Sunrises, Sunsets, and Rainbows

Property Taxes make up a big chunk of Ownership Cost.  Property taxes are complicated and make up a big chunk of homeownership costs. What’s worse is that the amount you owe annually can change as tax districts look for additional funding.  (Source: Realtor.com) Property taxes are charged by tax districts (state and municipalities) as an important revenue source.  Property taxes are assessed for your home, a second home, vehicle(s), recreation vehicle (RV's), boat, etc.  Some states and municipalities offer property tax "freezes" (property tax rates are frozen), "rebates" , and "exemptions" for Seniors.  Requirements vary.   Requirements will include age (usually age 65), property must be your "primary residence" and proof of year(s) of ownership, one vehicle per retiree (household with 2 retirees may include 2 vehicles), and may include household income.  How Do I Found Out Whether my State or Municipality Offers Senior Property Tax Discou...

Reflections Following over 30 years in a career in Oil and Gas and at age 65, I transitioned to and retired at 67.  Retirement was difficult. I had purpose, recognition, and acceptance as a successful professional. I had invested deeply into my profession. Our personal finances were in order. For years, we had 0 debt. Our children were grown, had completed their education, and started families of their own, and were financially independent.   Efforts to re-engage with my profession locally met with limited success and disappointment; something I had not experienced in my career.  A Personal View on Retirement: Themes "Retirement" for me, was a completely new "chapter of life".  A chapter that we had prepared for financially for many years; but, were less prepared with regard to "meaning and purpose", an important part of my career.   As I reflect on the past 7 years of this new chapter in our life, the following themes surface: Avoid Financial Problems...

Personal growth and development are essential for a fulfilling and successful life (Quoted from:  Continuous Learning: The Key to Personal Growth and Development) "Personal growth and development are essential aspects of leading a fulfilling and successful life. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt, learn, and grow has become more crucial than ever before.  Continuous learning plays a vital role in this process, offering individuals the opportunity to expand their knowledge, skills, and perspectives." "Continuous learning goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge; it encompasses a mindset that embraces curiosity, innovation, and growth."  (Source: The Indispensable Role of Continuous Learning and Personal Growth in Leadership.  Indeed.com)  Continuous Learning is not limited to formal education Continuous learning is not limited to formal education or acquiring degrees "Continuous learning is not limited to formal education or acquiring degrees....

Depression is not a "life sentence".  Depression affects millions of people. Retirement is a major life decision. Facing depression during retirement can be a difficult and challenging experience for many seniors.  With the loss of the daily routine, structure, and social connections that accompany a full-time job, loss of clear goals and objectives, it can be easy to experience feelings of loneliness, sadness, and even despair.  "Depression feels grey, like you're under a huge dark cloud and heavy, like you are walking around carrying heavy weights. It also brings negative thoughts about yourself, about others, and about your future."  (Source: "6 New, Holistic Ways To Treat Depression Without Medication".)  You're not alone Mistakes don't define your worth.  "Life gets messy, things go sideways, and it’s crucial to remember that it’s okay not to have it all together. The habit of self-kindness involves recognizing that making mistakes do...

FDIC Insurance Safeguards Depositors The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an autonomous U.S. government agency, offers deposit insurance to safeguard depositors in American banks. This vital protection assures the security of individuals' funds. FDIC The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government and provides a guarantee of safety to depositors in the event of a bank failure.  The FDIC also oversees the financial health of banks and takes action to ensure that banks are complying with applicable banking laws. The FDIC also provides consumer education and financial literacy programs to help consumers make informed decisions about their finances.  The FDIC is an important part of the U.S. banking system and helps ensure that depositors’ funds are safe and secure. ARE MY SAVINGS INSURED? FDIC insurance covers traditional deposit accounts, and depositors do not nee...

To protect your personal data and financial accounts from unauthorized access, including phishing attacks, account takeovers, and other malicious activities, put in place "multi-factor authorization" and "money transfer lockdown".  Multi-factor Authorization (MFA) Two or More Forms of Authentication Multi-factor authorization is a security feature that requires two or more forms of identity authentication for login.  It is an important layer of security that can help protect your data and accounts from unauthorized access.  Multi-factor authentication can include a combination of the following:   - a username and password,  - a biometric scan (fingerprint, voice recognition),  - a one-time code sent to a mobile phone,  - or a code generated by a security token or card.  This ensures that the person trying to access the account is the authorized user and that the information is safe from malicious access.  In addition to providing a secur...

Embracing Innovation Technology is changing at an incredibly rapid pace.  As technology continues to advance, more and more things are becoming obsolete (or will become obsolete soon), replaced by new technology.  Companies must stay on top of the latest developments to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.  Avoid becoming "obsolete"! Are you staying up to date on latest advancements? The revolutions that will surface in years to come will continue to make profound changes.  Fortunately, new technology is designed to be helpful and easy to use.   Rather than being overwhelmed, embrace technology to discover how it can enhance and become an essential part of your daily life.  (Adapted from: "Technology in Our Life Today". My G-Grandmother, during her life had experienced travel by covered wagon and buck board, steam engine train, automobile, and airplane and the beginnings of the "space age".  Communication by letter, telegrap...

Don’t Let Age Define You Age is just a number and doesn't define who you are or what you are capable of. Do not let age limit your dreams and aspirations, for you are capable of so much more. No matter what age you are, you should never let anyone define you or limit you in any way. You are in control of your life.  It doesn't matter if you're in your twenties, thirties, or even your seventies; age is just a number and doesn't define who you are or what you are capable of.  Regardless of age, pursuing your dreams is possible. Engage in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. Embrace risks and novelty, disregarding external judgments.  You can achieve anything you desire at any age if you have the drive, ambition, and motivation to do so. Life is too short to be held back by something as insignificant as a single number. Do not let age limit your dreams and aspirations, for you are capable of so much more. Photo: D. McCallister.  Falls Creek, Alaska Look for ways...

  Financial Planning: Working While Collecting Social Security If you're earning income from a job while collecting Social Security, your earnings will face the retirement earnings test, constraining your job income. This measure restricts your potential earnings while ensuring continued Social Security benefits. Understanding these regulations is crucial for financial planning. What You Need to Know: Collecting Social Security When Under Full Retirement Age Depending on your age, Social Security will withhold part or all of your benefits if your wages exceed a certain amount. For those under full retirement age (FRA - currently between 66 and 67), Social Security temporarily withholds by reducing $1 of benefits for each $2 earned over the annual limit. For those between full retirement age and age 69, Social Security will reduce $1 of benefits for each $3 earned over a higher limit.  Full Retirement Age (FRA) rule: no longer applies if you’re 70  Once you reach age 70, t...

Every individual has a story to tell...                                                   Photo: D. McCallister.  Cook Inlet, Alaska Reflections COUNTRY BEGINNINGS Dave & Linda were raised in the San Luis Valley (a high mountain ranching and farming valley at 7,900 feet elevation) of southern Colorado.  Life was simple - no malls, fast food places, internet, or smart phone.  Instead, life involved precious moments together, often in the outdoors, with immediate family, grandparents, cousins. Linda's Family and Background Linda's father, born of Swedish immigrants, rose above his mining background to complete medical school at the University of Colorado. A country doctor and survivor of the Bataan Death March and a prisoner of war, his accomplishments did not stop there: Following the war, Dr. Anderson served on numerous ...

World is Constantly Changing: Identifying Opportunities The World is Constantly Changing The world is constantly changing.  Retirees need to keep up with new trends to ensure their retirement is secure, identify opportunities, and truly golden.    World is Constantly Changing: INFLATION AND COST-OF-LIVING  Inflation diminishes purchasing power as prices increase.  Inflation and rising prices impact the cost-of- living.   Although social security payments are adjusted for inflation, medical care cost usually rise at much greater pace than the overall inflation rate.  In 2022 medical care costs increased at a lower rate than inflation. However, retiree’ medical care costs will increase even more. Call to Action:    1. Identify additional sources of income.   This may include part-time work or side hustles that involve hobbies you enjoy.   (See the Blog titled: "Personal Fulfillment - Embrace the Possibilities and Add to Your...