Sunrises, Sunsets, and Rainbows

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT There is an important human need where we need "personal fulfillment". Personal fulfillment is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from knowing that you have achieved something worthwhile. It is the feeling of achieving your goals and ambitions and reaching the highest level of success in whatever you do . Set Realistic Goals Set realistic goals and strive to reach them. Achieving goals gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. When you have achieved your goals, take the time to reflect on them and appreciate the hard work and effort. Having a positive attitude and outlook on life also plays an important role in personal fulfillment.  Stay Focused on Things that Make You Happy Stay focused on the things that make you happy and to be able to accept failure and learn from it. Finally, it is important to take time for yourself and to make sure that you are taking care of your mental and physical health. Taking care of yourself will h...

How much does it cost to get by in retirement?   ...Pretty much the same as before retirement...  HOW DO YOU COMPARE? The average retiree spends $4,818 on monthly expenses; 75% on 4 items.  How do you compare? 1. Housing ($1,734) 2. Transportation ($681) 3. Health Care ($628) 4. Food ($608) I nflation: a concern for retirees In 2020, inflation was 1.2%. In 2021, overall inflation surged to 4.7%, reaching a peak of 9.1% in June 2022. (Source: Investopedia).  To compensate, consumers "look for bargains" and reduce "discretionary spending".  "After spending more than two decades below 3%, the  consumer price index  (CPI)—a key measure of U.S. inflation—nearly tripled from 2020 to 2021, rising from 1.4% to 7.0%. Inflation fell a bit, to 6.5%, in 2022.   Inflation occurs when changes throughout the economy drive prices broadly higher, reducing consumer purchasing power. This means that each dollar you earn buys fewer goods and services. ...

Online theft is a serious problem that affects millions of people.    The following examples occur far too often:  Have you received any of the following?  Within the past week?        Text messages that suggest that "there is a problem with your package delivery, click here..."        Texts that suggest that "there is a problem with your bank account, click here..."     Texts that you owe money...click here... Protect  Yourself Protecting yourself from online theft is essential to keep personal information, finances, and identity safe.  Avoid weak and "re-used" passwords.    Use a "password manager"  to manage your passwords and help you create passwords  that are less likely to be hacked. Passwords may be the only barrier that hackers and cybercriminals have to gain access to your sensitive information. Do not click on links that request your personal information!!  ...

Managing Your Finances on a "Fixed Income" Retirement can be an exciting time.  With that freedom comes the responsibility of managing your finances on a "fixed income".  Expenses: to Minimize or Eliminate ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: (Excellent points, condensed to 6, from "Go Banking Rates": Used or New  Do you need a "new car" or "used"?   Purchasing a vehicle is a significant expense in retirement.  Especially when car payments are involved.  Advantages of a new car are "warrantees".  Disadvantages are considerable cost of and "immediate" devaluation of the vehicle's value.  Careful research can result in purchase of a "new to you" vehicle that is dependable.  Dream House When it is "just you or you + your spouse", consider the cost of home ownership (maintenance, utilities, etc.) and taxes for a large home.  Avoid making major upgrades.  While small improvements can be beneficial...

Aging is an Inevitable Part of Life: Healthy Aging is Within Our Control We all age, regardless of our age.  Aging is not in our control.  "Healthy aging" is within our control.  Aging is an inevitable part of life.  Healthy aging is about making lifestyle choices that help us to remain as healthy and independent as possible.  KEYS TO HEALTHY AGING Place value on things that really matter.    In our digital age, when many things vie for our time and attention - place value on things that really matter.  Prioritize the things that we care about and eliminate the rest.  Do not "re-live" regrets.    As we age, there is a tendency to re-live "regrets".  Important to remember that "we did the best we could" given the circumstances.  We cannot change the past, but we can change the present and future.  Simplify.    Life was simpler when you were younger.  Life has become increasingly complex.  Simplify....