spidersam408 asked:


What age and what are the conditions for retirement? Can you work when you are retired for money? What are the rules for the state of California?

REES

Cecilia Valenzuela asked:


If you have heard that Arizona was a popular state to retire in, you are most certainly correct. Arizona ranks high when it comes to retirement. In fact, Arizona was actually the first state where retirement community living first got its start.

Did you know that it was Del Webb (now considered Pulte Homes) who started the idea of a retirement community?

According to Del Web, they opened their very first retirement community on New Years Day, 1960, in a suburb of Phoenix, known as Sun City, Arizona. The positive response was more than overwhelming. The first retirement community in Arizona paved the way for retired living in the United States. Ever since that day, retirement communities continue to pop up everywhere.

Del Webb is actually now a part of Pulte Homes and are not just known to Arizona, but also in 15 additional states. In Arizona, Del Webb/Pulte has certainly made a name for themselves and are very well known here and are one of the very well known and reputable home builders of Arizona retirement communities.

Whether you prefer the big cities or quieter communities, it really doesn’t matter, because you can certainly find both types of Arizona Retirement Communities here.

Baby-boomers, or snowbirds, as they are sometimes referred to, have flocked to the Phoenix metropolitan area for many years. It should not come as a surprise why this area has been considered a prime retirement choice. There are so many reasons why this area is popular among many. First of all, you have the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert sun along with well over 300 days a year of sunshine.

Known for its gorgeous sunsets and the many recreational activities, golf is probably one of the most popular reasons that retirees make Arizona their home. There are literally hundreds of courses for the golf fan along with so many other popular activities such as tennis, various sightseeing tours, Native American culture and, of course the Grand Canyon to explore.

Retirees certainly appreciate the fact that they are conveniently close to so many things in Arizona. If the outdoors is what you are looking for, Arizona can certainly provide you an endless list of lakes and rivers which attracts so many anglers to the desert southwest. In addition, you will find just as many mountains that make up Arizona and make it the beautiful state that it is. Even Las Vegas is not that far away from Arizona!

Retirement community living can be found throughout the state and not just in Phoenix. Many parts of the “valley of the sun,” as the Phoenix area is ofte called, offers retired living at its best. It just depends on where you would like to live.

Some people prefer Scottsdale over Phoenix, or maybe Tucson. Some people prefer Gold Canyon, a city located about 35 minutes east of Phoenix, which offers many amenities in a quiet atmosphere including enough wildlife to last a lifetime. Some others prefer Flagstaff or the White Mountains, both of which are considerably cooler in the summer months.

Most of these retirement communities that you will find in the desert southwest of Arizona provide such amenities that most active older adults are seeking, such as tennis courts, golf, clubhouses, recreation and fitness centers, as well as organized and regular activities within their specific retired community.

While there may be other reasons not listed here, most people will agree that one of the key reasons why people find their way to retired housing communities in Arizona, is because of the active adult choices they have to choose from. The choices along with the enticing climate, make Arizona retirement communities their first selection of 55 plus areas.

Despite Arizona being a very popular state to retire in, Miami, Florida actually has a higher percentage rate of people living there than Arizona. In fact, according to the Arizona Republic, Phoenix is home to only 12% of the population that is over age 65, compared to 17% in Miami, Florida.

Would you like to know what city is considered to be the most recomended city to retire in? Have you heard of Prescott, Arizona?

Prescott, Arizona has a small town feel to it, which many people prefer. It is located in the cool ponderosa pines in Northern Arizona and is known to many here in Arizona, as the “Mile High” city. Conveniently located 90 miles Northwest of Phoenix, Prescott offers four very mild seasons to both the visitors and residents all-year round.

Prescott has more than 6 golf courses, which is pleasing to many. Prescott is also home to the Prescott National Forest. If you like hiking, you will have well over 450 miles worth of trails to enjoy these gorgeous (and good smelling) ponderosa pines.

Looking for more reasons to choose Arizona for your retirement community? How about healthcare? The healthcare is excellent in Arizona. There are many well known heart hospitals as well as other hospitals, the famous Mayo-Clinic, and a limitless list of clinics, for your healthcare needs.



GALLANT

gooftroop_843 asked:


i am a law school student and i want to know what would be the best way to plan out my retirement. Such as what i would be doing at what age. i am 26 now.

OTTO

Rex Truman asked:


A retirement calculator is one of the most useful things you can use when planning your retirement savings. You see most people plan for retirement without any idea of how much they need to save, or how much they want in retirement. A retirement calculator provides the answers.

A retirement calculator shows you how much to need to save to get the income you need when you retire. Or it may be how much you want! That depends how much you are making, and how young you are. Either way do use a retirement calculator.

You can find a retirement calculator on many web sites, so you do not need to get the services or a retirement planner or investment advisor to find the answers. In this way, you use the retirement calculator, calculate the amounts you need, and then visit an investment advisor or retirement planner.

To decide how much you need to save, you need:

1. The income you need to live on at today’s prices

2. The rate of inflation per annum between now and the retirement date.

3. The rate at which your fund will grow.

Let’s go through these and how they relate to a retirement calculator. First, how much do you need to live on? Remember, that retired people do not normally spend as much as people who work. When you retire, you won’t need:

special clothes for work the sort of car that keeps you up with the Joneses

you will be able to take holidays at off-peak times

and you will have time to do things – instead of paying to get them done.

So your costs will be lower. So let’s say you are earning $60,000 a year now, you might think that $50,000 would be enough. Next you need to remember that if you are healthy, you expect to live for 15-20 years, and so need to allow for inflation in that period – so actually you need more! This is where a good retirement calculator comes in.

2. The next thing the retirement calculator needs is the rate of inflation, or what you expect it to average until you retire. With the price of oil going up, we know that inflation over the next decade will be higher than it is now. Official figures put inflation at around 2-3%, but the true figure is more like 5%.

This means that you need to allow for at least 5%, and probably 7% and feed that into the retirement calculator.

4. At what rate will your retirement plan grow? A difficult one this. Five years ago, people were talking in terms of 10%, but not now experts suggest a lower figure. The problem is that a retirement fund or retirement plan has to be prudent – you don’t want to wake up one morning, a year or before you retire, to find that a crash on Wall Street has cut the value of your fund by 30%. You just won’t have the time to get that money back.

So you will be doing well to get 10% return, but could almost guarantee 5-6%. Maybe 7-8% would be a realistic figure to put into the retirement calculator.

The retirement calculator is just some software set up to make a calculation after you enter some figures. As I said earlier, the retirement calculator needs:

Required income

Inflation

Expected return

And of course, how long till you retire.

Here are some results from a retirement calculator:

Required income: $30,000 per annum

Years till retirement: 15 years

Annual inflation: 2.5% (unrealistic)

Annual yield: 5%

Income needed in 15 years: $43,448

Required value of retirement plan in 15 years: $825,000

Quite a lot of money for a modest retirement income. Here’s another one:

Required income: $30,000 per annum

Years till retirement: 20 years

Annual inflation: 5%

Annual yield: 8%

Required value of retirement plan in 20 years: $987,573

If you want an income of $45,000 when you retire – equivalent to less than $30,000 today – you will need: $148,000.

When you use a retirement calculator, make sure you use one that does calculate the income you will get at retirement adjusted for inflation – over 20 years, you will need 50% more than think you need today. If you do this, then you will benefit form using a retirement calculator.



TRUE

ali.mama asked:


I am a 28 year old stay at home mother, who is not married. I am concerned about what this is doing to my retirement savings. I want to know what my options are to be prepared for retirement.
I forgot to mention I do not receive any assistance (e.g. welfare). I do live with my boyfriend, who is my daughter’s father.

CONROY

Miodrag Trajkovic asked:


Approximately one third of your life will be spent in retirement. It is important to plan ahead to be able to provide for yourself and enjoy this time of your life. Retirement is never too difficult to handle. However, many still have the misconception that retirement is a burden and a very difficult situation.

Before you enter your retirement age, it is best that you plan. Starting your retirement planning early will give you less stress and less trouble. It is better to start early with a minimum amount than starting it late and be overwhelmed with the amount that you have to save.

Make an accurate assessment on what you already have. It is better that you assess with the exact figures rather than making estimates. Retirement planning does not only rely on finances but also on many factors such as, health, emotional aspects, retirement location and safety. It is better to consider these factors to help you sustain for yourself without depending on your children.

Planning is not only a one-time event. It is a continuous process and may vary depending on many circumstances. Make sure that you are ready for any circumstances that might affect your retirement plan so that you will be ready for necessary adjustments.

You may want to consider hiring a financial adviser to help you ease the complexities of retirement planning. Before you hire the services of a retirement planning consultant, determine first the areas where you need assistance. Is it the retirement plan itself or the methods you need to implement the retirement plan.

There are a lot of retirement planning consultants and you should choose the ones that are experienced and competent enough to do the job for you. You may seek the advice of your friends and families and they may refer you to persons who know the best retirement planning consultants.

You can do some selection process by interviewing the candidates about their background and experience. Make sure that you know the cost of the services they offer. Always remember that there is a tendency that they are selling their services and you should not believe whatever they say. It is still best to ask other people who have hired them to check their expertise.

Once you have made your final pick, determine if the person you hired is registered. You may contact your state securities to get this information. You have to make sure that the person is free from any illegal activities and could be trusted.

Retirement planning takes a lot of accountability. No matter how competent the retirement planning consultant could be, your planning still depends on your responsibility. If you become responsible with yourself, retirement planning is never a tough job. Make the little sacrifices now and reap the fruits when you retire. Retirement is a time to enjoy and relax and not to burden you.



BATTLES

International Living asked:


The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007

By Laura Sheridan

Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you find yourself often dreaming about, you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that you know little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.

Take it from us: it’s worth it. If you look beyond your own shores you’ll find that many countries around the world offer far greater benefits and advantages for retirees than those offered at home.

One of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination offering you more of what you want at the best price. It’s a question of priorities. What’s important to you? Is cost of living Number One on your priority list?

Maybe for you weather is the key consideration.

Are your must-haves telecommunications and infrastructure? Proximity to the States and Canada may also be a factor.

Maybe you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised how fast retirement creeps up on you.

That’s why, once a year, in our Global Retirement Index, we look closely, specifically, at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living. Where will the pensioner’s dollars go furthest? Which country is the safest? Where is the health care best? We give top priority to those things that matter most to anyone planning for retirement, including programs of special benefits for retirees (tax breaks, discounts, and freebies, for example, that various governments proffer to residents, sometimes specifically to foreign residents in an effort to attract investment and retirement dollars).

We can show you the opportunities and possibilities, the winners of our top retirement countries, but it’s up to you to decide what your main priorities are before you find your ideal retirement haven. The aim of our Index is to give you a good starting guide.

Mexico-our new winner

Moving up four places to take our top spot as the world’s top retirement haven this year is Mexico. Mexico offers the perfect mix of centuries-old traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Moving to Mexico means you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.

Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have time to volunteer at the local school, time to golf in the mornings, time to relax on the beach…time to savor life.

Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and many more.

How our Global Retirement Index is scored

* Real estate. Countries where real estate prices are low and the purchase of real estate is relatively easy receive the highest scores. We use our own experiences plus reports from our contributing editors and real estate contacts around the world to rate each country. Weight: 15%

* Entertainment, Recreation, and Culture. This category considers the number of newspapers per 1,000 citizens, the number of museums and cinemas per capita, the number of university students, the literacy rate, and the variety of cultural and recreational offerings. Weight: 10%

* Cost of living. This score is based on statistics from the Indexes of Living Costs Abroad, Quarter Allowances, and Hardship Differentials, published by the United States Department of State, and on data published by Business International. We also use our firsthand experiences living and traveling in these countries. The lower the score, the higher the cost of living. Weight: 20%

* Safety and stability. This measure of unrest in each country is based primarily on Interpol data and State Department statistics. It also takes into account the civil liberties and political rights granted by each government. Our own experiences and reports from expatriates living in these countries also influence the safety scores. Weight: 5%

* Health care. Considered in this category are the cost of a typical visit to a general practitioner and the cost and coverage particulars of health insurance. Weight: 20%

* Climate. Countries with temperate weather throughout the year, moderate rain fall, and little risk of natural disaster come out on top in this category. We use data representing each country as a whole instead of favoring one region over another. Weight: 5%

* Special benefits. This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreigners. Taken into account are property rights for foreign residents, property tax rates, duty-free imports on personal belongings, currency controls, employment restrictions, voting rights, and transportation discounts for seniors. Weight: 20%

* Infrastructure. This section considers the number of cars and telephones per 1,000 residents, the length of railroad track in usable condition, the number of airports, the quality of the country’s road and highway network, and the availability of telecommunications. Weight: 5%

If health care is a concern, you should know that in much of Mexico the health care is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the States. In our Index, Mexico scores 79 out of a possible 100 points in this category.

Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want. You don’t have to choose between water or mountains; here you can have both. And because of geographic diversity, you can also choose the climate to enjoy during your Mexican retirement: from hot and dry in the north, to hot and humid in the south, to spring-like temperatures all year round in the Colonial Highlands.

You can also own the home of your dreams in Mexico-for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. Mexico receives a high score of 84 in our Real Estate category. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not too late to buy real estate here.

You can own beachfront-not just ocean view property-in Mexico for less than $100,000.

Once you decide to move to Mexico, it’s difficult to know where to go-it’s a big country. Below are the 10 places we think make the most sense for expatriate living in this country, based on criteria such as health care, climate, infrastructure, and housing costs. These are places our husband-and-wife team in Mexico, Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins, have personally scouted and personally recommend above other options in this great big country. They are: Rosarito Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Quer?ro, Mazatlan, M?da, La Paz, Campeche, Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Ajijic/Chapala, and Sayulita/San Pancho (San Francisco). Of course, we’re not forgetting San Miguel de Allende, one of Dan and Suzan’s favorite places in Mexico. Suzan recently reported of this town: “San Miguel is one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico. Stepping into San Miguel’s Centro is like stepping back in time…but with all of today’s modern conveniences.”

In second place…

Ecuador

Ecuador always does well in our Retirement Index, but this year it moves from 10th position last year to take second place this year. If you retire in Ecuador, every clich?ou’ve heard about living large on little money-about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner’s budget-is true. Ecuador gets 85 points in our Cost of Living category, making it one of the world’s cheapest places to live. Take $250 out of the ATM Monday morning and your expenses are covered for the week. In fact, we ranked Ecuador as the world’s best retirement haven in 1999, after it weathered the earlier economic, political, and natural problems of the previous two years, and went on to prosper.

Of course, low prices alone do not make for an ideal retirement or investment destination. There are plenty of places the world over where you can buy cheap land, but where you wouldn’t want to live; not so in Ecuador.

It’s hard to pinpoint the best reason for retiring to Ecuador, but one thing’s for sure: this is an affordable-and beautiful-retirement destination. Ecuador also offers a high quality of life. This is no isolated backwater. It’s a land of opportunity, where a middle class is forming. After waking from a long economic slumber, Ecuador is preparing to join the global economy.

Retirees aged 65 or older have an extra incentive to consider Ecuador: airfares to North America and Europe are half-price on several airlines; all in-country transportation costs are 50% lower, and big discounts apply to a variety of other expenses such as taxes, utilities, and entertainment.

And remember: Ecuador is one place where the U.S. dollar is not losing value, which makes an Ecuadorian retirement especially appealing. Following the late-1990s’ debt default, Ecuador decided to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency, which eliminates currency risk. Inflation is less than 3% and most economic indicators are positive.

Top for Europe

Italy comes third in our Index this year with high scores across the board. It’s difficult to figure out whereabouts in Italy you picture yourself living-there is probably more beauty per square mile here than in any other corner of Europe. It’s no simple matter to hit on the ideal location, even if you know for sure that you prefer big city life to the tranquility of the countryside. Right now, International Living recommends two places: Umbria in central Italy, and Calabria-situated in the toe of Italy.

“The green heart of Italy,” Umbria is just as alluring as its more famous next-door neighbor, Tuscany. With expats seeking farmhouses and other rural properties, prices are catching up fast. Although Umbria doesn’t possess a coastline, everywhere you look you’ll see rumpled hills crowned with fortified towns and higgledly-piggledly villages. From certain vantage points, you can see several hill towns at a time.

Many parts of the province are within an hour’s drive of Florence or Siena. Towns like Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Norcia are every bit as beautiful and as historic as any small town in Tuscany.

To give you an idea of property prices in the region, in Monteleone d’Orvieto, there’s a 968-square-foot apartment in need of restoration. Selling for $85,000, it has two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus a ready-made vegetable garden. There’s another apartment in the same town that’s habitable: 807 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Price: $100,000.

Calabria’s shores are lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west, and the Ionian Sea on the east. What about property prices here? In the Calabrian seaside town of Scalea, an attractive second-floor apartment of 430 square feet is selling for $50,000.

Why Panama fell from glory?

Panama won our Retirement Index for six years in a row. But, it’s fallen from the top spot in 2007 and is now in fourth place. Why? Panama still has the same great retiree benefits…this hasn’t changed since last year (see the sidebar on retiree benefits on page XX). Still, unless you have a verifiable pension or pockets deep enough to afford a $40,000 investment in a forestry project or a $200,000 investment in real estate or a government bank CD, it can be difficult to get a resident visa in Panama. Since the government of Panama recently put a 30-day limit on its tourist visa, it has become more difficult for anyone seeking to rent a home or apartment and stay in the country for any length of time.

And it’s true that this country’s popularity has driven up real estate prices. Once plentiful real estate bargains-from $100,000 apartments in Panama City to $40,000 lots in Boquete-are getting harder to find.

Panama still has much to offer, though. Whether you’re enticed by the friendly people or the tropical climate, Panama is a great retirement destination (remember, it’s still in our top 5).

We don’t have print space here to talk about every country in our Index, but you can access information on all countries featured here at our website. In the search engine, type in the name of the country of interest to you to find out more.

NEED TO KNOW

Countries with special retiree benefits

Mexico

If you’ve considered retiring to Mexico, you now have another good reason-foreigners who hold a valid residence visa for Mexico can now take part in Mexico’s senior citizens’ benefits program.

The program, for adults aged 60 and over, offers discounts on a wide range of services. These include discounts on health-related services (hospitals, doctors’ visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities like theater tickets and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites; travel-related costs, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase, and hotel accommodation. Discounts can range up to 50% off the full price of the good or service. Non-Mexicans who wish to take part in the program must go to a local office of INAPAM (Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores) to request a membership card. See: http://www.inapam.gob.mx/DirecINAPAM07.pdf for more information (in Spanish).

Malaysia

Three years ago, the government of Malaysia launched “Malaysia-My Second Home” (MM2H), replacing the former “Silver Hair” program introduced in 1987. MM2H provides incentives for foreigners, particularly retirees, to live permanently in this country. Successful applicants initially receive what is, in effect, a five-year visa with unlimited entry/exit privileges. There is no minimum annual residence requirement. After the first five years, you can apply for permanent residency. While you’re not guaranteed it will be granted, you can expect automatic renewal of your original visa if you continue to meet its conditions. Within six months of approval, MM2H residents may bring in household effects duty-free, and import or purchase one vehicle locally, tax free. Savings on auto taxes can amount to thousands of dollars on expensive models. Other benefits include exemption from Malaysian income tax on pension and other income remitted into the country, plus that on the interest from any fixed deposit made under the MM2H program (a savings of about 29%).

In addition, residents may purchase up to two properties with a value of not less than $40,000 each. Banks may advance up to 60%. For information on cost of living and many other useful topics, including domestic help, see www.mm2h.com. Registration at that website will also bring you updates on MM2H.

Panama

If you can document a minimum monthly pension of $500 (plus another $100 per dependent), you are eligible for a long list of perks in Panama, including: Import duty exemption for household goods; tax exemption to import a new car every two years; 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events); 30% off in-country bus, boat, and train fares; 25% off in-country airline tickets; 50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday; 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies); 10% off prescription medicines; 20% off medical consultations; 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans; 25% discounts on utility bills…and many more.

Ireland

If Ireland is your choice as a retirement haven, you can take advantage of the many retirement incentives this country has to offer, including free health care, free public transportation, a fuel allowance, and significant discounts on hotel and electricity bills. You’re even allowed to vote in local elections.

Belize

Expats can apply for status as a Qualified Retired Person (QRP), and, with that status, you can avoid Belizean income tax and also import your household goods tax-free up to a total exemption amount of $15,000. You can also bring in a vehicle (a car, light aircraft, or boat) tax-free. In fact, every five years you can import a new vehicle, tax-free.



BRINKLEY

M.J. Joseph asked:


When deciding on a retirement community for you or a loved one, there are many factors to take into consideration. Where do you want to live? What type of community do you want to live in? How much can you afford? Here are several of the many important questions to ask yourself or your parents when trying to decide on a retirement community.

1. Where do you or a loved one want to live?

Location is the key to beginning a search for a retirement community. Do you want to stay in the same town, city or state that you live in now? Many seniors decide to move to a warmer climate to enjoy their retirement. However, some seniors would rather experience all four seasons or would rather stay in their area. Whatever your choice, deciding what part of the world you want to live in is very important in trying to find a retirement community.

2. What type of community do you want to live in?

There are many different types of communities that are now available for retiring seniors. Try learning more about these communities and deciding which is best for you:



Active Retirement Communities

Assisted Living Retirement Communities

Independent Living Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Alzheimer’s Care Communities

Skilled Nursing Care Retirement Communities



After you find what type of community you want to live in, check out the cost. Also, make sure to check accreditation, licensing and the credentials of each prospective community. You want to be living in the best place for you, and need to be extra safe in doing the research for the community.

3. How are the local services?

When searching for a retirement community, look for grocery stores, gas stations, churches, hospitals, salons, pharmacies and different shops to make life easier for when you do move.

4. What are some living amenities?

Many retirement communities offer different types of housing for seniors. Many seniors prefer to choose places with elevators, wide hallways, shower chairs and good lighting that include meal plans and wheelchair accessibility. Some seniors choose to live in a community that offers a very active lifestyle. Many of the active lifestyle communities include golf, tennis and swimming activities, and concentrate on health and fitness to help you enjoy your retirement. Some of these might not apply to you, so just write down the living amenities you prefer to live with, and use that as a frame of reference when looking for a retirement community.

5. Is this place safe?

It is always important to keep safety in mind when looking for any home. Ask the following questions:



Is there security personnel on staff at night?

Is the retirement community located within the confines of a gated community?

How are the locks on the main door?

When finding a new place to live, it is nice to get to know what the neighborhood is like before moving so you are not caught off guard a week after you move in. Most of the time, you can tell whether a place is safe by looking at. Be sure to check during different times of the day. Ask could-be neighbors, gas station clerks, staff members or check with the local police department to see if the community is an ideal place for you.

6. Is the staff friendly?

An important aspect of a retirement community is a friendly and helpful staff. Many times people overlook the staff members when deciding on a retirement home. Remember, these people will be a major part of your life! Make a visit to the community and speak with actual staff members. As you walk through the community, observe how staff members and residents interact with each other. You want your retirement to be enjoyable, and it can be a lot more fun if the staff members in your community are easy to interact with.

Just as you would tour a house or apartment before buying or renting, you should tour a prospective retirement community to see where you fit in. After all, this is going to be a place where you plan on enjoying your retirement! Be sure it is right for you!



KATZ

lynch03 asked:

Shawn Michaels ends Ric Flairs illustrious career with sweet chin music.

SAGER

skeetv asked:

Skee.TV gives you exclusive access at the South By Southwest music festival with KiD CuDi as he narrowly makes his show and announces he isn’t retiring after all (in response to his own blog entry saying he was quitting hiphop). With an electric energy in the crowd after the club owner stated Cudi was a no show & the performance was cancelled, Cudi runs on stage at the last second after missing his flight and performs some of his favorite material, freestyles for the crowd, and mistakes …

BARGER