Savings for retirement
Insurance are now offering the program for retirement. This one is a must now. Of course, you don’t want to have nothing when you retire from work. You want to receive something rewarding that you deserve. You want to travel or spend time with your family having the luxury that you want and save when you are still working. If you don’t have insurance you can start now by saving money. Putting your money in a bank is a good way because of the interest it gives. Investing to some other things like realty or property are another option. Because its value increases each year. By the time you need money ,you can sell them by its recent value. No one would like to be broke when they got old. All of us wants to splurge and get what we rightly deserve. Save or invest now for the bright future.
When I’m old I want..
When I got older like at the age of 60’s, I want to spend the rest of my life with my partner. I want to be with him until the last breath I had. With those years we’ve been together, we always think about the family and kids. This is the time and moment that we’re back again since the day we’ve met. We will spend our time in a province maybe. It is where we experience the peaceful moment. In that place, we can relax and take things one at a time. We will reminisce our previous years together. We can also involve travelling and splurge things out. Doing things together that we’re unused to do is fun. At this stage, it is another adventure for us go through.
Retirement pay: A fund should be taken care of
The retirement during the early years are only being offered to individuals who had reached the retirement age. However, retirements are now being offered to young employee especially if their position had been dissolve/abolish or they opted for early retirements package.
More often than not, those who went into retirement will receive a lump sum of money which is computed based on their length of service. If you are planning to go into retirement, you may take the following as guide on how to manage your retirement money (1) perform proper planning ahead of time (2) Once receive and you haven’t decided what to do on your money, temporary deposit it in the bank (3) Don’t consume your money by doing house renovation. You don’t need that investment cause it will not provide you future income (4) avoid investing in unsecured investment especially those who promises higher interest rate (5) invest only in business you know and don’t put the entire money as capital
Retirement pay comes only once in a lifetime. Do careful planning because your future is at stake!
The Number One Boomer
The world’s number one boomer quietly turned 60 this week and I wondered if aging one more year made a difference in anything. Such as he’s fit and has money galore, and he is also the world’s most powerful person, so the need of social security, medical health plan and medication isn’t something he personally worries about.
But can he understand why the rest of the boomers do have to worry? When they must choose between having dinner today or taking their heart medicine? I hope turning one more year, also means he’s not only one more year wiser but can understand the needs of the other boomers around him.
At this point many boomers who should have retired already are still working and although some do it because they still want to, lots more do it because they have no choice. Many lost everything in scandals such as Enron and are almost starting from scratch which is damn sad.
Aging Baby Boomers Still Cling To Their Youth
Filed under: General, Health, Retirement, Vacations, Working
The first set of baby boomers born between 1946-1964 are approaching 65 but many don’t plan to retire anytime soon. With the miracle of modern science, human beings are living longer than ever and many families are in their fourth generation all still living, if not under the same roof.
Boomers can’t see themselves sitting around a retirement home, especially when they are still so fit and healthy.
I say they shouldn’t have to. Even if you do plan to retire. Take it as a time to start traveling and having the fun you probably couldn’t have during all your years of employment.
A Second Career For Baby Boomers
After you reach a certain age many might think the job that you have is what you will keep until you retire, however that is not always the case. Age as they say is only a number and a growing number of boomers instead of retiring is taking the time to start fresh in a new career. We cannot forget that their are many parents who use their children as a chance for them to live their dreams and they force the kids into careers that they do not want.
Is that the reason for all these second careers? Who knows. If you are thinking of a second career try this baby boomer 2nd career quiz. It is supposed to help you determine whether a new career is the right thing for you. Some of the questions asks includes:
If you were to make a career change, and for some reason the new job or business ultimately didn’t work out, would you still think the risk of taking a second career had been worth it?
Is your decision reversible? That is, could you return to your job or a similar one if you leave for something new?
Boulder, Colorado
| Boulder, Colorado http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/ The Arapaho Indians were the first inhabitants of the area who maintained a village near Haystack Mountain. The Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Sioux all frequently visited the area. The first Euro-Americans to settle here came in for the Gold Rush … settling the first non-native settlement in the area on Oct 17, 1858 at Red Rocks near the entrance to Boulder Canyon. A year later, the town was organized and property became sold. Originally a supply base for gold miners, Boulder quickly grew into a stable town with restaurants, gambling, schools, and hospitals. |
Boulder, Colorado - photo by technogypsie.com © 2006 |
Mount St. Gertrude Academy was the first private school to open in the area in 1892. By 1905 tourism swept over the area and became prosperous. Between 1950-1972, Boulder grew from 20,000 inhabitants to 72,000. In 2005, the Best features of Boulder were listed as: “50 fabulous gay-friendly places to live” - book by Gregory A. Kompes, November 2005; “Top 10 cities for masters athletes” - GeezerJock Magazine, September 2005; “7th Best Running City” - Runner’s World Magazine, August 2005; “#6 in “The 100 Best Art Towns in America” by John Villani; “50 Best places to live - best overall city” - Men’s Journal, March 2005; “Going to Boulder” - The New York Times, May 2005; “#18 in the Top 25 Art Cities” - American Style Magazine, June 2005
“Top 20 greenest spots in the country” - Vegetarian Times, July/August 2005. Today its is well known as a retreat, an artist’s collective, an alternative city, inspirational, relaxing, very educated, and a city rich in culture, arts, music, education, and open spaces. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Putnam Lake, New York
Filed under: General, Politics, Relationships, Retirement, Vacations, Working
Putnam Lake, New York
http://www.city-data.com/city/Putnam-Lake-New-York.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putnam_Lake%2C_New_York
Small country hamlet outside of Brewster, New York where me, Hena, and my daughter Brea used to live in the year 1999 … I also lived there for a summer in 1983 while visiting my brother during a summer vacation in high school; It’s a beautiful and serene place. Lovely place to retire, live while working in NYC, be close to hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail, and ski resorts. Art. Antiques. Countryside. Putnam Lake hamlet is located just 6 miles from the Danbury, Connecticut state line. It’s a beautiful area that is great to raise kids in. I have beautiful memories of the area. Below are a couple photos.
According to Wikipedia: ) “Putnam County is a county located in the state of New York. As of 2000, the population is 95,745. The county seat is Carmel. The name is in honor of Israel Putnam, who was a hero in the French and Indian War and a general in the American Revolutionary War. Putnam Lake is a hamlet (and census-designated place) located in the eastern part of the Town of Patterson in Putnam County, New York adjacent to the Connecticut border, which is crossed by a number of eastern Putnam Lake streets. As of the 2000 census, it had a total population of 3,855.
The community is located next to a lake called Putnam Lake.”
Stats from the web sites listed above:
Population (year 2000): 3,855
Males: 1,953 (50.7%), Females: 1,902 (49.3%)
County: Putnam
Land area: 3.9 square miles
Zip code: 12563
Median resident age: 35.2 years
Median household income: $62,695 (year 2000)
Median house value: $147,000 (year 2000)
Races in Putnam Lake:
White Non-Hispanic (87.6%)
Hispanic (6.9%)
Black (2.9%)
Two or more races (2.2%)
Other race (1.1%)
American Indian (0.9%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: Italian (31.8%), Irish (28.5%), German (15.6%), English (7.3%), Polish (6.1%), United States (3.2%).
Lakes: Lost Lake (A), Little Pond (B), Putnam Lake (C).
Streams, rivers, and creeks: Quaker Brook (A).
 View of Patterson/Brewster area from ski resort mountain outside of Brewster, NY |
 Putnam Lake across from our house, Putnam Lake, NY |
Living Stress Free …
Long ago, I was taught that the keys to surviving life were (1) stability, (2) financial security, (3) good job position. Since then, I’ve discovered those keys were wrong. As a child I was interested in many occupations that were not climated to those keys. My parents objected to my life pursuits in lieu of wanting me to go into business, medicine, law, or another more prosperous field. I followed their advice … first becoming a stockbroker, then a web developer … and where did it lead? a world of inactivity, stuck behind a desk, absorbing everyone else’s stresses. It gave me high cholesterol, mental stress, and made me gain weight. When I went back into the outdoors, and started back into my passion as an archaeologist … and world traveller, then did I find a world of limited stress. I can breathe now relaxed …
So the keys I share with you are: (1) follow your heart and desires, (2) live simply, and (3) don’t base your career choices on income.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico
Coming north along Hwy 68, I saw the small town sprawl that is Taos, in the horizon. Again, wishing I had more time and resources to have a lengthy visit at this mountainous retreat. I’m also very interested in visiting the Taos Pueblo again and see their ceremonies.
Taos, New Mexico
“The Enchanted Circle”
~ An Indian Pueblo
~ A Spanish Village
~ An Art Colony
~ An Alpine Resort.
Just as all the guides proclaim, the drive to Taos does really take your breath away as you meander around the curves and hills through the mountains, hills, and gorges that is “Taos”. Especially during fall as is the season I’m making my travels through this region. I have tons of childhood stories exploring this region that I’ll hopefully find time to resurrect in the future. This to me is an even more “artsy” settlement than that of Sante Fe, its nearest big city about an hour away. An incredible array of art, architecture, cuisines, and outdoor fun will greet you as you visit this lair of enchantment. From history of the Pueblo Indians, to Spanish explorers, just like Santa Fe, this city is like no place in the world … a unique blend of the first inhabitants, Puebloan art, and Spanish Settlement to that of modern art meets Southwestern pizazz. Taos county consists of several smaller communities located within a 50 square mile area. The guides state that the population density is 9.8 people per square mile. Here the forests will enchant you, the snowdrifts will dazzle you, the crimson arrays of fall foriage will mesmerize you, and the stars you can see in the clear night skies will spin you in awe. Well known for its skiing and winter sports, Taos is a place for every outdoor enthusiast.
As I drove into Taos, I stopped off at the first rock shop I saw and inquired about the Faerie crosses. Apparently I missed the Gem and Mineral guide’s hunting location along 68 by the horseshoe bend … just 33 miles north of Pilar. Apparently the internet resource I had for hunting locations mixed up highway 64 and 68. Geesh. So I bought a few of the enchanted “X” crosses. The celtic crosses were too much. I’ll come back sometime in the near future to go hunting.
Living With My Choices
Filed under: General, Marraige, Relationships, Retirement, Working
Our daughter was 4 years old and our son was 6 months old when I was laid off from The Boeing Company nearly 14 years ago. Our daughter, now a senior in high school, and our son a freshman, seem to be needing me at home even more than ever.
Back when I was laid off I was thrilled for a while to stay home with my youngsters, reading stories, going to the zoo, playing at the park. But soon the urge to get back into the workplace really took hold of me, and I fought for my right to go back to work. With the steep competition of the others laid off in the same season, I formed my own business and worked around the needs of my children not yet in school.
The years went on and they eventually both went to school all day, freeing me to work full time. Nearly ten years ago I went to work for a hospital in our community, five years of which I worked night shift, at times working nearly 60 hours per week, due to staffing needs and high census in the hospital. The money has always been good and the job security very stable. However, each year I longed to be home with my kids, as it grew harder and harder to take a day off to chaperone field trips for school, meet for parent conferences, or just be there when they were ill at home.
I recently took about two months off work for a medical leave of absence. The closer I got to going back to work, the more I began to realize, “I don’t want to go back. I want to be here for my kids.”
I had settled into a routine of making them breakfast, making their lunches, keeping up with the laundry and relaxing in the evening to have family time. Although my current work schedule is day shift, often the stress of the job and the fatigue of getting older cause my home life to have less quality and I lean toward being in bed closer to 8pm, versus the nights when I stayed up well past midnight playing Monopoly with the kids.
It is settled, I must work, in order to maintain ownership of our home, our vehicles and our lifestyle. I have great purpose in my role at the hospital, and am thankful to work in a capacity that I find to be truly fulfilling. It is a hard choice to have made and be forced to live with, though, when I long again for the days of snuggling with my kids in front of the window watching the rain pouring down outside. I yearn for the times we ran through the park and played until we were exhausted and ran home for popsicles.
My stepdaughter recently gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. I long for the day when I am retired, and can be home with them, read to them, play with them, and cherish them. Of course I can do this now, but to give my undivided attention, is the longing of a mother’s heart, a grandmother’s heart. I have told my children over and over how much I love them, and they know I’d rather be home for them more than anything. I trust that they will cling to their time home with their children one day, and know the priviledge it holds.
Historic Route 66 - New Mexico
 
©2005 Technogypsie.com, click photo for larger view |
Historic Route 66 San Jon and Lesbia, New Mexico Tucumcari, New Mexico |
Old Mesilla, New Mexico
Historic Old Mesilla, New Mexico
www.vivamesilla.org
“After the shopping and dining, the rest is history.” “- Over 50 unique shops, - award winning restaurants and cafes, - museums and galleries, - lodging.
Mesilla (”Little Tableland”) is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico. Since its’ beginning, around 1848, Mesilla has had a major influence on the economic, cultural, historical, and political life of the Mesilla Valley. From the Gadsden Purchase, to the Civil War, to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, to the trial of Billy the Kid, to being a lively social center in the 1880s–Mesilla has been a prominent part of the rich history of the Southwest.
Today, many of Mesilla’s population of nearly 2,200 residents are direct descendents of Mesilla’s early settlers. As such, they have retained many of the “hearty folk” qualities of the original founders. Mesilla has a rich and diverse heritage with the integration of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. Perhaps the greatest import of the past history is the physical character of the community itself. The traditional adobe structures and architectural features modified through time because of style and technology still remain as a reminder of the long and significant history of the town.”(description from the brochure and www.vivamesilla.org website)
With a local tourguide/friend showing me around … exploring the plaza … the shops … the cuisine … I was extremely impressed. With a taste of reminensce of Santa Fe and Taos, I had no idea this small city of Las Cruces had a small village attached to it with such splendor as Old Mesilla. Very quiet, relaxing, and enchanting. A piece of the Land of Enchantment one thinks of about New Mexico. I give it a 4 1/2 stars out of 5. (visited 9/15/05)
Santa Fe … a world of its own …
Santa Fe, New Mexico
http://www.santafe.org/
Santa Fe is a whole different world. artistic. alternative. traditional. artsy. crafty. ethereal. Its a city that embraces the natural environment blending in more than any other city in North America does. Its beautiful adobe mud-brick architecture camoflages itself right into the natural earth. Visit this city where art takes reign over all else. Close to the mountains for hiking and skiing … this is a city you’ll never regret a single day visiting.
Health Insurance for Seniors on the ‘Net
Article by William H. Pritchett
When a good friend of mine inquired where he could obtain information about medical insurance for his out-of-state, elderly mother, I told him to try the Internet.
He reported back to me about a week later, in desperation: “I am giving up, I am too confused.” He had taken on an overwhelming project with his widowed mother, living in another state. As the only child, and following the sudden death of his father, it was his responsibility to care for his mother.
In this world of technology, the family unit is often living in different geographical areas and the family members are usually quite involved with their own lives, careers, and families. In addition, when both parents are alive, often one or both parents are quite independent and do not require a lot of assistance. As time goes on things, of course, change, and sometimes change very suddenly. There can be a crisis, with regard to the health care needs of one or both aging parents.
With our baby boomers facing this problem in ever increasing numbers, and with the information highway in full bloom, there is a definite need for planning.
Protecting your parent’s assets and health is a huge and daunting undertaking, which requires a tremendous amount of education and practical application. Our seniors face many diverse responsibilities upon reaching age 65. To name just a few: Estate planning, taxation, Medicare, social security, wills, insurance, and various other legal and financial matters. All of these different areas require expertise from accountants, lawyers, estate planners, insurance agents, home brokers, financial advisors, and others.
The Internet is a good starting point for most people to find resources for questions and solutions for your problems. There is, however, no replacement for good solid intelligent advice from an expert.
Twenty years ago, insurance for elders was sold by “senior insurance specialists”, with just a handful of companies in each state. The programs were most often Medi-gap or Medicare supplemental policies, which covered the expenses not covered by Medicare, including hospital and doctor deductibles, durable medical devices, and non-approved Medicare costs. Ironically these specialists did not sell a lot of nursing care policies, even though Medicare paid a national average of less than 2% of these expenses. With the advent of “financial and estate planning” and more insurance companies entering this market, a more broad and diversified product line became available to agents, brokers, planners, and seniors.
Part of this new diversification was the “home health care plan”, sold by itself, and in conjunction with senior health insurance products. The appeal of the “home health care policy” was that a senior could stay at home and still receive medical and custodial benefits, allowing a person to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.
This was the answer to a huge problem. The last place an older person wanted to go was a “retirement home”, or “rest home”, or, God forbid, the “nursing home.” It appeared that seniors could now rely on this new innovation without worry of having to move out of their home environment in the event of a health problem.
As with most things,” if it is too good to be true”…. The home health care policy is no exception. The problem is, there is not enough coverage for a lengthy illness or recuperation time. The fact is, the new trend is toward an “all in one” type facility, allowing for a variety of levels of care all in one location. In other words a senior could start off with little or no health care concerns in an independent, less expensive area, and then go to an assisted living, or nursing care facility, all within the same compound.
A “nursing home” requires a nurse on the premises 24 hours per day, assisted living is just eight hours. The advantages to this are financial. The patient or senior is only charged according to the care level required during the time he or she is admitted to that facility. Another benefit is it alleviates a lot of planning because the care is delivered, as it is needed. The medical attention is available to all residents regardless of their current health.
Some people are offered a lifetime package, which covers their care for the rest of their life, regardless of their current age. It also allows for social outlets to an otherwise somewhat isolated group. On-line shopping services have become a huge business. It is definitely here to stay and many insurance policies are purchased from Internet quotes and on-line applications.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of insurance agents and brokers advertising on the Internet. Most of them will provide instant on-line quotes and even applications for the potential insured. I highly discourage a layperson to purchase insurance in this fashion. A little knowledge can be dangerous.
The federal government has mandated to all states through legislation, the standardized senior health insurance policy guidelines, which are governed and regulated by each state insurance department.
There are plans for almost every level of health. Some are designed and priced for a less than healthy individual. Others are for a person with minimal health concerns. . The whole concept of insurance is to provide protection for “unanticipated” sickness or injury, especially catastrophic expenses, which would devastate a person’s net worth. The more small expenses a person is willing or able to pay (self-insure), the lower the rate. I recommend this strategy when evaluating your insurance options.
Another consideration when reviewing various insurance plans is to look at the company itself. How long has the company been selling this type of insurance? Do they have a lot of complaints filed with the local department of insurance? Are the rates stable? Does it pay claims on time? Service? Most agents talk about the rating. These ratings are as follows: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, or “not rated”.
Do not be fooled by rating alone. It is good to have a high rating, but it is far better to have a company that has longevity, stability, innovation, service, and expertise. The problem is that some companies enter into a market and quickly leave without explanation. This does not give security to the policyholder.
The most important consideration should be a review of the profit/loss ratio for that product. This will establish stability, and longevity in the market. An insurance company with a moderate profit in a particular line of business will remain in that market. On the other hand, a company with losses will make changes and possibly even withdraw. This is information not normally available to Internet users.
Before entering into an insurance contract, the senior person, the family, and other advisors must be realistic, and a careful evaluation of the entire picture must be examined. The age, the health of the senior, the financial resources, the personality and attitude of the senior, and most importantly the desires of the senior, should all be considered.
Early planning is important, as qualification becomes increasingly more difficult as the applicant’s health declines. The senior health care market is complex. I will offer some words of advice to attempt to alleviate potential pitfalls. *C hoose a well-informed, seasoned, and service oriented agent or broker to assist your decision making process. The professional can offer invaluable information, but do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions and even get a second opinion. *Do not wait until your parent or loved one is sick, or injured. Plan ahead and take the time needed to cover all the options. *C hoose an experienced insurance company. A Company that has been in the marketplace for a significant time and has maintained a balance of rates and benefits and sound risk selection with moderate rate increases over time is your best bet. *T he plan should be flexible, with a broad range of options and benefit selections to the insured. There should be no tricks, or complicated language for the coverage. An incredibly low rate is a red flag for trouble in the future. *Do not rush or be rushed by an over aggressive sales person.
This policy will not be inexpensive and will need to be read and reviewed for a clear understanding of the contents. This is one advantage to the Internet. You are allowed to read indefinitely before you act.
A long-term care program, with or without insurance coverage, will only work if the senior has input into the care selection process. If there are any questions about the accreditation of a facility please call the “Continuing Care Accreditation Commission at 202-783-7286.
About The Author
William H. Pritchett Sr.
Bio: William H. Pritchett sr. has been involved in the senior care health field for over 20 years. he is the former president of great republic health company, and is the founder/c.e.o of empire homecare resources, inc., a national website for seniors and the disabled. he is a graduate of the university of washington, and has written “caring for a family member at home” and has produced several home health care videos.
willprt@cs.com