This is a time when many seniors are worried that they will not be able to keep up their incomes enough to balance out the erosion of buying power caused by inflation. Every year your spendable income must increase or you must reduce your spending! With inflation at present day levels (fairly low) your income must double every 20 Years just to keep up!
Well, what's to do about it? Obviously now or in the near future you are going to have to look at a part-time job or a part-time business! If this is the case for you, then you need to get up to speed with modern technology. It's amazing how quickly you become out of date if you're not making an effort to keep up!
Take a look at these headings and try to assess where your skill level is for each of them.
-computers
-digital equipment-cameras etc.
-cell phones-text messaging, voice mail etc.
-on line- buying, selling, banking, etc.
-palm pilots
-Communication devices in general
How did you do?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Achievement After Sixty Five
Many reirees see age 65 as some kind of road block where everything must stop and life must ru;n down. Here are five people who did not look at it that way!
Kirk Douglas, the great movie actor, wrote two novels and an autobiography after the age of 65! He was born on December 9, 1916 with the name of Issur Danielovitch.
William Shatner, born on March 22, 1931, is the Canadian actor who played Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series. He is also a serious writer. He has written over a dozen books between 1990 and 2006!
Tony Bennett, born Aug. 3, 1926, was (some say still is) one of the best interpretive singers in the world. His second career was Painting. In 1996 when he was70 years old, a book of his painting was published!
Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, signed the Decloration of Independence in 1776, at the age of 70!
Lester b. Pearson born April 23, 1897 was a Prime Minister of Canada. He established the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) in 1966, when he was 69 years old!
Now it's your turn!
Kirk Douglas, the great movie actor, wrote two novels and an autobiography after the age of 65! He was born on December 9, 1916 with the name of Issur Danielovitch.
William Shatner, born on March 22, 1931, is the Canadian actor who played Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series. He is also a serious writer. He has written over a dozen books between 1990 and 2006!
Tony Bennett, born Aug. 3, 1926, was (some say still is) one of the best interpretive singers in the world. His second career was Painting. In 1996 when he was70 years old, a book of his painting was published!
Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, signed the Decloration of Independence in 1776, at the age of 70!
Lester b. Pearson born April 23, 1897 was a Prime Minister of Canada. He established the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) in 1966, when he was 69 years old!
Now it's your turn!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Seniors Who Tried Something New
Fred, a retired salesman. decided that he needed extra money to support his geneology hobby. He applied for a job as a security guard and got it. He's saving his added income for a trip to England to study first hand the family roots for his geneology!
Bill, a retired office manager, wanted an interesting job to keep himself active. He landed one at a small one-man firm that sells dynamite! Now he handles the business end of the company. He told me recently, with a big grin on his face, that he also got to drive a pick-up truck loaded with dynamite - definitely a highlight of his whole career!
Another friend, also a former salesman, decided that he would buy a small farm. He doesn't make a lot of money, but he'd wanted a farm his whole life and now he has one!
A fourth friend, a retired radio - TV announcer decided to go out on casting calls as an extra in crowd scenes. He doesn't make much, but he enjoys the company of the people he meets!
Time for you to try something unique!
Bill, a retired office manager, wanted an interesting job to keep himself active. He landed one at a small one-man firm that sells dynamite! Now he handles the business end of the company. He told me recently, with a big grin on his face, that he also got to drive a pick-up truck loaded with dynamite - definitely a highlight of his whole career!
Another friend, also a former salesman, decided that he would buy a small farm. He doesn't make a lot of money, but he'd wanted a farm his whole life and now he has one!
A fourth friend, a retired radio - TV announcer decided to go out on casting calls as an extra in crowd scenes. He doesn't make much, but he enjoys the company of the people he meets!
Time for you to try something unique!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Learning New Things in Retirement
Have you stopped trying to learn new things? When did you Stop? Why?
Many of us, especially after retirement, start learning new things only passively rather than actively seeking for new knowledge. Passive learning means that your brain hasn't totally burned out, but its getting close to it! You are no longer interested in seeking new things to learn. Your brain is a fine instrument and needs to be used to remain sharp. Start using it again!
Where should you look to find these new areas of knowledge? Try some of the ideas listed below.
1- Search the web - type in e-zines on your search engine and you'll find hundreds of articles
on every imaginable subject.
2- Join the library-again!
3- Sign up for a course - academic or something hands on like wood working.
4- Anything that keeps your mind stimulated!
Many of us, especially after retirement, start learning new things only passively rather than actively seeking for new knowledge. Passive learning means that your brain hasn't totally burned out, but its getting close to it! You are no longer interested in seeking new things to learn. Your brain is a fine instrument and needs to be used to remain sharp. Start using it again!
Where should you look to find these new areas of knowledge? Try some of the ideas listed below.
1- Search the web - type in e-zines on your search engine and you'll find hundreds of articles
on every imaginable subject.
2- Join the library-again!
3- Sign up for a course - academic or something hands on like wood working.
4- Anything that keeps your mind stimulated!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Friends after Retirement
Retirement itself causes the loss of friends. The people you worked with, talked with on coffee breaks and over lunch are now on a different path than you and the closeness you felt with them at work is no longer possible.
You are also at the the age when more and more of your friends will succumb to disease, even death.
Your circle of friends is your support group in life. People who maintain this circle tend to live longer and happier lives than those who allow the circle to deteriorate. The solution of course is to keep adding to the circle, but how?
WAYS and MEANS
-Join some organizations, Lions Club for instance.
-Start participating in group recreation like seniors sports or bridge club.
-Renew old friendships - give someone a call and meet him for coffee or a drink!
-Become a volunteer.
-Join a dance club, square dancing for example.
-Take a greater interest in church affairs.
-Start using your e-mail!
You are also at the the age when more and more of your friends will succumb to disease, even death.
Your circle of friends is your support group in life. People who maintain this circle tend to live longer and happier lives than those who allow the circle to deteriorate. The solution of course is to keep adding to the circle, but how?
WAYS and MEANS
-Join some organizations, Lions Club for instance.
-Start participating in group recreation like seniors sports or bridge club.
-Renew old friendships - give someone a call and meet him for coffee or a drink!
-Become a volunteer.
-Join a dance club, square dancing for example.
-Take a greater interest in church affairs.
-Start using your e-mail!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Happiness in Retirement
What are the things that make a person happy? There are many, but you have to nurture them, cultivate them. We've looked at three of them already, worthwhile goals, financial security and fitness.
Still to dicuss are things like social relationships, achievements, helping others, spirituality, learning new things.Each of these will contribute to your well-being.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
This topic deals with family and friends. The family is important, but if you've had a good relationship with them over the years it will most likely continue. Friends are a different matter!
Friends range from casual aquaintances to best pals, and time and circumstances move them up and down the scale between the two extemes. It is difficult to maintain a strong relationship with a buddy who moves a thousand miles away.
MORE TOMORROW
Still to dicuss are things like social relationships, achievements, helping others, spirituality, learning new things.Each of these will contribute to your well-being.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
This topic deals with family and friends. The family is important, but if you've had a good relationship with them over the years it will most likely continue. Friends are a different matter!
Friends range from casual aquaintances to best pals, and time and circumstances move them up and down the scale between the two extemes. It is difficult to maintain a strong relationship with a buddy who moves a thousand miles away.
MORE TOMORROW
Friday, March 23, 2007
Getting Fit for Summer Part 2
I hope you've been thinking about the last blog, and you"ve decided that YES, you do need to start an exercise program. As always, check first with your doctor before trying a new type of exercise. Remember, exercise of any kind should start slowly and build up gradually over a period of weeks - At our age, pain is NOT gain!
1. For Balance and Flexibility
-YOGA - You can start with a beginner's book then, when you're comfortable, sign up for a beginners class.
-TAI CHI - A little more complicated, so start with an instructor!
-PILATES - Definitely start with an instuctor!
2. Strength Training
-Training with weights or resistance bands. Again an instructor is best.
3. Aerobics
-Walking, Dancing, Swimming - Do it from memory!
1. For Balance and Flexibility
-YOGA - You can start with a beginner's book then, when you're comfortable, sign up for a beginners class.
-TAI CHI - A little more complicated, so start with an instructor!
-PILATES - Definitely start with an instuctor!
2. Strength Training
-Training with weights or resistance bands. Again an instructor is best.
3. Aerobics
-Walking, Dancing, Swimming - Do it from memory!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Getting FIT for Summer
Well spring is here and soon summer activities will start. Are you physically ready for a long (I hope it's long) hot summer of gardening, house painting, holidaying, etc.?
Many seniors are not. We forget that work, even at a sedentary job, burns some calories, strengthens some muscles, and limbers up some joints! Now please don't tell me you spent your career as a mattress tester!
Many of us, if we looked back over the past month, would remember days when we did nothing more strenuous then lift a beer or two. The body soon adjusts to this slow pace, muscle shrinks, joints stiffen up, and aerobic ability reduces!
Okay, before all your clothes shrink (or you pack on enough pounds to grow right out of them)1t's time to start on an exercise program!
MORE TOMORROW
Many seniors are not. We forget that work, even at a sedentary job, burns some calories, strengthens some muscles, and limbers up some joints! Now please don't tell me you spent your career as a mattress tester!
Many of us, if we looked back over the past month, would remember days when we did nothing more strenuous then lift a beer or two. The body soon adjusts to this slow pace, muscle shrinks, joints stiffen up, and aerobic ability reduces!
Okay, before all your clothes shrink (or you pack on enough pounds to grow right out of them)1t's time to start on an exercise program!
MORE TOMORROW
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
SPRING!
Spring is here! It's a little hard to believe in my part of the country (Manitoba) but it is above freezing and some snow is melting. I can hardly wait to see bare ground again!
Let's finish off the part-time business list from yesterday, then next time go on to something new.
3. Retail-oriented Businesses
_ craft shop
_beauty parlor (old fashioned for hair salon!)
_day care
_Table at a flea market or farmer's market
4.Personal services
_Dog walking & grooming
_Massage therapy
Drop me a note in the comment section if you have or have had a part-time business. Tell us your experiences with it.
Let's finish off the part-time business list from yesterday, then next time go on to something new.
3. Retail-oriented Businesses
_ craft shop
_beauty parlor (old fashioned for hair salon!)
_day care
_Table at a flea market or farmer's market
4.Personal services
_Dog walking & grooming
_Massage therapy
Drop me a note in the comment section if you have or have had a part-time business. Tell us your experiences with it.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
More Part-Time Businesses for Seniors
If you're a little hesitant to start up a part- time business, consider Harland Saunders. At the age of 66 he started up the the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. If the Colonel can start a fried chicken empire,, you can handle a part-time business! Here's more business ideas to add to yesterday's list:
1. Service oriented
_ Write resumes for people
_ Do bookkeeping or accounting for other small bussinesses
2.Contracting Businesses
_ Electricians, Plumbers,Carpenters
_Computer Services: Repairing, setting up, programming
_Renovators: House repairs & decorating
_Lawn and Garden services
More Tomorrow_Drop me a note in the comment section & tell us your experiences!
1. Service oriented
_ Write resumes for people
_ Do bookkeeping or accounting for other small bussinesses
2.Contracting Businesses
_ Electricians, Plumbers,Carpenters
_Computer Services: Repairing, setting up, programming
_Renovators: House repairs & decorating
_Lawn and Garden services
More Tomorrow_Drop me a note in the comment section & tell us your experiences!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Extra Income for Seniors
Need extra income to offset a rising cost of living? The obvious choices are: 1. a part-time job
2. a part time business.
A part-time job is probably the easier of the two choices, but has the disadvantages of locking you into a schedule and being low paid!
The part-time busines option requires a great deal of thought, research and planning, but tends to be more interesting and can be more financially rewarding than a job.
Here is a very short list of part-time business options:
1. Develop a hobby into a business 2. Start buying & selling on e-Bay
3. Start a consulting business 4. Try something like AVON
5. On-line business (investigate first!) 6. Become a writer (ie. blogs!)
Anyone with thoughts on this, drop me a note & I'll put it in my next posting.
2. a part time business.
A part-time job is probably the easier of the two choices, but has the disadvantages of locking you into a schedule and being low paid!
The part-time busines option requires a great deal of thought, research and planning, but tends to be more interesting and can be more financially rewarding than a job.
Here is a very short list of part-time business options:
1. Develop a hobby into a business 2. Start buying & selling on e-Bay
3. Start a consulting business 4. Try something like AVON
5. On-line business (investigate first!) 6. Become a writer (ie. blogs!)
Anyone with thoughts on this, drop me a note & I'll put it in my next posting.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The Business Side of Retirement
The first concern of any new retiree must be the protection of his or her buying power! If your retirement income is a fixed amount, then you need to plan for the loss of buying power caused by inflation. Some forunate souls have pensions that have a cost of living clause built right into them. If you're not one of these fortunates who have inflation protection, then early on you need to come up with a way to handle inflation!
Inflation, even a low inflation rate of 2% per year can have can have a drastic effect on your spending five years from now. For example, if your net income after taxes, is $25000 a year, inflation will reduce your buying power by $500 a year. Five years from now this will be costing you about $2500 a year in lost buying power - more if you take into account the compounding effect! You will still have your $25000 per year, it just won't buy you as much as it would now!
Tomorrow, we'll look at some ways of handling inflation for the retiree!
Inflation, even a low inflation rate of 2% per year can have can have a drastic effect on your spending five years from now. For example, if your net income after taxes, is $25000 a year, inflation will reduce your buying power by $500 a year. Five years from now this will be costing you about $2500 a year in lost buying power - more if you take into account the compounding effect! You will still have your $25000 per year, it just won't buy you as much as it would now!
Tomorrow, we'll look at some ways of handling inflation for the retiree!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
New Goals for Retirement
Life is not an endless vacation based on playing in the sun; life is living, striving toward some goal that is still as valuable at sixty five as it was at twenty five!
Save a rain forest, topple a corrupt politician, rescue a child. build something better than anyone else. You are free now to follow goals goals that were not possible when your main goals were to raise a family and keep your job! Reach back into your past and dig those old goals out, the things you would have liked to accomplish. They're still there, still bright and shining, still a worth-while way to spend a life. And you know what? You can still take a vacation or indulge yourself with days off to goof around!
MORE TOMORROW
Save a rain forest, topple a corrupt politician, rescue a child. build something better than anyone else. You are free now to follow goals goals that were not possible when your main goals were to raise a family and keep your job! Reach back into your past and dig those old goals out, the things you would have liked to accomplish. They're still there, still bright and shining, still a worth-while way to spend a life. And you know what? You can still take a vacation or indulge yourself with days off to goof around!
MORE TOMORROW
Friday, March 16, 2007
Goals for Retirement
What goals are realistic for the newly retired? Drive to Texas or Florida every winter? They're great places to see, and great places to play in, but they are not the kind of goals we were taught at a young age, they're simply time fillers for the aimless.
Even retirement is taught to us as a goal, the final goal. Nothing comes after it. Did anyone at your retirement party ask you what your new goal in life is? Or did they ask you how you were going to fill in your time? Travel? Golf? Bird watching? Ballroom dancing? A little workshop in your garage?
Harmless pursuits. Things to keep you busy until.... Let me ask you, did anyone say to you when you were sixteen. "Why don't you quit school? After all, you might be dead in five years!" No, of course not. It was statistically improbable. Never-the-less some sixteens die by the age of twenty one - Should all sixteen year olds have set there goals based on the uncertainty of death? No. And we shouldn't either! MORE TOMORROW
Even retirement is taught to us as a goal, the final goal. Nothing comes after it. Did anyone at your retirement party ask you what your new goal in life is? Or did they ask you how you were going to fill in your time? Travel? Golf? Bird watching? Ballroom dancing? A little workshop in your garage?
Harmless pursuits. Things to keep you busy until.... Let me ask you, did anyone say to you when you were sixteen. "Why don't you quit school? After all, you might be dead in five years!" No, of course not. It was statistically improbable. Never-the-less some sixteens die by the age of twenty one - Should all sixteen year olds have set there goals based on the uncertainty of death? No. And we shouldn't either! MORE TOMORROW
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Retirement
Retirement - What a negative word! Each part of this word is designed to put us down. Retire - go to bed and sleep; tire - wear out or wear down; ment - a suffix which changes a verb to a noun, an action to a thing! It's all wrong! What this stage in our lives should be called is emancipation - a release from slavery or restraint, a setting free!
We spent years in school learning to work, then more years at work learning to work more efficiently. Why couldn't some of this learning have been extended to our emancipation?
If you've been lucky, your employer provided you with a day or two off to attend a retirement seminar; if you've been lucky, you've also run across one of the magazines for the "mature" that try to point the newly emancipated in the right direction, but basically, you're on your own!
Where are the goals? From the time we learn how to talk we are taught about our role in society: get an education, get a job, get a spouse, get a house, get children, get a bigger house. But what about now? Is it "get out of the way" or are we able to make it "get a Life"
MORE TOMORROW
We spent years in school learning to work, then more years at work learning to work more efficiently. Why couldn't some of this learning have been extended to our emancipation?
If you've been lucky, your employer provided you with a day or two off to attend a retirement seminar; if you've been lucky, you've also run across one of the magazines for the "mature" that try to point the newly emancipated in the right direction, but basically, you're on your own!
Where are the goals? From the time we learn how to talk we are taught about our role in society: get an education, get a job, get a spouse, get a house, get children, get a bigger house. But what about now? Is it "get out of the way" or are we able to make it "get a Life"
MORE TOMORROW
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