A Chorus Line

I love the theater and my all time favorite play is "A Chorus Line" by Michael Bennett. It's a high energy show with unforgettable songs and fast-paced dance numbers so when I heard about the new documentary "Every Little Step", I just had to see it.

"Every Little Step" is a film about the process of selecting the dancers for the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line". What makes it so interesting is that the film makers incorporated early footage from the '70s of Michael Bennett and the original dancers along with the stories of those recently trying out. It's the true-life story of the blood, sweat and tears that the dancers had to go through to get that Broadway gig. What surprised me the most is that the selection process for the revival took more than 18 months!

If you liked the original play, you'll enjoy the documentary. Check your local artsy theaters as it's not in wide distribution.

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2009/06/05/movie-review-every-little-step/

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.

Trip Insurance

Planning a cruise or vacation abroad this summer?

Then consider travel insurance.

While it's a bit pricey upfront, if you get sick or injured and have to be helicoptered out or hospitalized in a foreign country, you'll certainly be glad that you bought it. I purchased it for the first time when I went to Egypt last year and it cost approximately 5% of the total tour package. But, the peace of mind was well worth it!

Rates vary, depending upon how much coverage you want. Before buying a policy, ask your travel agent what company she works with as sometimes you'll get a discount. Then, check out what your regular medical insurance will pay in a foreign country and pick the level of coverage you need based on what they won't cover.

Be sure and read the fine print as I discovered that most policies are good only until midnight on the day your trip ends. So, if you get sick when you return, then nothing is covered.

There are many choices available, but I purchased a policy through Travel Guard: http://www.travelguard.com/travelinsurance/index.asp

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/