Florida Vacation Homes: Buying and Owning in the Sunshine State

By now you’ve heard the news. With a surplus of homes and a temporary lack of interested buyers, real estate in Florida is on sale. For those looking for a second home, or thinking about going ahead and buying a home that they may actually retire to in a couple of years, it’s a great time to be in the market.

But, should current home prices and real estate market mania be the only factors under consideration?

Of course not, so let’s ignore prices for just a moment and explore some of the other factors that need to play into your Florida real estate purchase decisions today. I’m talking about things like:

• finding the best part of Florida for you

• how to choose the right type of community

• real estate taxes and property insurance, and

• maintaining your new home in Florida while you’re away

Consider this your road map to buying a second home or your eventual retirement home in Florida today.

Finding The Best Florida Location for You

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying in Florida is finding a home, falling in love with it instantly, buying it or having it built, and then waking up after the first night in it and realizing the surrounding area has nothing to offer you in terms of your pastimes or interests.

The home is important, of course, but you should spend just as much time investigating the surrounding area as you do looking for the perfect home. You should ask yourself if the area and surrounding community offer the types of activities you enjoy and the level of shopping, dining, and other services you’re used to or expect.

For Jeff and Laura Harris of New Hampshire, choosing the town of Port Orange on the east coast of Florida for their second home was an easy decision. Jeff says, “My brother Dan has owned a house 10 minutes away for a couple years prior to us moving down. We’d been to visit him several times and fell in love with the area. Plus with him nearby we’ve always got someone to hang out with.”

Also, think about family members you hope to come visit, your kids and grand kids. Is it more important to be 10 minutes from Disney World, or do they prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the beach? The last thing you want to do is move to Florida leaving your kids and grand kids behind, and then nobody wants to come visit you because there’s nothing to do.

What kind of community is right for you: Choosing the right kind of community for your retirement or second home plays a close second to choosing the right place.

There are gated communities, maintenance-free communities, active-adult communities, manufactured home communities, golf communities, condominium communities, as well as combinations of each of these types. You should seriously consider what type of community and what combination of community amenities will be right for your lifestyle, because the type of community your home is in will determine a lot of things such as your enjoyment and quality of life, not to mention your home’s future value if that’s important to you.

New Hampshire’s Jeff and Laura chose a maintenance-free, gated community for their second home. “We liked the fact that everything would be taken care of for us while we are away. We didn’t lose any sleep wondering if the yard had been cut or if the shrubs had been trimmed and it was all covered in our monthly assessments. Plus the security gates gave us an added peace of mind.”

The community Jeff and Laura chose also included a clubhouse, the fees for which account for nearly one-third of their monthly assessment. Laura says, “it’s nice knowing it’s there if we want to use it, but I can’t really say we get our money’s worth out of it.”

Another important consideration when choosing a community is the restrictions that you’ll be expected to abide by. These can either work in your favor, or against you.

For example, if your neighbor wants to paint his house school bus yellow, most communities with restrictions would require an architectural board’s approval before your neighbor could go through with his painting project, and his request would hopefully be denied.

But lets suppose for a moment that part of your Florida daydream includes a 24-foot motorboat, but after towing it home you realize it won’t fit in your garage. If you think you’ll just stick it in the backyard or park it in the driveway, you might have a problem in most communities with restrictions.

But in either case, these restrictions are an important part of maintaining order in a community and protecting the aesthetics as well as home values.

Insuring your piece of paradise

Homeowners insurance rates, especially in coastal areas of Florida, tend to be higher than what you might be used to, and coverage can be hard to find depending on the location, age of the home and the type of construction. This is ultimately a result of the 2004 hurricane season when no less than four hurricanes affected the Florida peninsula.

“The insurance issue definitely played a role in our choice of neighborhood. We knew the further inland we chose, the better off we’d be as far as rates were concerned,” said Jeff.

Another reality you’ll have to contend with is that of the 200 or so private homeowners insurance companies in Florida, less than 20 percent are writing new policies. That said, insurance is available, you may just have look a little harder than you might have expected.

So, where should you start? After asking for referrals from your real estate agent or friends and family already living in Florida, you should also be sure to check the Florida Market Assistance Program at www.fmap.org. This is a referral service created by the Florida legislature to connect those who need homeowners insurance with those who are writing new policies.

If all else fails, you can always turn to Citizens Property Insurance at http://www.citizensfla.com, the state run “insurer of last resort”. Rates will be higher than in the private market, and this is by design so that the government doesn’t compete with private insurers. So, in the end you’ll pay more but it beats going uninsured.

One last insurance recommendation is flood insurance. Most people neglect to get it, as its not required in all areas, and if you own your home free and clear, it’s not required at all. But, no matter if it’s required in the area your Florida home is in or not, you should definitely consider it. You’ll find that the rates are fairly reasonable, especially in areas where coverage is not required.

Property Taxes

In most parts of the state you should expect to pay between 1.5 and two percent of your home’s assessed value when you get your tax bill. The best way to get an idea of what your tax bite may be once you own a home in Florida is to contact the local property appraiser’s office.

Their job, besides placing a value on all property in their area, is to provide residents and prospective homeowners with the most current property tax information. You can find links to most county property appraiser’s websites at the Florida Department of Revenue website at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/appraisers.html

Homeowners who qualify for the homestead exemption by making Florida their primary residence enjoy a $25,000 reduction in the assessed value of their home, which affords the average homeowner about a $500 savings each year on their tax bill. A new proposal to increase the amount of homestead exemption to $50,000 will come up for a vote in January 2008.

Another part of the proposal up for vote in January is a cap of 10 percent on increases in assessments for homes owned by people who are not full-time residents. Many politicians and real estate agents lobbied for a five percent cap on non-homesteaded property (homesteaders currently enjoy a three percent cap) but they were ultimately unsuccessful.

But unless Florida home prices spike again in the near future, this shouldn’t be a major issue for those of you who are not planning on making your Florida home a permanent residence.

Home (left) Alone

Another thing to consider when purchasing a second home in Florida, is what will become of it when you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away in another state. How can you be sure that everything is taken care of while you’re away?

Assuming you don’t have the convenience of having a friend or relative in the area like the Harrises did, you could opt for a maintenance-free community, or even a townhouse or condominium. In these types of communities you’d know that the exterior of your home was being maintained, and you won’t have any angry looks from the neighbors when you come to visit because your grass is three feet high.

Another option is to hire out the work of maintaining the exterior of your home. The only problem with this is that things happen, people get sick or don’t show up or just go out of business. How would you know if this were to happen to the person in charge of maintaining your home?

The business of “Second Home Concierges” is thriving because so many people are opting for the second home lifestyle. A concierge of this type would typically be given a key to your home, and would perform routine checks of the homes exterior and interior, making sure necessary maintenance is taken care of for you. Fees and the level of services performed vary by area, and you can start your search for businesses offering this service in the pages of this magazine, as well as online.

I hope I’ve given you some important things to think about when considering Florida for a second home or your eventual retirement home. It’s a great place to live, and it’s much more enjoyable when you have the knowledge to make the most of the experience. Follow the information I’ve outlined here and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the Florida lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.

Active Adult Communities and Its Astounding Benefits

Real estate industry is indeed full of endless opportunities and innovative new ideas that offer comfort and quality of life to those who are fortunate and wise enough to invest on it. No matter what age bracket you belong to, you are certainly sure that there is something for you in the world of real estate. You have choices and options what you deem is most beneficial to invest on. For seniors who are looking for a great way of enjoying their retirement benefits and years, there are now active adult communities created especially to give them deals that they truly deserve.

You have certainly toiled and worked hard in your younger years and it is high time that you finally reward yourself for all the hard work you have accomplished in your life. Hence, isn’t it a remarkable reward to find a great community where you can have a change in your pace and lifestyle, perfectly suited for your senior years? This is the very idea why active adult communities are primarily created. These types of properties are especially created for those who want to experience a one-of-a-kind quality lifestyle in the prime of their lives.

One very efficient feature of this type of community is the location that the place is situated which makes it a perfect place for relaxation while still in close proximity to the metro. The important establishments you can find in the city are indispensable features of the cosmopolitan area. However, you can still enjoy the beauty and relaxing ambience of the outskirts where active adult communities are located. You just have to travel a very short distance and you are already in the heart of the city. You do not need to leave your family and loved ones, friends and colleagues since you are just miles away from them. They can certainly visit you anytime they want, hassle-free.

There are just innumerable benefits you are bound to discover, explore and certainly enjoy when you invest on this type of venture in real estate. One thing is the great amenities and facilities you can find in the area. The huge and well-maintained club house is definitely a place where you can spend your quality time, improving yourself and socializing with others in the neighborhood. There are indoor and outdoor pools, wide lands created for active outdoor sports like golf and tennis. If you prefer to enjoy your time indoors, you can also use the recreational rooms in the club house where you have card rooms, billiards and gyms. Women can use the demo kitchen for those who love to cook and develop their skills in culinary arts. There are also crafts rooms where you can find various arts programs you may join and take advantage of.

Active lifestyle and a change in your pace as you usher your senior years is definitely something to cherish if you make the right choices especially in opting to invest on a property in active adult communities. This is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime treat you can enjoy with your family and loved ones.

Retirement Living – Everything You Need to Know

Who says retirement is a stage when all fun and enjoyment ceases? Work may cease, mental faculties and physical robustness may diminish, but the heart may continue to stay young & happy, especially when the best retirement living conditions are offered.

Yes, there’s such a thing as living it up in retirement.  With the right retirement home, aging gracefully takes on a whole new meaning.

For people who are about to bid adieu to the working world and no longer intend to maintain an independent home yet still want a relatively unfettered lifestyle, choosing retirement living options well is crucial.

Note that high price is not necessarily an indicator of the best quality care and amenities. Besides paying capacity, the main factors that will determine the suitable type of retirement living option include the overall health of the retiree, whether or not there’s a spouse who will be living with that person in the retirement home, and the level of care needed.

If you’re choosing the most retirement home for your aging parent, try to envision how the future will unfold for your mom and/or dad. Which type pf home will they find the most appealing and will you be able to afford it? Check out the internet for everything you need to know.

If senior home care is what you want to provide for them right in your own home, there are home care agencies offering meal preparation, assistance in personal care and medical supervision which you can check out.

Seniors with the means may also opt for an independent retirement home where they may enjoy fabulous meals, upscale amenities and organized activities. Security, sanitation, and other on-site staff assistance are also ensured.

Easily Search To Find Active Adult Communities Across The US Today

The good news is, you can carry on leading an active lifestyle even after retirement. In order to do this you will need to turn to Active Adult Communities, which offer wonderful residence options too. And luckily, when you want to select such a community, there are hundreds of them in the US today from which you can make a choice. Because of the fact that the demand for these have picked up in the recent past, today, several big real estate companies are also in the business of developing them. You should seriously consider these projects.

With the increase in demand for senior living needs, the competition has also gone up. Today, it is not mandatory that you have to move to sunny Florida if you are retired and want to enjoy a good life.

You can pick an active adult community to remain close to a golf course and enjoy the game if you have always wanted to play golf. But even if you are not a big follower of the game, then you are sure to love the greenery and the undulating meadows of these places. Of course, if you are staying at one of these places, you could get engaged with fishing, boating or swimming.

Most people who are above the age of 55 usually have a bigger house than what is needed. Now is the time when you can leave your big property behind and come and stay in a community for an active adult like yourself.

As mentioned before, these Active Adult Communities can be found today all across the US – so are you keen to find one? However please do consider the following issues before you decide on a particular adult community.

So make a decision about your location preference. For example, would you like to stay close to a sea or a hill resort, a suburban location? Maybe you want to stay close to shopping malls, a place where it is warmer, or perhaps you prefer to remain closer to your friends and family.
3. Before deciding to move in, always check the amenities that are being offered – this is important because not all places will offer everything.
4. You need to decide whether you want to stay in the same state or whether you want to move into a new one.
5. Of course you will also need to decide on the budget.

You can search across the country if you are OK with moving to another state. So, conduct a search for these Active Adult Communities so that you can make a final decision.

Post Retirement: Toronto Senior Services to Keep Connected

Work is a predominant and integral part of each of our lives, providing us with a sense of belonging, purpose and fulfillment. When the time comes for us to retire from our life-long careers, the adjustment period can be far more complicated than what we had anticipated.

What has become increasingly common in recent years is the tendency for retirees to find other activities, social groups, organizations and even part time or freelance work to occupy their time. So essentially, this means that when older adults retire, they don’t fully retire – they find other forms of “work” to do, which may or may not be related to the career they had their entire lives.

Many older adults and seniors also choose to volunteer and give back to their communities. Volunteer work is satisfying, helpful and gives people a sense of fulfillment and belonging.

It is very common for retirees to feel alone and disconnected from society which is why so many of them seek alternative ways to stay involved. In addition to paid and volunteer work, there are many other options available to older adults and seniors to keep them associated with society including social groups and organizations, activities, outings, tours, regular meet-ups and so on. Social networks give seniors a way to meet others with similar qualities and interests.

As human beings, the vast majority of us are built with a strong desire to belong. When we do not have this, many of us feel lost and incomplete. Throughout our lives we strive to belong in school, in sports, in our careers and in our families. As we grow older, a few or possibly even all of these things may slip away from us, at which point most of us will seek alternative ways to belong.

Given the fact that our baby boom generation and our generation of seniors ahead are ones that are more involved, healthy and active than ever before, they must have activities and employment options at their disposal which directly cater to who they are and what needs they have as older adults.  It is imperative that this fastest growing demographic is not only recognized but served in an effective manner.

Flip-Flopping From Reader to Writer Makes Your Retirement Far More Fulfilling

It’s been more than half a year since you retired. The novelty of free time is wearing off and you find yourself lonely for your old work buddies. You miss those lively conversations over lunch or a business dinner, and feel your mind getting a bit sluggish. For the first three months or so of your retirement you enjoyed reading the trade journals in your specialty. But now they just make you nostalgic for those happier days when you had a purpose in life and the stimulation of a working environment.

The Age of Specialization

If you look at the state of the periodical field today, you will see that widely circulated consumer magazines with a potpourri of content, the ones you saw on every newsstand have been losing ground for several years. Many were forced to close their doors before the Internet began stealing away readers. The boom has fallen even harder during the current economic crunch.

However, niche magazines and trade journals seem to be surviving the onslaught quite well, and that should tell you something about the new age of specialization. The Internet has become a major source for information seekers because it is specialized. You select the topic that interests you, click on the search engine, and there you will find page after page of articles as well as references to web pages on the subject.

Head to the library and thumb through a periodical directory like Writer’s Market. Better yet, if you are serious about writing, buy a copy for your desk. There are 60 categories of trade journals detailed in the book with anywhere from four to 26 publications listed under each category. Each listing contains all of the information you need to contact the magazine and submit an article. If you visit the library you will find several other extensive directories to research.

Actually you don’t have to be limited just to trades. Thumb through the lists of
consumer periodicals in these directories, and you will find a number of publications that deal with the subject of your expertise. There’s no reason why you can’t use your knowledge to publish consumer-oriented articles as well.

Targeting Trade Journals

. You probably have no desire to work full-time again, but it would be rewarding to maintain some sort of contact with the arena in which you played for so many of your adult working years. Instead of reading those trade journals, start writing for them!

It’s not all that difficult to do. With 30 years of hands-on experience in the field and lots of contacts still available to you, all you need is a quick refresher to bring you up to date on any new directions your field has taken since your departure. Who knows? Possibly after six months or a year turning out trade articles, you may just be ready to write a book on the subject. Not a bad way to enjoy your retirement and maintain a working relationship with your specialty.

Whether you were a neurosurgeon or a plumber, a pilot or a bridge designer matters little. There are publications servicing every field, and their editors have to keep a steady flow of new informative articles coming every month to fill their pages. These editors are hungry for content. Neither they nor their readers are looking for highly polished prose. They want facts and figures. New ideas, fresh approaches to solving problems, new vision. Now in your retirement, you have the time and the background to work through those needs and come up with innovative articles.

Most publications ask that your send a query first. This document, sent in letter form, should state the subject of your article, the specialized angle you are incorporating and your qualifications to write it. If at all possible, the query should be only a single spaced page in length. The editor will then contact you by phone, e-mail or possibly even postal mail and make the assignment with whatever changes he/she might want.

Magazines buy specific rights when they contract with you. Most common is First North American Rights. This means that once you enter a contract with the publication, you cannot publish that piece anywhere else in North America until it has been produced first by the contracting magazine. World English Rights increase the area to any English-speaking nation and World Rights limits you totally.

Branding Yourself as an Expert

Content is king in the trade journal world, so it is essential that you establish your credentials as rapidly as possible. The best way to do that is to write and publish frequently. It would also help to create either a web site or a blog or even both if you have the time and inclination. Web sites of course are more static than blogs and require a great deal less updating. Writing a blog is lots of fun, but it will keep you busy, for its success depends upon a steady flow of new information.

Since you are no longer in the everyday world of active work, you must be sure to keep yourself abreast of progress and changes by reading related blogs and journals. Research is essential. Regardless of the subject you write about, your success or failure will be determined by your willingness to complete the research required by a quality article or book.

The Bio Box

The key to developing recognition is the bio box at the end of the article. While the article itself is a straight-forward narration, the bio box is your “advertisement.” In it you can outline your qualifications, direct readers to your web site or blog and if you have graduated to books you can send readers to your sales page.

Bio boxes vary greatly. Some are designed simply to list the way the reader can contact you, referring the reader to your web site, blog and/or telephone number. Others attempt to sell either you or the products and services you offer (books, coaching, editing etc). Of course, in many cases the author combines both in the box.

Take advantage of this marvelous way to maintain contact with your former career and enjoy the fulfillment of seeing your name in print in some of the publications you once only read. This is one “flip-flop” that will serve you well.

How to Know When to Move a Parent to Assisted Living

It is very likely as adult children of an aging parent that you have been asking these questions. Are Mom and/or Dad safe living at home? Would it be in their best interest to move to a senior living place? Helping your parents to decide to move to a retirement community, assisted living residence, or nursing home environment can be one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you will face. Be honest with yourself as you face this crossroad…. you have a responsibility to ensure that your parents are having their needs met in a safe and nurturing environment. Are you waiting for a crisis? Are you too busy with your own family and job? It’s easy for adult children to be in denial of a parent’s inability to manage on their own. A parent who may be struggling may not want to burden their children, nor do they want their children to be aware of their decline and changing needs for myriad reasons. Really … be honest as you ask yourself the following questions:

* Is Mom or Dad loosing weight? Are they eating nutritiously? Are they able to go to the market regularly for fresh food? Is the food in their refrigerator past expiration and spoiling?

* Is their clothing clean and in good shape? Do they change their outfits or wear the same one often?

* Are they living with safety in mind? Do they open their doors to strangers?

* Is mail being handled, or are their piles of disarray? Are bills being opened and paid?

* Is there a fear living alone? Are they reluctant to open up the door when there is a delivery?

* Is the residence clean and in good repair? If there is a yard, is it maintained?

* Has your parent had a fall in the house? Have you noticed bruises or are they covering them up from you so that you don’t get concerned?

* Are medications labeled and being taken as directed? Are they able to see well enough to handle their own medications?

* Is your parent keeping up with their medical/dental appointments and/or able to manage transportation to their appointments?

* Are reactions appropriate in case of an emergency? Is their judgment strong on knowing what to do if they had to react quickly to avoid danger?

* Are they isolated, no longer socializing and enjoying activities as they did in the past? Does your parent have many friends left in their area?

* Do you see the same personality or do they have melancholy days? Do they have signs of depression?

* If one parent is frail or in need of assistance… Is the other parent exhausted as a caregiver? Is the well parent now starting to suffer physically?

Regardless of where you are in the process, contact Accent on Seniors to help you, at no charge to you, to understand your options for senior living, when home may no longer be the most appropriate choice throughout California.

Copyright © 2008, Accent on Seniors Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form or by any means, including electronic or mechanical is not permitted.

What Exactly Does Senior Living Mean?

Senior living is a term widely used to describe any community populated by exclusively by seniors. This is an admittedly broad definition which ranges from an independent living community where no care is provided, to an assisted living community (nursing homes are generally not referred to as senior living).

 

So is there any way to further narrow down the definition of a senior living community? From a licensing standpoint, “senior living” is not a phrase used by state or federal licensing bodies, meaning that there is no guideline there.

 

By and large, the phrase seems more popular with independent living communities and continuing care retirement communities than with assisted living. However, there are many instances where a community providing assisted living-type care is referred to as a senior living community.

 

Basically it boils down to the fact that a “senior living community ,” is a place where all the residents are over a requisite age (e.g., 62). This community may provide care, but most likely will be an independent living community or senior apartment complex. The takeaway is that you cannot make a judgment on the type of care (if any) provided at a community simply because it is called a senior living community. It is important to ensure that a community meets your various care needs when compiling a list of options during a search.

 

Assisted Living is senior housing designed for those who are no longer able to live safely on their own, but who don’t require the high level of care provided in a nursing home

 

 

 

Is an Active Adult Home Right for You

Active Adult Homes offer features that are ideally suited for active adults or seniors. People, who are going to retire, can consider buying such a property as an alternative because it will enable them to live a peaceful life and a life filled with the kind of conveniences that they require. Active Adult Homes are known to offer quality affordable housing for active adults and ensure that the needs of such residents are catered to in every way. Those requiring medical assistance can find homes, which offer them this sort of help. In such homes, cooking and home maintenance tasks will be carried out by the staff, which specifically looks into such duties. Those having any specific medical condition will have facilities in the home that helps them to call for medical assistance in a hurry when they need it.

The price range of active adult homes is very affordable. Builders ensure that these homes are designed to cater to the comforts of an active adult lifestyle. They also ensure to have such constructions close to grocery stores, golf course, hospitals and so on as such factors are sought after by active adults..

So, what kind of active adults home are available for interested buyers? Well, buyers can find practically any kind of residential home type in the form of an active adult home in Los Angeles. This means a buyer can choose a condominium unit, a luxury apartment or a modular home unit. These homes offer some very interesting features and these features are specified by builders in their brochures and advertisements. You can find tubs with a place to sit or even reciprocal plugs half way up the wall. This way a resident do not have to bend over that far when plugging in an electrical appliance. Buyers should look into these feature and amenities before making a purchase, so that they get a home with the kind of facilities that they would like to have.

What is Retirement?

What is retirement? The definition has evolved over the last half century. How you view retirement can affect how you plan and invest. The current economic situation also comes into play. By viewing retirement as a process, by starting early and planning, it is possible to reconcile your values and priorities with the available resources to create your own definition.

The notion of retirement is actually a fairly recent phenomenon. In the early 20th century people worked until they were no longer able. By mid century there were too many older workers and high unemployment among younger people. Pensions and Social Security were seen as a way to ease older adults out of the workforce, making way for the young.

The early version of “retirement” was not pleasant for many people. They were relegated to a view of life from the porch. Suddenly no longer needed, their self-identity was called into question. The event called retirement was not necessarily something people looked forward to.

It was not until the 80’s that people started to look upon retirement as something more than idleness without purpose. The notion of the “golden years” came into being. Retirement was to be a time when people could count on Social Security and a pension for a life of travel, sunsets in faraway lands, and cocktails with umbrellas on a tropical beach. This view seems the equivalent of going out to eat with nothing but desserts on the menu. How could life get any better than that?

Have you fallen into the trap of seeing retirement as an event, where suddenly your life will transform for the better? Retirement beckons as a time of change and new opportunity, particularly if you have been unhappy in your job. You may find yourself working too hard and, without realizing it, sacrificing joy in the present for some imagined future that you hope will be better (I confess, I fell for this one.)

The idyllic, golden years view of retirement, may not be your ideal retirement; and pensions are becoming a thing of the past. Not to mention changes that may occur with Social Security in the coming years. If we have not spent considerable time thinking about and planning for the transition to retirement, it could be an event filled with disillusionment. Our idealistic and fanciful expectations may clash with a very different set of economic realities.

So how do we begin to figure out what retirement is, or should be? I found the following exercise enlightening, and I suggest you try it: write down your ideal day, from start to finish. What is really important to you? Look to those activities that bring you joy and satisfaction. What are the things you want to do more of or could not see yourself living without? Your menu for the future starts here, with what you value most.

I want to emphasize the focus on what you actually see yourself doing – what you want to be doing – in retirement, because we are a nation of “doers.” We don’t just sit around on a beach. We multi-task, we get stuff done. We are also concerned that we will have to work longer than the previous generation. But we are good at it. And how we define ourselves is tightly interwoven with what we do.

The menu of choices available to us is wide. I am willing to bet there are a number of you who have dreamed of starting a small business. Or you have a hobby that you would like to share with young people. There are so many ways to contribute to our communities that can provide a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as potential income. We have the opportunity to make choices about what we do in ways our forefathers never did. Few of us will inhabit a rocking chair on the front porch, unless it is by choice.

And what about economic reality? Now is a bad time to ask that question, but if you have been investing for a number of years you know that markets have their ups and downs. The present time is our cold, slap-in-the-face reminder that we need to pay attention to our investments. It is a reminder that our retirement funds are important and we should be careful stewards of these nest eggs. The bottom line is that by starting early with planning and investing there will be more time for your vision and your economic situation to converge, more time to make decisions that bring you closer to your definition of a well-lived retirement.

The definition of retirement is changing. Clinging to past assumptions or pre-conceived ideas will only hinder us from creating a future that reflects our values. If we see retirement as a process, it becomes clear we need to focus our attention on that process now. This does not mean that we sacrifice the joy and meaning of the here and now. Our futures may unfold in wonderful ways we haven’t even thought of. We can take charge of the future by creating our own unique vision. We can accomplish this by taking steps now, and consistently along the way. The result will be a sense of comfort that we are creating a retirement based upon our choices and values.

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