Sunrises, Sunsets, and Rainbows

Is inflation eating into your retirement?  (and what you can do about it) Inflation is highest it has been for many years.  Shopping for eggs, milk, gasoline, a gallon of paint, and more - brings a reminder of the impact that inflation has had on the cost of daily living.   Individually, we cannot control inflation.  However, there are two areas that we can control: reducing expenses and increasing income.  Here are some thoughts on both: TIPS FOR REDUCING EXPENSES For many retirees - taxes, insurance, food and gasoline, home ownership are probably your highest expenses.  TAXES:  Property, income tax, and medical insurance are probably your highest expense.     Some municipalities and counties offer retirees substantial discounts on their property and vehicle tax.  Several municipalities here in Alaska offer senior property discounts - 20% or more!  Tax on first two vehicles are "tax free".  Does your municipality off...

Service Can Transform Lives Serving others is an important part of life. It is a way of giving back to society and showing respect for others.  Serving others has the benefit of take us "out of our own world with its challenges".  Giving service can come in many forms, from volunteering at a local charity to offering a kind word when one is needed.  By serving others, we are creating a more caring and compassionate world.  Giving back to the community is important to living a fulfilling and meaningful life "Giving back to the community is important to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Giving back involves contributing time, resources, or skills to a community or group of people in need. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, donating to a charity, or mentoring a young person, giving back can have a profound impact on both the giver and the recipient."   ( 50 Creative Community Service Ideas for Nonprofits and Individuals (donorbox.org) Volu...

  Slimming down after 60?  Would you like to slim down as part of your retirement years? "Maintaining a healthy weight in your younger years tends to be a bit easier, thanks to many of us living a more active lifestyle and having more energy to bop around (and thus, burn more calories). As we age, many of us tend to live a more sedentary lifestyle, which can result in weight gain over time.   Although weight is an important measure, it is not the   only  measure of health.  The number on the scale doesn’t tell the entire story of what’s going on inside. Aspects like heart health, lean muscle mass, and bone health are important factors to consider when supporting your overall wellness. And it’s important to remember, your weight is   not   a reflection of your self-worth. But, if you do want to maintain a healthy weight over 60, know that there are some steps you can take to support this goal. "  MAINTAINING HEALTHY WEIGHT - Focus on you...

During the course of life's journey, family relationships can become strained.   How are your family relationships?  During the course of life's journey, family relationships can become strained.   Family relationships provide stability, love, support, and have the power to shape how a person experiences the world. Strengthening family relationships is an important part of ensuring a healthy, happy, and productive life. It involves creating an environment of trust, respect, and open communication, as well as cultivating activities that bring family members closer.  Make it a Priority to Visit Your Family This last Spring, Linda and I, as part of a "celebration of life" for a high school classmate, made it a priority to see our family.  This included time in Denver for Linda's side of the family then on to Colorado Springs and the San Luis Valley for my side of the family.  We were able to strengthen family relationships, renew fond memories of "ea...

Physical, mental, and emotional health are key to achieving "golden years" and a fulfilling retirement.  "The older we get, the weaker our muscles become, so physical activity is essential if we are to maintain our strength. Exercise is an important factor in ageing in the healthiest way possible."  (Source: Age Watch.  Successful Retirement Staying Healthy.) Are you staying active?    During retirement, it is still important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.   Call for Action: Staying Active Can be as Simple as...   - Daily walking with a spouse or friend  - Water aerobics, Swimming  - Biking  - Pickle Ball  - Gardening  - Other?  (Anything that get's you moving) FOR ADDITIONAL READING: Staying Active After Retirement.   Message from Acts Retirement    7 Ways To Be Happier When You Retire.  Forbes -  Andrew Rosen .  7 Ways To Be Happier When You Retire (forbes.co...

Do you have a written will and end-of-life documents?  As we journey through life, we realize that mortality can be brief.   " End-of-life" documents, or "advance directive" ...help ensure your healthcare wishes are carried out as you near death and after you die. They’re also used if you’re incapacitated, you are unable to tend to matters regarding your own well-being.  Advance directives include proxies, living wills, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, and organ donor cards   ...all of which are meant to protect you when you can’t speak for yourself. While often thought of as something only older adults need to have in place, the  COVID-19 pandemic  put a spotlight on the importance of these documents for all adults."   Without these key documents, personal assets and estate can be bogged down in probate, your personal wishes are not known or honored.  (Quoted from:   What Are End-of-Life and Advance Directive Documents?  Livin...

  Are you keeping up with rapid advancements in technology?  We live in a world of rapidly changing technology.  Gone, are the days of the typewriter, large, slow computers, land lines and chorded phones.  Much of the world's happenings, including tools for day-to-day living, involve the use of technology.   Pandora (streaming music), PBS documentaries, YouTube "how to" and instructional videos - add to the quality of life, easily accessible and at $0 cost.  Technology can be used to create new "sunrises".  New Technology: Healthy Balance "All technologies are developed with a purpose. However, some can become a substitute for moments in life that don't need tech, creating an imbalance between the real physical or spiritual world and binary code." Source: Forbes Technology rapidly becomes outdated: Ideas for maintaining availability of technology  - Is there a local library or "senior center" that has access to computers and the internet...