Heads Up, Baby Boomers! Start Downsizing Sooner Rather Than Later
By Sue Ronnenkamp
I spent a decade providing "hands on" help to older adults (primarily in their 80s) making later life moves through the senior move management business that I created and founded in 1998. This work involved helping hundreds through the often grueling process of downsizing and required the sorting and handling of more "stuff" than I could have ever imagined. What helped me to persevere with this work for so long was seeing the many benefits and new lease on life that these older adults reaped from this life change and transition.
Through it all, one question kept going through my mind. If those in this current, traditionally more conservative and frugal older generation often struggle with downsizing, how will my generation - the Baby Boomers - even begin to manage letting go . . Continue reading: "Downsizing"
The Last Dollar Test
By Annie Glasel
Ever taken a "What Color is Your Balloon" career assessment test? Among the many exercises is the "what if." "What if you had a million dollars to invest in a project, what kind of project would you choose?" 'What if you didn't have to work for a living, how would you spend your time?"
These questions supposedly remove the "practicality" from our thinking and help us get in touch with our passion, our truest dream extending from "who we really are."
Alas, these tests are flawed because human are not often honest with ourselves. In this imaginary state, people tend to think more highly of themselves and come up with noble, grand plans to 'change the world' for the better by helping those in need. (I know I did).
In real life, few people ever realize this hypothetical "what if" and test if they actually live up to their honorable plans . . . Continue reading: "The Last Dollar Test"
"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age." (Psalm 92:14)
Rule of
Thumb
Thumb
To be secure in retirement, your nest egg should be roughly 20 times the annual expenses you'll have but which won't be covered by pension or Social Security payments.
Bob Larranaga
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16: 24)
The retirement years present us with a unique opportunity to renew and strengthen our commitment to discipleship. The cares and concerns of the work-a-day world fall away leaving us free to pursue other interests besides travel, golf and the bridge club. There is plenty of time for community service. We can expand our circle of Christian friends, join a Bible study, play a more active role in church, visit the homebound or volunteer at food pantries, thrift shops and shelters for the homeless. Just to name a few ways in which we can share a lifetime of experience. Best of all, studies show that by giving of themselves senior volunteers remain happier, healthier and more self-confident. Discipleship: there's no better way to add iuster to our golden years.
Read other Recent Posts on stewardship and add your comments.
Introduction to Social Security Benefits
| By Ashley Gurdon |
The age to receive full retirement benefits has been 65 for many years now however for people born after 1938 it is gradually increasing until it reaches the age of 67 for people born after 1959. An individual may start receiving retirement benefits as early as age 62, however if an individual decides to receive benefits starting at age 62 then their benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age.
To find out how much an individual would lose if they retire at age 62 you can . . . . Continue reading: "Social Security"