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Financial Tips to Help Maintain Your Budget

The good news is you’ve put in your time and earned the right to a life of leisure. The other news is your new-found free time generally goes hand in hand with…well, less money in your hands. This is the moment you’ve worked and planned for. But it never hurts to find creative ways to stretch your retirement bucks to meet the challenges of everyday life. Here are a few common-sense budgeting tips for seniors. Revise and Revise Again If it’s been more than 6 months since you’ve reviewed your household budget, it’s time to look at it with fresh eyes. There may be changes that allow you to cut expenses in some areas and reallocate those funds elsewhere. Schedule regular budget meetings with your spouse, financial advisor, or trusted friend or family member to make timely budget adjustments that reflect your current lifestyle. Reality Check If you’ve studied the budget and can’t figure out why the numbers aren’t working, try tracking your daily spending for a month. Keep a detailed report to compare the plan to what you actually spend. A realistic budget will give you confidence going forward. Such a Deal Celebrate your senior status by taking advantage of senior deals and offers. There are tons of proprietors who realize you are on a fixed income and are willing to slash their prices to keep your business. Opportunities for senior discounts range from medical alert systems to internet services to dining and entertainment venues. The trick is to know where to look. Websites like Seniorliving.org offer long lists of possibilities. You can also check out senior coupons from sites like Retailmenot.com . When it comes to money management tips for seniors, a little creative web surfing may lead to big savings. Cut the Cable Remember when there were three channels and June Cleaver always wore pearls with her shirtwaist? Well, TV has come a long way, baby. In fact, thanks to leaps in technology, these days basic cable offerings can be the last place to look for entertainment. It may be possible to do away with the monthly cable charge in favor of less expensive streaming services. It will take a bit of research to make sure you choose a service that is compatible with your television, but when the bills come in, it will be worth it. Dial-Up Your Phone Provider Before you just automatically renew your current phone contract, take a moment to look around for a senior-friendly plan. You might be able to save a good chunk of change. Verizon and Jitterbug are two on the list of phone providers that offer sweeter deals for seniors. Check out their options for unlimited texting and calling to make sure you don’t miss a minute of quality grandkid time. Changing the plan may come with the opportunity to upgrade your phone at a discount. You may love a more senior-friendly phone, like one that comes with a larger screen. Rightsize, Rightsize, Rightsize Nothing eats up retirement funds like home maintenance. Staying put in your family home may necessitate coughing up mega bucks for big-ticket items like roofs, kitchen appliances, and air conditioning. Picture a world in which you sell the house, rent a maintenance-free apartment in one of Overture’s premier active adult communities , and free up funds to enjoy retirement life to the max. Now that’s an equation that works! Budget management is important at all stages of life, but critically so during this chapter. Use our senior living calculator to outline your priorities and be proactive about your budget on a regular basis.

How to Develop Your Own Daily Routine for Graceful Aging

A good walk. A balanced meal. A heartfelt talk with a friend. A yearly checkup. Kudos if you can recall the last time you could check any of those off your to-do list. Alone each is a critical building block in the pursuit of our health and wellbeing. However, put them together and they can help build a fortress to defend against the aging process. There is a caveat: That fortress will only be as strong as our commitment to the mission. An active adult lifestyle truly focused on 7 dimensions of wellness demands adherence to a consistent healthy daily routine. How convenient to be empty nesters and retirees with newly acquired hours of free time just waiting to be filled with activities in support of the cause. As you ponder what wise and healthy aging looks like to you, consider integrating items on this list into your healthy daily schedule. Smart Foods It’s no secret we are what we eat . That is especially true as we age. Say goodbye to sweets and their empty calories. Say hello to healthy fats like avocado and olive oil that support brain health. Add plenty of green leafy vegetables and colorful antioxidant fruits like blueberries and raspberries to your repertoire. Snack on healthy nuts and seeds or add them to salads. Eat plenty of fish, wild caught if you can. And choose free-range meats. If you’re looking for a nutritious hot drink during the day, try some bone broth. No need to sacrifice taste for nutrition. It’s easy to prepare creative meals that are both delicious and nutritious. Couch Potato? Just Say NO! The math is simple: Activity levels are directly proportional to quality of life. There are so many ways to get the blood flowing. Walking, biking, swimming or water aerobics, dancing, and yoga are all excellent options that can be done on your own or with like-minded friends in a class. Whatever form of exercise you choose, be sure to continue it on a regular basis. And remember, if exercise has not been in your wheelhouse until now, the most important step you take will be getting off the couch. People Who Need People Statistic show isolation is the single biggest issue facing seniors. Certainly, it is one of the big draws of active adult communities like Overture. The best daily routine for healthy living must absolutely include consistent social contact with friends and family. If you are lucky enough to live in an active adult environment, lean into daily activities like happy hours and group classes. Join a walking club and get the double bonus of exercise and communication. Take advantage of social media to keep in close contact with out of town kids and grandkids. Make sure any healthy daily routine includes time for connecting with others. Make Sure It Ain’t Broke Being proactive about medical issues is an important part of any healthy lifestyle routine. Keep up with wellness visits and routine protocols like colonoscopies and mammograms. Your body is a finely tuned machine. Preventive maintenance can be the key to keeping it from going on the fritz. Keep Your Brain Active Our minds need just as much exercise as our bodies. Whether you like to read, solve puzzles or subscribe to one of the brain activity websites like luminosity.com, it’s important to stimulate your mind on a daily basis. Mental workouts will keep you interested…and interesting. Mother Nature and Father Time are a merciless duo. No, we cannot truly beat the clock. But, we can certainly give it a run for its money with a daily routine that supports our physical, mental and emotional health.

How to Pick the Right Active Adult Community Floor Plan for You

Look around. Is your current house too big, too isolating, or too clearly in the wrong state? If the answer to any one or combination of those questions is yes, the time has come to rightsize into the right environment, the right type of senior housing —in the right location. It’s amazing how the shift to new priorities and needs happens in the blink of an eye. One minute the house is alive with family activity. The next, the kids have flown the coop and much of the house has become wasted space that echoes with precious memories of the past. Simply put: The home that perfectly met your growing family’s needs does not support this new chapter of your life. As you contemplate the transition from a single-family home to a 55+ active adult community, don’t overlook an important aspect of your choice: Apartment floor plan. Choosing a Floor Plan that Works for You When you purchased your family home, no doubt its layout, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces were major decision-making elements. Did the kitchen flow smoothly into the living and dining rooms for easy entertaining? Would the bedrooms accommodate the size and makeup of your family? Was the master suite designed to be a place of peaceful sanctuary? The first step toward empty nester bliss is to choose the premier Overture active adult community that checks all your boxes. Once you’ve determined the where, you will want to carefully peruse the floorplan choices to make sure your apartment is the comfortable, perfectly appointed active adult haven it should be. Ask the Right Rightsizing Questions There are several basic issues to consider when choosing your active adult apartment. First and foremost is the number of bedrooms you will require. Will you be moving in as a couple or a single? Will you want a spare bedroom for grandkids and other guests? Will you need more than one bathroom? Does your community offer guest rooms onsite for out-of-town family members? If so, a one-bedroom may be feasible. If not, two bedrooms may be the way to go. Whether you choose a studio, one-bedroom or a two-bedroom, you may have several size options. Study the floorplans online and think about how much overall square footage will work for you. Another key factor is location on the property. Do corner units offer different layouts with more living space? How far away is the laundry facility? Do you want to be close to the elevators or would you prefer to be farther down the hall? What kind of view are you looking for? Are the common areas easily accessible? The location of your apartment home may impact the answer to those questions. Home Sweet Apartment In addition to the endless benefits of 55+ community living , the Overture team has gone the extra mile with each meticulously designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment. Thoughtfully conceived layouts are enhanced by state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens, wood plank-style flooring, spa-like bathrooms, and generous storage that includes kitchen cabinets and walk-in closets. No wonder thousands of Overture active adult community members are singing the praises of their new homes. They all agree, there’s no place like Overture.

6 Top Reasons to Retire to North Carolina

So, have you been wracking your brain to figure out what the Venus Fly Trap, Krispy Kreme and great tax breaks have in common? Well,...mystery solved. They are all indigenous to North Carolina and just three on an impressive list of attractions drawing more and more seniors to the Tar Heel state—though perhaps not necessarily in that order. Throw in moderate temperatures with an average of 213 sunny days annually and small wonder retirees are flocking to North Carolina’s active adult communities. Now that you’re ready to rightsize and embrace the active adult life, North Carolina may check all your boxes. Why Retire in North Carolina? Taxes, Taxes, Taxes 2013 saw the passage of some very tax-friendly legislation in North Carolina. For example, Social Security income is now exempt from state income tax, a provision that directly impacts retirees. The sweeping changes also lowered income taxes to a flat rate and did away with estate taxes altogether. In January of 2017, corporate taxes were lowered to 3%, spelling promise for seniors looking to create a second act. Consider the fact that property taxes for retirees in North Carolina are also low and the numbers are making seniors smile. A State with a View North Carolina is a hiker’s paradise, but you don’t have to endure the Appalachian Trail to take advantage of three mountain ranges worth of exquisite scenery. From the Great Smokies, to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Appalachians, the mountains of North Carolina boast stunning waterfalls, towering trees, and tons of wildlife, not to mention some of America’s best craft beer. There are resorts spread throughout the mountain regions offering the gamut of summer and winter outdoor pursuits. A Day at the Beach The shores of the Outer Banks may be North Carolina’s most famous beaches but they are hardly the only choice. The state’s coastline is filled with more than 300 miles of beautiful beaches, each with its own distinct vibe. Many have the added attraction of bordering a quaint coastal town. Explore the coast until you find the beach you want to call your own. Blasts from the Past History buffs will be drawn to Civil War sites and other interactive memorials commemorating North Carolina’s colorful past. When you need a break from the mountains and the sea, there is much to explore, including the Fort Raleigh National Historical Site which examines the mysterious plight of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Some Serious BBQ There’s barbecue sauce, and there’s North Carolina Barbecue Sauce, not to be confused with any other. Dedicated BBQ aficionados will gladly point you to certified, authentic North Carolina barbecue sauce so you can truly feel at home. Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Overture’s North Carolina communities offer our signature turnkey stress-free lifestyle, enhanced by the backdrop of the Tar Heel state’s unmatched natural beauty . Centennial and Crabtree in Raleigh, Cary in Morrisville, and Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill are some of the best active retirement communities in North Carolina, environments created for the sole purpose of supporting your exciting active adult lifestyle. Whether looking for a financial equation that adds up, longing for regular access to world-class beaches, or just craving a Krispy Kreme, North Carolina may be the active adult living destination with your name on it.

29 Essential Documents to Have in Order for Aging Parents

Seems like only yesterday your parents were up to their elbows in your Pampers. Now it’s your turn at the changing table. Aging parents and small children. Welcome to the sandwich generation. As you begin to realize the importance of creating a legacy for your own children, it may have already dawned on you to have a conversation with Mom and Dad about the state of their affairs. Keep in mind this talk may be about as welcome as “the talk” you were forced to endure as a teen. The subject of wills and estates is like the elephant in the room. It’s big, scary, and imposing—and nobody wants to discuss it. But, taking stock and getting organized now means avoiding legal battles and hassles down the road. Once all the necessary papers are signed, sealed, and delivered, your parents can get back to the business of enjoying active adult life. Important Legal Documents for Seniors You will want to include financial , healthcare, and estate planning documents on any checklist for aging parents. These documents exist to protect your parent’s rights and make their present and future wishes clear. Financial Documents: • A list of all bank accounts • Pension documents, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts • Tax returns • Savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts • Partnership and corporate operating agreements • Deeds to all properties • Vehicle titles • Documentation of loans and debts, including all credit accounts • Financial Power of Attorney Medical Documents: • Living Will: This end-of-life paperwork, also known as an advanced health directive, clearly and specifically outlines a senior’s preferences regarding issues like life support, organ donation. • Health care proxy or power of attorney • Authorization to release health care information • Personal medical history • Insurance card (Medicare, Medicaid, Independent) • Long-term care insurance policy Estate Planning Documents • A will • Trust documents • Life-insurance policies • End-of-life instructions letter to include anything not covered in the will. • Actions letter to include any wishes not stated in the will. Often this letter includes instructions for the memorial. Other Pertinent Documents • Marriage papers • Divorce papers • List of online usernames and passwords • List of safe deposit boxes and the location of their keys • Military records • Birth certificate • Driver’s license • Social Security card • Passport Easy Access is Important Kudos if you and your parents have already started working on an end-of-life checklist. Once you’ve accumulated all the necessary paperwork, make sure it is in a safe, secure, easily accessible place. It’s also important to keep all documents up to date, making changes when necessary. It’s never too soon to sit down and make a legal checklist for aging parents. These legal documents for seniors can lighten the burden of a difficult time. Being organized is the ultimate act of love and makes it easier, and less stressful to pass on the rewards of a life well spent.

Décor Tips to Warm Your Home This Winter

As we get ready to hunker down this particular winter, creating a living space that is warm-both literally and figuratively-is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, creative apartment decorating tips that will keep you cozy as you hibernate. How to Make Your Home Cozy Turn Up the Heat in Bed As much as that sounds romantic, the real secret is swapping out your airy summer bedding for something more substantial. You can pile on the heavier blankets or you can create a warm inviting cocoon by investing in a good wool mattress pad that provides insulation in the winter and wicks moisture in the summer. Flannel or microfiber sheets will add an extra layer of warmth, and in more severe climates, a down comforter will seal the toasty deal. Here Comes the Fuzz Nothing warms up a living room like fuzzy accessories. Cool pillows and throws add colorful accents and huge amounts of snuggle factor to the décor. Cure the Winter Blues with Greenery We may not be able to enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts outdoors right now, but we can certainly bring them inside. Green plants go a long way toward warming up the ambiance while winter’s winds blow. Warm the Windows Heavier window treatments can be a key element in keeping the winter cold at bay. The lighter shades that work to insulate in the summer may need a little extra support to keep things cozy. Fabric curtains or honeycomb shades are good options. Say it With Candles The days are short, and the nights are long. Why not add some mood lighting with candles? Scented or unscented, candles create a warm, inviting ambiance that will take the edge off the winter blahs. Hot Cocoa Anyone? Hot drinks are a winter staple. Whether you are a tea drinker, love your coffee, or can’t resist hot chocolate with whipped cream, you will need a special mug to drink from. Get a set of hooks and your cool mug collection can serve the dual purpose of holding your favorite steaming beverage and adding a fun accent to the kitchen. Floor Décor Those floors that are so delightfully cool in summer can be seriously frosty and unappealing in the winter. Treat your feet to strategically placed area rugs. Be sure not to ignore the bathroom floor. When the temperature dips below freezing, your feet will thank you! Generate Heat with Heaters If you have areas of your apartment that tend to get particularly drafty in winter, you might want to plug in a space heater. Be sure to choose a model that shuts off automatically if overheated. Snuggle up in a comfy throw, fire up the scented candles, grab your favorite cuppa, and enjoy the winter from your cozy Overture active adult apartment. Hopefully, a few simple home decorating tips can help warm your home and your mood in the coming months.