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Try It NOWCategory: Active adult communities
July 18, 2023 — As with everything in life, some companies are better at what they do than others. Tesla makes great electric cars, Titleist is terrific in golf, Gucci’s shoes are amazing, etc. But when it comes to the best 55+ communities, which company does the best job? Since…
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Category: General Retirement Issues
This interview with the author Lisa Black first appeared on JungleRedWriters.com. We are reprinting part of it here with permission because her positive take on Florida and retirees is so interesting. Lisa's new book is What Harms You.
Lisa Black
God's Waiting Room - otherwise known as southern Florida
Yes, it's a sarcastic moniker with a degree of not only truth, but pride. And yes, I am surrounded by retirees (and hoping to join their ranks within the next five years), and because of that, I am surrounded by stories. Fascinating, hilarious, sometimes poignant stories, and every day I encounter new ones.
(paid link)
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Category: Health and Wellness Issues
July 7, 2023 — Leqembi, the first drug shown to slow down Alzheimer’s disease, has been given full approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new drug has been shown to be effective, slowing declines in memory and thinking by about 27% after 18 months. It…
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Category: Uncategorized
July 1, 2023 — We would like to thank all of our Members and visitors for their patience while we try to sort out why annoying Google ads appear when people click on Comments links in our Daily Alert. We have tried about everything, including turning off the type of…
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Category: Adventurous retirement
June 29, 2023 -- While any kind of travel is usually high on many people’s retirement bucket lists, a walking or hiking trip a particularly good idea for those looking for an active experience. Walking tours are the perfect Goldilocks adventure option for people of retirement age. Easier and less risky than bike tours, they provide plenty of action and adventure. They are perfect for folks who crave the outdoors and nature, but don’t want to experience new worlds from a seated position on a bus or boat.
Your editor has just returned from a hiking trip in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy - a fabulous adventure. Much of this mountainous region of northeastern Italy has been made into National parks, and the area has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
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Category: Retirement Planning
June 23. 2023 — Everywhere you turn these days there is talk about AI, Artificial Intelligence. Many fear that it will take over journalism, the arts, and just about everything else, resulting in millions of people could be out of work. It certainly sounds scary. But other experts think it could be represent the most revolutionary tool since the invention of the personal computer. In just one example, doctors are finding they can use it write reports, saving them time to actually connect with their patients.
So, how much do you know about AI? Can ordinary people use it for something productive, or is it just a menace? And for heaven's sake, how do you use it? To help answer those questions, we have prepared this article.
Lucy Burdette was intrigued enough to get a free AI account. On our behalf, she did a little test to see what would happen if we asked it to answer this simple question for Topretirements:
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Category: Financial and taxes in retirement
June 14, 2023 - A study on retirement by the World Economic Forum found considerable unease about retirement issues in various age groups. Health and income issues were prevalent among its Pulse Poll respondents. The report was focused on how individuals, companies, and government will respond to longevity and people living longer lives.Here are some of the key findings in the Understanding Longevity Study
Many people, especially women, are worried about having enough money in retirement. Some 55% of women are willing to admit they don’t understand their financial situation.
Health concerns are a big concern as people age. Many are worried they will have to become caregivers.
Men are more likely to be looking forward more to retirement than women.
The "bank of mom and dad" is flipping - in more cases younger people might have to support their parents - instead of the other way around. (Interesting, another study we came across found that many baby boomers are blithely spending money, while younger folks are having to pinch pennies)
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Category: Active adult communities
June 12, 2023 -- Finding your best place to retire can be a challenge. There are 1000's of towns across the world, with way more than that 55+ or active adult communities, that might be a good fit for your retirement. True, you can trim down the list of possibilities by price and geography, but even then your list can be daunting. One of the best retirement tools ever is the so-called "Stay & Package", which we will explore here.
Also called "Discovery" packages, they typically involve lodging and include a number of bonuses, like free or discounted golf, use of a golf cart, use of amenities, meals, chance to meet residents, etc. The price is discounted from what the package would normally cost, and usually entail an orientation or sales pitch. They are a great way to experience a community going beyond a quick tour, and without having to rent or buy a home. Obviously a few days in a community will not uncover all of its quirks and advantages, but it does offer a tangible experience.
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
Updated June 10, 2023 -- These 13 great places to retire in the Pacific Northwest could convince anyone any that they make for the best places to retire. We happen to agree, and have many friends who are enjoying their retirement lifestyle in this growing region. For the purposes of this article we have a loose interpretation of that Pacific Northwest geography: including here the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, along with Canada's British Columbia.
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Category: Medicare
June 7, 2023 -- It has finally happened. For the first time, more people are enrolling in Medicare Advantage Plans than Original Medicare. The extra benefits and lower (sometimes zero) premiums are just too attractive. Not everyone is convinced, however.
In January 2023, half of the 30 million people with both Medicare Part A and Part B were enrolled in a private plan. The transition to private plans has been rapid—back in 2008, only 19% were enrolled. Interestingly, some financial experts note that such dramatic growth is reminiscent of an ICO, highlighting how quickly public perception can shift when a compelling option arises. Medicare Advantage’s growth has happened because of a number of factors, including the attraction of the extra benefits these plans typically offer—vision, hearing, and dental services, plus lower out-of-pocket spending. Moreover, they are more inclusive, as Medicare Advantage plans do not require a separate Part D prescription drug plan or supplemental coverage.
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