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Written by Kathi Casey, ERYT, CPI June is an interesting month. We have: Fathers Day, Flag Day, it’s vision research month, national men’s and women’s wellness weeks are in June, as well as home safety month. Since wellness is one of Baby Boomers’ top conce s, I’ll stick with that topic.
Feedback from students in the course I teach at Villanova, titled Managing the Intergenerational Workforce, once again supports my contention that: 1) most employers are either oblivious to or in denial about the historic impact of four dominant generations in the workforce, and 2) transformational changes in public and corporate policies are needed to avert seismic intergenerational conflict over jobs, pay, benefits and advancement opportunities.
written by Staci Warsaw Let’s talk about a thing called “levels of care”. The hospice benefit has four of them.
Trusts and Trust Companies have existed for hundreds of years. Trusts existed back in the days of Rome, and became popular in England when the knights left their properties in the care of someone they trusted while they went away to fight in the Crusades. Trusts provide a continuity of service to those who have a need for a relationship built upon a confidence and on legal protection. Trust laws vary among the different states and countries. There are many different kinds of trusts. The premise, however, is the same in every jurisdiction and in every type of trust.
I am often asked for ways to help improve an elder’s appearance. Even if your elder is healthy, he or she might neglect physical appearance. In some cases, it has been years since anyone paid close attention to your elder’s physical appearance, and a little bit of attention goes a long way. Bring your elder to the hairdresser or barber. Give her a regular pedicure and manicure. If you can afford it, a facial can be a real treat.
After extensive research – by which I mea I talked to a bunch of my friends – I have concluded that you can divide boomers into one of three different classes. What?, you may scoff, divide 76 million people into just three strata? Yes, indeed. Here’s how. Class 1: Boomer superlatus fortunatus
With all of the compelling advertising on television, radio and print about the many “results oriented” exercise programs available, choosing the right one can be difficult. Many fitness programs on the market today are too difficult for the average Baby Boomer to complete – or at least we think they are! I have several clients who own book shelves full of fitness videos that have been watched once and never picked up again.
written by Neal Dranoff In early Spring 2009, I read an on-line article published on MSN.com written by John W. Schoen, entitled “Boomers Face Stark Choices in Bleak Economy.” I felt the piece was so acutely on-point in terms of clarity and my personal situation at the time that I composed a rather lengthy email to Mr. Schoen praising him for his efforts. Mr. Schoen’s article is part of a series called Reinventing America. While I’ve provided you a link to his piece, I’ll list the salient points in broad brushstrokes for you:
written by Betty Lynch Spring is so refreshing! New life in the countryside and fresh produce starting to produce in the local gardens. Time to start the grill, family picnics and time to get friends together to enjoy this beautiful weather. Cookouts or just relaxing on the family porch, you will need quick and easy recipes to create tasteful memories. I hope you will enjoy this recipe for Spring Muffins. Spring Muffins Recipe 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 3/4 cup milk 1/3 cup vegetable oilr
written by Judith Sherven, PhD and Jim Sniechowski, PhD If you are a beginner at Internet marketing, you’ve no doubt experienced the frustration that most everyone starting out goes through. Why? Because most of the newbie Internet marketing courses are simply not appropriate for what you need. It’s as simple as that. Why? Because the Internet marketing gurus didn’t start their online careers as newbies. So they never had to go through what you are going through. They don’t understand what it is you need.
Written By: A.T. "Al" Benelli, CFP, FIC Each and every day, approximately 10,000 baby boomers celebrate their 65th birthday. Most people identify the arrival of age 65 with the event of “retirement” and the receipt of Social Security benefits. Actually, the age of full Social Security retirement benefits for most baby boomers is currently age 66. Reduced benefits with earned income limitations can be taken as early as age 62. Should you take the money at 62 or 66 or somewhere in between? So, what’s best?
In the last days of 2009, Congress let the federal estate tax die for 2010. That’s right, for those who are “smart” enough to pass away this year, there is no federal estate tax. I’m imagining that Dr. Kevorkian’s 800-number will be ringing off the hook on New Year’s Eve. But according to the Financial Planning Association of Washington, D.C., individuals and families should keep their eyes on another big estate tax issue — a potentially huge hit from their home state.
written by Bob Schulman Is a Martian spaceport? A movie set from Star Wars? An outdoor museum of modern art? Whatever it is, you’d hardly expect to run across a place like this in a two-thousand-year-old Spanish seaport on the Mediterranean. Visitors to Valencia usually expect to find a town packed with remnants of the days when it was ruled by Roman emperors, Visigoth princes, Moorish caliphs and Christian kings. And that’s exactly what you’ll see, including a cathedral displaying a chalice some believe to be the Holy Grail.
Written by Lew Hamburger QUESTIONS FOR BOOMERS (and other humans) Can a vision of white, non-urban people becoming a minority in America have anything to do with the vitriol we see in political life of 2010? Does it differ from other times that Boomers have been through? Thus far the level of violence is far below that of the ’60’s or 70’s. What accounts for that? Who is doing what to whom? Have we learned anything along the way?
For the last few months, we’ve been talking about the transformation from the “Type A” to the “Type R” personality; the “R” standing for “recreative” in the dynamic, formative sense. Our thesis is that modern Americans, upon retirement, have unprecedented opportunities to craft a new “self”. We can construct renovated lives that enable us to plunge into a future we shape for ourselves, full of learning, fulfillment, fun and—profit.
written by Sue Susskind With Father’s Day approaching, it gives us time to reflect on the wonderful life that we lead, and how much of it that we owe to our dads. We realize it is now time to give back, and make sure we do everything we can to ensure that Dad enjoys and stays safe in his “Golden Years.”
written by A.T. "Al" Benelli, CFP, FIC It is often said that the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, location. I assume the person who created this idiom was trying to impress upon all the belief that nothing else matters much. Location trumps all other factors. Well, if you believe that to be true, then in the world of investing the three most important actions may just be diversify, diversify, diversify!
A Red Cross Responder’s Notes from the Monument Fire, Arizona Since the fire people have asked what life in a shelter looks like. The following is my take.
On one of his old comedy albums, Steve Martin tells the joke, “You know what’s great about getting old? You don’t have to have an open mind about trying anything new. When one of your friends says, hey, let’s try this new thing, you can just say … NO!”
It has often been said that, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Whether you are networking, interviewing for a job or meeting new colleagues for the first time, here are some guidelines to keep in mind which will make a good first impression. Be mindful of the other person’s time. Ask if this is a good time for them before proceeding into the discussion (or identify another time that would be better). When attending a scheduled meeting or interview, ask how much time the other person has, and hold to that timeframe.
“Know the Name; Know the Person, Decoding Letters to Reveal Secrets Hidden in Names”, is the result of fifteen years of direct observation and research on names. This research was followed by three years of testing and is the foundation for which this column is based.
written by Dave Hager The film…goes straight for the destruction aspects and we are given over 2 1/2 hours of incredible special effects of a visual nature that you’re unlikely to see topped for a while….Don’t miss this one! 2012 NEW RELEASE NOW PLAYING John Cusackr Amanda Peetr Chiwetel Ejioforr Thandie Newtonr Oliver Plattr Danny Glover Written and Directed by Roland Emmerich Rated PG-13 158 minutes Columbia Pictures Carl Anheuser: [about Laura Wilson] Cute girl, eh? Adrian Helmsley: What are you talking about?
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” Ralph Nichols From that quote you probably already know where I am going with this. Today’s topic is about listening. Not about the way you listen now, but the way that you could be listening to your spouse or love.
Written by Pamela Tudor We have worked hard all our lives, and now our retirements are threatened. Our investments are not what they should be, our job situations are shakier, our kids might be unemployed and need financial help. So what do we do? Work harder. Work longer. Worry more. Beat up on ourselves with shoulda’s coulda’s woulda’s.
As we approach the New Year, many people are ruminating about recent misgivings and sins, simultaneously readying themselves for commitment to yet another list of personal resolutions. We all know how this generally works out…a couple of promises are pursued with purposeful intent while most of our list inadvertently falls by the wayside.
A friend of mine once warned me: “Don’t trust any decision you make within the first week after you’re back from vacation because it’s the only time you are really in your right mind.” So I reminded myself how inspired I was when I got back from a vacation in Europe, how I felt in that first week back. I thought I should take a year or two off from college and write the great American novel. I didn’t. I went back to school.
As Temps Rise, Nuclear Families Take a Dive – Estate Planning for Unconventional Families Has Never Been More Important Among the many articles covering the blazing heat wreaking havoc on my beloved DC metro area as well as much of the U.S., was an interesting piece in a recent edition of The Washington Post on nuclear families. According to the article, new census figures show that marriage rates across the nation have plunged, while the number of unmarried partners with children has soared. Too Hot to Handle
Those of you who have been avid followers of The 50 Plus Male since its inception are aware I “fought the good fight” against joining AARP (dating back to You Always Remember Your First). You also know I finally “swallowed my pride” and recently joined this august organization. AARP members automatically receive AARP The Magazine, and two articles in the latest issue have set-off a round of mental volleys that I’m having trouble resolving.
In 2003 my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and I learned that the allopathic medical system has no answers. It’s heartbreaking to be a caregiver in this situation, especially when faced with this warning from Dr. Andrew Weil. Weil, quoted in Dawson Church’s latest book, The Genie in Your Genes, warns against relying on allopathic medicine for health problems that are not well-served by this “body as machine” approach. Yet our loved ones are at the mercy of the allopathic medical and pharmaceutical industries.
written by Helene Leonetti Back in 1965, a chemist working for the G.D. Searle Company accidentally discovered aspartame while testing an anti-ulcer drug. By 1983 it was approved by the FDA as an additive – an artificial sweetener trademarked as NutraSweet – to carbonated beverages, despite objections from many scientific investigators.
written by Marjorie Rothstein Did you know that Hollywood is not where the beautiful and famous hang out? In fact, Malibu and Beverly Hills are the two places where they are most frequently spotted. And one place you’re sure to run into them is at the classic Beverly Hilton Hotel, located right in the heart of Beverly Hills.
written by Jim Duzak I’ve written previously in Boomer-Living about mediation, and why it’s usually better than litigation as a way of resolving disputes in divorce cases. But mediation can also provide lessons on how to prevent divorce by resolving disputes in relatively healthy marriages.
Nope, I’m not talking about a kitchen table made out of recycled soda bottles, wine corks, or beer cans. Today, I’m talking about the thought process behind sustainable meal planning, shopping, cooking, eating, and leftovers, or wait for it. Eating What’s Right AND What’s Left I have had some interesting conversations with my great Boomer friend, Bill (aka, Chef Bill), an extraordinarily talented and conscientious amateur cook. Bill has a few simple rules including – but not limited to… Meals should be colorful and delicious, Meals are cause for celebration,r
written by Denise Chaney, ChFC, CLU, CASL Have you ever experienced the January spending hangover? It is when you open the credit card bills in January and can’t figure out how you spent so much? Do you make that New Year’s resolution to spend less next year?
Connections Around the corner is a friendr In this great city that has no end. Yet days go by and weeks rush on, Before I know, a year is gone. I never see my old friend’s face, For life’s a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well, As in the days I rang his bellr And he rang mine. Yes we were stronger, younger then, And now we’re busy, stressed, tired men. Tired of playing the foolish game, Tired of trying to make a name. “Tomorrow, I will call on Jimr Just to show I’m thinking of him.” But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,r
Have you ever had way too much to do and not enough time to get it done? That is the classic definition of stress. Stress conce s us all and is a major cause of disease today. So how does your name indicate how you will handle stress? Let’s look at a few of the indicators in a name. We are delving into stress again as so many are affected by it, plus, when school starts, stress levels seem to rise. There is more traffic on the roads, more demands on a parent’s time, making sure their children’s homework is done, etc.
Departing the “Single/Never Married” demographic group and entering the “Married” category didn’t occur for me until I was one month shy of my 36th birthday. This tidbit holds importance for two reasons: I dated for 18 years before meeting my wife, and I can honestly say I was ready to marry when the big day arrived.
This is probably the most difficult part of goal setting. Yet it is also one of the most important aspects to actually achieving your goals. Everyone has had the experience of setting a goal, especially after the winter holidays, and it is exciting for the first few days. We pull ourselves out of bed a few minutes early and are very dedicated to marking that extra task off our list. Setting the goal is still new enough that we can feel what it will be like to accomplish it.
Written By: A.T. "Al" Benelli, CFP, FIC The U.S. economy may be recovering, but travel experts say the vacation deals available last year are still going to be around for stingy travelers this year. With that in mind, here are some ways the Financial Planning Association recommends to save on travel this summer
By: Neal Dranoff My wife, Nita, is often the recipient of a somewhat “left-handed” compliment from me. I throw it out there whenever she asks a question that almost causes whiplash as I quickly turn my head towards her silently wondering “where did that thought come from?” Over the years I’ve come to accept these outlier queries as a by-product of Nita’s fertile creativity.
The economic recovery is alleged to have started back in March. Health care reform, in one shape or another, was a given. Barak Obama was the icon of “change” in our government. What a difference a handful of months have made. Republicans were elected governor in New Jersey and Virginia. Massachusetts fires another “shot heard ‘round the world” by electing a Republican senator to replace Ted Kennedy. The stock market, expected to be bolstered by the news, takes a swan dive. What’s up? I can tell you in one word…uncertainty.
Written by: David Russell, Ph.D., D.Sc Special diets making claims about the health benefits of their protocols are very popular today. It can be confusing that new diet regimens appear all the time and that the whole field of nutrition seems to change its mind radically every year or so. What was “in” and healthy one year is now “out” and unhealthy the next.
Time goes by so fast! I can’t believe it’s already the end of summer and almost the end of autumn. I’m not ready! I was so comfortable and basking in the warmth of summer. I was so grateful for the splash of fall colors and the crispness of the air…and now there is snow on the mountains and the inevitable winter approaching. I know the time is coming to bundle up, brush the cobwebs off the snow shovel and turn up the heat, but I’m noticing how I’m clinging to the last of the mild weather and the last of the long days.
written by Donna Marie Thompson, PhD. Quote: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer Being happy is not only a personal attribute that affects your well being; it also greatly affects others around you. Your thoughts and feelings – both good ones and not so good ones – are contagious. So what exactly are you sharing? What are you broadcasting on your radio channel? Is it love? Is it peace?
September 11 is my birthday. Until September 11, 2001, it had been a non-event. Nothing special. Business as usual topped off by an expensive dinner that could only be justified as a once-a-year commemorative extravagance.
Written by: Melodieann Whiteley I have spent a lot of time trying this product and that system only to wind up broke and disillusioned. “Make money while you sleep!” “Start your cash machine today.” Promises, promises. And I bought into every one of them.
Do you find yourself trading health for convenience? Like finding that close parking spot at the mall. Hopping on the escalator, rather than the steps. Or stopping at the end of your driveway to get the mail. Here are 3 simple ways to add in daily movement that will add up over the next 3 weeks. 1. Walk To Work! Well, not exactly…If your place of work has a parking lot that you can park rather far away, this is an excellent way to get in your moves. If you don’t have a parking lot, how about parking blocks away?
Written by: Janie Knetzer When it comes to your dog’s health the best place to start is with what you place inside his bowl. If your dog is plagued by allergies and chronic ear problems, anal sac issues, itchy skin and red paws; it’s time to take a look at what’s not working for your dog. At the bottom of this page you can find a link for a list of the 10 best dog food recommendations.
For the past couple of months, we’ve been considering a new social phenomenon—the “Type R” personality. At the risk of overgeneralization, here’s what we’re talking about. “Type R’s” are those who have reached retirement and committed themselves to a “recreative” lifestyle. That is, a lifestyle characterized by thoughtful overhaul of one’s approach to living.