Using Your Car for Your Small Business: Implications on your Taxes

There are all kinds of rules and regulations when it comes to deducting expenses for business vehicles on your taxes. But let's assume that you're not the CEO of a large corporation with a fleet of company vehicles. 

You're a small business owner using your personal vehicle for business purposes, and you want to know what kinds of deductions you're entitled to. If you keep accurate records of your mileage and auto repairs, this can be one of the biggest business deductions you make, and you're entitled to it even if you don't use the car for business a hundred percent of the time. How do you do the math? There are some important things to consider before you write off vehicle expenses which can help you get the maximum amount of money back, as well as make the process easier in the future.

1. The Standard Mileage Rate

There are two ways to deduct business vehicle mileage on your tax return. You can go with the standard mileage rate, which varies from year to year - it's 56.5 cents a gallon for 2013. You might think this amount is rather high, and it is, because choosing the standard mileage rate means you won't make separate deductions for vehicle repairs, insurance. or depreciation. It's all included in that standard rate. 

The standard rate is preferable for most average, economical cars, and it's important to remember that you must choose the standard rate the first year you use your car for business or you'll be forced to deduct that car using the actual expense method on all future tax returns. 

After the first year, you can switch back and forth between the methods, depending on how much your vehicle expenses are during the year. Most people prefer the standard mileage rate because it's much easier and only requires you to keep track of your mileage, not every cost you incur in relation to your car. If you drive a relatively affordable vehicle, it will more than cover the cost.

2. The Actual Expense Method

There are many reasons why a business owner might choose to deduct their vehicle expenses using the actual expense method rather than the standard rate. The most common reason is the fuel economy of your car. If you drive an SUV or van for your business, the standard rate might actually afford you much less money than what you truly spent on gas and repairs. Another reason is if your vehicle went through a lot of wear and tear that year and you want to deduct more money for repairs and depreciation than usual. 

Also, cars for hire services like limo or taxi companies must use this method every year. Whatever the reason, filing with the actual expense method will require a lot more math and a lot more records. You may need the help of a good accountant to go through your receipts and decide the right amount of money to claim for mileage, depreciation, mechanical work, insurance, and registration fees. Most people don't deduct actual expenses every year unless they drive an unusually large or expensive vehicle, but you might need to use it for certain years, depending on your circumstances.

3. Determining Your Business Percentage

If you have a car that you only use for business part of the time, finding out how much your deduction is can be a simple equation. You must keep track of your business miles throughout the year, and then multiply that by the standard mileage rate. To get the percentage of time you used your car for business, multiply the business miles by the actual miles. 

Some people think they can get away with claiming 100 percent of their vehicle use as business use, but the IRS can usually spot the difference. If you are audited, only an accurate mileage log will allow you to keep your deductions, including how much you spent on gas, for people filing using actual expenses. And only true business travel counts towards your business percentage, not commuting to an office, and not driving around with your company's phone number on your window. Making deliveries, meeting with clients, and even going to the post office can be considered business trips.

Figuring out business vehicle expenses can be a tricky business, which is why many small business owners need an accounting service to help them with this and other business aspects of their taxes. But once you get a handle on what you can write off and how, you might find that there are many rewards during tax season for small business, and deducting the cost of driving is one of the biggest. It's good to know the government can give you the help you need when you're trying to make your mark on the market.

Author Amy Thomson blogs for Monkey.co.uk. Check out her other articles at You can follow her on Twitter @VroomVroomAmy.

Practical Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong After 50

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), divorces among people over the age of 50 have doubled since 1990. There are many reasons why the rates have skyrocketed, and understanding these reasons is one way to help maximize the divorce triggers. In addition to that, here are other practical tips for a happy marriage even until after your golden years.

Talk about it

One reason for failed marriages is avoiding issues rather than addressing them. Couples should get things out in the open and take time to talk to each other about anything that may be bothering them. If you think conversations like these will turn into shouting matches, you can always bring in someone else to serve as a mediator.

Laugh and smile

Humor plays a vital role in relationships, especially in long-term commitment. As you grow older, laughing and smiling are great ways to dissolve a heated situation. Instead of pointing the blame on each other, focus on laughing at mistakes. You can make fun of yourselves to resolve an issue and not take things too seriously. Laughter is the best medicine, right?

Practice selflessness

In some instances, all that is needed is a selfless act to rekindle a relationship. This little act of kindness goes to show how much you care for your partner. Remember, being selfless doesn’t mean losing yourself. Instead, it relieves moments from your younger days, when care was easier to express.

Spend time apart

When you retire, you and your spouse find spending hours and hours in each other’s company. While being physically together is beneficial, too much time together can also lead to feelings of suffocation. You may feel that you are no longer the same person. You can remedy this by doing things on your own, whether engaging in a new hobby without your spouse or spending time with friends. Short periods of separation can make the married couple's’ time together more meaningful.

Act like you’re dating

After many years of marriage, you often become less romantic with your partner. You may tend to forget the little details that made a relationship fun in the early years of being together. The sweet surprises, love notes, and flowers may slowly melt away after being together for some time. Now, in your 50s, make an effort to go on dates, exchange love notes and talk about what you love about each other. Cuddling, hugging, holding hands, and kissing is also a great way to show affection

Renew your wedding vows

Let’s face it. After 30 years of marriage, your wedding may only be a faint memory. To bring back the same passion you’ve felt during your wedding day, renewing your vows may be a great idea. You don’t need to spend so much like you did the first time, too. There are many resorts that offer all-inclusive vow renewal packages that are easy on the budget.

With the tips mentioned above, you can continuously enjoy a happy marriage and stay away from thoughts of divorce and separation.

About the author: Melissa Page is a professional writer based in San Diego, California. She writes about relationships and health on her group blog, Word Baristas. When she’s not writing, she’s bowling with her friends.

When Is It Worth it to Refinance Your Car? 4 Situations You Need to Consider Today

When it comes to getting your newly refinanced car loan, it is usually rather difficult to time these kinds of things perfectly. Having said that, there are still certain situations when it would definitely make sense for you to put yourself into a new car loan. You need to know when these situations arise because you will only get a certain amount of time to take advantage of them. Here are four different situations where refinancing your car loan could definitely make sense for your financial future. 

Interest Rates Have Gone Down

Any time interest rates go down, you should usually think about refinancing your car loan. Even if there is only a slight difference in the current interest rates when compared to the interest rates of the past, it is important to realize that the smallest difference can mean everything over the long term. If you are someone who is locked into a long term car loan, then you should always be on the lookout for a lower rate of interest.

An Improved Credit Score

An improved credit report is not really something that should catch you off guard. The fact of the matter is that you will have a higher credit score when you are able to pay off your debt and pay your bills on time. If you have been rather financially responsible over the past few months, then you may want to see if there has been an improvement in your credit score. Even a small improvement in your credit score can have a dramatic impact on your available interest rate.

You Didn't Shop Around

Whether you are trying to get the best car loan or trying to find California car insurance quotes from Worldclimate, it is important to remember that it always makes sense to shop around. If you did not take the time to wait for the best rate of interest when you were getting your new car, then you may want to backtrack a bit and do your shopping around now. Even if you think you got the best deal that you would be able to get, it still makes sense to take a look at what kinds of other offers are available right now.

Go Long Term

One last situation where it could make sense to refinance your car loan is if you need to lower your monthly payments. If you have found yourself in a situation where you cannot make your monthly payments, then lengthening your loan may be your only option.

4 Considerations to Make Before Financing Your Car

Buying your first car is a scary thing, actually buying any car is scary regardless of what number it is. Dealerships and lenders can also use jargon that you don't know. Consider these 4 factors before financing your car to make sure you get a good deal on a vehicle that meets your needs.

Know How Much Money You Can Spend

As a recent retiree or if your career is coming to an end, you probably have a lot of money for a down payment but don’t want to put your lifestyle at risk. That means you'll have the money for the down payment while leaving your investments in tact.

It's essential that you make a budget that tells you exactly how much money you can afford to spend on your vehicle. A good budget will include expenses and savings. Some items to put in your budget include your: 

• rent or mortgage payment 
• auto insurance 
• health insurance 
• food 
• entertainment 

You should also set aside at least ten percent of your earnings for retirement savings.

Once you have made your budget, you should know how much room you have for your monthly car payment. Don't exceed this amount. If you do, you'll have to reduce your spending in another area. That can make life difficult and less enjoyable.

Understand How Interest Increases Your Overall Car Payment

If you don't have an extensive credit history, then you might only qualify for a sub-prime loan. That means you'll pay higher interest than someone with a good credit score. This should influence how you see car prices.

Let's say you don't want to spend more than $15,000 on your car. If you qualify for a 5 percent loan with five-year term, then you should include the interest when comparing prices. A car priced at $15,000 will actually cost you close to $17,000 after you calculate interest.

That means you should look at cars with lower sticker prices or find a better interest rate. If you buy a car worth $13,500 with 4 percent interest, then you will spend a little under $15,000 over five years.

Explore Your Financing Options

Just because one dealership wants to give you a sub-prime loan doesn't mean that you can't get a better deal elsewhere. Your education and income prospects could qualify you for Lexus financing with an excellent interest rate. Then you can buy the car of your dreams without going over your budget.

Think About How Long You Plan to Keep the Car

$15,000 might fit into your five-year budget, but what if you plan to drive the car longer than that? Even pre-owned cars should last longer than five years.

Some people decide to budget more money to their car purchases because they know that they will eventually pay off the loan. If you drive the car for 10 years, then you could probably afford to spend $20,000 instead of $15,000.

If you know that you'll want to buy another car in five years, though, you should stick to what you know you can afford during the foreseeable future.

What other factors should buyers consider when they look into their financing options?

5 Marketing Tactics Your Business Hasn't Utilized

When your business wants to stand out, having a unique marketing strategy can help. Appealing to your niche of customers in untapped forums is essential for selling more products and services. By thinking outside of the box and using promotional products to enhance your business's image, you can connect with a large audience of customers. Here are some marketing tactics that any business can consider to improve the way that it connects with customers on a daily basis.

1. Give out promotional products at trade shows.

Trade shows are an excellent way to promote a business because they attract a targeted audience who may become clients because they’re interested in what you have to offer. Clients will typically go to trade shows to learn more about a business's products before they make the leap into investing in its products. By handing out promotional products with your contact information at trade shows, a business can distinguish itself from the hundreds of other businesses featured at trade shows and encourage prospects to hold onto their “business cards.”

2. Use Pinterest to host promotions.

Pinterest has already taken the business world by storm as a new social media marketing tool, but few businesses are using it apart from placing images of products online. A business can use Pinterest to actually host promotions and give away promotional products. Using Pinterest in this way can cause a spiral effect amongst customers and encourage them to also re-pin images for a business.

3. Host a Twitter feed contest.

Any business should also try hosting a Twitter feed contest with promotional products. The individual who tweets the most about a business can receive promotional rally towels, pens, totes or whatever is most appropriate for your audience. There is an endless list of promotional products that a business can use as a reward for the winner of a Twitter feed contest.

4. Post updates on Facebook.

It is also important for businesses to keep in touch with customers through a forum like Facebook. Facebook gives businesses the opportunity to post news updates about the latest products that a business has to offer. Businesses can take advantage of an excellent opportunity to get to know a customer base on Facebook.

5. Sending e-mail newsletters to clients.

In an e-mail newsletter, a business can inform customers about the latest promotions being hosted by a company. Businesses can inform customers about promo items, new products, or special sales on products and services.

Any business can improve the way that it markets itself to customers. With these marketing tactics, a business can easily get in touch with clients and develop a favorable reputation in the community.

Ways You Can Save Some Extra Pennies Monthly Around The Home

The country's financial situation is an accurate reflection of the kind of position the average American is in. Jobs are scarce, money is tight, and the expenses just keep rolling in. As a result, people have begun reaching for any possible way to save a few extra dollars every month. This can be hard at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes to find other ways to cut costs. Bills like utilities and insurance are pretty inflexible, so it's not wise to start looking here. It's better to analyze the budget you've set for more variable aspects like groceries and household supplies. Here are some tips that can save you some extra pennies around the house.

Re-Use It

During the course of their day, people throw out many potentially useful things. By identifying these and diverting them to other purposes, you could save a lot of money. The bags you put your produce in at the store can usually be re-used for anything else that requires a bag, such as snacks and leftovers. Plastic and paper grocery sacks make excellent liners for small trash cans and are completely free. Even wet paper towels can be left to dry and used again. The more substitutes you can make and the further you can stretch the products you buy, the greater your savings will be.

Be Your Own Salon

Going to a barber or stylist means you get the benefits of the skill without having to invest the time, but it can cost hundreds of dollars each month to maintain. You're much better off if you opt to do your own hair and shave. All you need is a good pair of scissors, a hair trimmer and a quality shaving kit from The Art of Shaving. Once you develop skill, there's even potential to sell your services to others.

Have A Vegetarian Day

Nobody can deny that meat is expensive. Taking one day each week where you restrict your animal protein intake to eggs and dairy will shave a tidy sum off of your grocery bill. It's even better if you can do this with one meal each day in addition to an all-vegetarian day.

Cook From Scratch

Heat-and-eat foods are convenient, but they're also phenomenally expensive. When you compare an equal serving of the same food made from scratch, you actually end up paying several times more for the pre-packaged one. Besides being cheaper, meals made from scratch also be healthier and more nutritious, which makes you feel better overall. With the right utensils and recipes, cooking wholesome and inexpensive meals is something even the busiest people can do.

Use Rags

Paper towels are another expense that can hit your wallet hard. They're great for mopping up messes, but you end up feeling like you're cleaning with dollar bills. An effective alternative is to use rags for anything that doesn't absolutely require a paper towel. Since they can be rinsed and washed, there's no waste. Plus, you can use either your worn-out washcloths or bits cut from old t-shirts to make effective and free cleaning rags. This also works as a replacement for disposable dish sponges.

Travel Nurses A Unique Specialty In A Medical Career

Travel nursing is a concept in the field of nursing that came about as a remedy to the shortage of nurses across various health institutions. What happens is that some segments of the medical sector sometimes provide nurses who are able to travel and work in various places that require them to fill temporary nursing positions. The nurses charged with these kinds of duties are the ones referred to as travel nurses. The nursing positions they go to fill are mostly in hospitals that are outside the area in which they work or reside. Despite the fact that the term travel nursing is regularly associated specifically with the nursing profession, the term is also used to refer to a wide range of healthcare positions, which could include physical therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, dentists or even doctors.

The requirements for travel nurses to meet include; they must have a minimum of 1 year of experience with a year being preferred in their particular specialty. They must also have a license in the state of which they have employment in. The states board of nursing usually grants this.

Travel nurses may at times receive some level of orientation when they reach the new hospitals that they are to work in, it is however minimal and in most cases, they receive no orientation at all. Travel nurses are required to have a high level of experience and knowledge. They are required to have the mental and physical capability to deal and adapt with their new environments while still being able to perform their duties.

Travel nurses play a crucial role and especially in hospitals where their expertises are in need. They help to offer services to patients who would have to wait in long queues or even days if they were not there. Their need and role cannot be underestimated in the medical sector.

Wine Market Tracker Liv-ex: Why is Wine Considered a Golden Investment?

For centuries, pure gold was considered the finest and most secure investment asset. Nevertheless, things are slowly changing, and today’s most fierce competitor of gold investments is fine wine. Wines are an extremely popular investment option, and giving the current market situation and selling prices, they make a fabulous asset, nearly as profitable as gold. 

Liv-ex - the wine market tracker, has analyzed the selling and buying prices from the last decade, and discovered that the costs of fine wines have doubled during the last five years. What’s even more surprising is that they’ve not been affected at all by the economic crisis. Because of this, investing in fine wines is an extremely smart move, this being one of the steadiest, most secure, and profitable forms of investment.

People seem to be enthusiastic about investing in fine wines, are we’re not talking here about business people or experts in the business; we’re talking about ordinary people, seniors and retired persons who want to invest and stay busy. 

Fine wine is the new gold

Fine wine investments have managed to invade the market. Their prices are continuously rising, they taste deliciously, and there’s even more to come. The Wine Investment Fund assumes that the Liv-ex figures will continue to rise by the end of the year. Giving all these things, you may be wondering what makes wine such a profitable investment, and such a highly-demanded asset. Wine becomes more appealing when people are found in a relatively uncertain economic situation, and when they’re reluctant to investing their money in something that may be doomed to failure.

Government officials are putting cash into the economy from all over the world, in an attempt to boost inflation which has been rising for quite a while now, and it seems to be the main reason why worldwide investors are eager to put their funds in fine wine. The best part is that this trend is global, and it does not involve just a small group of countries. For instance, exports of Wines of South Africa, or WOSA, increased with 25%, in comparison with the previous year, counting as much as 469 liters at the end of April. 

Furthermore, if you’re curious to know from where the demand is coming from, you should know that the answer is Asia. According to Investor Ideas, Asian demand is so huge that the Treasury Wines Estates Ltd expects China to exceed the United States in the near future, and turn into the biggest and most important wine manufacturer on the globe.

Considering all these things, you’ll probably understand what determined wines to become such a precious asset. What’s even more interesting is that over the years there have appeared all sorts of permutations from the basic model of wine investment, and among the most fascinating alternatives is the fund that invests in wine-related estates, instead of classic fine wines. For instance, a notorious example in this case is the Blue Chip Winery Fund, settled in the Bahamas, and which makes use of its investment to acquire stakes in a myriad of wineries, and vineyards in various places from Canada and Europe. This is a really interesting alternative, suitable for all those who are attracted by the profitability of wine investments, but not by the liquor itself.

Investing in win should be done cautiously

In spite of the fact that the wine investment industry is doing extremely well, you should not assume that there are no pitfalls, and that everything is perfect. In reality, there are some areas where the market has cooled down lately, and the perfect example is the Vintage Wine Fund, which used to possess over $100 million in assets, and is now preparing to go bankrupt, because of a disappointing performance.

Investors must not be let down because wine investments, just like any other industry, has its ups and downs. The good news is that fine wines are considered one of the most secure and profitable investments that come along with a plethora of options to choose from. Retired persons should looking to invest should spend some more time to know the business. With the help of a wine expert, you should be able to succeed in the business and reap great benefits.

Author Bio: Jason Phillips is an investment advisor at wineinvestment.com. He advises people about the latest trends and how to invest in wine market. He is a skillful content writer as well with hobbies like playing soccer and rugby.

Five Reasons Pet Insurance Isn't as Silly as it Sounds

Photo by Shannon Richards on Unsplash

According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are 164 million in-house pets in the United States. Keep in mind that this number may be underestimated. The Associated Press tells us, through information gathered via a survey, that 41 percent of pet owners are at least somewhat worried that they wouldn't be able to afford medical bills for a sick or injured animal. 

Learn More: Adopt A Pet Ultimate Guide

Are you one of those pet owners? For you, pet insurance may not be as silly as it sounds. Here are just five reasons to consider taking out an insurance policy for your furry companion:

1.Vets are Expensive

Unfortunately, there's no getting around the fact that vet care is expensive. Many people, in fact, think it's too expensive. Before you balk at your next vet bill, take a moment to consider how much that bill would have been if a human had been treated. 



Veterinarians receive more training than their human physician counterparts, and are required to have a wider range of knowledge. When is the last time you walked out of your doctor's office for less than a few hundred dollars?

A routine appointment that includes vaccinations will cost you between $100 and $250 on average, depending on where you live. Paying this for one pet, once a year is not a deal breaker. But what if your pet is involved in an accident are falls seriously ill? Your vet bill can easily climb into the thousands.

2.Policies Start Immediately

Photo by Álvaro Niño on Unsplash

Most pet insurance policies kick in immediately. Some have a waiting period of five to ten days. It's not uncommon for people to tell you to put the money that you would pay for your premiums into a savings account for your pet. 

This makes sense on the surface but what if your pet is hit by a car next week and needs life-saving care? That savings account you started isn't going to pay for you to walk through your vet's door. On the other hand, if you had purchased a policy, you would have the money to pay for the care your pet needs.

3.Veterinary Medicine is Changing

Even a decade ago, veterinarians had limited tools in their belt with which to treat your pet. Today, veterinarian's can perform laser surgery, endoscopy, alternative therapies, physical therapies, and chemotherapy. Your grandparents, and even your parents, had very limited options when it came to treating their pets for major illnesses and serious injuries. 

Unlike the previous generations, we have an incredible array of options when it comes to the care of our animals. It's no longer necessary to automatically have your pet euthanized after a traumatic event. 

4.A Pet's Life is Dangerous

Every pet owner thinks that they take fantastic care of their pets, and most do. No matter how well pets are taken care of, life is wrought with dangers for curious pets. Dogs get out of gates, cats push through screens, and pets wander into the road. 

Dogs eat underpants, cats eat thread, and your pet could easily break a leg running down the steps. Don't let the excellent care that you provide for your pet prevent you from purchasing pet insurance. Accidents happen and pets can surprise us. 

Photo by Adam Grabek on Unsplash

The dog that hasn't done anything "bad" for seven years could all of a sudden swallow a tennis ball. Your cat that has urinated without issue for many years can suddenly become blocked. With pet insurance, you can be certain that you'll have the means to save your pet's life.

5.You Have Choices

The first pet insurance policy in the United States was issued in the 80's to the popular television dog Lassie. Since then, pet insurance has turned into a fierce competition. That competition translates into a variety of choices for the consumer. 

You can find a company that provides the type of coverages and deductibles that are right for you and your financial situation. Do you want a policy that includes routine care and dental cleanings? 

You can find it. Do you only want coverage for accidents and major illnesses? You can find that, too. Thousands of people have been able to bring their pets home from the vet thanks to their insurance policy. 

Don't put yourself in the situation of having to decide whether to treat your dog or cat or have it humanely euthanized. Pet insurance guarantees that you have the funds available to provide life-saving treatment for your beloved animal.

What’s Your Exit?

Nearing retirement age as a business owner can be a stressful time filled with questions and concerns for the future of your company — and yourself — going forward. Many issues may seem to come out of nowhere, and at times it may be difficult to imagine actually moving forward with your plan to retire.

This is where a solid exit strategy comes into play. If you don’t have one, there’s no time to waste. Some business owners come up with their strategy while drafting their original business plan. But, a solid strategy can be put into place later in the game as well.

Think through the following questions when putting together your exit strategy, and talk to an exit planning professional or business lawyer to be sure your strategy will work out in the long run.

Who Will Take Over?

One of the most important aspects of a solid, successful exit strategy is figuring out who will take your place upon your exit. This is critical for the future of your business. Will it be a family member, one of your kids? What about a partner who’s been in the business for a long time? Or are you looking to sell to an outside investor?

Considering your plan for moving forward must include serious thought about who will take over and whether or not they’ll be capable of carrying out the goals you have for your business. Put some time into this as the rest of your exit strategy may depend on it.

What’s Your Goal?

Once you’ve decided who will take over, think about yourself. Where do you see yourself living out your retirement, Lititz, Pennsylvania or Los Angeles, California? Your choice of residence determines the amount you’ll need to have set aside. Don’t forget to consider taxes.

What about the lifestyle you hope to live? Would you prefer a simple, laid back retirement or a luxurious retirement traveling the globe? If applicable, consider your spouse and his or her savings, pensions and retirement plans. Will he or she be able to contribute to your retirement plan or will the entire plan rely on your savings?

By taking an honest look at the lifestyle you hope to live following your business exit, you’ll be better equipped to plan for the finances required to make that dream a reality.

Will You Remain Involved?

Are you prepared to cut all involvement from your company, leaving it completely in the hands of someone else? Or, do you see yourself sitting on the board, or even working part-time? If so, for how long?

One of the most important parts of an exit plan is taking an honest look at your goals. If you’d like to totally cut ties with the business, that’s fine; just decide that up-front and build your plan around that goal.

The choices you make now, prior to retirement, are critical and will cut down on the confusion as the time draws nearer. Answer the questions above and start considering your exit strategy today.

5 Home Improvement Ideas To Help You Retire In Style

You have waited for 40 long working years for this day. Now it is here. The golden retirement years are upon you. You have finished your last day of work. Your co-workers have thrown a party for you, complete with cake with black icing so you all can go home looking like your teeth are falling out. Now what do you do?

The first job to tackle is home improvement. You are not getting any younger. That is apparent. Therefore, time is of the essence. Your home needs some improvements in order for you to actually have a relaxing retirement. Here are a few changes you can make to keep your home stylish while you age comfortably in your retirement years.

1. Remodel the Bathroom

As you age, you may be plagued with arthritis. It would be a good idea to redo that tiny bathroom to make it more conducive to your body. Expand the room, if possible. There may be a wheelchair in your future, so be ready for it. Add grab bars to the shower, bath tub and by the toilet.

2. Add an Exercise Room

If you have an extra bedroom that you do not need, an exercise room would be a great addition. As we age, our bones become weaker. With weight bearing exercises, you can gain back some of that bone mass with daily exercise. A home gym would do the trick.

3. Landscaping

With retirement comes travel. Less time for yard work. A good landscaper can show you how to redo your lawn to eliminate some of that work. Replacing mulch with rock will eliminate yearly re-mulching. Add bushes and trees that tend to themselves and do not require constant trimming.

4. Add a Spa

You may be feeling your age already. Imagine how nice a spa would be? Customize a spa or hot tub for your back yard and feel those aches and pains diminish as the hot water swirls around you. Imagine relaxing in your spa with a good book to while away your time.

5. Patio

A beautiful refurbished patio surrounding your new customized spa will add to the ambiance of your hot tub experience. Your guests will love it as well.

Retirement is a time for fun, relaxing and enjoying your home. With these improvements, you will be well on your way to your golden years of relaxation.