Common Problems with Inherited Homes

According to an article called "Inheriting Trouble" in the March, 2016 issue of the ARRP Bulletin, the Baby Boomer generation is expected to inherit $8.4 trillion.  Much of that will be in the form of real estate, often the parents' primary or vacation homes.

Whenever property is left to two or more adult children, it often brings grudges and resentments between the siblings out into the open. Long simmering jealousies can surface and cause conflict after you die.  According to John Pankauski, author of Pankauski's Probate Litigation Guide: Top 10 Probate Mistakes Revealed, "You never really know someone until you share an inheritance with them."

Other experts point out that the family dynamics change after Mom and Dad pass away.  While the family may have gotten along while the parents were around, old jealousies may re-emerge, according to David Fry, the co-author of Saving the Family Cottage.  This can cause estrangements and lawsuits that present difficulties for years.

The two books mentioned above will help you avoid some of the problems that can arise when passing on a family home.

Guidelines to Avoid Probate Problems When Inheriting a House

*  Ideally, there should be a family discussion about the property before the parents pass away.  Everyone needs to discuss their expectations.  There needs to be clear, direct communication between members of the family.

*  Mom and Dad need to accept that their children may not want to hold onto the family home.

*  Once the parents are deceased, the siblings who inherit the property together need to meet and decide if they want to sell or keep the property.

*  If some of the heirs want to keep the home and one or more of the others do not, decide how the value of the property will be determined.  Will there be an independent appraisal? Will the other siblings buy out the ones who decide to opt out by paying them a full, prorated share of the entire property's value, or will there be a discount put on the value?  How will the payoff be made ... in a one-time cash payment or spread out over several years?

*  For those siblings who decide to keep the property, the heirs should draw up a legal agreement with an attorney.  It can be a joint ownership agreement, a trust or a limited liability company.

*  In the case of family vacation homes, management decisions need to be put in writing, including how the property can be used and how expenses will be paid.  For example, will it be rented out part of the year, or be available only to members of the family?  How many weeks of the year will each heir and their family be allowed to use the home?  Will there be special times of year when the entire family gets together at the property ... such as the Christmas holidays?  Who will take care of regular upkeep and lawn maintenance?  Will there be a fund set up that everyone pays into to handle regular maintenance?  Will there be periodic special "assessments" to handle expensive repairs such as painting or replacing a roof or air conditioning system?  Can everyone afford to pay their fair share?

*  The family needs to agree on basic rules about how the vacation house will be used, including how clean the home should be left when each family leaves, should sheets be changed and beds remade, whether smoking is allowed, if non-family will be allowed to use the property and who will pay for damages.

*  The ownership agreement should also set forth how the property can be passed on to future generations.  For example, if one sibling dies, will their share be divided between their adult children?  What happens if they cannot afford to cover their share of expenses? Or, will the original heirs buy out their nieces and nephews, should one of the siblings die?

What If One of the Children is Already Living with Mom or Dad?

When one of the heirs has been living in the home with the parents at the time of their death, this can create special problems.  Their siblings may not want to kick them out of the house, but the person who is now living alone in the house may not be able to afford to pay their fair share of the expenses involved in maintaining the home.

On the other hand, the heir who is living in the home may be perfectly happy and capable of staying there, but the other siblings may feel disinherited.  They may want to be able to either use the house themselves, or sell it and get the cash.  Either way, the parents should make it clear what is to happen with the home after they die.

Should You Put One Child's Name on the Deed?

According to experts, the worst decision you could make may be to put the name of one of your children on the deed.  That is because the house will automatically become the property of that child.  You may hope that your child will be fair with their siblings, but that does not always happen.  This can cause tremendous conflict between your children.

The exception to this would be if the house then becomes the inheritance of that child and the other children are left a substantially equal share of other assets ... such as stocks or retirement accounts.

If you are leaving real estate property to your heirs when you die, it may be a good idea to read one of the books below.



Want to learn more about retirement planning, where to retire in the U.S. and abroad, medical issues, family relationships and more? Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

2016 Social Security Increase Ridiculously Low

UPDATED Oct. 19, 2016:  In 2017, Social Security recipients will receive a absurdly tiny increase in their benefits, based on government projections released on June 22, 2016.  The 2017 cost-of-living increase is estimated to be only 0.3 percent.  That is going to be just a few coins for most people. It works out to about $3 for every $1000 beneficiaries currently receive in Social Security benefits.  The average recipient will receive approximately $4 extra a month.  Most senior citizens who rely heavily on Social Security to cover their retirement expenses agree that their expenses have increased much more than $4 a month over the past couple of years ... which is how long it has been since they received any raise at all.

At the beginning of 2016, Social Security recipients did not get any increase in their benefits.  However, millions of Medicare beneficiaries who pay their premiums by check, usually because they do not yet collect Social Security or they participate in an alternate retirement program such as state teacher retirement, saw their premiums rise.

2017 Medicare Premiums Could Rise for Millions

Retirees who are not receiving Social Security, because they either have not filed yet or because they participate in an alternative retirement program such as a State Teacher's Retirement plan, could also see their Medicare premiums increase in 2017.  It is estimated that the Medicare Part B in 2017 will be $149, up from 2016's rate of $121.80 and 2015's rate of $104.90.  This will affect about 30 percent of all Medicare recipients.

Current law protects people from getting a Medicare increase that exceeds their Social Security increase unless they are new to Medicare or they pay their Medicare premium by check ... which is the case for millions of people on non-Social Security retirement plans.

This means that in future years, if Social Security premiums increase by more than a couple of dollars, a large increase in Medicare premiums could eat up all or most of the raise.

Congress Continues to Fail to Address Social Security and Medicare Shortfalls

In addition to the ridiculously low increase in Social Security benefits and rising Medicare rates, Congress has continued to fail to resolve shortfalls in these programs, despite the fact they are absolutely essential to the lives of the vast majority of retirees.

The government currently estimates that the trust fund that helps bolster Social Security benefits will run out of money by 2034; the trust fund that helps support Medicare benefits will run out in 2028.  In the case of Medicare, this is two years sooner than previous estimates.

When the trust funds run out, the programs can continue to operate, but at only 75 to 85 percent of their current levels, which could mean cuts in benefits for retirees.

According to the U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, "reform will be needed and Congress should not wait until the eleventh hour to address the fiscal challenges, given that they represent the cornerstone of economic security for seniors in our country."

Final Numbers Not Yet Confirmed

It is possible that the 0.3 percent 2017 Social Security increase and/or the increase in Medicare premiums could be altered slightly when the final decisions are made in the fall of 2016.  Last year, Congress did vote to decrease the initial projected increase in Medicare premium rates.  However, there is no guarantee that will happen.

Learn More About How to Maximize Your Benefits

If you are planning your retirement, you will want to do whatever you can to maximize your benefits.  The Amazon books available for sale below can help you get the most out of your retirement.



If you are interested in learning more about Social Security, Medicare, financial planning, common medical issues, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Finding Help for Caregivers

According to AARP, approximately 40 million Americans perform the role of caregiver for someone in their family.  Although the typical caregiver is a 49 year old woman, the truth is that more and more men are starting to fill this function in their families.  In addition, about one-fourth of caregivers are young adults between the ages of 18 and 34.  Many Baby Boomers have found themselves in the "sandwich generation."  They are still raising their own children while caring for an aging parent.

The Demands on Caregivers are Becoming More Intense

While the vast majority of ill, disabled or mentally incompetent people have always been cared for by family members, the demands now seem to be greater than ever, putting more stress on families who are caring for someone who cannot fully take care of themselves.

First, insurance companies encourage hospitals to discharge patients sooner, in an effort to save money.  This means that caregivers may have to do more than just feed, dress and bathe their loved ones.  They may also be required to perform traditional nursing duties such as giving injections or inserting catheters. Unfortunately, they may be expected to do these things with little or no training.

In addition, although people are living longer than ever before, they may not be able to take care of their own needs during the last few years of their lives.  Caregivers may be required to take care of a loved one for as much as five or ten years ... which can add a great deal of stress to the job, especially if the caregiver also has children or other family members who need their attention.

Where to Find Help for Caregivers

With all the stress involved, nearly every caregiver is going to need some help at one time or another.  In order to assist them, below is a list of resources to take some of the pressure off.  The organizations below can help you get help in your community.


Eldercare Locator: 
eldercare.gov/eldercare.net/public/index.aspx
800-677-1116

Family Care Navigator:
caregiver.org/family-care-navigator

Caring.com (for information on Alzheimer's)
caring.com/steps-stages/alzheimers

Where to Find Respite Services (when you are traveling or just need a break)
archrespite.org/respitelocator
OR  the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (sponsors day programs for Vets)
OR  local assisted living facilities often provide temporary respite care

Elder Companions
contact your local Area Agency on Aging

Personal Care Assistance
Contact a local home health agency in your community.  They can provide help with meals, dressing, bathing and similar services.

Meals on Wheels America (provides meals to people living alone who cannot fix their own meals)
mealsonwheelsamerica.org/signup/find-programs

Assistance with Transitions to Rehab or Nursing Homes
nextstepincare.org/caregiver_home

Caregiver Support for Veterans
VA Caregiver Support Line
caregiver.va.gov/index.asp 
855-260-3274

More Caregiver Resources Can Be Found at AARP's website:
aarp.org/caregiving
aarp.org/cuidar (in Spanish)

Below are several books which are also excellent resources, followed by practical tools to make caregiving a little easier.  (If you cannot see the book ads, click on the title of this article to be taken to the original article.) 

Technology That Can Help Caregivers

In addition to community resources for caregivers, you may also get some peace of mind by putting technology to use.  Below are some devices that may help:

Invisible GPS - Shoe inserts with a hidden GPS inside.  These are designed for dementia patients who tend to wander off.  Check: GPS SmartSoles

AARP Rx - A free app that will help you organize prescription lists and contact info, so you can share it with family members.

Wireless Blood Pressure Monitoring - Blip BP by BlipCare is a device that you connect to your Wi-Fi.  You can then view the readings online or on an app.

Fall Prevention Lighting - Are you worried that a loved one might fall when they get out of bed at night?  Luna Lights has a pressure pad that automatically will illuminate small portable lights in order to create a path to the bathroom at night.

Medical Alert Devices - You have probably seen the ads in which a woman, lying on the floor, pushes a button on a pendant and say, "Help me!  I can't get up."  There are a variety of these devices, including the Great Call Splash, the Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert and others.  If you are worried about a family member who does not live with you, these devices are a wonderful way to make sure you will be contacted if your loved one falls or has a medical emergency.

Floor Mat Alarm - a mat that can be put by the door or bed.  It will alert you if a dementia patient is leaving their bed, their room, or their house.  Check: the FallGuard Safety Auto Reset Monitor with Floor Mat from the Smart Caregiver Corp.

Home Motion Sensors - These sensors, such as the one made by SafeinHome, will let you know if a loved one who lives alone is unusually inactive.  Check:  SafeinHome



If you are interested in more helpful information about retirement, medical issues as we age, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of this page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

Source:

AARP Bulletin, November, 2015, "Special Report:  Caregiving in America"

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

How to Successfully Retire Alone

How do you prepare to retire if you have no spouse, no kids and no one to perform the role of caregiver in your life?  Many people outlive or divorce their spouse; they either have no children or they outlive them; they have no near relatives who can take care of them if their health or memory begins to decline.  How can these people make sure they have adequately prepared for the future?

Scary Numbers for Single, Childless Seniors

Currently, about one-third of people between the ages of 45 and 63 are single.  About 15 percent of women in the 40 to 44 age group have no children.

According to Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, in a presentation at the American Geriatric Society's annual meeting, approximately one-fourth of Americans over the age of 65 lack a family member who can take care of them.  Carney refers to them as "elder orphans."

How to Prepare for the Future

Many of the suggestions about how to prepare for the future are the same for single people as they are for those who do have spouses and/or children ... save money, maximize your Social Security, choose a Medicare Advantage or supplement plan, find an appropriate place to live and budget wisely.   However, it can be even more important that they follow through on these suggestions if they are single and/or childless.  Below are some tips to help you navigate your senior years.

*  About two-thirds of seniors will eventually need long-term care.  It is wise to either buy long-term care insurance or put aside a large enough nest egg that you will be assured there will be money available for your care when you need it.  If you do not qualify for long-term care (and many people do not), you may want to move into a CCRC while you are still ambulatory and do not need assisted living.  Many of these appealing communities do not accept people who are already in need of assisted living or skilled nursing.  A final way to prepare for long-term care, especially if you are a low-income retiree, is to visit and select a Medicaid Approved nursing home in your community so you know where you would like to live, should the time come that you cannot take care of yourself.  Medicaid pays the lifetime cost of nursing home care for low and moderate income retirees with few assets.

*  Plan for your future housing needs by buying a home or moving into a CCRC - a Continuous Care Retirement Community.  Even if you are not in a CCRC, you may want to move to a location where you can remain independent as long as possible ... with no stairs and within walking distance of doctors and grocery stores or with a convenient bus/train/taxi service.  You may also want to see if there is a local grocery store that can deliver your groceries to you if you have surgery or become too frail to do the shopping by yourself.  Explore other neighborhood assistance that may be available to you, including Meals on Wheels, taxi vouchers, senior apartment complexes, and senior centers.  Keep a list of these services handy so you can contact them easily.

*  Prepare for medical emergencies by getting a comprehensive medical insurance plan, usually a Medicare Advantage or supplemental plan, and putting aside additional money to take care of any out-of-pocket expenses you might have as you age.

*  Stay connected with other people, both new friends and old friends.  Without a spouse or adult children, you may need the assistance of friends from time to time.  Socializing with friends also serves to keep you healthy, happy and less likely to decline rapidly.

*  Choose a trusted friend or relative to be your proxy.  Make sure they know where you keep your important documents.  Designate that person as your durable power of attorney for health care decisions, before you begin to lose cognitive function.  If you have no one you can trust, contact an elder care attorney for a reference to a professional who can become your legal proxy as you age.

*  Make it a priority to stay healthy as long as you can.  Eat well and get daily exercise.  Work your brain as much as your body.  People who do these things and socialize with others tend to age better than those who do not.

*  Put together an "In-case of Death" Notebook.  What would happen if you were found unconscious in your home by a neighbor, relative or emergency personnel?  You should have an easy to find notebook that lists the names of people to contact, physician names, your health insurance carrier information, life insurance policies, religious preferences, funeral instructions and any other information that you believe they would need.  My personal notebook even includes a copy of our will and trust, as well as a brochure for our children that explains what needs to be done when someone dies.

If you take these steps, you will know that you have done everything possible to make your life easier as you age.  You will also have made things easier for the distant relatives or friends who might be contacted upon your death or serious illness.  Otherwise, they may not know what to do or what you would like done, should the time come when it is difficult or impossible for you to make decisions for yourself. 

If you are interested in learning more about where to retire, health considerations as you age, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.
 
You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/no-spouse-no-kids-no-caregiver-prepare-age-165440252.html?nf=1

How the U.S. Lifespan Doubled in 150 Years

If you had been born in the United States in the late 1800's, just after the Civil War, your life expectancy would have been about 40 years old.  People routinely died of tuberculosis, tonsillitis, fever, smallpox, worms and childbirth ... as well as infections after injuries.

Today, the average U.S. lifespan has doubled to nearly 80.  How did Americans manage to nearly double their life expectancy in 150 years?  What changed during those decades?

Purified Water

Although we take clean water for granted today, it was an enormous project to purify our water nationwide.  For decades into the 1900's, cities often dumped their sewage into the local rivers, lakes and waterways ... and then piped that same water back into the cities to use as drinking water.  They assumed that dilution would adequately purify the water.

When they began to realize that wasn't true, the nation undertook massive construction projects to separate sewage water and drinking water, filter it and chlorinate it.  Historians who have traced the changing life expectancy in the U.S. believe that as much as one-half of the reduction in the death rate is a result of clean water.

Today, millions of people routinely purify their drinking water further, using everything from filters in their refrigerator water dispensary to filters that can be attached to their kitchen tap.

The Discovery of Germs

The use of soap to clean hands made a dramatic difference in the health of people around the world.  It took decades before people began to accept the idea that invisible germs cause diseases.  Once they did, it made a tremendous difference in preventing bacterial infections and reducing the prevalence of a variety of illnesses.

The importance of using soap cannot be overstated.  Even today, children who live in areas where they have little access to soap and clean water often have stunted growth!

Sanitary Housing

In the 1800's, the leading cause of death was tuberculosis.  It spread quickly because most people lived in crowded, dark and poorly ventilated homes.

Once people began to move into less crowded, airier and brighter homes, the disease slowed down.  Direct sunlight kills the bacteria that causes TB.  Having fewer people in a residence also make it easier for people to avoid coming in contact with people who carry the disease.

Advances in home sanitation, accompanied by better medical treatments for contagious diseases, have made a huge difference in the transmission of some of the most feared diseases of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fortified Food

In the late 1800's, many cases of poor health and weakened immune systems were caused by a lack of the proper nutrients in our food.  Scurvy was caused by a lack of vitamin C; rickets by a lack of vitamin D; pellagra by a lack of niacin; goiters by a lack of iodine.

Once scientists began to realize there was a connection between nutrition and certain diseases, companies began to fortify many of our foods.  People were also encouraged to eat a variety of foods that would prevent these common diseases.  More emphasis was placed on eating fruits and vegetables.  As it became easier to transport food around the world, people were less dependent on only eating seasonal produce that was locally grown.

Laws to Protect People from Contaminated Food

In 1906, the government passed the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act.  These laws lead to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration.  Prior to that, contaminated food was one of the most common causes of death in young children.  When they began eating solid food, they simultaneously became exposed to typhoid fever, botulism, salmonella and diseases that could cause diarrhea.  The pasteurization of milk and the inspection of meat also reduced the number of food born illnesses.

While incidences of contaminated food still occur, they are much less frequent than they were prior to the 20th century.

Quarantines

While quarantines are rarely used in the U.S. today, except during the recent Ebola scare, it was a common tool used by city officials in the past.  During the late 1800's and early 1900's, quarantines were the only way to prevent the spread of many deadly diseases and they were widely used.

Vaccinations

Inoculations have nearly eliminated many diseases that were known to wipe out hundreds of thousands of people in the past ... or severely cripple them.  Diseases such as smallpox and polio are almost unheard of today.

While there has been some controversy about vaccinations and, occasionally, people have an adverse reaction to them, they have contributed to longer lives.

What Will the Future Bring?

As researchers continue to develop new treatments for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, life expectancy in the U.S. and other developed countries is expected to continue to increase ... although the increase is likely to be uneven. Unfortunately, people without access to healthcare, clean water and nutritious food, as well as those who continue bad habits such as smoking or alcohol and drug abuse, will not benefit from medical advances as much as others.

No one knows what the maximum possible lifespan could be.  However, there has been a great deal of longevity research in the past few years, including the study of the Blue Zones ... places in the world where people routinely live to be around 100 years old.  If you are interested in learning more about longevity or the Blue Zones, you may be interested in one of the books below:

 

If you are interested in learning more about health issues that could affect you as you age, the best places to retire, financial planning, family relationships, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Morguefile.com

Source:

Reader's Digest, "Why Are You Not Dead Yet?" by Laura Helmuth, November, 2015, pg. 81.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science_of_longevity/2013/09/life_expectancy_history_public_health_and_medical_advances_that_lead_to.html

New Alzheimers Disease Research

Are you worried about developing Alzheimer's Disease?  You have good reason to be.  Currently, there are about 5.3 million people in the United States who have Alzheimer's.  By 2050, experts believe that there will be over 15 million people in the U.S. living with this dreadful disease.

Dr. Kenneth S. Kosik is a neurologist who has been researching Alzheimer's for the past 25 years, originally at Harvard Medical School and later at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  While he has not found a drug or technological treatment for the disease, he has discovered lifestyle behaviors that seem to dramatically reduce the risk.

Habits of People Who Have a Low Dementia Risk

1.  Physical activity lowers dementia risk.  You do not need to run a marathon to benefit.  Exercising three times a week for 15 to 30 minutes each time resulted in fewer cases of Alzheimer's disease, even for people who had the disease run in their family.

2.  Walk a mile a day.  People who walk six to nine miles a week have more gray matter in their brains.

3.  Dance!  Dancing not only provides physical activity, but it keeps you social.  Socializing and learning new steps are both good for your brain.

4.  Eat brain healthy foods ... leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine.  Eating four servings of vegetables a day can cut your cognitive decline by 40 percent.

5.  Minimize unhealthy foods ... butter, margarine, red meat, cheese, sweets, desserts, fried food and fast food.

6.  Use brain healthy spices, especially curry and turmeric.  They contain the antioxidant curcumin, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis and depression.

7.  Make friends and spend time with them.  As mentioned above, socializing is very important.  People who spend time with others had a 70 percent lower rate of cognitive decline over a 12 year period.

8  Take on mentally stimulating tasks.  Research shows that you can postpone dementia by nearly a decade by exercising your brain.  Here are some activities you could try:  read both fiction and non-fiction (especially new topics), play board games, practice a musical instrument, work on puzzles, draw, paint or sculpt.


How to Learn More about Reducing Alzheimer's Risk

Would you like to learn more about Dr. Kosik's research?  You can use this link to order his book "Outsmarting Alzheimer's" from Amazon.  It is available in both hardcover and paperback versions. You may also be interested in the other books on dementia shown below. They are well worth reading.


If you want to know more about common health issues as we age, where to retire, financial planning, family relationships and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of other helpful articles.

You are reading form the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Earn Extra Money from the Sharing Economy

Many Baby Boomers who reach retirement age are a bit short on money and long on energy.  They may not have saved as much money as would have been ideal, but they are still able to work, drive and travel.  Some of them have already discovered that they can turn their energy into extra retirement income through the sharing economy.

What is the Sharing Economy?

The sharing economy refers to our ability to "rent out" our assets, which include our homes, cars, skills and time.  The professional services firm PWC estimates that about one in five U.S. adults have been involved in the sharing economy as either a buyer or seller.  Many of the participants are over the age of 55.  PWC also calculates that the size of the sharing economy is approximately $15 billion currently and could grow to $335 billion by 2025.  This means that a large number of retirees will be able to enhance their retirement income this way.

Popular Services in the Sharing Economy

There are a number of well-known companies that allow people to become engaged in the sharing economy.  Here are  a few examples:

Airbnb - They operate a website that allows you to host guests in your home.  You can rent out a spare room or your entire home.  About 25 percent of the hosts in the United States are over the age of 50.  Many of them are empty-nesters with a spare bedroom and a need for extra income.  Some have found that it has enabled them to stay in their homes.  The typical host earns about $7,500 a year.  You do have to be careful, however, when you open your home to strangers.  Some people prefer to do it only when they are away.  Occasionally, people have returned to large messes or even significant damage to their home ... although this is not the norm.  The company says that this happens rarely and they provide liability insurance and damage coverage of up to $1 million.

Uber - This is a ride sharing service.  About 25 percent of the drivers are over the age of 50.  You must have a valid driver's license, car insurance, a clear driving record and be able to pass a background check.  You work when you want.  You can earn $18 to $24 an hour.  Drivers do not carry cash, which reduces their risk.

DogVacay - If you do not want to open your home to people, you may be more willing to host dogs, instead.  There are over 20,000 dog hosts in the U.S. and Canada and about one-third are over the age of 50.  The typical host earns about $1,000 a month, although some in rural areas can earn much more.  Hosts can choose the dogs they are willing to accept.  The company provides professional and liability insurance.  Payments are handled by the company, so hosts are not responsible for doing the collecting.

Fiverr - This company makes it easy for you to sell your professional or creative services, including graphic design and voice-overs.  Clients are charged at least $5 per job and the company keeps $1.  Obviously this means you only want to start out offering your services for tasks you can complete in 15 to 20 minutes.  However, the prices go up for custom orders and other extra services.  You need to be able to provide a service that is in demand and that can be performed over the internet.  I have known people who turned to Fiverr to get help with a variety of projects, including designs for book covers, ghost written articles and editing.

TaskRabbit - Taskers, as they are called, sell their time to others who need little jobs performed for them.  You earn $35 a hour, less 15 percent which the company keeps, to do anything from yard work, shopping, running errands, hanging pictures and assisting people in similar ways.  The taskers must be able to pass an identity and background check, since they are going into the private homes of the clients.

RelayRides - Do you have a car that you do not drive very often?  You can rent it out and earn extra cash.  The vehicle must have less than 100,000 miles on it and be worth less than $75,000.  The average active owner earns about $475 a month.  The company provides $1 million in insurance to cover damage to the vehicle.

Vayable -   Would you like to be a tour guide in your city?  This company matches tourists and local guides.  Retirees often have the time to give tours and frequently they are also the most knowledgeable about their community.  The company screens all guides and the meetings take place in public settings, which reduces your risk.  This can be a fun way to earn a little extra money, meet new people and have fun.  Guides set their own fee and the company keeps 15 percent.  Tourists also pay a 3 percent commission to the company.

Other Ways to Participate in the Sharing Economy

In addition to the above companies and similar ones, you may also participate in the sharing economy on your own.  If you decide to do this, you may want to only offer your services to people you know or who are recommended to you by reliable associates.  In addition, check with your city or county to see if you are required to have a license to provide any of these services.  You may also want to talk to your insurance agent about your need for additional liability insurance.

Below is a list of services you could consider:

Dog walking
House sitting
Home staging for Realtors and home sellers
Caring for exotic pets ... iguanas, parrots, snakes, etc.
Renting out your garage or basement for storage
Assisting the elderly in completing medical insurance claim forms
Personal bookkeeping
Running errands or driving for elderly or disabled neighbors

You may also have other talents or know of services that you could perform, such as taking family or wedding photographs, party planning, babysitting or assisting people in similar ways.

One woman I know rents out two bedrooms in her home to two women who have long commutes and just need an affordable place close to their job where they can sleep on Monday through Thursday nights. The women eat all their meals out; my friend simply provides them each with a bed and access to a bathroom.  She earns a little extra money and her house guests have a place to stay that is convenient and less expensive than a hotel.

Whatever you decide to do to earn extra money in the sharing economy, it can make a significant difference in your financial situation after retirement.


If you are interested in more information to help you with your retirement planning, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles on where to retire, financial planning, common medical issues, changing family relationships and more.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Delaware Retirement Ideas

The State of Delaware is the smallest in the United States.  Because of this, I was surprised to discover that there are two neighborhoods in Delaware that receive a large number of internet searches each year by people who are looking for a place to retire.

While neither of the communities in this article are age restricted, over-55 communities, both of them attract many buyers who are either retired or who plan to retire in the near future.

Since Delaware is not in the Sun Belt and is not known for having a mild, tropical climate, it is even more surprising that this tiny state should attract so much attention by retirees. People who wish to retire in the Northeast will certainly want to know more about these communities.

Advantages to Retiring in Delaware

Both of the communities mentioned in this article are located in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.  It is a popular resort area with three public golf courses within a five mile radius.

There are a number of advantages to living in Delaware.  For example, there are no state sales taxes and real estate taxes are low.  Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state.  Up to $12,500 worth of investment or other retirement income is exempt from state income taxes.  There is no state inheritance tax and no personal property tax.  Delaware has been named the most tax-friendly state for retirees by Kiplinger's Magazine.

The area along the coast of Delaware is ideal for those who enjoy golfing, bird watching, sailing, fishing, shopping or visiting museums and cultural events.  Delaware's beaches are among the cleanest in the country.

Waterside in Bethany Beach

Waterside is an unusually small community, considering it seems to attract so much attention.  It consists of just 80 homes ... 33 single family homes, 24 townhomes and 23 four-story Canal Woods townhomes.  All of the properties are condominiums.  Residents pay a quarterly assessment fee which takes care of the lawn care, grass mowing, plant mulching, and shrub trimming.  The fee also includes the maintenance of the buildings' exteriors, trash pickup, the maintenance of the community pool and snow removal in the winter.

The community is surrounded by gorgeous ponds, wetlands and the Assawoman Canal.  It a wonderful location for people who enjoy lush vegetation and the opportunity to see wildlife in a natural setting.

Although it seems secluded, it is actually quite near Bethany Beach and its delightful boardwalk where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants.  Residents are also within a short drive to several state parks, tax-free outlet stores, Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland.  The community is within bicycling distance of the beach.

Home prices range from about $230,000 for three bedroom condos to approximately $600,000 for larger, single-family detached homes.  Most of the properties were built between 2003 and 2007.

You can find more information about this community at:

http://www.watersidecommunity.org/


Millville by the Sea in Bethany Beach

This charming community has its own lake for paddle boats, row boats and fishing.  Next to the lake is a new Lifestyle Center where residents can gather to enjoy entertainment and recreational activities.  There is also a clubhouse that contains its own pub, a dance studio, a fitness library and a Wellness Center with exercise equipment.  Residents can enjoy the community Crab Shack with screened pavilion and a swimming pool (including an area especially designed for kids).

This community is located near the beach and just four miles to the popular resort town of Bethany Beach.

New single family homes in the community with 3 or 4 bedrooms range in price from about $250,000 to $375,000.  Both one and two-story designs are available. 

You can find more information about this community at:

http://millvillebythesea.com/


Other Popular Retirement Areas

In addition to the two retirement communities listed below, there are other locations in Delaware that are popular with retirees.  Many people enjoy retiring to Rehoboth Beach, another resort town near Bethany Beach.  You may also want to check out the beach towns of Lewes, Georgetown and Bridgeville.

You can find the names and additional details about specific retirement communities at:

Delaware active adult communities



If you are interested in learning more about where to retire in the United States or overseas, medical issues that can arise in retirement, financial planning and changing family relationships, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Voice Therapy for Senior Citizens

A woman I know enjoys having lunch with me at noisy, popular restaurants. We also attend many of the same gatherings of our friends. However, whenever she speaks, a number of people will later tell me that they could not hear anything she said. Her voice, which was always quiet, has diminished to the point that it is almost impossible to hear what she says unless you are sitting right next to her in a quiet room.

Recently, I read an article titled “Take Care of Your Voice: Why You Sound Hoarse (or Old) and What to do About It” in the September, 2015 issue of Reader’s Digest Magazine.  The article is about common vocal problems in senior citizens.  Many people experience these voice issues, but may not realize that there are therapies that can improve the quality of their speaking voice.

Therapy for a Hoarse Voice

One common problem is having a voice that constantly sounds hoarse.  This often occurs in people who have careers that involve a lot of speaking … lawyers, teachers and people who spend hours on the phone.  It can also be an issue for people who have smoked, experienced chronic allergies or were exposed to chemical fumes.

A hoarse voice can be caused by nerve damage or a polyp or similar growth on the vocal folds.  If the hoarseness is caused by a polyp or growth, it can be surgically removed.  In addition, the patient should see a vocal therapist who can recommend appropriate exercises to enhance their voice quality and prevent a re-occurrence.

Treatments for a Soft Voice

If people have a hard time hearing you and it is difficult for you to project your voice, you may have developed vocal fold atrophy or presbyphonia.  Our vocal folds can become weaker as we age.  This is especially true for women after menopause or for anyone who is not using their vocal cords enough … for example, someone who has retired and lives alone.  This can be a particularly frustrating problem, because it often happens at the same age when our friends are also developing hearing loss.  You cannot speak louder and they cannot hear.

Having too soft a voice is another situation for which you will want to see a vocal therapist.  An Ears, Nose and Throat doctor should be able to refer you to one. The therapist will use vocal strength training exercises, called PhoRTE (pronounced “forte”), that are designed to help you develop better control of your voice volume.

 

If the voice therapy does not resolve the problem, doctors can also inject a filler into the vocal cords, similar to the fillers used to eliminate face wrinkles. 

 

Medical Conditions That Change Your Voice

As we all know if we have ever screamed too loudly at an exciting sporting event, there are many situations that can temporarily affect our voices.  For example, when you catch a cold, one symptom is often the nasal quality your voice develops.  However, if you experience a voice change that lasts more than three weeks, it could indicate a more serious condition including allergies, sinus problems, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), vocal cord cancer or Parkinson’s.

 

While it is more likely that your vocal problem is caused by an issue that can easily be resolved with therapy, it is important to get a diagnosis and not ignore long-lasting changes to your voice.

How to Care for Your Voice

If you wish to avoid some of the problems mentioned above, here are a few tips for taking care of your voice:

Drink plenty of water, especially if you take medications

Avoid large quantities of coffee, caffeinated soda and alcohol

Do NOT yell or scream

Sing or read aloud daily to work your vocal muscles

Do NOT smoke

Do not purposely try to speak in a deep, low voice that is not natural to you

See your doctor if you are experiencing voice problems; do not accept it as a "normal" part of aging.

If you follow these steps, most people will be able to maintain a pleasant, resonant speaking voice throughout their life.

Additional information available at:  The Speech-Language-Hearing Association

If you are interested in learning more about health issues that can affect you as you age, retirement planning, financial concerns, where to retire or changing family relationships, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: morguefile.com