HOAs

If you're thinking about moving into an Active Adult Community (AAC), suggest you thoroughly research the HOAs and CCRs of that community. I just found out at tonight's business meeting that we have 3 HOAs in my community as well as a Metro District.

I have to pay 3 separate dues for the HOAs. Because of the Metro District I have to pay almost 50% more in real estate taxes than the people who live across the street in another subdivision. So it's critical that you do your homework as many sales people will not provide you with factual information regarding real estate taxes or special tax districts. And when you're moving into a new community you can't get that information from tax records.

Many new AACs will create a Metro District to pay for the infrastructure (roads, sewer lines, etc.) that must be put in prior to home construction. In our case, I found out that the builder spent over $27 million which accounts for the much higher real estate taxes.

Spending extra time upfront researching your new community may save you a lot in unexpected monthly expenses! For some info on Active Adult Communities, go to: http://www.topretirements.com/tips/Choosing_a_Community/Is_an_Active_Adult_Community_Right_for_You.html

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!

At the Movies

STATE OF PLAY is a good movie that holds your attention and is reminiscent of "All the President's" men.

Russell Crowe gives a convincing performance as a reporter in search of the truth while trying to find the connection between 3 seemingly unrelated murders. His investigation is blocked by the fact that his former college friend, now a Congressmen, is linked to the murders.

Underlying the story line is the rapidly-approaching death of the newspaper industry as we Boomers know it. Due largely to the Internet, 24-hour TV news coverage and the fact that many younger people don't even subscribe to a daily paper, most big cities, like Denver, have been reduced to a one-paper town.

Rachel McAdams was bland as the new "Internet" reporter looking for her first big break. I loved her in "The Notebook", but for me, she hasn't shined in any recent movie roles.

For a more detailed review: http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/movies/17play.html