Category: Snowbirds
December 31, 2023 -- There seems to be a lot of interest in an updated survey of what our Members think are the best snowbird pairing suggestions - a combination of where you would like to live in winter and summer, given the opportunity to live in two or more places. Not that the winter has to be warm, because plenty of folks actually migrate north when the leaves start turning, although warmer winters are preferred by most.
To keep things simple, please post your opinions and what you or your friends actually do in the Comments section below. Just tell everyone where you go back and forth to, along with (ideally) how you get there (drive, fly, train, etc.), and how long you stay. Do you rent or own, and if you care to mention what you pay, that would be great too. People who own snowbird properties for rent are welcome to post their information so this can serve as a clearing house.
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Published on December 31, 2023
Comments 7
Category: Active adult communities
Dec. 28, 2024 - Active communities with golf and Marinas have the two of the most popular amenities that retirees at Topretirements are interested in. Usually, people prefer one of those activities over the other. But some folks want to have the option of a community that has both a golf and marina as part of their facilities. They probably won't pursue both on the same day, but they do enjoy both activities from time to time. Fortunately, there are quite a few communities that can deliver facilities where homeowners can enjoy both boating and golf without leaving the gates.
A handy way to find them is our new Community Explorer. Using it, we found 23 communities in Florida that offer both a marina and either a 9 or 18 hole golf course. In South Carolina the Community Explorer found 18 communities offering an 18 hole golf course and a marina. Note there are another 12 SC communities that offer golf and a boat or kayak launch. In North Carolina the Explorer turned up 13 communities with the combination of golf and marina. We will provide a sampling from these states plus one in Georgia here. But you can use the Community Explorer to find more (and other options too!) in these and other states.
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Published on December 27, 2023
Comments 1
Category: Uncategorized
December 12, 2023 - We are often asked about the pros and cons of 55+ communities vs. retiring in a traditional community. In fact just last week one of our Members criticized the usefulness of our new Community Explorer because of its concentration on 55+ and active adult communities, to the exclusion of cities and towns. It is clear that people of retirement age are split - some want the 55+ or active adult lifestyle for their retirement, some want to live in a traditional community, and another significant portion isn't sure about what to do.
The Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities
We might not change any minds with this discussion of the pros and cons of 55+ communities, but at least we can help those who are on the fence decide on which option is better for them.
First let's look at the pros of living in a 55+ development with the active lifestyle.
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Published on December 11, 2023
Comments 9
Category: Active adult communities
December 9, 2023 — Many thanks to our loyal visitors and Members who took the time to check out our new Community Explorer. Your comments and observations have been very helpful in tweaking it before we go live with it next week. Here is an update on…
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Published on December 9, 2023
Comments 2
Category: Financial and taxes in retirement
December 7, 2023 - Some people ask, am I required to take an RMD this year (Required Minimum Distribution) from my IRA or 401(k)? It is a good question because of recent changes in the law (SECURE 2.0). The actual answer depends on your age. If you were born in or before 1950, YES, you must take one. If you were born Jan. 1, 1951 or later, you are not required to take one this year. The new age for taking the distributions is 73.
Required to take an RMD this year?
Again, if you are required to take an RMD this year, it depends on your birthday. If you hit the age of 72 in 2023 you can postpone your first RMD until April 1, 2025. But you could take it in 2024 to avoid having to pay taxes on two RMDs in the same year (you would have a second one by Dec. 31, 2025 for the 2024 year).
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Published on December 6, 2023
Comments 7
Category: Active adult communities
December 5, 2023 -- Announcing the Community Explorer. Finding the right retirement community - the one with right lifestyle in the right location, with the amenities you are interested in, plus the type of housing unit you want - is like finding a needle in a haystack. Announcing the Topretirements Community Explorer - the easy way to find the perfect active adult or 55+ community for your retirement.
Announcing the Community Explorer
For the next few days we are in a test mode with the Community Explorer. But you can use it to sort through communities by State/Country, Type of Amenities, Lifestyle, and Property Type.
Continue reading for more...
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Published on December 5, 2023
Comments 6
Category: Medicare
November 23, 2023 - Medicare Part D Premiums will rise sharply in 2024 in at least 5 states, according to a report from Health View Services. The rates jump has several causes. One comes as byproduct of President Biden's success in lowering out of pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D (the cap will be $2000 in 2025, down from $7000 in 2023). Insurance companies are scrambling to cover the costs that they will experience as a result. Other contributing factors are the cap on insulin prices at $35 per month and free access to vaccines.
Medicare Part D Premiums 2024 to Rise Sharply
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Published on November 23, 2023
Comments 10
Category: Active adult communities
November 14, 2023 -- Affordable Florida communities - active communities that offer great value at a reasonable price - are the quest for many retirees. The problem is how to determine which communities offer the best value for the money. This article will explain what to look for in an affordable Florida community, and how to find one. Then we will provide a sample list of developments that offer high value at a reasonable cost.
Tips for finding the most affordable retirement, 55+, or active communities in Florida.
Here are some of the basics that will help you find the best value in an active or 55+ community:
Define what you are looking for
Look for testimonials from friends or online
Use a real estate agent with the right experience
Visit multiple communities
Avoid equity memberships
Review contracts and fee structures
Check out the community budget and financial health
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Published on November 13, 2023
Comments 0
Category: Retirement Planning
Retirement case study: how 2 urban professionals stay busy
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Published on November 7, 2023
Comments 8
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
October 30, 2023 — Spain and or Portugal retirement is very popular, as these Iberian countries are for tourism as well. Americans and Europeans are checking out these two countries, not only as great places for a retirement trip, but for where to retire too. Your editor recently spent 2 happy weeks touring some of the best tourist spots on the Iberian Peninsula, the home of Spain and Portugal. Our hope is that this experience might help you plan a potential trip to the region. And, it might help you learn what it might be like to retire in one of these amazing countries.
Portugal Retirement Trip
This beautiful, dry country has a long western coastline on the Atlantic Ocean that in the south curves eastward past Gibraltar to the Mediterranean. Lisbon, on the coast, is the capital and largest city. Portugal's cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe (65th highest in the world - the U.S. is 12th), the country is safe, and the food and wine are excellent. The country has a complicated history - Celts, Phoenicians, Roman, Visigoths, and the Moors (Arabs) all had their day, and then its eventual retaking by the Crusaders. Towns and buildings reflect that heritage within their walled cities, Roman ruins, and Christian cathedrals, that were often Muslim mosques for a time.
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Published on October 30, 2023
Comments 5
