morning. Here are a couple of suggestions. Talk with your employer about a phased retirement. For some reason, people think they need to stop working altogether or keep working full-time.

Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Making Work Optional. Catch a sneak peek of the authors DVD, The 10 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Retiring & How YOU Can Avoid Them at www.RetireinaWeekend.com.

Question: I’m turning 60 next year. While I don’t want to continue working full-time anymore, I don’t have the desire (or nest egg) to retire completely. What do you suggest? Doris, PA Answer: Doris, how about a phased retirement? Instead of working 40 hours per week, talk with your employer about a reduced workload with a corresponding pay cut. The result could be just the answer you’re looking for. Phased retirement is a new phrase being tossed around corporate America in recent years.

Question: My husband and I have made the decision to start working with a financial planner this year. The problem is there are so many to choose from. How do I know who I can trust and who is a good fit for me?

WHY ARE WE STILL talking about the murder of 14-year-old Emmett TilL some 50-plus years postmortem? I blogged on the topic last August upon the 56th anniversary of this young African American boy’s brutal death back in 1955. Now his name is frequently appearing as national and international reporters, civil rights observers and historians link some aspects of Till's Mississippi lynching to the recent killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida.

'It's just a stage you're going through...' - how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. In this article I take a look at Stage 4 - The Disenchantment stage. The Disenchantment stage is where letdown - a feeling of disappointment or uncertainty - can occur.

Your life after retirement must be a new beginning. Most people come to the realization that when they reach retirement age that they have no plan for their retired lives. Many folks have a plan in place for their lives, including investing time at college to find a suitable career, setting career goals, then getting into a house and beginning the family. Your retirement plan should be as well thought out as your career. You should work to have the most enjoyable fulfillment

Two of the potential pitfalls of the 'Routine' stage of retirement are becoming set in your ways by having too rigid a routine and leaving no time or scope for fun and spontaneity in your life. With that in mind, here are my top ten ideas for bringing more everyday 'adventures' into your life: 1. Start by being open to new ideas and opportunities. Look out for them. Write them down in a diary or journal so that they don't evaporate into the ether. 2. Do your very best to try something new every day...

Many Baby Boomers are literally built to last 100 years. In fact, the CDC estimates at least one million boomers to achieve that goal. Will you become a member of this one-in-a-million longevity club? Could be. Afterall, living a long time takes more than smart-genes and dumb-luck. Eighty ...

'It's just a stage you're going through...' how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. Stage 6 - and the final stage of the retirement process is the Routine phase. Routine comes when you've sorted out all your 'issues'.

Retirement planning means far more than addressing money issues, Jane C told me. The retired nurse expected to feel happy upon retirement, but found herself, instead, "just miserable nearly every day." Sitting at her kitchen table, drinking a cool ice tea, Jane told me her story. As a medical professional, Jane knew that her own loneliness, sadness, loss of sleep and other symptoms are often described as depression, so she set out to fix the problem by discovering a proactive approach to retirement - finding something worthwhile to do while adding to her retirement income base.r

'Retirement is often viewed as an 'event' when retirement is actually both a process (requiring planning and adjustment) and a life stage (lasting for multiple years.)'Christine A. Price, Ph.D rn'It's just a stage you're going through...' - how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. They are: 1. Pre-Retirement (the working years) 2.

'It's just a stage you're going through...' - how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. Stage 3 of the retirement process is The Honeymoon phase. This is the time when many of the fun trips, projects and activities that you spent all those years planning are executed.

Retirement planning is one of the most important plans for the future an individual can have, because it will allow you to know how you will live during your retirement years. There are many things to consider during this process, including the future costs of daily living expenses, your ideal retirement age, and where your retirement funds will come from. For this reason, saving for retirement is an essential part of retirement planning. Many employers assist their employees

Just because you are retired, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t still capable of working, and that you don’t still have a lot to offer. A lot of retired persons are taking on flexible jobs that allow them to earn additional income without having to be stuck in a job that they hate, and working long hours when they should be enjoying their retirement. Today, we are going to take a look at some of the many benefits of flexible jobs for retirees. 1. Extra Income A lot of peo

We’ve all heard about the “new retirement”, the mix of work and play that many of us assume we will have in our lives one day. We do not expect “retirement” to be all leisure. While this is becoming a cultural assumption among baby boomers, it is interesting to see that certain financial assumptions haven’t really changed with the times.

About twenty years ago, I became incredibly curious about how the second half of one's life can develop. Some of this interest came from observing my family: when I was born, my grandparents were in their early forties, and I was fascinated with choices they made in life. We talked about their professional lives, their interests and hobbies at length, and it was only later in life that I came to fully understand and appreciate the value of the insights they gave me.

At some point in life, we start noticing that all of our mistakes are just variations on half a dozen or so major mistakes. Have you ever noticed what yours are? In this article, I'll help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make with their retirement finances, but you can apply these principles to your general financial affairs just as well.

With the current economic climate everyone is looking for money management tips that will help ensure financial security. We all want to save money and get the best value for our dollar, yet it often seems as if we struggle just to make ends meet, leaving little left at the end of each month. If you feel this way, then it may be time to step back and re-evaluate your finances, or adopt a different point of view with regards to your money and the way you spend it. 1.Don't pu

You have heard people say “It’s in my genes” or “It’s in my DNA” which basically means that it’s just the way it is so I can’t change it. “My parents, grandparents, great grandparents were all diabetic, or overweight or died of cancer. There is nothing I can do about it.” Sorry to take that excuse away from you but from what I have been hearing and reading there actually are things we can do to basically change our DNA. Your genes are not your destiny. You actually can do things to change them.

What’s your retirement style? I've identified four different types of retiree - Activists, Individualists, Specialists and Traditionalists. I think of Individualists as the self-actualisers of the second half of life - they have the need to fulfil their potential and be all that they can be, and their ideal retirement would be a portfolio of activities which combines: • meaningful work, • learning, • personal development, and • community and/or voluntary activity.

ARE YOU A retiree who is looking for something intriguing and fun to do, while making extra money? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. In fact, most older employees (65 percent) recently told researchers they would like to have some form of work in their retirement, according to a 2011 Harris Interactive survey of 1,001 people age 55 and older commissioned by Sun America.

'It's just a stage you're going through...' - how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. Stage 5 of the retirement process is the Reorientation phase. After the honeymoon and the subsequent letdown of the disenchantment stage, Reorientation is the process of adjustment and adaptation to the reality of retirement.

It's summer. It's hot. People are on vacation it seems all the time. No one is signing up for your teleclasses or any other of the wonderful things you are offering. How are you supposed to grow your business at this rate? Well, maybe there are other things you can do instead of feeling badly or twiddling your thumbs. Let's take a look and see! 1. How does your office look?r

That is the question being contemplated by millions of American’s and their tax preparers. In case you haven’t heard, beginning January 1, 2010, any investor may convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Unlike prior years where where there were income limitations, no IRS income limits will apply or stand in the way of the conversion starting in 2010. So why is this a big deal and should you convert?

Every day, people draw on money they don’t actually have – via credit cards, payday loans, home equity lines of credit, and even their 401(k)s. Many of them end up making minimum payments on these high-interest loans – a sure way to stay indebted forever. If this is your situation, you may be wondering: how do I get out of debt? Let me give you some ideas. 1) Make a budget. “Where does all the money go?” If you are asking that question, here is where you learn the answer. You might find that you’re spending $80 a month on energy drinks, or $100 a week on lousy movies.

'It's just a stage you're going through...' - how many times have well-meaning friends and family members said that to you over the course of your lifetime? And don't expect them to stop now that you're about to retire, because, as far as retirement is conce ed, there are six identified stages that most retirees go through to varying degrees. In this article I take a look at Stage 2 - The Retirement Event. Stage 2 of the retirement process is The Retirement Event (otherwise known as 'the big day').

What’s your retirement style? I've identified four different types of retiree - Activists, Individualists, Specialists and Traditionalists. Specialists are the enthusiasts, the devotees, the people who have a continuing (often lifelong) passion for their work - they love what they do so much that they'll never retire and they'll just keep on working until they drop.

What’s your retirement style? I've identified four different types of retiree - Activists, Individualists, Specialists and Traditionalists. Activists are the movers and shakers in retirement, the trailblazers - the ones who start new charities and foundations. They are the ones who fight for their rights and the right of others. Activists have a determination to make life better for somebody, somewhere, and their cause can be the environment, health, education or community.

What's your retirement style? I've identified four different types of retiree - Activists, Individualists, Specialists and Traditionalists. Traditionalists want a traditional 'rest and relaxation', 'pottering about' type of retirement. They don't want to change the world, or even themselves. They don't particularly want to work part-time or get a retirement career or start a retirement business... They worked all their lives and they're done with work.

In retirement planning, your age determines the specific actions you may be able to take. Your age dictates, for example, when you can take part in a retirement plan, make contributions to IRAs, and take money from your plan. Below are 10 significant ages you should plan for: Age 21 A retirement plan sponsored by an employer may be allowed to exclude employees who are younger than age 21, but must sponsor the retirement plan of all employees who are 21 and over. Age 50 Ma

The rising number of elderly will likely have a great impact on the increasing number of the facilities of retirement living in Ontario. As a plethora of people near retirement age, they will likely alter the definition of what it means to be retired. Most of the senior citizens today are looking for a more active lifestyle. Many of these elderly don't really want to retire actually, and some will work part-time for the rest of their lives. There is also a group of elderly wh

No one disagrees that retirement planning is a good thing yet many people fail to take time to plan. If there is a retirement plan in place, it has often been left till the last minute, maybe even just a few years before retirement. This article offers an outlook on retirement planning that may shock some of you. If you love doing what you’re doing you’ll most likely never want to retire. It’s often said that most of the wealthiest people in the world still work in their own

Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans may have various loan provisions allowing participants to take loans against their retirement savings or take withdrawals in times of hardship. But before you consider borrowing money from your 401(k) plan, you will need to understand how your loans and withdrawals will affect your retirement goals and savings and what tax consequences you may trigger. Many 401(k) participants make the mistake of tapping into their retirement savings when they

With just some basic preparation you and your financial planner could have your retirement fund trained to overcome obstacles with the grace of a champion pedigree.nnIs it possible to train your retirement plan? We think so.nnMaybe you’re about to change jobs, change companies, or change your career completely. Whatever change is afoot, we don’t have to remind you how important it is to keep an eye on your retirement funds during tumultuous times. Assets for your retireme

Since the advent of 401k plans in 1981 making mistakes in 401k plans have become commonplace. Let's take a look at four common mistakes we can avoid. #1 Chasing Returns Chasing returns is as common as trying to keep up with the Jones’. Chasing returns means looking at your yearend statement only to realize your mutual fund only gained 5% when other funds gained 25%. The logical step would be to move all your money into the mutual funds which gained 25%. Unfortunately going

The stock market is unsettled … and perhaps its fluctuations are unsettling you. It’s a stressful time for the economy and Wall Street, and you may be conce ed about your portfolio given what’s going on with oil prices, the real estate market, and rising unemployment figures. It may be a good time to review how your assets are invested. Is your portfolio balanced? A balanced portfolio may help you ride out stock market turbulence.

In 2010, 43% of the workforce have no more than $10,000 in retirement savings. People are claiming to have valid arguments for not having a sufficient amount of retirement savings. There are some who are saying they are still eliminating personal financial debt with high interest rates; others say that they are dealing with house payments or the kids are still in the university or college. There isn't any limit to what excises they claim to have. However, no matter how reason

Question: In a recent post you had strategies for strengthening your retirement picture for people in their 50’s and 60’s. What about those of us in our 20’s to 40’s? Maxine, Tenafly, NJ Answer: Maxine, I didn’t mean to leave you and the other youngsters out. Here’s a checklist to get you on track in 2010 as well! 1. If you haven't started already, open an IRA and/or fund a 401k.

What should you do with your old 401k retirement plan if you change jobs? Uncertainty and inaccurate advice can cause anxiety and catastrophic financial consequences. As you may know, a 401k or other defined contribution plan is an excellent retirement savings vehicle. You can accumulate a substantial amount of money over many decades providing you let the money grow. With a traditional 401k, you also get the additional benefit of tax-deferred growth. With a Roth 401k, you forego the pre-tax advantage for tax-free withdrawals later in life when you take your money out.

Question: I’m getting closer to retiring and everything I read says I should get more defensive in my portfolio. Does this make sense for me? Answer: It depends. How is your portfolio allocated now? Do you own mostly stocks or do you have a lot of money in bonds and CDs? What’s your current asset mix or asset allocation? Do you know what your portfolios expected return is? Can you quantify how much risk you’re taking with your current portfolio? Are you comfortable with the risk?

Question: My husband and I (age 62 and 57) want to make some resolutions to sure up our retirement picture in 2010. Any thoughts you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Bea, Stamford, CT Answer: Bea, here’s a checklist to get you on track in 2010! 1. If you haven’t maxed out your 401k/403b contributions at work, you are eligible to take advantage of what is known as the catch-up provision.

People often think about the place where they would like to spend rest of their post retirement life. A place where they live near nature, breathe fresh air and enjoy sports in an excellent weather condition. Altos de Maria is one such panama gated mountain community where individuals can enjoy all such benefits. Located not far away from Panama City and Pacific coast beaches, this place is a dream come true for an individual, who is search of peace, serenity and natural beau

Whether you are between jobs, wish you were in a different job, or just want to experience more satisfaction in your current job, a Career Coach is there to help you. A coach will enable you to make some important discoveries about yourself and the work environment in which you can be your best self. These discoveries are translated into concrete career choices that, perhaps for the first time in your life, will satisfy you at a deep level.

Always the feisty ones, you boomers aren’t going to let the economy slow you down! If you have retired already or have been laid off you may have a desire to get back into the employment seen. Well, hate to tell you this, but that may be easier said than done. So what? You’re resilient and flexible. What’s your Plan B? Maybe it’s time to look at something new. Companies are doing more laying off than hiring. Often times when you change jobs or re-career you receive less pay and fewer benefits.

Ethical Wills have been around for many generations but seem to be regaining their strength. That may be simply because many of you are getting to the stage in life where you begin thinking about what you are passing along to your children or other loved ones. Another term for Ethical Wills might be a “Values and Vision Statement.” In a nutshell, it is a tool for passing your memories, values and traditions to your loved ones and future generations. Keep in mind that an Ethical Will is not a legal document.

Preparing for your retirement is a task that should never be ignored. While most people would like to "deal with it later", saving early for this soon-to-be stage of your life can make a huge difference in the future, particularly if you desire to quit your job and enjoy life sooner. Investing to retire early will help you not experience as much anxiety and worry later in your life knowing that you have taken care of it before time. Early Retirement Planning Here are a few ti

How do you know when it's time to retire? Try some of the following on for size... 1. Work has begun to interfere with all the many other things you want to do - fitting them all into weekends and holidays is becoming more impossible or unpalatable. 2. Life just seems too short to carry on working. 3. You crave your freedom. 4. You want to have control over your time. 5. You want to retire while you have the health and strength to do everything that you enjoy. 6. You have a sense that you would regret continuing to work full time if you did it for much longer. 7.

On the occasion of my 62nd birthday - well, actually, the two weeks prior to the event - I decided it was time for a short depression. I earned it. I was entitled. And I was going to wallow a bit. This was followed by a two-week celebration, so it all balanced out, and the whole experience is ...

I had some real plans for how to spend my less busy time during the holidays. From December 19th to January 1st I only had 1 client each week. Wow. Certainly different than my usual week! Here are some of the things I accomplished and feel really good about. If any of these actions look like something that you need to do to start the year out fresh then keep reading.

Question: This stock market is nuts! How am I supposed to protect my IRA from losing money when I’ve only got three years until I retire? Joan, NY Answer: Joan, as I mentioned in my last post, a few years before retiring you should begin to accumulate an amount of money that's equivalent to 2-5 years worth of cash withdrawals (based upon your expected income needs).

The Best Estate Planning Tip: Don’t put it off. The best estate planning tip is to have one. Take the time now while you are clear and competent to consider the elements of your overall plan for the management of your assets and your care in the event of misfortune to avoid having a court or the state step in and do it for you. A will is not enough: A will, is a ticket to probate, probate is court and courts take atto eys fees, and court costs. It doesn’t avoid probate of you

Do you believe you are financially comfortable? Possibly more than comfortable? You were able to work less or not work at all while you raised families or cared for an aging parent. That was then, this is now. This is the New Environment. You may not realize it but 78% of the job lay offs have been men. So, what does that mean for you? It means you are returning to the work force in droves.

We all tend to invest in companies which are earning good profits and have a good future earning potential but how many of us tend to care about what the company tends to do with these profits. Very few retail investors tend to look into whether the company intends to re-invest the past profits or does it tend to distribute this profit among the shareholders as dividends. Some analysts prefer high dividend paying companies and other analysts prefer companies which tend to re-

According to statistics compiled by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, between 10,000 and 15,000 Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are currently in technical default. Some lenders have even foreclosed on seniors who could not arrange a payment plan or otherwise get their loan of out default. Initially, this may come as a shock. With an HECM, borrowers are not required to make monthly payments. Still, it is possible to default on the loan agreement, and

Thousands of people tu 55 each day in Canada. Most of them will retire for the first time, unsuccessfully, at age 57. Why “unsuccessfully”? Because while many pre-retirees plan and calculate their financial resources to ensure an adequate nest egg to fund their retirement, almost none of them invest time and energy planning the non-financial aspects of retiring. For example: • When is the right time for me to retire? • Do I expect retirement to consist of full-time leisure? How do I know that will be satisfying for me?

You go to school, you get your education, you get your experience and your working world should be in pretty good shape right? While that may be true for many of you I’ll bet my bottom dollar it’s not true for each of you. Would you like this to be true for you? Heck Yes! Why wouldn’t you? What would you need to change to make this career of yours sing for you?

Whether you are already in a transition or just exploring some new options, you have the opportunity to examine whether a change of job or career is appropriate - and any perceived barriers to making that needed change. It takes courage to face what isn’t working in our lives – but the wonderful consequence of taking that courageous step is often a major leap forward in our personal growth. Rather than facing the need for change, many of us prefer to stick our heads in the sand. We want to avoid looking at our needs and challenges directly.

Question: As a self-employed empty nester, what advice can you give to starting our retirement nest egg at this late date? My husband and I are both in our early 50’s. We would like something simple that we can contribute small ($50) amounts to at a time. Joy, PA Answer: Joy, I did some digging for you but the challenge was in finding mutual fund families that have low minimums or no minimum investments required that can accommodate beginning investors.

If so, you are certainly not alone. Also, women are more apt to extend this date then men. Women earning $75,000.00 or more have a six out of ten chance of delaying retirement. Those are high numbers and now there is even a term for this. If you are one of the six, you are part of the Threshold Generation, a term coined by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. Are you one of the women on the ‘threshold’ of retirement?

Savings is very important in retirement planning. This is what you are going to spend during your retirement period. Do you have enough savings to cover you for your retirement? Saving is not easy, especially when you have a lot of expenses to pay, like monthly bills, food and emergencies. These are ways that will help you save enough money for your retirement. First, calculate how much money you need. Then calculate how much money you have to save every year. Only a few peop

Hardly a week goes by without a personal finance magazine commenting in one way or anotherrnthat Americans are ill-prepared for retirement. Yet, in spite of these alarming and repetitive warnings, we Americans and specifically we Iowans appear to be in denial that the post World War II affluence we’ve enjoyed could evaporate during our expected “golden years.” It’s news we don’t want to hear. We are in denial – and its time for us to find a road to recovery right

The Perfect Retirement Investment A perfect retirement investment would look something like this -rn* You can't lose money. Safety guaranteed.rn* Your payouts can only go up. Never down. No matter what happens. This retirement investment exists: variable annuities. Competition has made them better. Take a second look now, if you passed on them before. There's one type of variable annuity that has what you want. Don't confuse it with the many other annuities out there. Here's

Here we are, where we were last year and the year before and where we will be next year. I know that's a mouthful but it's true! Every year at this time we take a look back to the past year and see how we can make this year better. Even if last year was a great year, we can also do it better this year. Or different anyway. I want to share with you some simple daily strategies that you can use starting right now to get your business off on the right foot this year. Don't over complicate it. Keep it simple.

Those of us in the boomer generation may remember a television show called “The Millionaire” where an anonymous philanthropistrngave unsuspecting ordinary Joe citizens a check for $1,000,000 and watched how their lives were vastly changed by the ability to buy virtually anything they wanted in life. Today, a million dollars just doesn’t buy what it used to. A modest three bedroom home in L.A. or a $40,000 annual retirement income. Do you feel like a millionaire when you

Has your work ever interfered with your ‘other life?’ That ‘real’ life that does not include work, even if it’s work you love? What I mean is true leisure. Not thinking about, planning about or doing anything even close to work. I am talking especially for those of you entrepreneurial types.

Dear Bill: I’m 60 years old, divorced, and was forced into early retirement two weeks ago. My 401(k) is still down 25% from its all-time high and I’m real nervous. Now that I don’t have a paycheck and since I won’t become eligible for Social Security for two more years, I have to live on this! How should my account be allocated? What’s an appropriate allocation for someone in my situation? I was also wondering what you think about the possibility of another market freefall?

The answer is probably a resounding “No.” Or maybe you’re not even sure what that Crucial Conversation is. This conversation is about how you are going to live the rest of your lives together as a couple. On one hand, this may sound pretty simple but when you really dig in and start talking, you may be in for some big surprises. Or you may think it’s just not all that important. But you are wrong. It is very important.

Question: What are some things I should keep in mind if I want to reach the goal of retirement within three years? Thanks in advance for your response. Lorri, MA Answer: Lorri, whether your goal is retirement in 3 years, a new car in 5 years, or college education in eighteen years, in order to reach your goal a savings/investment plan has to have four distinct yet interrelated factors, each of which contributes to the success or failure of your plan. Factor #1: Your contribution amount. How much are you saving every paycheck now?

According to researchers at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, in upcoming years, reverse mortgages will an important tool used by baby boomers to help them afford expenses during retirement. The continued popularity of these loans leaves many seniors asking, “What is a reverse mortgage, and what can it do for me?” rnWhat Is a Reverse Mortgage? What to Expect From a Loan Of the different types of reverse mortgages, the great majority of borrowers choose

Question: My company recently sent out a memo saying they were going to suspend their matching 401k contributions for the rest of 2009 and maybe 2010 as well. This could dramatically affect my ability to retire. Are they allowed to do this? Christine, New York, NY Answer: Christine, each company has their own 401k plan document which contains its own set of rules that normally allow for the suspension, reduction, increase or termination of matching contributions.

Retiring from ones employment can be a stressful time but it doesn’t have to be. Realize that it’s natural to be nervous, anxious and/or confused when you’re going through a major life change. Your decision to retire is causing you to step outside your comfort zone and is forcing you to make many new decisions and learn new things. Most importantly, remember that you only get one shot at retirement and you don’t want to make any mistakes. So here are some of the more common mistakes people make when retiring and how you can avoid them. 1.

I've been thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of downsizing to a smaller home after retirement. This is what I've come up with so far... Advantages The first and most obvious advantage is that, if your existing home is worth a lot of money because of its location and size, and/or you have a lot of equity in it, the sale of the home could give you a cushion of money to make life in retirement a little easier and fund some of those 'bucket list' adventures.

Want tonn... jump-start your life, a quick-fix of new energy and purpose? n... stop running in five directions at once? n... get in sync with your mate? n... find some life balance, harmony, and meaning?nnMaybe it's time to take control. nnLike making a no-nonsense plan for the rest of your life. nSomewhere between about 45 and 60, we must take inventory. (Although it's never too soon to start banking that 401k.) nnBy 50, nature is through with us. We're on borrowed time. We'

Family vacations may have been wonderful when your kiddos were still little and you were in charge. You were definitely the parent, roles were defined and everyone knew their place. Then, lo and behold, those youngsters grew up! This changes many things in your life but it's the natural order of things. They grow up; you become less of a parent and more of a friend, a comrade.

How well do you really know your spirit? How well do you value your beliefs and your mindset? I know you want to build a successful coaching business and I know you want to do it in a successful manner, now. Before that can happen however, there are a few items that need to be put into place. And when I say this I am not talking about your website or opt-in box. That’s the practical stuff and clearly it’s important but first things first.

The goal here is not to make things complicated, but keep them simple. KISS. There are lots of secrets to your success but I will highlight only 3. Be very clear and honest about your value. If you aren't clear yourself you will never be able to demonstrate this to potential clients. When you know your worth, when you know your value you will feel much more confident and, the best news? You will be able to charge more because you know you are worth it and you know you can genuinely help your clients get the results they are looking for.

No matter what month it is, you have the opportunity to make your business better and stronger every day. You know it is in your own hands, right? Yes, it is totally your responsibility. This is not something you can blame on others. I know because I tried to do that!! It did not work. Bottom line is it is up to you. So, what can you do, right now, to make your business better and more financially stable?

Can you really build your business around your life? I believe you can. Do you believe that? You hear that all the time but is it really a reality? It depends, of course, on many things. Do you work for someone else? If you do, and most of all do at some point, usually in the beginning of our working life, then your flexibility may be less than desirable. You probably start out getting two weeks' vacation and the longer you are there, they may add on more time. They may also have restrictions on 'when' you are allowed to take off, so it may not be in your control.

Remember when your kids were little and you thought they would never grow up? You felt like you were going to be tying sneakers forever, going to parent/teacher conferences and endless soccer tournaments till you were old and gray. Well, you are older…maybe gray…maybe not. But, they really DID grow up! They no longer need you in the ways they did before. That certainly doesn’t mean they don’t need you, just differently. You did the best you could do as a parent. You gave them to best you had to offer.

The day has finally arrived. You just said goodbye to your colleagues and now you are retired. For years you dreamed of this - being able to stay up late, sleep in when you choose, go on vacation during what USED to be your busiest period at work. nnWhat’s it really like? nnMost people feel euphoria when they taste the freedom that comes with their first pension cheque. Their time is now their own, to do what they want WHEN they want. After six months or so, though, if

While some seniors plan on using a reverse mortgage as a retirement tool, many others are still on the fence. By now, many consumers know that reverse mortgages are loans that allow seniors over 62 years of age to convert a portion of their home equity into cash. Many consumers also know that borrowers are allowed to keep their proceeds payment free until they sell their home, move or pass away. What most seniors really want to know is how much they would be eligible to recei

The first wave of baby boomers turned 60 in 2006. The largest, most demanding and most examined generation in history is already facing up to a future that looks nothing like our parents' second half of life. Thanks to medical advances and information about health, baby boomers can expect to live long lives. rn rnMany of us had plans to retire, to take the gold watch and wave goodbye to corporate life. We were too young to really “retire” and planned to create that person

Question: If one has a properly diversified investment portfolio, what percentage do you feel is safe to plan on withdrawing annually so that my account value never decreases? Susan, New Jersey Answer: Susan, as long as you limit your withdrawals to the amount of interest, dividends and capital gains generated, you won’t have to touch your principal and the value of your account won’t decrease. For example, let’s assume you have a $400,000 account value and by the end of the year your balance has increased to $425,000.

I have this phenomenon that has been going around in my head and heart for the last few months. I want my business to be simpler. As may be true for you, I have been through stages in my business where I have been too stressed, too overwhelmed and too exhausted. I was working too hard and often felt I was just spinning my wheels and not really moving forward in spite of all my hard work. As my business has grown I have realized I needed to make things work more smoothly and easily.

Many of us now make contributions to an Individual Retirement Account to safeguard our financial future and save for retirement. It is important to understand the specific IRA rules so that we can take full benefit of the savings plan. Any form of taxable income can be used in IRA contributions; this can include wages, fees, salaries, maintenance payments, bonuses, and commissions. The rules regarding IRA plans stipulate the exact amount that is allowed to be contributed as w

When most seniors ask, “How does a reverse mortgage work?” they are really asking how to apply and qualify for a loan. For many seniors, qualifying is the simple part. To qualify for a federally-insured reverse mortgage, or Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, seniors must be 62 years of age, own an approved property, complete counseling and have a substantial amount of equity in their home. To understand how does a reverse mortgage work, seniors must also understand what occ

How do you feel? Right now. Today. Did you hop out of bed this morning ready to tackle the day? If yes, wonderful! If not, why not? Did you not sleep well, eat too much, drink too much or are you too stressed? As a boomer you may be one of those people who have done a pretty good job of ...

Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable some people get when the subject of money is brought up? Probably one of the most awkward questions you could ask someone is "How much money do you make?" At least that was how I was raised. You just didn't talk about it. It was rude. It was a secret that you kept to yourself. Is that how is it was in your house? Now, truth be told, I don't go around asking people how much they make. But there are a lot of people who are very open about this topic.

Many consumers think of lenders as the enemy. They are the ones charging expensive fees, giving borrowers high interest rates and, when it comes to reverse mortgages, taking advantage of seniors. Fortunately, this could not be farther from the truth. rnReverse mortgage lenders are a senior’s greatest ally. A great lender acts as a borrower’s guide. Reputable lenders help seniors choose a loan product, select a payment option and ensure that a reverse mortgage is in their

One challenge facing today's two career families is how to deal with the issue of both husband and wife retiring. At some point these couples will confront situations they may not have anticipated. Making plans for one retirement is stressful enough but without addressing potential problems ...

You're saving for your retirement, right? You're feeling pleased with yourself as you're putting away a good chunk of money every month in your 401(k). But are you really getting what you think you're getting? Here is an ugly truth that your employer -- or your 401(k) administrator won't tell you. Read on to find out more. The sad fact is that you may not exactly be getting what you think you're getting. You probably believe that a 401(k) won't cost you anything. Think again.

Last ezine, two weeks ago, we went over the first 3 myths of a Boomers Health. Just as a review for you here is a review: Myth # 1: I don’t have time to work out at this point in my life. I‘ll get back on track after I retire. Baloney. Do it now. Myth # 2: Eating healthy is just too much ...

Myth # 7: Annual or regular Doctors appointments and tests are not necessary. Wrong. Early detection of most diseases can be much more easily dealt with. It will save you money and it will save your time. It may save your life. Regular preventative care will keep you living longer and ...

Seniors who take advantage of the reverse mortgage programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be expected to pay two distinct mortgage insurance premiums. The first will be an upfront mortgage insurance premium, or MIP, that is collected by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) immediately after the loan is closed. The second MIP is an annual premium equal to 1.25% of the borrower’s current loan balance. Since these costs are fairly si

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) remain popular with seniors interested in making the most of their home equity during retirement. While many of the requirements necessary to qualify for an HECM are clear, others are somewhat hazy. Seniors who are interested in these loans often wonder if they have enough home equity to qualify. Others wonder how much their age will really affect their payout. A reverse mortgage calculator is a tool that can answer both of these quest

Do you have an entire notebook page of priorities for things you need/want to get accomplished? Or possibly is your list 2 or 3 pages? I am in that situation now! Maybe it’s the change of seasons, but it always makes me look ahead at what I want to accomplish in the next 3-9-12 months. Now clearly I can’t get them all done at once, and some require faster action. Definitely I need to do a list building event before I offer other programs and services so that I have more people to offer it to.

Seniors are commonly told that reverse mortgages are not short-term loans. If an individual plans to move in the next few years, a reverse mortgage will probably not be his or her most economical option. In the past, seniors who planned to move in the near future did not have a reverse mortgage option available to them. Fortunately, this is not the case today. Currently, seniors who wish to downsize or move closer to family can take advantage of the HECM for Purchase program.

How is your IRA doing? If yours has been performing like most people's, your savings have been virtually decimated in the last few years. That's very unfortunate, and it happened because so many people don't know what they need to do to keep their savings safe even during bear markets, and to keep them growing consistently most of the time. Read on for some retirement investment strategies that will improve your money's performance in the future. But first, let's ask a questi

1. Make an early start on planning and thinking about your life after retirement - not just the financial aspects of retirement, but the way that you want to live your life, where you want to live it, how you want to spend your time, who you want to spend it with, etc. 2. Try to become less absorbed in your work (especially if you have a tendency to become absorbed to the point of the exclusion of other, life-enhancing pursuits and activities) - aim to get (and maintain) a good work/life balance. 3.

Reverse mortgages are unique loans that give seniors the opportunity to withdraw a portion of their home equity and defer payment until their home is sold. Unlike other loan products, these loans carry strict age requirements. To qualify for a reverse mortgage, borrowers can be no younger than 62 years of age. According to data collected by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in 2010, the average reverse mortgage borrower is 73 years old. In recent years, however, the averag

It’s no secret that Boomers make up the majority of the world population. Even while there is much discussed about the “graying of America, it is certainly not in a negative way. England and France have boomers as Presidents/Leaders. Hillary had a running chance to be added to that ...

The Automatic Rule Start saving money today. Even if it’s only a buck or two each pay period, savings is a habit you must start and stick with for the rest of your life. To improve your chance of savings success, automate the process. Have money withdrawn automatically from your paycheck or directly from your checking account each month. If you don’t want to think about saving, automation can take care of it for you. The 1% Rule At a minimum save 1% of your earnings each payroll period.

Do bonds offer safe retirement income? Are stocks too risky for retirees? Read this article to learn the truth about what's safe and what's not. Most people get the same bad advice - "The older you are, the more you should put in bonds. Stocks are too risky." But bonds are more risky now than they've ever been. To understand why, let's start with how bond prices work -rn* When interest rates go down, bond prices go up.rn* When interest rates go up, bond prices go down. Bond p

Before Sandy moved to a senior living community, she lived alone in a Pasadena condo. Early retirement from an engaging and challenging career meant the loss of daily contact with friends she was accustomed to and enjoyed. Her daughter, Michelle, began to worry about the toll isolation was having on her mother. Michelle considered building an addition to her home for her mom to live in, but the cost was prohibitive. And, honestly, Sandy didn’t really want to burden her daughter’s family.

Seniors seeking reverse mortgage information will quickly notice that these loans are highly flexible. Not only do seniors get to choose from different loan products and interest rates, but they also get to choose a payment option. Currently, Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) offer three primary payout options. Seniors may choose to receive their loan proceeds in one upfront sum, in monthly installments or as a line of credit. Seniors who find it difficult to choose on

The following comment was made regarding retirement planning. "Hobbies and civic activities should only be included if they relate to your job or if you have achieved some level of distinction in doing them."nnNow just a minute! Unless the brain is to be retired immediately, this is in no way the facts. The body can be slowed down as it gets older, if we choose to do so, but certainly we do not want to slow the brain. Medical experts tell us to keep the brain active to avoid

Any entrepreneur or small business owner knows how important it is to be accountable. Are you accountable to yourself, accountable to your business and, at times, accountable to others? It is the same as simply being responsible and answerable. You hear this term more and more often it seems. For those of you in business, being self-employed, if you were not accountable to not only yourself but your clients, you would have no business. But today, I want to talk about how you hold yourself accountable.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to make your New Year's resolutions but hard to keep them. You may start off strong and have good intentions, but the demands of everyday life get in the way, or the goal becomes overwhelming. This is true for getting your financial house in order too.

For a great number of us, work is the primary domain from which our sense of self is derived. For better or for worse, we live in a culture which strongly dictates that we identify with our work roles, defines who we are by what we do and routinely structures our lives so that we know where we ...

DO YOU HEAR a growing rumble in the distance? Chalk it up to the coming the Baby Boomer Express, an enormous number of older folks in this country getting ready to retire. In fact, every 7 seconds an American turns 50 -- more than 12,500 people every day, the U.S. Census Bureau reports. Just three years ago, Boomers began turning 65, took their IRAs and pensions (if they had them), and started quitting their jobs and drawing social security en masse. Who are these boomer-people, and why do they seem to scare so many politicians and younger folks?

When you are young, it seems as if there is always something to look forward to. From the weekend to a birthday party, summer vacation to Disney World there is always an event on the horizon. However, as you age it seems as if there are fewer events to look forward to. Birthdays just symbolize one year added to your life, there is no summer vacation and most weekends are a time to catch up on chores around the house. As human beings though it is extremely important to have so

In a recent interview, I was asked the following question: What are your best tips for single women who want to plan their retirement? This was my answer: 1. If you haven't done so already, start to think about what a successful retirement would look and feel like for you. What do you think are the component parts of a successful retirement? Write them all down. Try to define your successful retirement in a paragraph.

“People who lived through those days will tell you that something shifted in their hearts after Medgar Evers died, something that put them beyond fear…. At that point a new motto was born: After Medgar, no more fear.” Maryanne Voller, Esquire THERE MAY BE SOME WHO still ask "who was Medgar Evers and if they recognize the name, at all, what role did he have in the modern civil rights movement?" After all, American history books rarely do much service in telling the true and complete stories of this country’s early and modern civil rights movements.

To survive as a stranger in a strange land – a visitor in a new land – requires education and enough personal depth to avoid unfair prejudices that result from ethnocentrism. AFTER WORKING nearly eight months months to get a special “pensionada” visa, scouting out the correct pet carriers to bring along her dog and cat, holding umpteen garage sales and finally selling her mission-style bungalow at a small profit – all to retire in Paraguay as an expat – Bess G. flew off to retirement paradise. By the end of three months, Bess returned home.

THE BEST TAX TIP…EVER!

Don't be idle with all the opportunities out there! Check out the many, many listings for paid jobs, volunteer opportunities, and even internships at any of the websites below. Many volunteer jobs provide training and/or open the door for positions with remuneration, so keep an open ...

Question: I’m a 57 year old clinical physician thinking about slowing down in the next few years. I don’t feel I have enough money to retire but maybe I do? How do you analyze a client’s finances to make this determination? Any thoughts you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Lia, MA nn Answer: In essence Lia, you want to know when enough is enough. It’s a tough question to answer because everyone’s “enough” is different. As an advisor, I like to perform

Is your posting on sociable networking sites thoroughly prepared? Have you been seeing the outcomes you desire out of your social media written content? If not, you need to produce or update your prepare for creating your on the internet presence. Listed below are 7 elementary methods to producing a effective social news articles generation and posting approach. 1. Establish your desired target audience. Be as precise as you can. Record characteristics, desires, and common is

Guide to Precious Metals IRAs Stock brokers and investment advisors typically won’t mention it ( for reasons described by Money Metals columnist Guy Christopher ), but it is simple to own something other than the run-of-the-mill paper assets they are paid so handsomely to sell into your retirement account. Nevertheless, word is getting out. Each year more people take the exit and open a self-directed IRA where they can hold tangible assets -- most often physical precious me

AS A NEWLY retired person, do you REALLY expect EVERYTHING to go as planned? Consider the retiree who chooses to move to another country as an expat and then winds up going back home, giving up on the dream of living in a new culture because he or she can't seem to make needed cultural adjustments.

Frederick Ashton may be the an amazing individual when element comes to you for additional details on going to be the ballet and going to be the opera. There are a lot of those it is certainly plausible that are aware of that this man and what person has accomplished because they are familiar so that you have the arts. But,about whether or not all your family members are someone that would be the fact many of the new for more information on the arts then all your family membe

Much like niche restaurants that come and go, niche investments come into and out of favor, as well. Just as everyone had to be the first to try out that new donut or cupcake shop on the corner, the new craze to hit the investment world is the narrowly-focused exchange-traded fund. <img align="right" class="size-medium wp-image-9282" src="http://www.glassmanwealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/104140602-GettyImages-584932100.530x298-300x169.jpg" alt="Yuriko Nakao | Bloomberg | Getty Images" width="300" height="169" />

Are you about to retire soon and thinking about your future? Are you thinking of where to invest in? I would like to share with you the benefits of gold IRA investments. These are in my opinion a better option if you have the money to chip in and get some. I would rather you get them than a normal investment anywhere else. Why do I say that? Well keep reading to get the full scoop. Now you may be asking what a gold IRA is. Well it is basically an individual retirement accoun

Many people fail to see that skills fade, but assets are forever. They don’t know their entire financial education in their lives is completely WRONG! Too many people believe that a good job, good skills, and a positive attitude will make them great wealth. The problem is that it just doesn't work that way. People who make an hourly wage and an annual salary cannot build wealth. This is because their money doesn't work for them, and instead they work for their money. This i

When you look back at your life are you proud of who you are and what you have become? Are you the person you thought you would be? As a woman in your fifties or beyond you have had more than several decades as an adult. I am sure you had hopes and dreams, goals and plans. At least I hope you had hopes and dreams for yourself! And even if you didn’t you can always start them now can’t you? You can always step forward to create a different life for yourself if you put your mind to it.

A common question that many people who are planning their personal finance is “how to invest in gold”. There are a lot of doubts and queries as to how to do so in a safe manner. In this article I will discuss that and hopefully clarify some of your doubts. However before I go there, I would like to talk about why it is better to invest in gold instead of make other forms of investments. Well generally speaking, gold is a safer and more stable option. Most people view equity

Everyone who owns property or financial assets of any kind should have an estate plan for the future. Thinking of when the day comes that we are no longer around to manage our business affairs, it is good to know that everything is in order for loved ones who remain. However, preparing an estate plan is not necessarily a boring task. It actually provides the opportunity to take some meaningful action steps in protecting everything you have worked for. Find an Efficient Firm F

What does planning for your summer vacation and planning for your retirement have to do with each other? I can just hear some of you saying “they have nothing to do with each other” and others saying “they have a LOT to do with each other.” What do you think? I have been working and learning in this area of ‘retirement’ for many years now and I have learned a lot from all of you. When baby boomers plan for a vacation they consider many things such as: • How much time do we have • How much money can we spend • Where would be a exciting/happy/relaxing place to gornr

Do you know what that 1 mistake might be? Can you guess? Let me just say that it’s not as difficult as you might think. This mistake can be avoided if you just pay attention. Now I know that doesn’t sound as though that should be very difficult but you would be surprised! As a woman born in the times we were, Woodstock and all that…….it seems like paying attention would be easier than it really is. Here are my thoughts on something I fear that we don’t pay attention to and I would love to hear your thoughts.

The Return of Prosperity – A Three Part Series. Part One: An objective Viewr Part Two: The good signsr Part Three: What to do right now! Part One: An Objective View. “If it ain’t bad, it ain’t news”rn-Unknown reporter at the scene of Joey Gallo’s murder, April 7, 1972.

When it comes to retirement, among the leading concern is facing an event that requires long-term care and covering its costs. Despite of this, there is no reason to worry because you can prepare for it. Currently, there are long-term care insurance policies available for care-related needs. Such policies cover the risks of needing care in retirement and protect assets needed for the surviving spouse. However, because of its variable costs, most people do not want to talk abo

"I thought I left business and work and all of that snarly stuff - and now you want me to write down my business plans? To write down my goals? NOT!!" Sue is a newly retired office manager turned blogger who wants to make a small business of what she is doing -- blogging about business.

Community living gets a bad rap, and it’s rare to encounter an older adult who’s excited about making the move. Often, the decision to downsize and leave the family home is a big barrier.

As with any remodeling or moving you are in a position to make decisions for what to keep and what to purge. I have purged A LOT and ARC and Goodwill are very happy with me. That said, I have also saved some things. Closets were filled with prom dresses, ski jackets, other kinds of jackets and coats. All belonging to my adult daughters. Back packs, purses you name it. I would line them up on the couch and take pictures and text them to my girls. Do you want these? No. No. No. No. Oh, maybe save the prom dresses for Halloween.

Wow! Can you imagine being retired with nothing to do? Would it not be one of the cruellest punishments you could imagine? Does sitting in front of the TV, day in and day out, sound like a fulfilling way to live? Malcolm S. Forbes said "Retirement kills more people than hard work ever did". Fortunately we have time to plan our retirement. Think about the question "What are you going to do when?" -- you grow up? -- you graduate? -- you retire?nn For the first two stages of lif

Isn’t it grand being a grandparent? You probably don’t want to be called Grandma or Grandpa because that would make you seem older than you believe you are. You’ve probably come up with some clever name for yourself, which is great. But do you want to know how to be the cleverest grandparent of all? The key is to keep the grandkids happy as well as the parents. Here are some tips to help you along the way: * Start a tradition with your grandchildren. Think about what your common interests are and what activities that are related to them.

When it comes to taxes, you can either laught or cry, so with tongue firmly in cheek, we'll try for some laughter. Unfortunately as you will see, this satire is based on certain sad facts. NEW YORK STATE’S NEW TAX Interview with the Commissioner of Taxation for the state of New York I interviewed New York State Commissioner of Taxation, the Honorable Grabyur Moola shortly after his appointment by newly elected Democratic Governor Mario Cuomo. Me: “Thank you for seeing us, sir. Our readers have questions about the new tax that is in front of the legislation right now.”

Isn't it grand being a woman? In all my decades of years I don't think I have ever wanted to be man. (Well, except when I am hiking or skiing) I think we are really special beings. I also believe we don't give ourselves enough credit when credit is due. And what do we say when someone says 'Thank you for all your hard work' we say, 'Oh, it was nothing'. What do we say when someone says to us "I just love your outfit" we say "I got such a good deal on this, with a coupon and it was a great sale!"

Question: I’m 62 and still working. Is it better to take Social Security now or should I wait? Answer: It depends on a lot of factors. Social Security retirement benefits usually begin at full retirement age (FRA), which is currently age 65. For those born after 1937, FRA will be gradually ...

Do you cringe when you hear the word retirement? What does retirement even mean for creatives? Probably not what you think. Retirement doesn’t mean you stop working. Retirement doesn’t mean you do nothing. If you think retirement doesn’t apply to you, you don’t truly understand it. At least not yet. What Does Retirement Mean to You? Age is only a number, a cipher for the records. A man can’t retire his experience. He must use it.rn—Bernard Baruch We’re not talki

Low Cost Retirement in Mind? "Step Away From the Coasts"! Most of the experts think that our economic mess could continue for the next few years. If you have just retired and are trying to figure out how to adjust to life with a smaller portfolio, this article might help with some perspective. ...

Annuities are financial products which you buy when you reach retirement. You need to buy an annuity because it is your life income, the income you receive instead of working. For some retirees, it is a stressful and worrying time as it is a major decision which is irreversible and very important. However, there is a lot of support available. One way to get maximum attractive rates for your annuity is by seeing if you are eligible for enhanced annuity rates. These work by of

Also known as seller financing, owner financing is growing in popularity in today’s economy. With the credit markets slowing down and people finding it harder and harder to borrow, owner financing is looking better and better as an alternative to traditional financing. Owner financing is when the seller of the property basically agrees to take payments rather than a lump sum. Here are a few things that need to happen in order for the owner to be able to finance your dea

Question: I just inherited $50,000. If I put it in a bank CD, how many years will it take before it’s worth $100,000? Answer: 14.4 years – assuming your interest rate is 5%. In the financial planning world there is something called the “Rule of 72”. It’s a very simple way to compute and ...

When it comes to long term care planning, people often assume that married couples have it easier because they have each to turn to for support. When the situation gets tough, it surely helps to have another person present. On top of that, married couples can look to each other to act as caregivers, should the need arise. However, it is not all flowers and rainbows for them. Planning for two also means double the expenses. It can mean trying to reconcile two different needs a

Each time we have a bad market, the media pundits starts saying “it’s different this time” and we all buy into it. The reality is they’re partly right because the circumstances surrounding each drop are rarely the same. However, I attended a conference and was shown how in each of the last 12 bear markets since the Great Depression, the decline IS actually the same. First, after each decline, the stock markets have always come back and often very dramatically.

"You are asking me if I am surprised?" Bill and Kay are sharing a private moment talking about diversity changes planned for their regional bank, along with the initial executive board response. "Well, I knew we would have some resistance from at least one board member after we presented the plan. I guess I am a little surprised that Jerry K. used 'research' to back his opposition, saying diversity training simply doesn't work," Kay tells Bill. "Next board meeting, I'll have even better data," Kay smiles.

Did you see the recent film, 'The Bucket List', starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? It's about two men who meet in a hospital cancer ward after each has been given only six months to live. The 'bucket list' of the title refers to a list that one of the men has been advised to compile of the things he wants to accomplish before he 'kicks the bucket'.

Sinking or Soaring at Midlife? Midlife! That wonderful period of confusion, reassessment, stuckness and change …. Welcome! Midlife is a normal developmental life stage. It can be a positive and mindful process of the whole person you will be for your second adulthood. It cannot be avoided. ...

Tax errors can cost you a lot of money (plus substantive delays) in getting a tax refund. While you're not expected to be a tax expert, there are some easy strategies you can use to save money on your taxes. Then you can use that extra money for fun, or roll it directly into your retirement savings . Here are 3 tips to reduce the amount of taxes you owe, and to make it easy come tax day. 1. File Your Taxes Properly File your W-2 before the due date to avoid any late-filing tr

Ambrose Bierce, American writer and editor, once said, “Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” Many estates have been torn asunder during probate. To avoid this possibility, many people go to the trouble of estate planning. They want to know that their assets will be distributed to the right people without the courts having a say in what is happening. The problem is that estate plans fail all the time. Estate planners can tell you plenty of stor

Financial implosions make headlines. It’s also news when rich and famous people like Jack Kent Cooke make huge, public estate planning mistakes. Yet the average person is just as prone to making painful financial errors time and time again, even if their mistakes never go viral on social media. That’s true even in Washington, DC, which is one of the most educated populations in the country. Trust us: we have seen the worst and the best, after decades of providing financial planning services to Washington-area residents.

You're new to building your business. You have been in business for some time now but you don't have as many clients as you wish. Either way one of the tricks is to figure what the missing piece is. Where is the disconnect? Is it the marketing? Is your niche not tight enough? Does your website need work? All of those, and more, are possibilities but today let's talk about 'credibility'. This is the piece where people believe you are the real deal and they want to have a business relationship with you.

I wonder how many of you even know. I'll bet a lot of you don't know. Or you kind of know but not really. It's vitally important for you to know. For some of you, if you have a more 'elaborate' retirement planned (lots of travel etc) you will need more than someone who has very simple wants and desires. There certainly is no right way but you need to know your truth. One of the lucky things about being a woman is you generally live longer than men. Wonderful!! But you will need more money.

If you talk with 10 different advisors, they’ll all have their own opinion as to what the best way to invest for retirement is. Some prefer actively managed investments. Some prefer passively managed investments. Some like to trade daily while other advisors like me prefer a combination of ...

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. But that actually might depend on the picture. For instance, if you were to take a snapshot of your financial portfolio, what would it look like? Most financial advisors provide their clients with a pie chart, which assigns a color to each of your assets. It’s useful information, but it’s static. This picture only tells you what you own right now without shedding any insight into the different decisions you may have made over the past weeks, months, or even years to arrive at where you are today.

Are you struggling with retirement? It's not uncommon. Once the 'honeymoon' period is over and disenchantment starts to set in, up to 1 in 5 people can feel that their life is in the doldrums, they're not getting the retirement they deserve and that, if this is all they have to look forward to, they wish they'd never retired in the first place! If all this sounds horribly familiar to you, don't panic... Use these 10 thought-provoking questions to help give yourself a Retirement Detox: 1. What do you want more of in your life? (What makes you happy?) 2. What do you want less of?

Retirement planning can be more complex for women for various reasons. Women live longer, take time away from work to care for their parents or children, and are often paid less than their male counterparts. To compound matters further, many married men are deciding to retire much earlier than originally anticipated. A husband’s early retirement can have profound effects on a woman’s ability to fund her retirement throughout her lifetime. With careful planning, however, t

You will find so many things that go into planning a wedding that occasionally the little things are forgotten, but these things are not small by any indicates! But then, planning is half the enjoyment where weddings are concerned. Based on our experience as Glasgow's leading Wedding Car Hire business, we have put a couple of things together. 1. Alcohol. Are you buying you own liquor for your wedding reception? If so, who will be given the task of gathering the unopened, left

Dogwood Forest Assisted Living interviewed elder law lawyer Miles Hurley and found out the answers to these 10 most pressing retirement planning questions: 1. What legal documents are most important for seniors? Which ones are often overlooked? 2. What is the difference between a will and a trust? 3. When should you start a will? 4. How much does a will cost? 5. What happens if you have no will or trust at the time of your death? 6. How can you avoid asset disputes afte

www.bradcooperpresents.com When it comes to Retirement Readiness, we are facing a crisis of epic proportion. Many Americans have no idea how far Behind The Retirement Planning 8 Ball they really are. Whether you are retired or very close to it, whether you've accumulated a couple hundred thousand dollars or several million, planning for your retirement is more challenging today than ever.

For elderly people and retirees looking for new adventure, beginning a unique pastime and picking up a new tool like a metal detector can be a pretty invigorating knowledge. Taking up metal detecting after retiring may be a great idea in fact. Retired persons have a variety of knowledge to attract on that can be helpful in the method of the pastime. Metal detecting can be as challenging or undemanding as they need it to be, they could consider it at any level they desire. Ano

One of the best financial investments you can make before the end of the year is to spend a little bit of time and money to meet with your accountant and start planning your taxes. Don’t wait until March when your CPA is slammed with number-crunching and tax preparation. And, it’s about time you used your accountant as more than your “data input” tax preparer. Using your CPA as a consultant can pay off big time. Here’s how: Avoid a surprise tax bill

“Life is too short to be small.” Benjamin Disraeli You've retired or are just on the verge. That's great. You worked hard for many years and you certainly deserve big congratulations and job well done! The Next Stage You're about to enter a whole new stage of your life - one that could be your best ever. But what will it look like and what will you do to fill your time? If you spent your working years as a salaried worker, you probably couldn't wait to retire. You knew al

I always suggest to my retirement coaching clients and course attendees that, once their retirement begins, they don't leave it too long before implementing some form of exercise routine. And, if they already have the 'exercise habit', I suggest that they may need to consider increasing the amount of exercise they take each week. Weight gain can be a real problem for new retirees and, speaking from experience, the extra pounds really can creep up on you until, before you know it, you have a battle on your hands.

Yes, this is possible but you have to take the right steps and do them in order. Now, you could probably do those out of order and do okay, but why settle for okay? Do you know who your Ideal Client is? When you are asked that scary question of “What do you do?” do you have a good, solid response?

The word “crisis” suggests considerable pain and suffering. We all wince at the memory of the crises in our lives: having to choose which college to go to or career to start after High School, getting married, having a child, changing jobs, moving, divorcing, etc. In fact, the word “crisis” ...

Sadly, most women will answer 'yes'. That said, you have more control over your financial situation than you probably think. And if you don't think you have any control then it's time to be proactive and take some action. This is your life. This is your future.

The world has been fascinated with Warren Buffett, and rightfully so. Berkshire Hathaway has a better performance than any other stock or mutual fund with at least a 30-year history. A dollar invested in Berkshire in 1976 would have been worth $1500 in 2011. A recent paper by Andrea Frazzini and David Kabiller of AQR Capital Management, and Lasse Pedersen of New York University explains the magic behind the wizard's performance.

Support Roses have trellises to support them. Buildings have scaffolding, then infrastructure. Even bicycles have training wheels. What kind of support do you have? Somehow, many people hold a rugged, independent notion that they can make it on their own. Citizens of the United States love to harken back to pioneer ancestors who allegedly struck out on their own. Yet, those pioneers were some of the most interdependent people you could ever find. They had to reach out and help their fellow travelers and their neighbors if they expected to survive.

Many older adults often carry a deeply ingrained belief that inactive, sedentary lives are an inevitable part of aging. Boomers need to know this mindset is wrong and it can be changed, resulting in a positive physical and mental health change. The baby boomer generation can benefit from many of the studies being conducted today. Research to help boomers live longer, healthier, happier and more productive lives.nnA study report from UCLA, November/15, 2007. Quotes Dr. Catheri

You may have planned for and eagerly anticipated your retirement years, but until retirement becomes a reality, you probably don’t realize just how much of a lifestyle change you’re going to experience. The way in which you adjust to the changes retirement brings can directly impact how happy your retirement years are. There are many resources available to help you stay healthy, happy and comfortable after you retire. Socializing after Retiring Once you’re free of work

Question: I’m trying to decide if an annuity is right for me but I’m confused by all the different types. Can you explain the differences? Geraldine, NJ Answer: Sure Geraldine. An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. Your money grows tax-deferred inside an annuity ...

The word “success” may be relative, especially in the context of retirement. There is no single, easy answer as to what would make you feel successful upon hitting the finish line of a life-long career. When you look back at the life you lived, can you say, “That was good”? But while a cookie-cutter answer may be elusive, many experts tend to agree on certain points that they consider to be the elements of retiring successfully. Here are the top 7 secrets to a success

Do you even know what an Active Vacation is? Let’s just say it’s the opposite of sitting on the beach with a book in one hand and an umbrella drink in the other. Not that this isn’t desirable at times, but more and more boomers want more action than that. Assuming you are a health-minded women, this type of vacation might be right up your alley! Have you ever thought of a Yoga Retreat or a bike ride through France (or Iowa)? What about hiking the Grand Canyon? Not only does your body get a good workout but so do your mind and even your soul.

Last year, the Department of Labor issued a mandate stating that all financial professionals who work with retirement plans or give retirement planning advice must begin acting as a “fiduciary” starting April 2017. Recently the fiduciary rule has made headlines yet again, this time due to Donald Trump’s executive order calling for an investigation into the rule’s effects. What does that mean for you as an investor? What is the fiduciary standard?

A number of studies – including one by Dhaval Dave, an associate professor of economics at Bentley University– have proven that a sedentary retirement can have adverse effects on your health. The study found that those who retire completely see a five percent to 16 per cent increase in difficulties associated with mobility and daily activities in the six years after retirement, and a five to six percent increase in illnesses like heart disease, stroke and arthritis. A big

Retirement can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling periods in your life. To ensure that it is, you need to live in a region that is conducive to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Below, you will find five great places that can empower you to attain the type of amazing retirement life you deserve: Arizona If you're serious about making your retirement the best period of your life, it's time to get serious about Arizona. There are dozens of reasons that yo

Like each one of us, aged people also have their share of banking and financing needs. Hassel free and convenient banking is all we want and senior citizens are no exception. Their financial needs differ from the other age groups and thus they need dedicated banking solutions. Senior citizen bank accounts are therefore here to make financial life simple and easy. Post retirement financial issues are required to be handled with care, the financial institutions have understood

In today’s economy, many people are still losing 40 to 60 percent of their 401Ks and IRAs due to the market’s volatility. As a result, older Americans are delaying retirement, or they’re struggling to make ends meet in what was supposed to be their “golden years.” For the millions of retirees or soon-to-be-retired folks who are feeling the pinch, their options for a financial rebound are limited. But if you’re younger (in the 35 to 54 age range), you can take steps today so y

Networking is a requirement if you have your own business. I mean, it's not a law in the legal sense, but it almost should be. Here is Secret #1: Be consistent. Your networking needs to be consistent. That means you have several groups that you attend on a regular basis. It may be tempting to only go network when you have a new product or service you want to promote but that will backfire on you. Others may notice that you only show up when you are selling something.

Pensions are usually comparable to investing cash for yourself to expend when the right time comes when you no longer work. When the annuity matures, married couples or individuals will be capable of enjoying what they set aside dearly. Beginning a marital life requires taking a lot of essential steps. Both spouses may previously have their personal accounts prior to marriage that they without help worked for and they must decide whether to combine their accounts or split the

I recently read 'The Gift of a Year' by Mira Kirshenbaum. Its subtitle is: 'How to achieve the most meaningful, satisfying and pleasurable year of your life'.

There are many myths abroad about retirement, and many people who continue to believe them are being held back from fully enjoying the second phase of their lives. To help you avoid holding on to these detrimental myths, I’d like to offer my take on five more of the most widely held retirement myths. Myth #6: Once I retire, I’ll never work again. For the baby boomer generation, and for many of the previous generation, this will not be true. Retirees work for one of three mai

It hardly seems possible that it's almost mid-September. I don't think I really was paying much attention until all the stores are selling school supplies, and then I took notice. School? Already? Yup, our street will be really quiet with all the kiddos back in class. That also means everyone starts thinking about fall. And when you think about fall you think it's time to really get cracking and get back to work on your business.

I read a lot about the lives of women after 50. Being one myself and even though I am a business coach, clearly there are other things going on for us. One of them is our retirement. It's frightening out there and most women do not feel confident. How are you going to support yourself in your older years? One very sad statistic is that 50% of women fear becoming a 'bag ladies'. That's half of all women!! And yet, another statistic says women control a larger share of personal wealth in the U.S. than ever before by 66%.

Economists say that 4 factors converged to cause the conditions of the financial collapse: nn-- low interest rates and easy credit; -- deregulation since the 1970s and lax regulation under the Bush Administration; -- bank and mortgage dealers aggressively pushing housing loans to unqualified ...

Introduction: It is any person’s dream to live his retirement years in comfort and peace. But with the economic crisis we’re facing right now, purchasing long-term care insurance seems to be a bit of a challenge. To help you deal with this task, here are a few doable tips that may prove to be valuable. Dos: 1. Plan early. You know we’ll all get there --- the years when we need someone to do the bathing and even the clothing for us. And to make sure that your retirement years

Poor titles will keep you poor. Now, that's a pretty powerful statement isn't it? It really doesn't matter how good you are, the first thing that people read or hear is your title. It will immediately get them to click to get more information or they will simply delete. You might have the greatest program or product around; you might be so passionate to help people and have the best signature system, but if they don't get past the title it hardly matters.

My motto is Simple & Elegant and I try to run my business that way, as well as my life. It can be very frightening starting an on-line coaching business, or any business for that matter. But please don't let that get in your way. Sure, there are steps you need to take but if you do them one at a time, sure enough you will have a business. Some basic suggestions:

In the last blog post, we talked about making a complete list of all of the achievements of your life and putting it on paper. Hopefully you have done that and taken the time to relax and enjoy all that you have accomplished. Did you ever stop to think how much you have achieved? It feels good, right? Now, let’s talk about how you can use this list when thinking about your transition into the new phase of your life called retirement. The first way is to simply remember how gr

I thought it wise to share with you what a financial planner actually does, because in my experience most people either have misconceptions or just don't know.

A Virtual Retreat is a vehicle for helping your business reach new financial gains. I have done many and just love the ease and the transformations that can occur in a short period of time, as well as generating income. These VIP Days are wonderful when people don't want to travel due to expense, family responsibilities or simply because traveling can be so frustrating these days. There are 2 different designs that I use for my Virtual Retreat Days: Design #1: 1-1 VIP Virtual Retreat Dayrnr

Are you dreaming of a happy retirement? Would it be fun to retire young, when you can do many things? Imagine how great it is to retire young and at the same time healthy, think about if you could go to nice places and relax and spend your whole time with your family and friends. That is the happy retirement ever right? If you can dream it, you can achieve it! That’s what they say. Happy retirement is possible provided you know how to prepare for retirement. In retirement pla

Undoubtedly, you are a very busy person with a lot of structure in every day. You wake up with a plan for the day, check email, voice mail and probably social media. You read the news, you eat breakfast (sometimes on the way to work) and you arrive at work at basically the same time every day. You work; you come home and do the things that need to get done to keep your life and the lives of your family on track. You are basically structured down to the minute. Keeping some (b

Many don't know this, but if you are currently participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as your 401(k) plan, you may not have to keep all your retirement savings locked in the employer plan and wait until you change jobs or retire to rollover your funds into an IRA. On the contrary, you may be allowed to take an in-service distribution and roll over your retirement funds from your current employer-sponsored plan to an IRA. There are many benefits to an in-s

Figuring out how much you need to live off of after you retire is tricky business. You can't overdo your retirement budget to the point where it prevents you from enjoying your present lifestyle, but you also can't save less because then you won't have enough money to enjoy your retirement. Importance of Creating a Retirement Budget Plan Creating a working budget will offer some much needed perspective on that important question. You will find that expenditures don't change m

Question: Do I need $1 million to retire comfortably? Answer: Imagine a world free of alarm clocks, bosses, long commutes, office politics and limited vacation time. Wouldn’t it be nice to call the shots, spend more time with your family and friends, doing only those things that you’re ...

How would you describe your home office? Neat, tidy and organized? Chaos? I can honestly say my home office is often less than stellar. It's a project I am working on as I write this to you. I don't care how long this takes me; I am going to create my home office to be a place I really want to be in for however many hours a day. How much time do you waste just looking for something? You know you have it on your desk somewhere, right? Here are some tips to help you:

Did you notice the Christmas decorations going up on Halloween? Did a chill run down your spine? The holiday season seems to be getting longer and longer and shorter. Yes, shorter. Look at the expectations this season puts on you. Fifty five days are nowhere near enough to achieve Countessa ...

Life after retirement is a phase that tends to take an entirely new meaning. It can be fun to indulge in activities that previously one never had the time for, and also devote time to one's family. However, many retirees may feel that they are burdens on their working children, which is why they often choose to move to a retirement home. The home for seniors should be able to provide round the clock medical assistance and personal care, to ensure good health for them. Such ho

The choices we make in life and how we react to events is a major factor in our happiness. In this regard, there are two types of people, those who act from a position of empowerment and those who take a passive stance. Empowered people take responsibility for their choices and act accordingly. ...

Thinking about your retirement lifestyle can be a daunting experience at first. Imagining what your life will be like after retirement is filled with unknowns. Even people with great self-confidence or self-assurance can find that the thought of life after retirement creates uneasiness or even anxiety. If you are a Baby Boomer, you are probably beginning to think about what your life will be like after retirement. Easing anxiety is a matter of preparing for retirement in way

When I was growing up as a child and adolescent I was pretty competitive. I was a gymnast, a swimmer and snow skier and water skier. We were in teams of course, but individually we were competitive. As a team we collaborated. My own daughters grew up the same way with soccer, tennis, swim team and a variety of other team sports. None of us is cut throat of course, but we like to win. I still like to win! This is where how we live our lives and how we run our businesses take a different path.

If this is you, you are certainly not alone. I am an extrovert and I don't relish the thought of networking events either! I love being around lots of people, but networking is like a party with a purpose. The purpose is to meet new people or connect with those you already know. You might go there looking for a new client or looking for someone you might want to joint venture with. Let's go back to the title of this article and the word 'should'. You know you 'should' go to networking events but why? • It gets you out of your home officernr

Retirement living homes of today are not like traditional old age homes. Earlier, an old age home would often be the last place of residence than any old person would consider. Many amenities and comforts of modern homes would be missing in such places, but not any more. Retired persons can easily be moved to modern retirement homes, to give them a stress-free future life. 24 hours medical assistance is essential for any old persons. Additionally, personal care is also provid

You have probably heard the statistics and they aren't pretty. If you read the numbers that the U.S. Government Small Business Administration's website states it says that 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. You might have come out of another employment situation and are ready to venture out on your own, or you may have been out of the working arena and are thinking about getting back in. Whatever your situation, do your due diligence. Even if you have had your business for awhile, be sure to read this carefully and make changes if need be.

CMS Reminds Medicare Beneficiaries to Review and Compare Their Current Drug Coverage. On September 25, 2008, CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems announced the 2009 Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plan options for those of us enrolled in Medicare. Almost 97% of beneficiaries ...

How are you at setting goals for yourself? You all know how important goal setting is. At least I assume you do! But there is one part in that you set goals for yourself, personal and professional. And then there is that other piece which is the tough part and that is following through and actually doing what you 'said' you would do! The one thing that I learned many years ago is the importance of breaking the goal down into small chunks. So often we set lofty goals for ourselves then get overwhelmed because they seem HUGE.

Where should your money be today? If you're wondering when the economic tide will finally turn, you're not alone. But one thing is certain. Eventually, things will turn around. In the meantime, the question remains where to put your money (and where not to put it) to keep it safe, until the economy improves. Right now, making wise investment decisions is more important than ever, yet wise choices are difficult to come by in our current challenging situation.nnNone of the usua

What is your tradition for family meals during the holidays? Do you have one? I bring this up because, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 23 years in private practice, I've heard it all: from great times to grim times. When you think of gathering everyone together, do you cringe? I am happy to say I actually love it. I love having as many people as possible. I start planning at least a month in advance, gathering recipes, decorating the house and just getting excited to get everyone together.

I know you can't be a woman 'of a certain age' which is who I generally write for, and have never been stuck. This can be a time when you were stuck in your life or stuck in your business. Even the word 'stuck' has that 'uck' factor. Yuck. Muck. It happens to everyone. I don't know a person in the world that hasn't been to that place.

Why? -Because you need to. -Because the statistics are very grim, very scary. -You live 5 years on average, longer than men. -You make less money than men, overall. -You are much more likely to be poor. -Most of the residents in nursing homes are women. I know you have heard these stats. I talk about them all the time and so do many others. So, what are you going to do about it? You certainly can't leave it in the hands of someone else. At least, that is my personal opinion.

How can someone create their own retirement plan? When I say create your own retirement pla I mean making use of all the retirement options available to all people. It is time to depend on your own resources instead of just the government or your employer for your retirement income. Use All Three Income Options Too many good people only depend on Social Security as their sole income source when they retire. For many the amount will be lower than what they earned while they

You all know that networking is an extremely important part of owning your own business. That said, it doesn't mean you relish the thought of doing so. It means getting dressed and looking nice so you make a good impression on people. You have maybe 10 seconds to make an impression and if it's a bad one?? It's hard to do a Do Over. I was at a conference a few years ago and a very successful 7 figure coach was there. In her pictures she looked great. But in person? Oh Dear.

Recently, a friend asked me whether I was worried about the current financial meltdown in the U.S. and what I was going to invest in. I asked him, "How crazy do you want to get?" I have been a pessimist about the U.S. financial markets for several years for many, many reasons. The truth is ...

Does that sound pie in the sky to you? Does that make me sound like I don't live in the real world of business? Trust me I do, after 25 years of working for myself, this has become more and more clear to me. Even as a therapist in private practice, it was a competitive world. In the world of coaching competition takes on a whole new outlook. If I really think about it most of my 'competiveness' comes from competing with myself. Can I do better at this than I did before? How can I make this program better than the last? How can I make more money than I did last year?

As a Baby Boomer, you are probably thinking about your retirement. Whether you plan to take early retirement (or you have already done so), or you are planning for retirement from your current career at age 65 or 70, you are probably actively planning for your financial future. You should also be cultivating the 10 habits of highly effective Baby Boomers to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Mastering these ten habits will help you prepare for retirement and en

Those who invest in precious metals often like to find a steady source of the metals they want like US Gold Bureau offers them. What they are looking to do is make sure that they can keep on building their portfolios no matter what and a service like this allows them to do that quite easily. Investors who choose a service like United States Gold Bureau do tend to be savvier, on the whole, about their precious metals investments and they know just how key diversifying is to th

Question: I'm looking for more details about retirement annuities. Do they all have fees? My sister says that hers cost her nothing and they "gave" her $5,000 for putting in about $50,000. Do they do that? I keep hearing about large fees and hidden costs, but she said that she started with $110,000 and they haven't taken anything so far in the past 18 months. Has she been taken? Louise, AL nn Answer: Yup Louise, she has been taken. All annuities have expenses. The individuals

We are not forever young. We will soon grow old and get weaker. It is inevitable and no one can escape that - unless you die young. Are you prepared for this? Or have you even thought about planning for your retirement? Learning to save for retirement is very crucial in our lives. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, so we better get ready while we are still in our youth. In your older years, your activity will be limited. You can no longer work outside the home to provid

Are you, like countless millions of others, so-called “planning your retirement” i.e. crossing your fingers and hoping your nest egg will provide for you during your golden years but really not sure if it will? Whether you’re 35 or 55, don’t fool yourself into thinking that building a nest egg and dreaming of walking off into some kind of ‘retirement sunset’ is retirement planning, it’s not. Check out this amazingly simple and helpful 5Ws (and 1 H) formula of retirement plann

I know that sounds a bit dramatic but I know sometimes its daunting to look into next year. Or maybe it seems daunting every year! You always hear people say how important the planning is for the upcoming year but then it looks so huge in front of you sometimes. How can I plan out 12 months? Or even more? Some people plan out the next 16 or 24 months! You can do this. Did you plan for last year? Yes? Did you follow your plan? Or no, you didn't even have a plan or if you did you didn't follow it.

Many people speak and write about living a harmonious life. Some of those people offer guidance that amounts to trying to help readers or hearers align their lives to the life of the writer/speaker. And many readers/hearers actually listen for a specific set of steps that will create harmony in their lives. I’m not presuming that the way I structure my life will be the way you need to structure your life. What I can offer is some guidance about the kinds of things that often

Retirement doesn?t imply the end of an active lifestyle. Really the contrary, it opens up new opportunities for a lot of new activities. Some retirees substitute voluntary community function for their former function. This provides definition or which means to their roles following retirement. Make it a objective to have retirement activities which includes volunteering, being active and strengthening relationships Household function, volunteer work, loved ones roles and comm

None of us goes through life without any grief or loss. And it can stop us in our tracks when it does happen. And death is a part of the Circle of Life, so why is it so hard? For me, even though my husband had been so very sick for so many years, it still comes almost as a shock. While he was on his own journey, I was on my own journey as well. Here are some things that I have learned. Many of which I am still learning. No matter how long someone has been ill, when things start going bad, you still think they are going to 'beat' this like they always have before.

Daniels Design And Remodeling For Your Bathroom Remodeling Needs In Nova small master bathroom remodel ideas or modify is a champion among the most endorsed ways to deal with increment the estimation of your home. The regard made in such a way can be acknowledged in case you will stay in your home for a more expanded time or paying little respect to whether you are planning to offer your home as soon as possible. This is in light of the fact that through master bathroom remod

The good news is you are around long enough to be aging! (As 'they' say, it beats the alternative.) As I age I notice older people around me and how they live their lives, and it's fascinating! Some of you live your life to its fullest, some of you act older than you need to and sadly, some of you have health issues that may interfere with what you really would like to do. I have had the lovely experience lately of being around people my age and a decade or two older and I have been so impressed.

Is there ever a bad time? I don't think so. And I also believe that if you ramp up your business your life will change and if you ramp up your life, your business with change. I really don't believe you can separate the two but for now I want to focus on your business.

Courage, guts, nerve, bravery, common sense, good sense, horse sense. That is what I get when I put my mouse over the word 'gumption' and right click. Do you have gumption? How did you get it? I have no doubt that you have gumption. You would have to have it if you own your own business. Women entrepreneurs, (and you men also) take a risk; take a leap of faith, to do what you do. It's much easier to just get a pay check every other week with insurance benefits than to do what you do. You are brave. I know this may sound like a crazy question, but where did that come from for you?r

It seems like I have been in this situation too much lately. I know it's a seasonal thing often times. At the same time, it has felt like for the last few months or so I have been spinning, spinning and spinning some more. This is not to be whining. After all, it's what I have set up for myself. But maybe it's time to take a look at what I am doing? I mean, when you are self-employed and work for yourself you have no one else to blame right? No one but little ole me.

If every Boomer were to need to go into a skilled nursing facility, the U.S. Government would be bankrupt. This is not just a U.S. problem. I was at a meeting of international experts on food security. At one point all the delegates were shaking their heads, wondering how their governments ...

Can’t Save Money? Then Create Your Nest Egg in a few hours per week!nnWhen I hit 50 years old it was as if reality settled in like a dark cloud and the impact of looking at a future with no retirement package or medical benefits became a harsh realization that sent me reeling. I decided it was time to stop fooling around with my career and find something that provided me with a way to ‘Create a Nest Egg’. nnI did not make enough to save anything substantial

You have dreams for your retirement. Maybe you want to moor a houseboat in the sandstone canyons of Lake Powell. Maybe you want to volunteer as a construction worker with Habitat for Humanity or golf every evening in Naples, Florida. Whatever your retirement dream is, an annuity is a financial tool you can use to subsidize those dreams. What Is an Annuity? An annuity is a contract between you, the annuitant, and your insurance company. During your working years, you feed the

Passion wants to burst forth, to fly up and be noticed. It wants to express itself in creative ways. The enemy of passion is fear. Live life at full throttle." —Grace Cirocco I have been reading Take the Step and the Bridge Will Appear, by Grace Cirocco, and have fallen in love with her ...

When many people prepare for retirement, they focus intently on finances and basic budgeting. While finances are important, remember that you also should create a smart plan for day-to-day life based on your desired lifestyle. You understandably want to be as comfortable and as happy as possible in retirement, and your planning efforts now may enable you to enjoy life to a higher degree after you leave the workforce. Focus on some of these goals as you prepare your retirement

I hear many times from entrepreneurs that they feel like their clients are running their business that they feel like they are at their beck and call. This certainly can happen when you are new in business but it also happens to seasoned business women. I believe this affects us women more than it does men. We are the pleasers, we want everyone to be happy and will bend over backwards to make that happen. The problem with this is that you will burn out sooner, feel frustrated too often and I'll tell you, these clients probably won't be happy or satisfied anyway.

If you haven't added teleseminars to your business yet, I think it's time that you do! They are easy to add to your existing business or if you are already doing them you can take them in a different direction, create products from them and much more. One of the best parts about Teleseminars is that they are so easy to run. All you and your clients need is a phone! You provide them with a Bridge Line where everyone can call in and that's it. It's that simple.

Whether you should put some of your retirement savings into a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or a Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA), could be considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. The rules, just like most aspects of the investment world, are very confusing. ...

I talk a lot about building a business around your life. I do so because I think it's so darn important. As women after 50 we have probably raised our children but we may still have aging parents who need our help. As in the title of this article, it certainly does take faith, action and the determination not to throw in the towel and quit when times get challenging.

So many coaches I work with are so darn creative I am constantly impressed. And I consider myself creative too. But did you know there can be a downside to that creativity? Speaking for myself, and I also know from other coaches that I have worked with over the years, we can get too caught up in the details. You can put so much pressure on yourself to get so many things done and you keeping plugging away which is admirable, but most of those things are not revenue producing.

Planning for retirement is definitely a busy and exciting time filled with decisions. There are so many things to do and decisions to make but there is one thing that you need to make sure you know and benefits (such as life, health, dental and other insurance). Good news is that, for most people, there are resources that you can continue to contact even after you retire. Before you go talk to anyone (and I suggest that you do so in person if possible), you need to make a lis

Many people in our society are clinging to retirement myths, despite the publicity and information available. Holding on to these myths as truth can be very harmful to your happiness in retirement. To help you avoid holding on to these detrimental myths, I’d like to offer my take on some of the most widely held retirement myths. Myth #1: Retirement is an event that occurs on the last day of your career. This is false. Retirement is a new phase of your life, quite unlike any

So, you have finally decided to start your own on-line coaching business. Now what? To have a successful business, clearly you need clients. And I don't want you to get into overwhelm so I will make this really simple. A strategy call is basically a free session you offer your potential clients. It's an opportunity for you to speak with people and ask them really powerful questions about their business or their life.

I know you are committed at least on some level or you wouldn't even be reading this article. But seriously, how committed are you to make your business really be a success? By being successful I mean how much money are you really making (and keeping) and how many people are you helping? I was lucky enough to see a 15 minute clip of a very energetic and earnest preacher T D Jakes and his whole sermon was about commitment. He spoke about your commitment to your family, to yourself, and to your work.

Mistake #1: Retiring when what you really needed was a break. All too often I see people in their fifties and sixties who retire or take an early incentive offer because they think they’re ready to stop working. After a few months or a few years they find themselves bored and restless and wanting to work again. Unfortunately by then many of their business connections may have vanished or the economy turned sour and they can’t find meaningful work. Before you decide to ret

I've been wondering that a lot lately it seems. I appear to be going through a period of time where I am not getting done the things I believe I just have to get done. I have this whole list of certain things, work things, that I really want to complete so that I can offer them to you, to share them with you. And since I just put a load of towels in the washing machine, I realized I need to be more vigilant. So, I have set my kitchen timer that is on my desk to 30 minutes and I am not budging until I finish this article to you.

This is a really, truly important question that you should know the answer to. Do you? You know how often I talk about Niche. And you know how I believe it's so important. You also probably know, if you have known me for any length of time, how important it is to know who your Ideal Client is. (If you aren't clear about these 2 important pieces of business let me know and I can help you with this!!) So, I am going to assume now that you know your Niche, you know the people you want to work with, your Ideal Client.

Over the last few months, most people were not sure whether their investments would still be with one of the large brokerage houses, or sold at auction to the highest bidder. With Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, AIG, Bank of America, Barclay Bank and Washington Mutual in the ...

We all know we need to save for retirement. The question becomes: Where should I save my money? The simple answer for many will be their work 401k plan. I want to give you five advantages of a 401k plan. Most people have a 401k plan, but they do not know how to take full advantages of a 401k plan. #1 Just start saving money in 401 Plan Most people associate a 401k plan with the stock market. The stock market is viewed as a risky investment. Therefore they do not want to sav

You have a life insurance policy that no longer meets your needs – or perhaps the premiums have become too costly. No matter the reason for wanting to get rid of your life insurance policy, a life settlement could be a viable exit strategy, and could prove to be more lucrative than surrendering the policy or simply allowing it to lapse. If your financial planner suggested that you consider a Life Settlement then you should contact one of the most experienced companies in the

Building a business from scratch is a very exciting time in the eyes of a solo entrepreneur. Usually it is something you have been thinking of for quite some time, not something where you woke up one day saying, "Wow, today I am going to start my own business!" It's a journey building and sustaining an on line business but I can personally tell you after 25 years of owning my own business it is well worth it. I can also share with you that you will be much better situated if you take the time to do your homework and your due diligence in the early days of your business.

I suspect it is. Even if you are a newer business, once you have your free pieces in place and have your Signature System, you can offer a high end program. You can run this as a group program or you can simply create a program for individuals. Statistics have proven that 20% of your list wants a higher level program. The nice part is you do not need a big list! There is an exclusivity feeling with Platinum. People like to feel special and cared for and this is the perfect way to offer that.

As a financial planner there is one thing I consider to be the most important starting point for anyone wishing to plan for their future. It sounds exciting, but I’m afraid it’s not. It’s actually pretty boring, and tedious; which is perhaps why so few people actually do it… Budgeting.

It certainly could! That piece is totally up to you. With spring dancing around and teasing us with its hint of warmer weather, green grass and flowers, there are many opportunities at hand. Many of you have been cocooning in your warm house with the fireplace going which is fine and wonderful and I love that too! But then spring comes closer, being able to go outside without the boots, coat, hat and gloves makes it seems so much easier doesn't it?

“The pomp of death alarms us more than death itself.” (Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 4 BCE – 65CE). Those words are perhaps more true today than they were when Seneca the Younger first uttered them. All sorts of emotions play havoc on our nerves when we consider our own death. Anxiety, sadness, anger, regret, and even relief are normal feelings to encounter – and there is definitely a place for affirming those feelings. However there is also a time and place to prepare for the time

This article provides a general overview of a retirement time line without enumerating all the pros and cons surrounding the age specific decisions. Many people think major retirement decisions coincide with your 65th birthday. In reality, many important decisions begin as early as age 50. Actually, you are never too young to start developing your long term financial objectives. “If I knew then what I know now …” is a phrase often spoken by seniors who would have done t

It certainly could! That piece is totally up to you. With fall dancing around and teasing us with its hint of cooler weather, trees turning yellow and orange (and we had snow last week, not much but snow none the less, there are many opportunities at hand. Many of you have been cocooning in your warm house and outdoor activities which is fine and wonderful and I love that too! But then fall and winter comes closer, not being able to go outside without the boots, coat, hat and gloves makes it seems so much like maybe it's time to buckle down. At least it does that for me.

or every grain of sand on the beach and every star in the sky, there is a different theory on life after death. No one really knows what happens. And it is that inability to find some tangible proof of the afterlife (if there is one) that is often replaced by a profound desire to control what happens here, in the familiarity of earth, family and friends after we are gone. In reality, all we can do is accept the inevitable and prepare accordingly. Let’s ruminate on the ones s

rn...preserves the value of your business in the event of the death, disablement or critical illness of a key person. How? By understanding the adverse financial consequences for the continuing principals and their families. Business continuation and succession planning is not optional; it is essential for every business. For example, some questions that every business needs to address are: • Will the ongoing principals and equity holders have the funding to acquire the exiting equity holder's business interest?r

You have spent all this time and energy to create a product or service and now you are ready to put it out to the world. It's easy to think, oh no, this is going to be more work than creating the product in the first place! Don't scare yourself that way. I am going to give you some step- by - step instructions that will make this doable and successful.

Does that sentence ever run through your head? I can tell you the honest truth that this is exactly what I am feeling right now. Here I sit trying to write something you will find interesting, fulfilling and maybe even fun. But my mind is blank and feels like mush! So, I thought I'd write about that and see if you ever felt that way. For those of you who send an ezine (newsletter) out to your list, do you always include an article?

Well, maybe your first question is why do I need a Signature System. Your clients will love them and your life will be much simpler because you will know exactly what your presenting to them and when. It's that simple. Let me review a few of the reasons why right here. • Clients will love that you have a system to offer them because it makes their life much easier knowing they will follow the system you have created for them. They don't have to come up with one on their own, you will lead them and they will have confidence in you.

The concept of “retirement” has only been around since the late 1900’s. Many “Retirees” have replaced this concept with renewal--persons that have decided that they still have many productive years left. They’re doing a variety of things from a chemical engineer and his wife starting up a business in Import/Export furniture, learning a new career in acupuncture after “retiring” from a nursing role, and a “retired” nu

If you have had your own business for some time now, you have probably heard about the power of Joint Ventures. We hear all the time that being a Lone Ranger is a long, slow and painful path to a successful and thriving business. And even though you may know that, it's amazing how many of you still do that lone route. I used to be a Lone Ranger too, so I get it. You all have voids in your business. Empty spaces that you can't fill either because you don't have the knowledge or you don't have the time and energy. This is where Joint Ventures come into play.

With the rising rates of interest each year, added inflation, and increased monthly expenses, an average Canadian find it difficult to save money for the future. Most of the individuals and families are busy spending the cash and very few people are paying enough attention to life after retirement. No matter how good your corporate job is, you will always need a sound financial plan for the later years. The majority of us are not sure when to start planning for life ahead of

My daughters (Emily just turned 30 (EEEKKK) and 27 years) have been bugging me for years that I needed new carpet upstairs. And they were correct. But the thing was, I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready emotionally nor financially. It meant remodeling the master bath, the girls bath, painting and... then carpet. The very last thing. They kept saying, "Mom, just do the carpet first and then do the bathrooms." Nope. Doesn't work that way. I think they get that now. And starting your business and sustaining your business is the same way! Things have to be done in order.

When it’s time to retire, you have mixed emotions of fear, happiness, and sadness. Retirement is your time to do all the things you’ve wanted to do and relax. Use these three tips to help you embrace your retirement. Create a Routine or Schedule When you retire, you have the opportunity to do a lot of things. Many changes will occur in your life now that you don’t have a 9-to-5. Having a lot of time on your hands can do more harm than good. Did you know people live heal

"Within us, possibilities are born in our hearts. We must feel them, become passionate and then move our mountains." —Grace Cirocco I love the sequencing in this quote: Must feeln Become passionaten Move our mountains! How do we begin the feel the possibilities born in our hearts? ...

Life begins at 50 and there could be no denying to this fact. Post retirement, you would have plenty of time and money. If you can stay healthy then you can enjoy your post retirement life to the full. For healthy life, you need to stay active. As age advances, vital body organs become slow but there are no worries as balance diet and active life reduces the effects of aging on body and mind. If you think that you can’t stay active at home then consider active retirement li

According to a story published in Business Week on March 5, 2009, the “53% plunge in the Dow Jones industrials since October 2007” translates into the disappearance of “more than $10 trillion of stock market wealth.” Not only did individuals lose significant money, but so too did pension plans, 401 (k) plans, and other retirement oriented investment plans. USA Today, for example, recently reported that “last year's stock market collapse left the nation's largest pri

The Holiday time can be a challenge and you may think this is a terrible time to market your programs and services but let's think about that again! It seems like I have gotten more holiday cards earlier this year than usual. I have barely even thought about them yet so I best get going! The Holidays are actually a good time to do some things differently. It's a time to offer something that you might not usually offer. Here are some ideas for you and I am sure you can come up with more ideas on your own; these will just get you thinking in the right direction.

You work so hard getting a product or service ready that you know everyone is going to want... but no one is buying! We have all been there. I know I have been there and it's not a fun place to be. You love your clients and the others on your list, in your data base. You even asked them to answer some questions on your survey and you thought you were giving them what they said they wanted. So, what went wrong? Here are some thoughts:

You know you need to add another revenue stream to increase your cash flow, but which one? There are so many directions you can go in, how do you know which is right for you? You could do a Telesummit, start a membership site, create a Platinum, high ticket coaching program.........the ideas are limitless. Since my theme song is Simple and Elegant, my first choice right now is a VIP day, also called a Virtual Retreat Day.

People often think to shift at a safe, economical and beautiful place after their retirement. Panama is one of the ideal places to live after retirement and it is considered among the most suitable retirement havens. This Latin American country is renowned for its beautiful scenic mountains and landscapes. Being a perfect place for investment and tourist spot, today, it has become a best place to retire abroad as well. Seniors can shift to the place in order to enjoy both sim

Everyone has seen the statistic of what the return of an average investor is and what the return for the S&P 500 has been. So why do we continue to let our emotions drive our investment decisions? It simply because we don’t know we are doing it most of the time. Here are some of our common behavioral investing mistakes: Loss Aversionr In the recent market down turns I have spoken with many investors who are hanging on to that stock that they picked until “it comes back”. What does that even mean?

Boomer's this is not your parent’s retirement. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), in 1980, 39% of American workers had a pension that paid a guaranteed payout during retirement. In 2010, that number had shrunk so that 15% of workers now have pensions. This is very significant because effective January 1, 2011, everyday for the next 19 years 10,000 Baby Boomers turn age 65! This might explain why 27% of all workers are "not at all confident they about

Seriously, this is something you really need to add to your business if you have not already. I have done so many of these myself and I love them! There are many people who use these two terms, VIP and VRD, as being the same. I see them differently.

Over the next decade Social Security will most likely some potentially dramatic changes. These changes will effect many Baby Boomers. What Baby Boomers need to do is prepare for worst case scenario or at least a bad case scenario when it comes to Social Security. Here are several changes that probably will happen or at least should happen. One, is an increase in retirement age when you can receive early and full retirement benefits. Right now everyone can retire at age 62 an

Who knows? This could have been an overheard conversation at any office water cooler: James: Hey John, I'm retiring next month. John: Congratulations, man. This will be the beginning of the rest of your life. James (to himself): Whoa. Why did I open my mouth? Is John saying he thinks I am going to die or something? SAY YOU ARE James. How does John's message of congratulations really come across? Isn't retirement a scary word for most folks? Doesn't it conjure feelings of anxiety and depression, anticipation or relief?

So, what is a 401k plan? It's a long-term savings plan which was created in order to help workers save money towards retirement. You decide on an amount that is automatically taken out of your paycheck every week or month, and then it is deposited into the retirement plan on your behalf. You then decide, based on the options the employer gives you, how your retirement plan will invest your money. Your investment options generally include mutual funds, money market accounts, a

You have heard this many times before but we all need to be doing more launches! And I can honestly say I have done more than enough launches that have failed. Which in the end means I didn't get the sign ups I was hoping for. Clearly something was missing from my process. Let's go through this step by step. This is only one article so I can't go into a lot of depth but hopefully I can get you thinking in the right direction.

Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself enjoying your ideal retirement. Perhaps you’re standing knee-deep in a Montana river, fishing for trout. Or strolling through the streets of Prague. Or reading Faulkner on the back porch, listening to the sounds of your grandchildren playing in the yard. nnChances are, your actual retirement will look quite different from the way you’re imagining it. For one thing, the kids playing in your backyard are more likely to be yo

Just for the record, even extroverts don’t always like to Network! One of the best tips I think I can give you is go to a networking event with a purpose in mind. If you enter the room with no purpose it could feel very daunting and you may find yourself just wandering around aimlessly. You are not there to sell anything. If you are going to have an offer it might be for a free ‘Discovery Session’ to get to know them better, what they do and if you have any solutions for them.

There are several meanings that individuals might put towards the expression "retiring comfortably". You may strategy on hopping about the globe, or obtaining a dream 'castle' inside a faraway land, or lazing about inside a tropical destination. In spite of these romantic scenarios, you still have to listen to your practical aspect. See in the event you can afford the standard of living that you simply want in your leisure years. Regardless of whether you want to live abroad

“I’ve hit the wall once again!” How to get past those dark dreary days when you've hit the wall. I’m not talking about the crises, the big disappointments, which come along every once in awhile. Just those times when you wonder what you are doing? And why? Is it ...

After years of lax enforcement, the IRS is starting to systematically search out violations of the confusing rules governing individual retirement accounts. That's not a small undertaking and there's a lot at stake. Americans hold $4.3 trillion in IRAs, and even the most innocent mistake can be harmful to your IRA. For instance, if you miss or forget taking a required payout from your IRA, Uncle Sam will take half of the amount you missed to take out as a penalty. A recent IR

I know there is a lot of talk about the importance of being happy in your life and in your business. It's important to include both in your overall happiness because if you are not happy in one, the other will suffer. If you are not happy with your life, your business will suffer because of it. And vice versa, not happy in your business, your personal life will suffer. My suggestion to you is to put your life first. I always talk about building your business around your lifestyle.

I know you know this. I know you know you must keep in touch with your list, your tribe, and your peeps. The problem is that sometimes it just seems like such a daunting task! You see what some others are doing and quite frankly, it probably looks like a ton of work! You can keep it simple. I encourage you to keep it simple. The reality is you must keep in touch with your list at the very least.....monthly.

Have you ever had a time in your business when you felt you just really needed to take that big step, that really big jump to help your business move forward? Everyone kept telling me I needed to do a live event and how it would change my business. Well, the idea of that scared me to death! Seriously, I am an extrovert for the most part and love to be around people. But the idea of running a live retreat, by myself, for 2 days freaked me out. So, consequently I never did it.

I realize that's a pretty bold title but I am serious about this. Attempting to build a business only doing things on-line will be like taking that "Slow boat to China" I know it feels hard. You know it feels hard, but do it anyway. Most people don't pick up the phone, which is why it is so powerful. It's like most people don't send mail through the post office, which is also more powerful than an email.

I used to think there was. I used to think that everyone slowed down in the summer and picked up again in the fall. But over the years I have changed my tune on that. The good news is that so many people really believe in the 'summer slump' that they in many ways just stop working on their business. They assume that everyone does this, that no one is buying, no one is doing anything but laying around in the hammock and maybe 'dead heading'!