Preparing for High Health Care Costs After Retirement

Preparing for retirement can be difficult. Rising healthcare costs don’t make it any easier. This is especially true for older people who need to see a doctor, dentist or ophthalmologist more often than other younger people. Anyone who wants to retire will need to prepare for them.

What Changes Are Retirees Facing?

The landscape of the healthcare industry has changed significantly over the last decade. Here are some reasons healthcare costs are becoming more burdensome to people after retirement:

· Fewer employers are offering healthcare plans to retirees. The percentage has shrunk from 66% to 33% since the early 90s.

· Average healthcare costs have increased significantly in recent years. In 2013 a retiree would need to have saved between $220,000 and $360,000 to cover their healthcare expenses.

· Medicare cuts have made it more difficult for some seniors to find providers that offer healthcare, which means they often have to pay out of pocket.

There are also other changes that help some retirees while hurting others. The new Affordable Care Act is one of them. Many people with preexisting healthcare problems will be able to save money on their healthcare costs when the ACA goes into effect, but others are going to have to pay more.

Healthcare costs will continue to be a problem for many retirees in the near future. You will need to make sure that you prepare for them.

Preparing for Healthcare Costs Before You Retire

Anyone that plans on retiring before they are eligible for Medicare will need to be prepared to pay for expensive healthcare costs. Even if you have Medicare you will still need to pay a lot of money for your care. Here are some ways that you can prepare for these costs.

Start Saving Before Retirement

You will need to start saving money long before you retire. Try putting as much money as possible into your IRA, 401K and other tax sheltered savings accounts. One expert advises that you will have a 90% chance of being able to cover your healthcare costs if you save $360,000 before retirement. You will want to save even more if you have existing medical problems such as diabetes or eye problems. Seeing an endocrinologist or ophthalmologist will be easier if you have prepared for it ahead of time.

Plan for Higher Costs if You Are High Income

Medicare Part D beneficiaries making over $170,000 a year will need to pay more for their benefits. People making between $170,001 and $214,000 will pay 40% more plus $11.60 more for coverage. Those making over $428,000 will be paying 200% more plus an extra $66.60 every month. Anyone that exceeds these incomes will need to plan for these costs.

Choose the Right Plans Before and After Retirement

Both patients receiving Medicare and those seeking private insurance on the exchange will have a number of options. You will need to find a plan that offers the coverage that you need. If you have serious medical conditions then you may need to choose a plan with higher premiums and lower out of pocket expenses. It may be a good idea to purchase a silver or platinum plan on the health exchange if you don’t qualify for Medicare, because these plans are cheaper for people who have many healthcare costs.

If you are making less than 250% of the federal poverty line then you may qualify for an enhanced silver plan. You may be able to deduct a lot of your income after retirement so you should speak with your insurance agent or an ACA Navigator to see if you can qualify.

About the author: Kalen is finance and consumer writer. He shares tips on preparing for new changes in a changing world.

How to Protect Your Assets When Approaching Retirement

People who are 50 years or older, such as the venerable baby boomers, have begun to approach the age of retirement. As a result, they are naturally concerned about whether their retirement accounts will drop in value or not and how to keep them from doing so. Fortunately, there are a range of actions that the 50 and older crowd can take to make sure their assets and interests are protected. Here are some of the most key pieces of advice from financial advisers who frequently deal with people in this stage of life.

Use the law

One of the best strategies most baby boomers can take to secure their retirement savings and assets is to use the law. Commercial lawyers are good resources to use when navigating the uncharted waters of estate battles, divorces, loans, foreclosures, bankruptcies, wills, and other issues that can cripple a person's retirement savings in a heartbeat. A personal lawyer is a valuable asset to have on one's side, and commercial lawyers are experienced in dealing with all kinds of financial challenges frequently faced by baby boomers on the road to retirement.

Diversify

Besides hiring a personal lawyer, another important step to take on the road to a secure and rich retirement is to diversify. More than 8 out of every 10 financial planners managing portfolios of the 50 and over crowd state that planning for retirement as a baby boomer should really focus on protecting one's portfolio from potential losses in the market instead of looking out for potential market gains. Furthermore, another 3 out of every 4 financial advisers suggest a diverse portfolio may be the best way to keep from suffering any significant losses when one is about to retire.

Start up that cash cushion

However, just as it's important to diversify one's portfolio in order to minimize risk, it is also essential to keep from falling into the trap of putting all of one's savings in one's retirement accounts. Seven out of every 10 financial advisers states that an emergency fund in cash is an essential part of any boomer retirement strategy. This cash fund should be used to take care of any expenses that are financially significant and out of the ordinary, such as needing a new transmission or engine in a car, needing a new furnace or water heater in one's home, or suffering an accident that requires an extended hospital stay.

It is essential to do everything one can do to avoid having to start tapping into the retirement fund earlier than necessary. Doing so means one will face penalties and taxes, and this would all be preventable through the use of an emergency fund.

Stop non important purchases

Another good way to get one's nest egg in good shape when one is getting close to retirement is to try to trim one's costs of living as much as one possibly can before retirement. This is a strategy that 3 of every 5 financial planners for this demographic agree with.

If baby boomers can cut their costs before they retire, then it will become that much easier to keep their standards of living going when they retire. In fact, according to more than 5 out of every 10 financial advisers state that at least a few clients of theirs have had to cut down their current standards of living in response to losses they experienced in the market.

Look for guaranteed income sources

Finally, keeping guaranteed income sources in mind is essential, according to more than half of financial advisers. For example, most retirees will receive social security. Other kinds of annuity products that come with monthly payments that are guaranteed should also be looked into, as one can never have too many income streams.

Using Your Retirement Fund to Invest

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Real estate is a hot commodity at the moment. Millions of people around the world are doing whatever they can to buy properties with the intent of selling them or renting them out to save for retirement. If you are looking to retire in the next few years, how can you use your retirement fund to invest in real estate?

Invest In A Superannuation Property

A superannuation property is a property that you buy using funds that you have saved up for retirement. The government changed the rules in 2007 to allow people to buy property directly from their retirement account. The upside is that you can potentially reduce capital gains and other taxes to nothing if you hold the proper inside of your retirement account long enough. Typically, you would have to pay capital gains and other taxes if you sold a property that owned outside of your retirement account.

What Should You Watch Out For?

If you are going to invest in a super property, you should consider the cost of doing so. While you can borrow money to help you finance the purchase, it is common for lenders to require a down payment of as much as 35 percent. This means that you would have to put down $35,000 to purchase a home worth $100,000. Interest rates may also be higher if you decide to invest with your retirement money.

How Much Do You Need to Invest?

Experts advise you to have at least $200,000 or more in your retirement account before thinking about investing in a super property. However, you can make any investment that you have the means to pay for. If you are over the age of 50, you should strongly consider making such a move because it can provide you with a stable income that can be earned for the rest of your life. Those who are interested in passing on wealth to their families, passing down real estate can be a good way to do that. 

What Are the Costs to Buying These Types of Properties?

Setting up a retirement account can cost thousands of dollars. There may be as much as $3,500 worth of initial set up fees. Each bank is allowed to charged more or less than that amount depending on how it operates. In addition to the cost of setting up the account, you have to take into account the extra interest that you are going to have to pay on any mortgage that you take out. It isn't uncommon to see lenders charge as much as 2 percent extra in interest per year.

Make Sure the Loan Is Gone Before You Plan to Retire

It is critical that the loan is paid off or almost completely paid off before you retire. If it isn't you could be relying on the mercy of the housing market or your tenant making timely rent payments. In addition, you need to make sure that the loan is a non-recourse loan. Loans that don't comply with this rule could be subject to a 46.5 percent tax. As with any other investment, make sure that you seek out qualified advice from someone who understands what you are trying to accomplish.

There are many good reasons why you should invest in real estate using your retirement money. However, make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons and have a plan to pay down any loan that you take out. Otherwise, you could have a hard time trying to recoup your money once you stop working on a full-time basis.

Routes to Making Money Post-Retirement

There are a number of reasons why you might want to continue making money after retirement. Perhaps you need to top up your income in order to continue living the lifestyle you enjoy, want to keep adding to your savings account, or want to be able to fund trips away. Whatever your reason, this article looks at ways to make money post-retirement, from the practical to the innovative.

Invest Money

Sensible investments can be a great way to grow your savings after retirement. As you grow older you might want to move away from volatile investments and stick to those that yield a potentially lower but steadier return. Maintaining a diverse investment portfolio is also a good idea for long term safety. This should ideally include a number of asset classes across various industries and on all levels of equities. You might like to invest some money in countries with emerging markets, such as Egypt for example, to protect against potential economic downturns back home. Whether it’s loading up your savings account or buying a share in a foreign business, investing for the long term is also a good idea to allow funds to grow. Speak to your accountant or banking professional for sound advice on the best way to proceed.

Work Part Time

Just because you’ve retired it doesn’t mean that you want to stop working, or that you have enough money to cease work altogether. Many retirees in the US are employed in part time work and find it fits in well with their lifestyle. Work could be related to skills you have acquired over your working life, or you could branch out into something completely different. There is always the option of temp work related to your previous employment. Private tutoring for high school and college students is a great way to earn good money for retirees with knowledge of a particular subject area. For those who want to stay active gardening and handyman work can be good options, or working as a local tour guide. 

Start Your own Business

If you’ve always had ideas about a business you'd like to set up then retirement presents the perfect opportunity to do it. At this stage it is best to avoid business plans that have a potentially high risk, and you certainly shouldn’t invest a high proportion of your savings. Think busineeses that require minimal investment and can make use of other assets and skills that you already have. This could be dog walking, consulting, catering, pet sitting, or turning your property into a bed and breakfast. 

Make Money from Your Space

For those with large or multiple properties there are plenty of opportunities for making a bit of extra money post-retirement. The most lucrative option is to take on a lodger in one of your rooms or let an entire property to ensure a regular monthly income. If you are considering travelling during your retirement then renting out your property while you are away presents another money making opportunity. If you have an empty garage or outhouse there is also the possibility of converting this into office or storage space and renting it out.

Whatever you choose to do, there is plenty of opportunity to continue making money after retirement by making use of the skills and assets you have built up over your working life. Have you already retired and have money-making tips for others? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Frederick Hale writes on personal finance and investment for the web. Since retiring last year, he has been in the process of developing his own website on post-retirement advice.

Tips for Traveling Frugally After Retirement

English: Bora Bora (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many people dream about traveling after they retire. They often have a hard time affording to take trips when they don’t have a regular paycheck anymore. Fortunately, you can still achieve your dreams if you know how to travel frugally. Here are some tips that you will want to consider.

Avoid Popular Travel Seasons

Travel expenses vary considerably throughout the year. You can save nearly 40% off your travel costs by traveling in the offseason. This may mean that you won’t get to swim on the beaches or partake in some of the other activities that are typically available in the summer months, but you can still have a nice time. You may even enjoy traveling offseason more because you will avoid most of the crowds.

As a retiree, you will have a lot more flexibility to set your schedule. You can plan your vacation when you can get the best rates.

Become an AARP Member

One of the perks of getting older is that you qualify for a number of great discounts. One of the best ways to get discounts is by joining AARP. AARP members often save between 20-60% off their airline tickets and can save over 15% off other travel costs.

Many popular tourist destinations give senior discounts as well. You should always ask about them if you are over 55.

Time Your Decisions Carefully

You can save a lot of money by timing your purchases. You can usually save money by making your decisions ahead of time. Most airlines start selling tickets for flights 60-90 days in advance. You can usually get a great discount by buying early.

However, there are also times when it is smart to make your decisions at the last minute. You can often save a lot of money by booking hotels in cities like Bora Bora at the last minute. These establishments don’t want to lose money when they haven’t found people to fill their rooms. You can often negotiate a great discount if the rooms aren’t booked. You probably don’t want to try this during peak travel seasons though, because you may have a very difficult time finding a room at all and they may charge a lot more when vacancy rates are very low. According to Terrance Zepke the author of a on cheap traveling, hotels are much more likely to give deals when they are at 45% capacity than if they are have booked 95% of their rooms.

Contact the Companies Directly

There are a number of great travel sites that can help you find deals and make the right purchases. These sites are great starting points for your travel plans, but you should try to look beyond them.

You should try to contact the companies and verify their rates. You will often find that many hotels and airlines are willing to give you better deals if you talk to them in person and specify what you are looking for. Many businesses also don’t advertise on these sites so you will need to do some additional research to find the best deals.

Investment Ideas For Retired People Who Need Extra Cash

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Regardless of what you did for a living during your working life and how much you managed to save, sometimes we find the money just won’t stretch far enough when we reach retirement, and this is where many unexpected problems can arise. You see; the basic state pension in most countries will only just about cover your food bills and living costs, which means you’re going to have to think about ways of earning more money if you want to raise your standard of living. That said; it’s not always easy for elderly people to achieve this, which is exactly the reason why I’ve taken some time out of my schedule to write this short article this afternoon.

Presuming you’ve still got lots of money saved up but you know it won’t last until your last days, deciding to look at the many investment opportunities available for people in your situation could be the best move you ever make. Most consider investments to be far too volatile to trust, but so long as you do some research and put in the ground work, they can actually provide an extra stable income without too much effort on your part. So, if this sounds interesting, read on, and I’ll try to explain how you can benefit. 

The Stock Market and Precious Metals

Gold prices around the world reached an all time high only a few months ago, and this means that millions of savvy people who saw the surge coming have managed to secure themselves some frankly astonishing profits. Likewise, people who manage to make similar predictions within stock market trading can do just as well, so this is something I think you should all try to understand. Alternatively, if you really can’t get your head around metals or stocks and shares, it might be wise to contact a reputable brokerage company to see how they can help. I’d personally check out the reviews on TheBrokerageReview website to get started. 

New Businesses In Your Local Area

If investing in the stock market sounds a little too complicated, then another good idea would be to look for new firms in your local area who need a helping hand. You see; many governments around the world are currently waiving business rates in an attempt to encourage innovation, and this means thousands of new companies are appearing on the market every month. All you need to do is find a local one with potential and offer to buy in as a silent partner. You won’t have to spend your days working, but you’ll be first to get paid when the profits start rolling in. 

Global Currencies

Admittedly, you’re going to need a good knowledge of currency fluctuations to make a success of this, but as all the information you need is available free online, those with the inclination should have no trouble making a profit. As you probably realise, exchange rates change constantly, which means anyone capable of buying large amounts of currency when rates are low stands to cash in when the rates increase and they resell. Simples!

Right, that’s enough about investments for today; I’m getting a bit of a headache, and the kids will be back from school anytime soon. Good luck with whatever you opt to do in the future

7 Business Ideas to Explore Post Retirement

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Retire from your day job and start a business? Twenty years ago the idea of starting a business in retirement might have seemed a little odd, after all isn't the entire purpose of retiring to stop working altogether? There are a number of reasons why seniors will be working longer and some of them are financial (which we will delve into). Other reasons are to retain a more active lifestyle in retirement.

Can you see yourself running a business you love in your retirement? We are going to discuss the motivational factors and some of the pros and cons’s to running your own business after retirement and weigh some of the different options available for senior entrepreneurs. 

Redefining Our Understanding of Retirement

When you reach the age of sixty-five (65) and your federally provided old age pension begins, you should retire. At least that is what we have told generations of laborers in North America and the age of retirement looms for all workers (or has in the past) like a promised land. When you retire you will not have to do the forty-hour-a-week grind and deal with bad bosses or annoying co-workers. You can instead, accept the golden handshake and head off to do what other retirees do; golf, garden or visit grandchildren. That has been our understanding and profile of retirement.

The idea of delaying our retirement was a punitive concept for decades with some social misconceptions about seniors who were unable to retire. The assumption has always been that anyone working over the age of sixty-five years cannot afford to retire. It is a financial option that may not be possible for many people who may need to find alternatives. The sociological assumption is that no one would deliberately choose to work after the age of sixty-five; we now know that is wrong.

When the average age of retirement was set people were living into their seventies on average. Retirement was to allow for a restful slowing down and recreational time with family and friends before some of the physical decline of old age began. Between advances in medicine and pharmaceuticals, as well as increased nutrition and information on self-care many people are living well into their eighties now and even nineties. The average life expectancy of someone retiring in the 1950’s was seventy-one (71) years or roughly a ten year retirement. Now, retiring can mean twenty or more years of active living which has changed the rules somewhat with both fiscal and social influences delaying and even suspending the age of retirement indefinitely. We will take a closer look at some of those reasons. 

Switching Gears: The Benefits of Non-Retirement and Small Business Ownership

If you have decided that early retirement is not feasible, evaluating some of the benefits of non-retirement can help you plan a healthy and even lucrative transition into the next phase of your pre-retirement career. If you have been engaged in manual labor or a physically demanding job, you may opt to change your work duties to something that is both lighter in labor and more enjoyable for your retirement income.

Purchasing an established business franchise or even launching a new start-up business is very much part of the trend for the Baby Boomers. Why head into retirement strapped for cash and bored when you can transition into your own private business instead? We’ve put together seven new business ideas for retirees to explore.

1. The Consultant

Have you always dreamed of working in a more creative capacity and sharing your knowledge? Depending on your expertise, you may find yourself in a position to consult on a freelance basis. If you have spent your career in a specific industry or niche market you possess a wealth of information that is of value to employers.

Consultants are engaged on a per-contract-basis to coordinate and sometimes manage projects requiring an experienced expert. The best part? You can work as a consultant from anywhere in the world which means if you plan to travel, you can take your work with you. It is both a lucrative and convenient choice for retirement.

2. Landscaping Business

We know what you are thinking. You do not want to cut your own lawn, but a landscaping business can take a number of different business structures that are both rewarding and a well paying option for retirement. Lawn care companies are available by franchise and you can receive a franchise territory and a turn-key operation. Whether you wish to invest in additional staff or equipment for a full service landscape company (grass cutting and snow removal) or whether you wish to stick to seeding and lawn care treatments, it can be a great option for retirees that like being outdoors and meeting new people.

3. Pet Sitting Business

Do you love animals? If you have owned pets your whole life you understand how frustrating and expensive it can be to find a pet sitter when you need one for a vacation. Why not take the skills you already posses in pet care and create a business opportunity? All you will need is a website and some investment in social media and advertising to get the word out and start taking bookings. It is a fun way to run a small business and to get some exercise too.

4. Bed and Breakfast

If you like the idea of commuting from your bedroom to your living room or kitchen every day, consider investing in an established bed and breakfast. Downsizing the principal home and moving out of the city to a more affordable area is something most retirees will do anyhow. When you do, why not push out into the country or lakeside areas and invest in a home and business in one? Welcome international visitors and income, while realizing excellent tax deductions for expenses and if you live in a city or town with a college or university, welcome international students instead.

5. Become a Writer!

Are you the type of person who has always been very good at writing? If so there are a number of opportunities online for professional content providers (writers) to create text and copy for advertisements, websites, social media and more. The only overhead to this kind of business is your own time and creativity. Capitalize on it and become the professional commercial writer you always wanted to be.

6. Own a Motel

Similar to purchasing an established bed and breakfast, buying a motel in a popular area can be a rewarding business to run. Motels can be quite small or large in scale with other augmented income opportunities such as laundry, vending machines and convenience store revenues. Moving out of the city to a location with less competition will ensure a lower purchase price and many motels come equipped with a home on site or living area.

7. Professional Photographer

If you have always loved photography and are willing to make the investment, becoming a professional event photographer can be a lucrative part time income that is fun and creative. Most wedding photographers are hired at a rate of $1,500 per day or more. While the nature of the wedding photography demand is seasonal, other opportunities for corporate photography or special events may exist year round. A portrait studio and administrative office can be easily established within the home creating opportunities for tax deduction.

Remember that your retirement is a time of changing gears and creating the lifestyle you want with activities that you enjoy. Retirement is a transition not the end of your professional life. With some creative planning you can operate or own a business into the new chapter of your career where you work for yourself, and love what you do.


Author Bio:

Joshua Geary is a financial writer and experienced blogger for the real estate IRA for Sunwest Trust, Inc. When he’s not writing about IRA investment options and the self-directed IRA rules and regulations that go along with them, Joshua enjoys reading and swimming in his leisure time.

Ideas to Keep You Busy After Retirement

Millions of baby boomers are either retiring or reaching retirement age. The majority of them will not be satisfied with simply mowing the lawn or sitting on the front porch. The fact is 74% of these retirees plan to start a second career. Age is not a factor; many individuals in their sixties, seventies, and eighties have started successful second careers. Retires fall into two categories, those that are financially comfortable, and those that have to work to supplement their retirement.

Charity Volunteers

Nonprofit organizations are almost always looking for support, often in the form of volunteers who are willing to put a few hours in to help. Support children's literacy, the arts and sciences, or apply your skills to helping with the recycling efforts in your community. Select an organization that corresponds with your unique interests and passions. Use the skills you’ve developed during the past decades, or branch out and use your time to explore dreams you never had the chance to investigate.

Become a Life-Cycle Celebrant

Thinking of starting a business? Then you may want to consider becoming a life-cycle celebrant. Use your time, your talents, and your experience to help other people document the significant events in their lives. Help craft scrapbooks (virtual or actual) that highlight these occasions: births, weddings, travel, and memoires that reflect the special events in your clients’ lives. Create digital albums, or record experiences in writing. Life-Cycle documentation is an interesting and potentially lucrative new trend.

An Online Business

Setting up an ecommerce website for your Life-Cycle Celebrant, or another online business, requires some time and effort - but the payoff is well worth the effort. If you love crafting, selling antiques, or want to develop a business from a hobby, an ecommerce site may be the perfect solution. As with any business, there are many important factors to consider. An ecommerce site usually requires an SSL certificate. Find out how SSL certificates work and learn about other great tools to help build your ecommerce site. Where can I buy SSL certificates? From Thawte!

Renew your Education

Retirement opens many new doors. This could be the perfect time to return to school. You could finish your Masters at a local college; learn a skill online, volunteer in a neighborhood school, or tutor youth and adults in your community. Don’t rule out learning a new language. Language acquisition is one of the best ways to ward of Alzheimer’s.

Mentor Others

Your retirement years are the perfect time to give back. When you mentor, you are able to volunteer or capitalize on the skills that you have spent a lifetime honing. Many executive consultants and coaches charge anywhere from $150 - $500 USD/hour. An additional bonus is that you can work according to your own schedule, giving you time to spend with your family and travel.

“The limit is not in the sky. The limit is in the mind.” - Cv Pillay

There are countless ideas to keep you busy when you retire: plant a garden, learn to play an instrument, write a book, cook, or sail. You’re the only one who can decide of what is right for you. Chances are you’ve spent most of your life meeting the needs of others. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the rewards and to reap what you have sown!

Six Ways to Prepare your Family Financially for Retirement

Every family does what it can to financially prepare for retirement. As you prepare to enjoy your golden years, there are things you and your family can do to make sure that the necessary financial resources are available. 

Move Your Retirement Account To Something More Stable

For years, you have allowed your retirement account at work to remain aggressive and build as much value as possible. As you hit the home stretch and are preparing to use that retirement account, you will want to move your investment options to more conservative choices to make sure that you do not lose value in your account. Now is not the time to make risky high return investments. Stick with safer more stable accounts.

Pay Off Your Home

By paying off your mortgage before you retire, you will eliminate that expensive monthly payment and you will open up the equity in your home. If you ever need to borrow money for any reason during your retirement, your home's equity makes an excellent borrowing option.

Buy Long Term Care Insurance

The long term care insurance Spokane residents use helps to supplement any other kind of health insurance that your family may have. It is difficult to predict what kinds of health insurance resources you will have when you retire, and you also never know what kinds of health care costs you will incur. Long term care insurance helps to preserve your retirement savings by providing the care you need later in life.

Look Into Health Care Options

Along with long term care insurance, you will also need a general health insurance policy to cover your healthcare costs after retirement. Always purchase the most complete health insurance coverage you can to help save money as your care needs get more expensive. For example, Medicare offers several supplement options that will help pay for the costs that basic Medicare insurance does not cover. Without these supplements, your out of pocket costs could have a significant negative effect on your finances especially if you require complex prescriptions or anything else not covered in the standard plan.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards

Most retirees live on a fixed incomes that can make it difficult to live if they rack up credit card bills. Pay off your credit cards before retirement and get rid of all of your cards but one. If you can't pay for it in cash when you retire, then you shouldn't have it. Living on a fixed income requires a well planned budget and you won't have room for extra credit card bills in that budget. 

Get Life Insurance

If you do not have life insurance, then get some before you retire. The last thing you want to do is saddle your family with a tremendous financial burden when you pass away. If you have a mortgage or children in college, this is a must.

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it is also a tremendous responsibility. Make sure that your accounts are in order before you retire so that you and your family can enjoy the plans you have made. The sooner you start saving and planning, the easier it will be once you actually retire.

Taking The Burden Off Your Kids: 5 Saving Tips For Your Golden Years

Most people do not look forward to getting older as there are many changes that accompany getting to our so-called golden years. For instance, the children that seniors once cared for frequently have to take care of their parents as they age. Here are some tips that can help take some of the financial burden off of children. Saving for a good retirement is something that people both young and old and start to focus on to make for a better life and truly make their final years golden.

1. Take Advantage of Discounts

Ben Franklin once quipped that "a penny saved is a penny earned." There are many opportunities for senior citizens to save money through senior discounts. Every penny saved is one penny that a senior or his or her children do not have to spend at a later date. Many grocery and restaurant chains offer discounts that sometimes start as early as AARP eligibility at age 50. These are definitely worth looking into.

2. Cash in on Travel Rewards

Many seniors live at some distance from their adult children and grandchildren. Most of these elders will want to visit with family at some point during the year. Rather than having children foot the bill for travel, seniors can sign up for frequent flyer accounts and hotel rewards programs that can pay off in free flights or free hotel stays. The reduced cost of travel can fit a retired senior's schedule much easier than a working child.

3. Downsize

The American Dream for a large segment of society includes owning a large home. After a couple begins to experience an empty nest, there is no longer a need for 4,000 square feet of living space. One of the best ways to free up some additional cash during retirement can come from downsizing. A two- or three-bedroom home will probably suffice for most retirees. Getting rid of a five- or six-bedroom house can be a great move to reduce financial burdens later in life.

4. Look into Assisted Living

Many children feel obligated to take care of their aging parents. These same adult children will frequently need to be a part of a two-income household just to make ends meet. Getting into an assisted living environment can provide for some of the care that a senior needs while also allowing children to continue working. However, you can plan ahead and avoid ending up somewhere you don't like. Looking into assisted living in Clermont FL and other warm weather locales is often preferable.

5. Set up an HSA

When getting closer to retirement age, a good idea is setting up a Health Savings Account. These accounts can pay for some of the routine medical expenses that Medicare might not cover, and this can help take a big burden off of children.

There are many ways for senior citizens to save their adult children some stress. Whether it is looking into assisted living or cashing in frequent flyer miles for a visit, these tips can save money for seniors, and they can also help lessen the financial and psychological burden that their children might feel.

Money Management Tips for Seniors

When it comes to senor money management, there are a few important aspects to keep in mind, since older individuals often have to have a different approach to spending and managing money. While some people start saving for their retirement immediately after they start their first job, others wait until they only have a few years left before they start saving for their retirement.

In order to have enough for your retirement you need to calculate your current lifestyle requirements; you need to maintain at least 70% to 80% of your current working income. However, you might outlive your income or you might not have time to save enough to maintain your lifestyle. Retirement experts believe that you should not use more than 5% of your savings every year, should you need it, so that you don’t run into trouble when it comes to retirement time.

Consider Health Care Expenses

Healthcare expenses can make out a huge part of your retirement savings, especially if you have a chronic illness or an unforeseen accident. Ensuring that you have a proper medical aid plan can make this much easier to manage, which is why you need to consider medical coverage early on in your career.

Consider things like Medicare Savings Programs where you can reduce your co-payments and save money in the process. There are four different programs to read about, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Each of these programs has different income limits so you can compare them to see which one will suit you. 

Daily Money Management

Senior citizens can benefit from daily money management (DMM) services as this will allow them to have someone take care of their bookkeeping requirements. This can include writing checks for bills to be paid, keeping records of all payments made and received. This will give the individual, as well as their families, peace of mind, knowing that bills are paid and that money is not wasted on unnecessary purchases.

Money management and retirement savings don’t have to be difficult to manage. You can get help from a licensed financial advisor to guide you throughout this process, which is a great help for many individuals. Always make sure that you verify these individuals, though, to ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to handle your finances and give you professional, practical advice. 

There are a few other aspects to consider:

• Senior discounts. Many retailers are happy to offer senior discounts on specific days of the week or month.
• Community service. Some senior programs provide payment for services, so you can get paid for giving back.
• Stay at home. If you own a home, it’s a huge asset. Stay there and save money on old age homes where possible. 

Saving for your retirement is just as important as properly managing your finances when you are retired. With a few tips and clever choices you can make sure that you live a comfortable life after retirement. It’s a good idea to work with a financial planner if you are still in the early stages of saving for retirement, making it easier to make the right decisions and know how much money to save.

License Direct provides a centralized license search for more than 20 million registered professionals across the United States.

What’s Your Game Plan for Retiring Abroad?

Most people who are working in the US are toiling with the goal of retirement in mind. Especially when you get to 50 plus, you’ll want to be aiming for the retirement you actually want, not just the one you can afford.

A big part of a happy retirement for most people is finding the right location. For many, this means starting a new adventure living abroad. Tackling this daunting process can be made much easier when broken down into three major points.

Phase One: Research and Decide

If you’ve got a place in mind, you’re already ahead of the game. Perhaps you know friends who have settled in San Felipe or you’ve always wanted to live in Milan. You probably have preferences about language and culture. But before you get your heart set on a location, you should first make a list of options. What are the places you have traveled to and loved? What places have you always wanted to go to, but haven’t had the chance yet? Make your list and then research the heck out of them.

You’ll luckily be able to sidestep needing to learn about labor laws, but there are plenty of financial considerations you’ll need to educate yourself on. When Googling each place, consider searching for these financial concerns as well:

• Insurance - My GIO personal life insurance plan, for example, covers me when I travel abroad, but it would need to be replaced if I were to move back to the US. Retiring in Australia is a one of my top goals, so I will need to switch to an Australia based insurance plan, but this is not the case for all destinations.
• Currency value - Some areas are much more expensive to live in than others. Your dollars will stretch further, for instance, in Mexico than they will in Britain or Australia. Make sure that you’re getting the most out of your savings.
• Tax laws - Directly related to the value of your currency is how much of it you can expect the resident government to claim in taxes. Pay special attention to how much of your remaining income will be taxed under local law.

Now that you have an orderly metric ton of information in front of you, you can make an informed decision about where you’d like to end up. This should be the fun part; it may even allow you to take that vacation to the place you’ve always wanted to go! I don’t recommend settling on a decision without having visited the area yet, so save up for a short getaway and go see how the locals live. Looking at all of the information you’ve found, make a decision and stick to it.

Phase Two: Preparation

Ok, so you’ve chosen your new home and you’ve learned a lot about it. In the early stages of planning your international retirement, your first priority should be to determine how much capital you’ll have at your disposal. Consult your financial planner (or get one) so that you suffer no illusions about the kind of lifestyle you can afford. Then plot out the cost of living in your new home.

Put in place a financial structure for your new country. This might include investing in their market or setting up accounts with various institutions. During this time, you’ll also want to make sure that you’ve found an insurance provider, bank, and lawyer that you trust in the area.

Bear in mind that you should always leave a chunk of money in your country of origin. If you’re called back for any reason, health problems or family emergencies, you’ll need to have an emergency stash. This is also useful for planning your estate. If you’d like your assets to be passed on to your progeny, it will be much easier to ensure they get their inheritance if you’ve left at least some of it in their country.

Phase Three: The Move

Moving within a country can be costly. Moving internationally will prove at least twice as expensive. The expenses add up quickly: shipping, transportation, storage, visas, and the miscellaneous costs of food, hotels, etc. Most retirees will need to find a home that is smaller and more affordable, so consider downsizing.

On top of this, you must account for loss of US Medicaid eligibility, but chances are there will be some sort of medical assistance for retired folks in your new home. Social security is also a concern, but you can check this list of foreign countries serviced by American embassies and consulates and get information about social security benefits.

A great deal of your money lost in transit will be due to property transport and the damage that occurs therein. First, take stock of what you absolutely need to take with you. Obviously, sentimental objects that make your home your own are necessary, but it will most likely be best to sell most belongings and buy new ones once you arrive in your new home. Also, keep in mind that your new country probably doesn’t sell many of the items and brands that you’re used to, but this isn’t the end of the world. For example, Australia doesn't have red Solo cups but the white ones work just as well.

With careful consideration, you can patch up the cracks through which your hard-earned capital might fall through when moving abroad to retire. Particularly when retiring, it’s vital to account for every penny. You might still have some income from a pension or disability, but you’ll primarily be living off of savings and social security. This doesn’t need to be a precarious situation, however. It will most likely be the best time of your life.

Chris Jensen is a “fair dinkum” financial adviser with GIO.com.au. He enjoys traveling all over the Australian continent, picking up the colloquial slang, and planning his retirement there in the next twenty glorious years.

Planning For Your Retirement In 2014

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Retirement is one of those life milestones, with millions of Americans thinking about and planning their retirement at any one time. For a generation, 2014 will be the year they finally retire from the workforce, to live out the rest of their lives in leisure. For others, it will mark the first time they think about retirement, and about setting money aside for their future. In 2014, planning for your retirement is essential to make sure you can live a comfortable existence when you are no longer earning money on a regular basis. But what steps should you be taking to plan for the future, and how can you specifically plan ahead for your circumstances in retirement?

Before you can start to put plans in place to provide for your pensionable years, you need to think about how much it will cost to survive in your current lifestyle. Write down your essential living costs every month, and calculate this figure over a year. Be sure to be generous in your estimations, so as not to be caught out by initial optimism. Calculating this annual amount will allow you to work out a total amount you need to secure to fund your retirement, and you should make calculations based on a long and healthy life post-retirement. This figure is still abstract, thanks to the effects of inflation, but it gives you at least some idea of the amount of money you will need to have access to in order to fund your retirement.

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Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be a lump sum. Private employer pensions can be set up long in advance, and many people of working age already pay in to pension schemes in order to set aside some capital for their retirement. Similarly, investments you make during your working life can continue to pay you into your retirement, so there are many practically positive reasons for getting your excess money tied up now for that future. The sooner you start to plan ahead with your financial affairs, the more benefit you will be able to see from your money when you retire.

Pensions and savings schemes are often linked to market performance, and as a result, capital can decrease as well as increase. However, this money is often treated in a more tax-efficient way, and investment in the right pension or savings vehicle will ensure these risks are kept to a minimum. Ernst and Young global chairman Mark Weinberger and other executives understand these topics well, but so can you with the right amount of research and planning.

Retirement is an inevitable stage in each of our lives, and one that most people look forward to. Leaving the workplace forever is daunting, particularly in the current uncertain climate. But with the right planning and preparation ahead of the event, it can be possible to retire with enough money to live comfortably for decades to come. Whether you have pension provision in place, or whether you’re considering starting to save for your pension in the new year, planning well in advance of the event means you have the longest runway to ensure a happy, financially-sound life beyond the workplace.

Are Health Savings Accounts the Next Retirement Plan?

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

It is no secret that end of life care consumes the majority of health care dollars. In fact, about 80% of all money spent on health care is spent during the last two years of a person's life. The problem with this is that many people have exhausted savings and sold off assets by that point to afford care. Health savings accounts (HSAs) may provide a solution to the problems of health care expenditures in old age. In some ways, they are like a retirement plan for your health needs. 

Qualified Expenses

HSAs, such as those offered by HSAforAmerica.com, are health care plans that provide tax benefits. In essence, as long as the money that is put into an HSA is spent on health care, it is tax free. This feature of HSAs has led many to compare them to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other tax-advantaged retirement plans. In truth, HSAs are even better than most IRAs because while HSA monies are guaranteed never to be taxed if spent on health care needs.

Qualified expenses can include a number of things that might traditionally be thought of as lodging. For instance, nursing home and retirement community expenses are completely covered so long as the individual lives in the facility due to medical necessity. Even hotel stays, home improvements, care equipment, alternative medicine, certain types of furniture, and more are covered if necessary for medical care. That means that room, board, transportation, and meals can be paid for, tax free, from HSA savings.

Essentially, the HSA offers a true tax free way to save for retirement. Though it may seem like a gimmick, the truth is that it is cheaper to pay for end of life care through an HSA than through Medicare or traditional insurance. HSA money is simply earnings that have been set aside over time. The best way to look at an HSA as encouragement to save for retirement, something everyone ought to be doing anyway.

As a final note, at age 65, HSA money can be withdrawn for non-medical purposes without penalty. Though you will pay tax on the money, it works just like an IRA, so the tax rate is lower than for other types of income. That means that an HSA is probably a better safety net for most people than an IRA due the flexibility that an HSA offers.

How to Treat an HSA Like a Retirement Account

Start Early

The key to a successful HSA that will see an individual through retirement is to start early. An account that is allowed to grow relatively untouched, for an average of 20 years, will be worth a substantial amount of money after compound interest is considered. If you can find a job with an employer who contributes, especially early in your career, savings will accumulate even faster.

Use Other Accounts

There is no rule that says you must use HSA funds before you use other monies to pay for health care. If you can afford it, then you might be further ahead to pay for medical costs without using HSA funds. Then, the roll over from year to year will be greater and the compounding effect will be enhanced.

Don't Touch

Though it will be tempting, from time to time, to use HSA money for some large expense beyond health care, don't do it. The penalty for doing so is 20% over and above the tax you will pay by claiming the withdrawal as income. Leave the money where it is, unless you need it for health care.

Coming Out Ahead

If you start early and save diligently, an HSA could be the best retirement plan you invest in. Remember that HSA funds can be invested, so don't be afraid to go for mutual funds or other investments just as you would with other retirement income. Remember that you are investing in your health with this money, so treat it with the respect it deserves.

Ron Sheffer researches money matters in the healthcare industry. He often blogs about his insights to help people make smart decisions.

How To Make A Smooth Transition From Working To Retirement

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

The climb towards the top of the corporate ladder was long and winding. You have spent many years of your life working and gaining the respect of the people you work with. You have enjoyed the challenges and the rigors of your work and you have come to define your life in terms of the work that you do. Before you know it, time has flown too quickly and you are now on the cusp of starting your retirement years.

While there are many who welcome and embrace a more relaxed way of living, there are some who might feel apprehensive about starting retirement. If you are one of those who are anxious about leaving their finance jobs and other careers behind to begin another chapter in your life, there are several ways in which you can make a smooth transition from being a busy workhorse to a becoming a relaxed yet productive retired person.

Why do you need to make a smooth transition?

The question that many men and women have in their heads when they begin retirement is "Who am I now?" For the past years they have built their lives around their work, they have done the same routine, and they have built their sense of accomplishment around the feats that they have achieved in their jobs. Men and women who enter the stage of retirement should be careful about the possibility of going into depression.

Retired persons who suddenly find themselves with so much free time in their hands sometimes begin to question their purpose in life. While there are those who strive in a slower, more relaxed pace of living, you may find it quite challenging to deal with this change. You may find that you and your wife or your husband now have too much time together and you begin to irritate each other. You may begin to feel empty and powerless because of your new situation.

How do you deal with the negative aspects of entering retirement?

Slowing down from work does not mean that you have to become idle. The key is to keep on moving and to keep yourself busy with new hobbies. Have you always enjoyed cooking and baking but you never had the time to do it before because of your job? Now is the time to pick up that spatula and start whipping out a delicious dessert for the family. Have you always wanted to get into sports like running or cycling? It is never too late to pick up a new hobby or sport. There are many adult men and women out there who start living a healthier lifestyle when they reached retirement and it has done wonders for their health.

You may now realize that you have way too much time in your hands. You are not used to living without a certain structure and the change can be quite overwhelming. Now is the time for you to reach out to old friends and colleagues who you have probably ignored for the past few years because of your busy work schedule. Plan a trip with your old high school buddies. It could be a weekend of fishing down in the lake or it could be a cross-country adventure. Reconnecting with old friends is a great way for you to feel rejuvenated and to give you a renewed zest for life.

You may also want to start volunteering and becoming more active in your church or local communities. Many people who enter retirement start to have that urge to want to give something back. The best way for you to find a new sense of purpose in your life is to engage in community building activities. This is a great way for you to feel productive again, to meet new people and to be in the company of the young ones.

Yes, it is true that retiring from work can come with a lot of challenges. Embrace the journey and revel in everything positive that this new chapter in your life brings you.

Author Bio
Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he describes the transition from employment to retirement and aims to encourage further study with a business administration bachelor degree.

Playing Catch-Up on a Retirement Plan Over 50

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

People ask me all the time what is the best way to catch up on a retirement fund after a couple of decades of procrastination. Should start by paying off all debt, start putting all you can muster into a 401k, start heavily playing the lottery with crossed fingers? The answer is a combination of paying off debt and investing in low cost bond funds.

Paying off debt can be better than saving money.

Well, it can actually save you more money because of the obvious interest charges you are paying. You need at least 10 percent of your gross income saved, and a good way to do that is to pay down any debt with a high interest rate (that isn’t tax deductible). Paying off credit cards or car loans with annual percentage rate of 15 percent will give you a 15 percent return on every dollar you pay off. This is definitely the first thing you need to do when playing catch up.

It’s important to note that you MUST make it a point to live within your means, and perhaps a bit below them if you want to really save for the future. This calculator from NewRetirement is a good starting point that brings the future into the harsh light of day. It might be a good idea to downsize your living space; get a smaller house or a car that doesn’t require a monthly payment. Ask yourself if you really are okay with running out of money before you reach 75? 

Low cost bond funds

Once you have settled any high-interest, non-tax deductible debt (or if you miraculously didn’t have any) you need to catch up with a 401(k) plan. It would be ideal if your employer match at least some of your contributions, but even if they don’t this is a great way to save because of the tax-free savings aspect of the retirement fund.

Take a day or two out of your schedule and figure out which fund options your employer offers, and which are best for you to invest in. It’s best to choose the lowest cost bond funds and you can do so by comparing fund expense ratios, and choosing those with a ratio less than one percent. These investment firms will pass on the most return to investors by keeping costs down, and will make a difference in twenty years by the time you retire.

You may have lost sweet time for investments to compound and grow to their fullest potential in your procrastination, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. An investment will take 15 years to double at a five percent rate, and 18 years at a four percent rate. If you get going now, with the goal of contributing to the 401(k) the maximum amount you are allowed to add, you can have a nice chunk of money waiting for you when you retire.

Figure out your social security plan.

Full retirement age for those born between 1943 and 1954 is considered 66, and will replace some of your salary, but you will most likely need more income. The rate for the average wage earner is 42 percent, but it adjusts based on your specific income and whether your spouse should be expected to contribute as well (estimate your social security benefits here). You can maximize your monthly benefit by waiting to retire until you reach 70, which gives you a 32 percent higher benefit than “normal”.

You might be over 50, and you might be behind on your retirement plan for whatever reason. Hey, it’s going to be okay - life happens. You can start now and really improve your position in the next 15 to 20 years. Retire the way you want to, not the way you have to.

Louis Mack is a seasoned financial planner in San Francisco who specializes in retirement planning. He is a writer for NewRetirement.com and lover of the great outdoors.

Making a Move after Retirement

Now a day’s most of the retired people move to warm or low taxes areas like California and Belize. There are many people who ask the same questions repeatedly to themselves, should we move or not. Sometimes decision to move makes sense; however, it’s important to prepare for your retirement beforehand and move to somewhere else.

Here I have shared some tips to consider while moving to some other states or country.

Reasons:

If someone has decided to move after their retirement, there will be several reasons to move. The reason can be low taxes on houses, lower cost of living, small houses, less maintenance and more retirement benefits. There are many areas with a lot of benefits for retired people like Belize. They offer a wide range of benefits to people who have moved or are living in Belize after their retirement.

Some of the benefits are:

• Free from all receipts and income taxes
• Free from import duties
• Free from import duties on vehicles such as motor vehicles and boats
• Can start their own business within the Belize or outside the country

Who is eligible?

• You must be a citizen of US, UK , Canada or Belize
• People 45 or above are considered as retired
• Your monthly income should be at least $2000

Other reasons may include moving to an area with a better climate or to be closer to family, and to move to a smaller house -- perhaps a one-level home or one where others maintain the house.

There can be other reasons as well for moving such as being closer to friends and family. The climate can also be an important reason to move. Crime rate is another reason, which attracts many retirees due to the safety of their families.

Save Money:

After moving you can save money by avoiding expenses like yard care, snow removal and moving up and down stairs. Your own self can handle small problems or you can get some help from the internet where you can find everything within few minutes without paying a single penny.

Whenever you decide to move, make sure to get all the required information beforehand. If there are lower taxes, you can save that money as well and increase your deposited income.

If you move to small house then you’ll have less expenses and this will help you increase your income. By saving money, you will be able to start your own venture or invest in some business.

Important Note:

Naturally, taxes should be a consideration. Some states tax only a portion of retirement benefits, and others fully exclude retirement income from tax. Certain states include a portion of Social Security benefits in the calculation of taxable income. Therefore, although the state tax rate may be lower, if a larger amount of income is taxed, then the overall tax liability may be greater in one state than another.

Every state or country has their own policies regarding the taxes. Some states had many taxes which mean you can save too much money their but some states offer no taxes for retiree. If you are earning good then you can pay those taxes without any problem but It cause if you are not earning a good amount. Therefore, you have to be careful when moving to any state or country after your retirement.

As previously mentioned, a state with a lower cost of living will be more attractive to retirees, as long as it is not offset by reduced services, such as health care and safety.

Author Bio:

Stella Fin is a professional writer; currently she is writing for Serenity Paradise Retirement in Belize which is offering Land and Lots for sale in Belize near Corozal. Find Stella Fin on Twitter, Facebook and on Google+.