Helping Family Members without Harming You
One of the most challenging aspects of retirement, or any time for that matter is being called to help family members financially. On the one hand, if someone is in need, it’s our natural inclination to want to help. There are times when helping can be harmful, either to the helper, helpee or both. Metlife Mature Market Institute studied the dimensions of economics and emotions. What do you … [Read more...]
Going Naked: The Cost of Healthcare in the US Part II
There is always a first time Among world travelers there is a phrase we use when we discuss health insurance policies and whether or not we want to continue holding one and paying the corresponding price tag. It’s called “going naked” or “going semi-naked.” This phrase pretty much describes how it feels when one chooses to let that insurance policy go. One can feel pretty exposed … [Read more...]
Going Naked: The Cost of Healthcare in the US Part I
The ever-present question It is such a fatiguing topic and one that is filled with emotion and fear. As a nation we can hardly get past it and present solutions are sometimes as hard to handle as the problem itself. I’m talking about the price of the administration of health care. High cost and obstacles We know a couple who pays $1,200 a month for a catastrophic, high deductible … [Read more...]
Is Being Frugal Worth It?
Have you embraced frugal living? Many people have cut back and searched for easy ways to save money. Is being frugal worth it? Have you taken the time to think about the costs versus benefits of living frugal. A few years ago, I wanted to raise tomatoes. While the product was much better than those purchased at a super market, we the estimated the cost at around $10 a pound. I enjoyed the … [Read more...]
Early Retirement Benefits: Senior National Park Pass
When one thinks of early retirement benefits, the thoughts are usually concerned with Social Security, pensions, IRA’s and the like. There is a huge perk to being age 62 that many people are not aware of and that is the senior national park pass. I’m going to be perfectly honest with you. I think our national parks are the best bang for your buck at full price. Whether you are charged by … [Read more...]
Save Your Retirement by Being a Conscious Consumer
The largest part of retirement planning has been whether or not you saved enough to last for the rest of your life. There is a whole financial industry that has developed over the last fifty years to help you save and invest for your retirement life. If you spend much time reading about retirement on the Internet or other through other media, you will quickly learn that baby boomers are … [Read more...]
Quicktips for a Living Cheaply in Retirement
Ed. Note: Experts and readers contribute their quicktips about living cheaply in retirement. Ilene Davis, CFP, MBA wrote: The first thing to do is stop worrying about what "other people think". For most people, much of what they spend is not out of need, but out of wanting to show they can "afford it". Beyond that: - get a group of friends that you enjoy and instead of going out, take … [Read more...]
Baby Boomer Finds Ways for Living Frugally
My name is Paul Lawrence Vann and I'm providing a few tips to pertaining to baby boomers living frugally. I'm a 52 year old baby boomer who retired at the age of 43 after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force and retiring in the rank of lieutenant colonel. I've been retired for almost nine years and one of the most important things baby boomers can do is to ‘living within your … [Read more...]
Easy Ways to Save Money: Online Promotional Codes
Regina Novickis offers the following suggestions for saving money: In this economy, everyone is looking for cost-cutting measures to balance out the budget. With so many comparison options available at your fingertips, shopping online provides easy ways to save money, including on basic necessities. But if you are looking to cut costs further, the trick is all in the code – online promotional … [Read more...]
Creative Tips on How to Save Money
Here are some creative tips on how to save money from Kevin Gallegos. a. Sell items on eBay that are unneeded, hold a yard sale, or put change into a jar every evening, and save the proceeds when you cash it in. Even small amounts, saved regularly, will accumulate surprisingly quickly. b. Redeem credit card rewards. Have a credit card? Check your credit card statements to see how many … [Read more...]