Category: Retirement Planning
November 9, 2021 -- A happy retirement is something people look forward to with great anticipation. But just what are the keys to a successful retirement; the things you can do to maximize your happiness and enjoy the fruits of all of those years working? In this article we will try to uncover the secrets that others have used to make their retirements live up to their expectations. We hope our readers will add more ideas from their own experience in the Comments section.
8 keys to retirement succes
Be prepared financially. In poll after poll, the number one fear retirees have is running out of money. So don't pull that retirement trigger until you have saved the number that will ensure a secure retirement. If that means lining up a part time job, downsizing, or moving to a more affordable home or location, take those steps before you turn in your notice. To help with that, make sure you have developed a realistic budget that balances income and expenses to backup your decision.
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Published on November 8, 2021
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
November 10, 2021 -- People in retirement have different needs and abilities. So finding a place to retire that offers the transportation, housing, social activities, and health care suitable for your age is important. Fortunately there are some organizations that are working to develop and identify more communities that are age friendly. The AARP, which now has 575 cities in its AARP certified network, is one of them. Many states have also developed programs to certify as retirement communities too.
Certified communities are working to provide safe and walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
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Published on November 10, 2021
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Category: Active adult communities
November 13, 2021 — The Associated Press reports that a judge has ordered the giant Solivita 55+ community in Poinciana, FL to pay back homeowners $35 million for improper HOA fees. The case arises from a proposal by the developer to sell various amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pools,…
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Published on November 13, 2021
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Category: Health and Wellness Issues
November 14, 2021 -- Gasoline and groceries aren't the only items seeing hefty prices increases coming out of the pandemic. Medicare just announced that Part B premiums will increase 14.5% next year, resulting in the heftiest dollar increase ever, $21.60/month for the majority of people receiving the benefit. The base charge for the Part B benefit will be $170.10 per month next year, as opposed to $148.50 this year. Individuals with higher incomes will pay more, as seen in the chart below. At the top end, those making $500,000 or more will pay $578.30.
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Published on November 14, 2021
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Category: Medicare
November 18, 2021 — Who knows if it will ever pass a fractured congress, or even what would be in such a bill if it were ever signed into law. But as the Build Back Better bill stands today, there is a lot for older Americans to like. The…
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Published on November 18, 2021
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Category: Health and Wellness Issues
November 2021 -- In Dr. Sanjay Gupta's book, "Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age", the neurosurgeon states early on that "you can make your brain better, faster, fitter, and yes, sharper". That is good news - we are not stuck with an aging brain that diminishes every day thanks to old age, too much drinking, or other bad habits. His book is about propagating brain cells and making our existing ones more efficient. Not to make us smarter, but to help us "navigate life" better. (Note: Topretirements earns a commission from some links to Amazon).
People tend to think that memory loss is something that comes automatically with old age, which is not the case. Cognitive decline is not inevitable. Just about everyone worries about memory lapses, like forgetting the name of the person you have known for years, but that is not as worrisome as some might think. "Keep Sharp:" is dedicated to the idea that you can have your own "sharp brain" program to improve your thinking and memory, no matter what your age.
The book has several sections, and the most important is probably his 5 pillars of brain health. We will venture to say that you will not be able to guess which pillar is number one.
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Published on November 20, 2021
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
November 26, 2021 -- When it comes to lists of Best Places to Retire, one of the most consistent and "best" sources is US News. Their lists usually make sense, and rarely include bizarre choices in North Dakota or other places that don't take into account that most retirees looking to relocate want to move to somewhere where winter temperatures are warm. While their new Best Places for 2021-2022 lists uphold their sterling reputation for the most part, the fact that they left off the entire western half of the country seems like a very serious omission.
Florida came out on top on both of their new lists this year - "Best Places" and "Most Affordable Places to Retire". The Sunshine State garnered 8 of 10 spots on the Best Places to Retire list, and with 4 of the Most Affordable selections. Two of those Florida cities, Daytona Beach and Pensacola, made it onto both lists.
How they were chosen, along with our quibbles
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Published on November 26, 2021
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Category: Estate Planning
November 30, 2021 -- It is amazing how many times this question comes up, usually from people who we consider very proactive about their retirements. There are no easy answers to the question, but there are some guidelines. Adding to the mix, if the provision of the Build Back Better plan concerning Roth conversions is included in any final bill that gets congressional approval, there might never be a better time to consider it than right now.
The legislation being considered would prohibit the conversion of after-tax assets from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans into Roth accounts after December 31, 2021. No one knows what will happen in congress these days. But, if you think that law has a chance of passing, this could be your last chance to convert.
What is a Roth IRA?
Basically, in a Roth IRA you contribute after-tax income into a tax friendly retirement account. The money you contribute and future income and gains are shielded from future taxation. Unlike regular IRAs, you don't have to withdraw anything from it during your lifetime. And if you do, you won't pay taxes on those withdrawals. The SECURE Act changed the law on how long a period your heirs (except spouses, minor children, etc.) have to withdraw the money - it now has to be completed over 10 years. Unlike contributions to a regular IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan, you cannot deduct the initial contribution from your current income.
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Published on November 29, 2021
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
December 1, 2021 -- Last week in "Slanted Best Places to Retire List" we reported on the US News list of best places to retire. The creators of that one seemed to have not realized that the Mississippi is not the western border of the U.S. Many of the picks made there came in for strong criticism from our Members. This week we are happy to report on a better list of best places, one you can create yourself.
The NY Times just published an article with the headline, "Is Texas the New California". Its author, a Californian, was very surprised to find that after taking a quiz designed by the newspaper, 7 of the top picks were in the Lone Star State. They found that on characteristics like more space for your money, racial diversity, and school quality, Texas had some of the highest ranking places to live in America. Although the quiz is geared towards people of all ages, it can be tailored to reflect the priorities of people in retirement. That is, in our opinion, the best thing about this quiz - it takes into account individual priorities rather than those of the authors.
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Published on November 30, 2021
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