4 Reasons to Pursue Online Education in Retirement

E-learning short courses (Photo credit: London College of Fashion short courses)
Younger people have been privy to the benefits of online education for many years now, just because online developments tend to reach the "digitally native" set faster than others, who don't necessarily spend enormous amounts of time on the Internet. Online education is still in its relative infancy, but as it becomes popular, more and different types of people can benefit. Online education is especially well-suited for baby boomers for many reasons. Here are a few to consider:

1. You can continue learning from the comfort of your own home.

This is perhaps one of the best reasons for taking courses online. Many who have retired but want to pursue further education may sometimes feel uncomfortable or out-of-place learning alongside those who are much younger than you. With online courses, you can skip out on that tedious classroom environment altogether.

2. You can gain knowledge while honing your technology skills.

This is another great reason, particularly for baby boomers, who may not know their way around computers and the Internet as much as they would like. Online classes force you to become more adept at using computers through mere exposure.

3. It's much more economical than taking adult or continuing education classes.

Baby boomers are an intellectually curious bunch, as the popularity of adult and continuing education classes demonstrates. Having worked at a continuing education school offered at university before, I know that classes can often be very expensive. Courses online are substantially cheaper (sometimes free!) and much easier to register for.

4. All you need is a computer and Internet connection, so you can still take classes and travel.

Baby boomers are constantly traveling, so perhaps your concern about continuing your education is that you'd have to give up your wanderlust lifestyle. With online courses, the classroom essentially becomes anywhere you want it to be, as long as you have your laptop and access to the Internet. Some courses may require books, but almost all the information you need can be found online.

After retirement, continually challenging yourself is extremely important in keeping both your body and mind fit. Online classes offer an easy and affordable way to keep your mind still going. For more information about online classes, check out this AARP article on e-learning.

Author Bio:

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online colleges, online degrees etc. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

Top 7 tips for Evaluating a Health Insurance Policy

It can be difficult to navigate the maze of private medical insurance. In order to secure the best protection for you and your family it is important to be aware of a vast and ever-changing body of law and practice. It is no exaggeration to say that your financial and medical future depend on it. Here are seven tips to help you evaluate a health insurance policy.

 1. Take it seriously.

There is no way to over-estimate the impact these decisions have on you and your family. You may feel fine today, but it is a law of nature that someday you will not. It is then that your planning, or lack of planning, will show. Even though Americans can no longer be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, the moment of need is no time to worry about policies and money. You owe it to yourself to prepare, and if you do not you will certainly regret it.

2. Consider the doctors in the network.

Make certain that they are accessible and competent. Look for reviews online. If you have a doctor who you are dedicated to but is not in the network be sure to budget extra funds.

3. Check the co-pay against the premium.

A low co-pay is wonderful thing but not at the price of a high premium. Take a guess at your average yearly medical expenditure and see how it works out with that plan. If you rarely visit the doctor it makes more sense to pick a plan with a low premium and save a little money for emergencies.

4. Comparison shop.

The only way to be sure you get the best is to know what is out there.

5. Look for details.

There's more to health than emergency care. Don't forget eyes, teeth, or maternity; all things commonly left out of plans.

6. Check the plan for changes.

Health care law and insurance policy change every day. Even if you are using the same provider as last year, check the fine print and make sure it is the same plan.

7. Trust your instincts.

If you see a lot of things in a policy that raise warning flags, heed them. If a contract has one thing that you find unethical, it's a good bet that there are others that you have not seen yet. In a very real sense you are putting your life in their hands. Do not do business with agencies that you do not trust.



Eddie Adams is a Content writer with an interest in topics relating to health, cosmetic dentistry, tourism and green living. You can follow him @thefreshhealth on Twitter :-)

What is Professional Liability Insurance?

                            (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If your an independent contractor you have probably already purchased many different kinds of insurance like health insurance, business insurance, and other insurance products. But have you given thought to the need for professional liability insurance which will protect you if a customer sues you for how you did or didn't fulfill your professional obligations. This kind of insurance is also called how you did or didn’t fulfill your professional obligations. This kind of insurance is often forgotten because many professionals think that their general liability coverage policy is enough to protect them from client lawsuits.

As with liability insurance, proliability insurance is there to protect your financial resources in the event of a customer lawsuit. Many companies that hire you sometimes require this kind of insurance as a general policy. A lot of 1099 sub-contractors are finding that the requirements to carry professional liability insurance are increasing because of the demands of clients. 

The services rendered today by independent contractors are increasing in complexity. Projects that you could be working on may interface with multi-million dollar infrastructures that could be damaged by your interaction, through no fault of your own. Having the right protection is a necessity in today's business world.  If your in the IT or tech industry you are especially vulnerable because of the complexity of the businesses your customers have. 

There can be instances where a client is just dissatisfied or claiming that you have not fulfilled your contract, even though you have. An angry client can easily bring a lawsuit on you and fighting the undeserved suit will waste your time and money. Having someone on your side is where professional liability insurance comes through.

Consumer Confidence Returning To Payment Protection Insurance

 (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Many consumers are still coping with the problems caused by the mis sold payment protection insurance policies. Naturally consumers are still distrustful of protection policies. But now negativity of the protection products is starting to wane and consumer confidence is returning.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has reported nearly £2 billion in redress has been paid back to PPI customers in 2011. Much of this has been because of the help to consumers from PPI claims companies.

The problems surrounding payment protection insurance are not because of the quality of the product but because of the way it was sold. PPI is a very helpful product to have because it protects you should you find yourself unable to work because of illness or accident. With its protection you will still be able to meet your credit card and loan payments.

Consumers realize that protection of this kind is needed because unforeseen circumstances due arise. Making preparations for illness or loss of job is on the minds of workers who have the responsibility of a family. The past problems of the mis-sold payment protection insurance is still a concern but help from ppi claims companies have alleviated much of the worry with their help in redress paid back to consumers.

The consumer has learned to question the products being sold at their banks and not just take them at their word. With this attitude, customers should benefit from more beneficial financial products.