Saving Money

Everyone loves to save money.....especially we retired Boomers!

So here's another tip for negotiating your medical bills -- ask for either a senior citizen discount or a discount for paying cash!

I just did that. While the hospital did not offer a senior citizen discount, I got 10% off my entire bill just for asking!

While that won't make me rich.....it will pay for a nice dinner out! .....and remember, if you can't pay your bill ask for assistance from the patient advocate.

Relocation Tips

With home prices still at an all time low, it’s the perfect time to make your retirement move. Many of the Active Adult Communities have “quick, move-in” specials with prices discounted by 20 to 30%. You can also negotiate for them to pay all closing costs and get a low interest loan.

If you haven’t picked out the perfect location, then suggest you visit your top 3 places for at least a month before taking the plunge. An Active Adult Community is a great place to live……easy to make new friends, lots of activities and the homes are user-friendly for Boomers…one level, wide doorways, higher counter tops. While moving closer to your grandchildren sounds like a great idea, don’t depend on your kids to build your social life when you get there! For every one's sake, you'll want to make new friends and build a life outside of the family.

A cross-country move can get quite expensive, so prior to moving either pitch or donate everything you don’t need or want. Remember to get that receipt for tax purposes. Moving in retirement is a great opportunity to re-think how you want to live. It's a chance for you to downsize and create more discretionary income for travel or other fun hobbies.

College towns have also become a hot spot for Boomers who are relocating. With lower living expenses and many leisure and entertainment activities, Boomers are flocking to them!

For more info on Active Adult Communities: http://www.activeadultliving.com/

Del Webb Communities: http://www.delwebb.com/

Sock Hop

Last night we took a stroll down memory lane when our Red Hatters hosted a Sock Hop. It was a blast! It brought back such fond memories of going to teen town every Sunday night during high school.


I loved my retro outfit -- right down to the sequined cat-eye glasses, red & white pom-poms and poodle skirt.

That term "Sock Hop" was first coined in the '50s. The dances were held for teens in high school gyms, so the dancers had to kick off their shoes and dance in their socks so they wouldn't mark up the gym floors.

Besides, dancing in socks made it easier to slide across the floor in dances like the Twist, the Mashed Potatoes and Stroll. The name stuck and most teen dances were referred to as 'Sock Hops'.

Everyone loved the old American Bandstand clips that were played, highlighting upcoming artists like Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart. We even had a King and Queen of the Hop who were picked by the DJ based on a twist contest.

The fun-filled event was kicked off with an antique car show! Here I am with my favorite old car -a T-Bird! If you'd like to host a Sock Hop in your community, but don't know where to start, go to: http://www.ehow.com/how_2073394_host-sock-hop.html

MAKE A WISH

Last year when doing my state income taxes, I came up with a wild idea for the Colorado Make a Wish (MAW) Foundation -- why not get MAW put on the back of the Colorado tax return where a taxpayer can designate part of their refund for a charity?

I called the Director of Development about it and she thought it was a great idea because it was a new way to get contributions for the Make a Wish kids.

I got the ball rolling by contacting my State Representative last spring. She generously offered to help and after many meetings and hearings, it's actually happening! I'm so happy to report that the Bill will be signed next week by Governor Ritter. It's just so exciting for me because it proves the power that just one idea can have. It also demonstrates an alternate way that a person can contribute to their favorite charity because not all retirees have disposable income to give.

Right now, check the back of your state tax return!

Is there a section for charitable contributions? If so, and your favorite charity isn't there, then why not make that one call?

If you'd like to volunteer for the Make a Wish chapter in your area, go to: http://www.wish.org/

American Idol

Hey, you Rock'n'Roll Retirees, have you heard of Adam Lambert?

When I was really young I went to see Elvis Presley......long before he was ELVIS, the KING of Rock'n'Roll. Then, he was just another entertainer with the Louisiana Hay Ride Show but the minute he hit the stage even I, an 8-year-old little girl, felt the magic! The music, the excitement, the screaming....what an experience! It turned me into a concert junkie. I've seen so many....from Tina Turner to Alan Jackson to Bruce!

So, what's that got to do with Adam? While I thought Bon Jovi came close, Adam's even better. He's just the most exciting entertainer to hit the stage since Elvis! He was so fantastic on America Idol tonight.....such a talented and passionate performer.

Ever since the first show my sister Ginny swore he was Elvis reincarnated. At first I thought she was a little out there; but the resemblance is uncanny! It's pretty wild....the look, the singing style, the quivering lip! What do you think?

To find out if Adam's the next IDOL, check out the results show on Wednesday night on your local FOX channel.

Baby Showers

Are you looking for a new opportunity to volunteer your time and talent?

Then how about hosting a baby shower for needy babies born at your local general hospital?

Several of us here at Heritage Todd Creek participated today in a baby shower hosted by Colorado's First Lady Jeanne Ritter for babies born at the Denver Health Hospital. Our group made a beautiful assortment of baby blankets and hats. Since we started "knitting for newborns" we have made more than 90 blankets.

What was so exciting about today's event is that volunteers there ranged from Girl Scouts to retirees! Several large corporations even participated -- donating everything from diapers to car seats. We were so moved by today's event that our Red Hat Chapter is going to host a baby shower. Especially in today's economy this is a wonderful way to help those in need!

A Stroll down Memory Lane

with Mom & Aunt Betty

I recently spent a few weeks in St. Louis visiting family and friends. It's always fun to see everyone but it also saddens me because I know it just might be the last time I see my mom or aunts and uncles who are in their 80s and 90s. It's a dismal feeling, because when I was younger I never thought about that at all whenever I made a trip home.

When visiting with my mom, I just love to go through boxes of old pictures with her. It's just so much fun to look over all the significant events in both of our lives and to have a good laugh over some of the 60's and 70's fashion trends. It's also been proven that what psychologists call 'picture therapy' is quite beneficial in helping to keep a senior citizen's memory sharp. It helps them to recall specific events in their lives and discuss those happy times.

Now Uncle Barney, who's almost 91 is really sharp.....he continually impresses me with his computer skills and knowledge of the stock market......so we're always discussing good buys in this depressed market.

I've always found it sad that some people will say they just don't have the time or money to visit older loved ones....but somehow they manage to do it for the funeral.....know what I mean!

So with Mother's Day coming up, I'd just like to encourage you to give older loved ones the best gift you can....the gift of your time!

Depends

When I was younger the word "depends" had a totally different meaning -- like if I wanted to do something, it would
"depend" on whether I had done my homework, my parents let me or if I had enough money. As I got older, getting a good job "depended" not only on my education and experience, but mostly on who I knew.

As a retiree, "depends" can mean only one thing. It's a rather personal, and at times, embarrasing issue but since almost every magazine I picked up this week at the doctor's office had an ad for "DEPENDS", I had to write about it.

As we get older, both men and women have this problem, but it seems like no one wants to talk about it -- yet, like the picture; it might be what you need to continue to have the freedom to play and enjoy life.

If you have this problem, don't be embarrased to discuss it with your doctor. Believe me, they have heard a lot worse. I sincerely feel that as we get older we have a choice -- to let our chronological age or our attitude set the tone for our retirement life.

Those who know me well can attest that I've always had an attitude, so it's going to be my attitude, not my age that's going to determine my quality of life as I get older. My favorite saying about age is "Age is just a Number and Mine's Unlisted".

So, how about you -- are you going to let that "number" control you?

If you discreetly want more info/options, go to: http://www.us.depend.com/

Health Insurance

Like most retirees, I'm concerned about the rapidly increasing cost of my health care. I think about it a lot because even with good medical coverage, last year I spent over 15% of my net retirement income on medical expenses!

As a former Federal employee, my best retirement benefit was continued medical insurance. I still pay monthly premiums but I just recently found out that our retiree's union is working on a Federal Bill that would allow me to pay my medical premiums with pre-tax dollars.

I'm really excited about that as it would be a considerable savings for me. If the Bill passes, then the monthly amount I pay in premiums would not be included in my pension for income tax purposes.

You should do whatever it takes to keep yourself covered and continue to explore ways to reduce your monthly medical premiums.

So, to find out if you might have the same option:

1. Determine who pays your pension -- is it the company you worked for or was it turned over to a pension payout company?

2. Contact the payer -- there should be a point of contact number in your retirement package or on your monthly statement. Call them and find out if there's a way for you to pay your premiums with "pre-tax dollars".

3. Check out new plans -- Also, ask them if they have added any new Health Care Plans that may offer you comparable or better benefits for the same premium.

If your not satisfied with your current medical plan, you can get quotes from several companies at: http://www.healthinsurancesort.com/ppc/individual-health-plansD.htm?gclid=CJPJ-MbTiZoCFQkzawodARm9FA

I love it when I can figure out a way to cut my monthly expenses, because I feel it's just the same as getting an increase in my pension!

Work Abroad

Are you a retired teacher and looking for an inexpensive way to see Europe?

Then consider working for the Dept of Defense Schools Overseas!

The most rewarding aspect of my life-long career as a Federal Government employee was the opportunity to live in Germany. I loved it so much -- the cultural experiences, the travel and meeting people from all over the world -- that I lived and worked there for 11 years.

If you haven't traveled in Europe, it's so hard to imagine just how close all the countries are. Traveling by car, I could be in France, Austria or Switzerland in less than 5 hours! One of my best trips was when I woke up in Berchesgarten, GE; skied all day in Stubaital, AUS; and slept that night near Venice, IT. What a day!

It was such a life-changing experience that I love to encourage others to try it. They currently are looking for teachers for 1 and 2 year assignments. Check it out -- you can supplement your retirement income, receive a tax-free living allowance and see Europe!
http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/onlineapplication/default.htm

Active Adult Communities

Living in an Active Adult Community has become one of the most popular housing choices for retirees.

These communities often offer a small town atmosphere combined with the convenience of living near a large city. They provide social contacts galore through many of their activities -- book clubs, card groups, stock clubs -- just to name a few.

While most people wait until they're 55 to move into an Active Adult Community, one experimental guy, Steve Gurney, decided to give it a shot at 43!

For an interesting account of his adventures, check out his Blog at http://www.retirement-living.com/publisher/

You can also order a free copy of his Guide To Retirement Living Source Book which is a is a publication that helps you locate housing options, aging in place and expert resources . Each issue is packed with articles and real-life stories. Currently, it's published in DC Metro, Maryland, and Delaware Valley.

Feeling Isolated?

I know from personal experience that what we retirees miss most each day when we stop working is our friends and the many social encounters that we have each day, ranging from a simple "Hi" to someone inquiring about your health. It's normal to miss that familiarity.

Winter is the worst time of the year for being stuck indoors. Think about it -- if you're single and don't venture out even in cold weather, you won't see anyone. Social interaction is what keeps us going. It's been proven in several studies that the happiest people are those that are socially affiliated with several social networks. One might be at church, another at the gym.

Here's a group of my friends skiing last season at Beaver Creek.
We were there to celebrate my BD. I'm the short one in black!

We're so much happier when we're around others who enjoy the same things we do -- so, if you can't find a group to join, start one!

A good book on the subject is "Creating your Best Life". For more info, go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-Best-Life-Ultimate/dp/1402762593/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233964047&sr=1-1

Does she ... or doesn't she?

If you’re a Boomer, you’ll remember that slogan!

Spending over 3 hours at the beauty shop today made me think about the aging process and how differently each of us deal with it.

Some people just accept the gray hair and the wrinkles, while others have monthly maintenance rituals. I feel that as you age you should do whatever makes you happy in terms of maintaining or improving your looks. I hate pain, so forget plastic surgery!

But when it comes to my crowning glory, I’ve been hitting the bottle since I was 25 when I noticed my first grey hair and panicked. I could have bought a cute, brand-new, red Mercedes coupe for what I’ve spent on my hair over the past 35 years!

Speaking of hair color – mine has ranged from the darkest brown (my natural color) to blonde and many shades in between! Of course, there’s been a few dyeing disasters, like the time the chemicals in the dye negatively reacted to my previously permed hair leaving me with little tufts of Brillo-like hair in shades of green, black, brown and a horrible gray. That fiasco was the worst and when the next beautician tried to correct it – well, let's just say that I was lucky that I didn't end up bald. My hair was so damaged, the only solution was to cut it very, very short. Talk about a bad hair day; well, I had a string of 95 bad hair days before it finally grew out!

And the answer to that question --
''Hair color so natural only her hairdresser knows for sure..............''

An interesting tidbit is that the entire Clairol ad campaign almost got scrapped due to the double-meaning of that question– check out:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802EFDC173AF93BA35755C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all

Where's the Line?

Are you like me --- sick of these bailouts? And now the auto industry wants a piece of the action! Corporate greed has been rampant for years and the Federal Government did nothing to stop their excessive spending, lavish lifestyles and the many tax deductible corporate benefits bestowed on officers like company cars, county club memberships and let's not forget the private jets. What happened to the fiduciary relationship between the Chief, Financial Officers (CFO) and corporate investors? Why isn't the CFO being held accountable --surely he and the accounting firm had to realize long ago that these corporations were in dire financial shape, yet somehow they managed to find the money to fund huge year end bonuses? What happened to people and corporations being forced to accept the consequences of their actions?

The inaction of top corporate executives to tighten their belts and begin to make prudent business decisions has caused this financial fiasco, so, why shouldn't they have to accept the consequences and be fired without a golden parachute? Instead, if the Government grants them a bailout, it is directly rewarding them for mismanaging their company. Since Uncle Sam seems to have so much spare cash to dole out to these failing corporations, I'd like to know where the line starts because I want some too. I know that many of us could use a Government handout right about now as we watch our retirement nest eggs fall daily. Some of my retired friends have lost as much as 70 to 80% of their entire stock portfolio.

Let's see -- corporate officers mismanage their money -- then the Government bails them out. But,you, a struggling retiree loses in the stock market (a direct result of these ongoing and ever-increasing corporate problems) and do you get bailed out---nope, you just have to tighten your belt, eat beans and maybe forgo a needed medical treatment.
Fair -- no way!

So, if you're tired of it like me -- please take the time to call or email your Congressman and let them know your fed up! http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/index.html

It's Over!

I'm so exhausted! I went to my first Election Party last night. When I got home I was so wired over the Election results that I stayed up half the night watching CNN. It was such a historic moment for our Nation and so exciting to me with voters coming out in record numbers and women playing such a critical role in the final outcome. As I watched President-elect Obama's Victory Speech and scanned the sea of people in Grant Park, their jubilant faces created a colorful tapestry representing our multi-cultural and multi-generational Nation - White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, young, old.

Now I expect him to keep his word and deliver on his campaign promises that will help us retired Boomers. We retirees have worked hard all of our life and need to be able to joyfully look forward to retirement without daily concern over our health and financial needs. Issues important to all of us are:

Health Care: He promised affordable, easily accessible, and high-quality health care for everyone. This is a critical issue for many retirees because most companies do not allow an employee to carry their Medical Insurance into retirement. Retirees need some form of universal health care so that they no longer have to fear financial ruin from unexpected medical expenses.

Social Security: He’s against efforts to privatize Social Security and supports building a reserve for Social Security.

Taxes: He plans to eliminate income taxes for all senior citizens making less than $50,000. That proposal alone will positively impact more than 7 million seniors a year. Under his tax proposal, over 27 million senior citizens will no longer have to file an income tax return.

Now that the Election is over, I sincerely hope that the leaders of both Parties can put aside their differences and work together to kick-start our economy, to unify our nation and to provide everyone with not just hope for a better future, but to create a pro-active plan that will make it happen.