Blog Posts

When is the Right Time to Move - Signs Your Loved One is Ready

The signs are subtle. Your parent or parents may not actually come out and say the words. But if you are paying attention, it’s not hard to see they are ripe for rightsizing. And seriously, though you are trying to be supportive and make sure their living situation meets their current needs and goals, it’s possible you may be part of the problem. Too often a single parent or couples are chomping at the bit to shed the family home but keep hanging on for fear the kids will be crushed at the thought. Watch for these signs your parents are ready to downsize. Then, instead of enabling a less than optimal situation, be part of the solution. Let it be known you are enthusiastically on board with a move forward to experience the fun and freedom of an active adult community . A Lot of Sighing Are your parents constantly looking around at the overwhelming accumulation of stuff and just shaking their heads at the thought of dealing with it? They may be staying put just to avoid the nightmare of decluttering. Offer your services to help streamline the process and watch those sighs turn into smiles. Declining Invitations If you find your parents are reluctant to join you at restaurants or other activities that involve cost, it could be the house is becoming a money pit that is creating financial pressure. Sit down with them and discuss the benefits of selling the house and getting out from under the burden of home maintenance. At active adult communities, the numbers add up to fun and freedom. Talk of Travel If it seems all conversational roads lead to travel, clearly your parents are ready for the turnkey life. But their house may be impeding their ability to spontaneously pick up and go. Ask about their fantasy trip and suggest rightsizing into a new active adult lifestyle that would support their desire for adventure. Bye, bye house. Hello turnkey, stress free life and the ability to explore the world at a moment’s notice. Did You Hear About So and So? The old neighborhood has changed. New young families are living in the homes once occupied by your parents’ peers. How often do you hear how one or other old friend has moved away to some fabulous active adult community closer to their grandkids? Lamenting a dwindling social circle is a sure sign your parents are ready for a change, even if they don’t realize it yet. The Stairs Are your parents constantly complaining about the stairs? Even though their legs are up to the task, a two-story lifestyle at this stage can be hard on the knees. Discussing how many trips they made up and down the steps on any given day is a sure sign they are ready to live life on one floor. Grandma Who? If your parents live out of town, you and your kids may not see them often enough. This may be the perfect opportunity to help them relocate to an active adult community in your neck of the woods. Facetiming is great, but it doesn’t take the place of quality, in-person time together. When grandparents start making jokes about having to re-introduce themselves every time they call, they may indeed be ready to join a community closer to you. Keep your eyes and ears open for the signs your parent or parents are ready to downsize. Your support and assurance that you will be part of the process will go a long way toward motivating them to pull the trigger on this major life change. Once they are happily ensconced in the active adult community of their choice, they will thank you—and wonder why they waited so long.

Uncover Your Family History Online

Who are you and where did you come from? In the digital age, tracing family roots has become a new and fascinating national pastime. Summoning your inner Sherlock Holmes’, you can use your own detective skills as well as the plethora of online resources to discover surprising details about your lineage and relatives. All you need is some old photos, and documents, plus a healthy curiosity to begin unlocking the secrets of the past. Here are some tips to help you get on the case! The First Clue: Old Photos This mission begins by taking a wonderful walk down old photo lane. Gather every old photo and document you have and search them for clues. Enlist the help of family members and make it a group project. If relatives are uncomfortable parting with original material, ask them to photograph whatever is in their attic and email it to you. Start Talking Get out your inspector notebook and start asking questions. You’ll be amazed at what you can find out when you ask relatives for their versions of your family history. There may be stories you never heard before that can point you toward the answers you seek. Be sure to ask if any of your relatives have ever compiled their own family trees so you can compare notes. Begin Building Your Tree Making a family tree is as simple as getting a family tree chart . Start by filling in what you know and add information as you unearth it. This chart will help you track your progress at a glance. Will you focus first on Mom’s or Dad’s side of the family? Flip a coin and get started. Your Family’s Paper Trail There are a variety of record types that can reveal your family’s saga. Wills, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, land deeds, military service, and immigration records can all provide pieces of your puzzle. The Family History Library Catalog is an online aid that can be a good place to start . Take a Field Trip Find out if your city has a Family History Center and if it does, go there. If you live in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, or plan to be there anytime soon, take yourself and your inquisitiveness to the Family History Library, home of the world’s largest collection of genealogical information. For those who can’t get to Utah, the library has a free Family Search website. Head Home Though much of your journey will happen remotely, your investigation might just include a visit to the place your ancestors lived. If possible, visit the cemetery where they are buried. Check out the local courthouse to see if there are any local records too dated to be online. Online Resources There are many genealogy websites to choose from. Some offer DNA testing. Here are a few options to check out. FamilySearch.org MyHeritage.com Ancestry.com Geneology.com Share the Process with Friends Join an ancestry class , one may be offered at your Overture community, and share the family history adventure with friends. Exchanging stories and research can add a whole extra dimension to solving your mystery. Remember, first and foremost, this is a journey meant to be fun. The game is afoot!

A Season of Gratitude

“Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present.” – Marelisa Fábrega Our daily existence can be so busy and hectic. It’s easy to take the wonderful gifts of love and friendship we receive from those around us for granted. During this holiday season, as you embark upon an exciting new active adult adventure, why not spread the joy by showering the special people in your life with gratitude and appreciation? These inspirational giving thanks poems and messages that celebrate friendship, family, and the beauty of our own individuality may provide just the inspiration you need. A Thanksgiving Toast By Susan Pevaroff Berschler As Thanksgiving approaches and the year ends Let’s take a moment to be grateful for dear family and friends. To all of our loved ones, it’s an opportunity to say, Thank you for the love and joy you add to our lives every day. The winds of change continue to blow and often we are apart, But that doesn’t change the deep connection that comes straight from the heart. Friends old and new make life’s journey easier to bear, Everything is sweeter just knowing how much they care. The generations of our family are forever linked and strong, United in solidarity, we can face whatever comes along. We cherish our relationships as constant as the stars above And toast to a bountiful Thanksgiving filled with companionship and love. Unique By Abimbola T. Alabi Because I know who I am, I'm at ease and free. I can't be like others, And they can't be me. I've got fading scars, An unusual physique, But it all works together To make me unique. I've got hidden strengths, Some obvious flaws. Still I am who I am, For better, for worse. I don't have to blend in; I won't live a lie. I can't please everyone; I won't even try. Some call me proud; Others stare at me in alarm. But I'm not one to bother, Because I know who I am. Thanksgiving Delights By Joanna Fuchs On Thanksgiving Day we're thankful for Our blessings all year through, For family we dearly love, For good friends, old and new. For sun to light and warm our days, For stars that glow at night, For trees of green and skies of blue, And puffy clouds of white. We're grateful for our eyes that see The beauty all around, For arms to hug, and legs to walk, And ears to hear each sound. The list of all we're grateful for Would fill a great big book; Our thankful hearts find new delights Everywhere we look! Be Thankful Poet Unknown Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. “A basic law: the more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Getting the Conversation Started with Your Loved Ones About Moving

The relationship between children and parents is a constantly shifting conundrum. When kids are small, parents are the center of their universe, responsible for, well…their very existence. As kids grow up and become more self-sufficient, the needle on the spectrum of responsibilities is continuously sliding, altering the balance of power. Now that there are only adults in the room, you, the former dependent, are stepping up to look out for the needs of your empty-nester parents. But just because grown children want to be involved in their parent’s decisions, it does not mean those parents are going to be enthusiastic about accepting their input. You call it caring. They call it meddling. It is tricky terrain and navigating it successfully requires dusting off your best communication skills. For example, you can clearly see that aging in place in the family home is not in your parents’ best long-term interests. The house is essentially a monument to your childhood that has outlived its purpose. But, where you see wasted space, stairs, never-ending repairs, and piles of maintenance bills, Mom and Dad see a treasure trove of memories, and all that is familiar. Rightsizing feels like a giant leap out of their comfort zone. How can you gently persuade them it is actually a springboard to a carefree, exciting, new chapter filled with unlimited opportunities for social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth? 5 tips to Help Convince Parents to Move Open the Communication Lines Early It’s never too early to get the rightsizing conversational ball rolling. Though your parents are not currently facing an urgent need to move, the transition will be smoother if you start exploring options well before it’s really time to call the moving van. You might start by telling them how much you love their house and acknowledge that selling it will be an emotional undertaking for the whole family. Rather than approaching the move as a hard sell, ease into it by taking joyful walks down memory lane together and letting them know you understand their feelings. Do Your Homework Don’t broach the problem without presenting a solution. As soon as you bring up your concerns about your parents continuing forward in their house, be armed with plenty of information about the 55+ active adult communities in your area. With their permission, schedule a tour or two and investigate options as a family. Be Honest About Your Concerns Be concerned, not controlling. Most parents are uncomfortable with their children worrying about them and resent having opinions forced on them. Express your fears and concerns about their living situation in a loving way and stress your desire for them to experience the next chapter of their lives in an environment that is not only safe and comfortable but enriching and fun. Don’t Dictate Ultimately, your parents will have to come to their own decision about rightsizing. But your research and positive attitude will go a long way toward tipping the scales. If your parents refuse to discuss the issue with you, fall back and regroup. It may be helpful to bring in a third party like a realtor, financial advisor, or a peer who has already embarked on the active adult adventure. Be Part of the Solution Rightsizing is a process that entails more than just signing on the dotted line. The prospect of wading through the flotsam and jetsam of a lifetime, organizing finances, packing boxes, and setting up a new household can be daunting. Let your parents know you will support them and be a part of their relocation experience every step of the way. Reassure them they are not going into exile and you will be just as much a part of their lives as you’ve always been. That said, be prepared. Once your parents have decided to take the plunge, you may have a problem getting on their busy social calendar. Turnabout is fair play, right?

Tips for Selling Your House for Older Adults

It’s not just a house. It’s your home. A treasure trove of memories that charts your family’s history. But the keyword here is history. As daunting as radical change appears from your favorite chair, it’s become clear that a house so appropriate for a past lifestyle is impeding your goal of moving forward to embrace the present —and future. Once you shed the burden of unused rooms and piles of maintenance bills to find a living space that is in all respects just right, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. The first step in your journey to celebrate active adulthood is to prepare your house—and yourself—for the sale. Here are a few home selling tips that consider both the physical and emotional task ahead of you. Clear Out the Clutter Remember, buyers are interested in seeing your house, not your stuff. Limiting personal décor best showcases the living space and helps potential buyers envision their own possessions. If this is your first round of rightsizing, you will have a lifetime of accumulation to sort through. Keep in mind, it was not accrued in a day. So, create a reasonable timeline that doesn’t make you feel anxious or rushed. Don’t ignore your exteriors. Your home doesn’t get a second chance to make a first impression. A pristine exterior will make buyers eager to see what’s inside. Send Out an SOS Staging a house for sale is quite an undertaking at any age. For active adults, it is a task that presents unique challenges and must be approached with care. Your spirit may be more enthusiastic than your back, so be sure to enlist helpers for any heavy lifting or carrying. Get the kids and grandkids involved, if they are available, and you can transform a grueling job into some quality family time. Pace Yourself Stick to a schedule that doesn’t leave you completely depleted by the end of the day. Try not to work for more than a six-hour shift. Take plenty of breaks, keep snacks handy and stay hydrated. You want to conserve that energy for all the activities awaiting at your new 55+ active adult community! Lighten the Mood If ever there was a task impacted by attitude, this would be it. A positive upbeat approach will make the hours far more pleasant. As you sort through pictures and recall special experiences, you’ll want to take a moment to relish the memories. This can be a time of storytelling, laughter and family connection. Put on some of your favorite music and enjoy the stroll down memory lane. It’s a great time to give the kids and grandkids any items they may find meaningful. Repair and Refresh Preparing your house for sale means paying attention to those odd jobs you’ve managed to avoid for decades. A fresh coat of paint can be helpful as well. Buyers want to feel the property has a cared for look. That said, this is not the time for you to be climbing ladders and heading up to the roof. Find a reputable handyman to get everything back into working order. The last thing you need is to go through the moving process with an easily avoidable injury. Work Out the Numbers This is a great time to consult a financial advisor who can give you a clear picture of what the sale process looks like financially. Your expert will help you balance numbers to plot a course going forward that makes sense for both you and your finances. Yes, preparing to move is a major undertaking. But, there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. Once you and your buyers have signed on the dotted line, you’ll be free to enjoy the next level of active adulthood at the 55+ community of your choice. You’ve already missed today’s fun. Don’t miss tomorrow’s!

The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement

For many of us, it’s taken a decade of righting the ship to regain our financial footing, but, finally, that word is back on the table: Retirement. It’s what we’ve worked for, dreamt of and aspired to since, well… since we started working. Today retirement age is whatever works emotionally, physically and of course, financially. If you’re staring 55+ in the face and retirement is starting to look appealing, ask yourself these questions: Have you historically lived within your means? Can you resist the temptation to make large, impulsive purchases? Do you have a stress-tested financial plan created by a certified financial planner? Other than Social Security, do you have some form of certain, steady income such as a pension or annuity that will cover basic living expenses? Do you have a plan to scale back income gradually with a part-time endeavor or is this an all or nothing proposition? Either way, do the numbers work? If your answers are yes, and contemplating early retirement is an option for you, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of retiring at 55. PRO Follow Your Passion There is no time like the present to reinvent yourself and find the bliss that may have eluded you in your long-term career. More and more retirees are broadening their horizons, learning new skills and taking their professional lives in a whole new direction. This time around the goal is enrichment and accomplishment. While the extra income is helpful it is not the main attraction. Rekindle the Family Flame If your stars align for early retirement, all signs indicate you’ve devoted most of your energy over the years to your work, losing precious time with your spouse and the kids. Early retirement is an opportunity to reconnect with the family and play a more active role in parenting. It’s a chance to stop and smell the roses with a spouse and focus on romance instead of finance. Check Off the Bucket List One main advantage of early retirement is the opportunity to pursue activities and adventures that may become impractical. if not impossible, the more you age. Rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, exotic biking trips and other experiential travel require the agility and stamina we are more likely to have at 55 than 75. CON Too Early for Medicare Retirement at 55 leaves you with a ten-year gap in coverage before Medicare kicks in. Few employers are providing post-retirement health care plans, and prohibitive costs of coverage make the benefits defined by the Affordable Care Act limited in scope. In short, if you have no health insurance, and a serious issue arises, your financial future is at risk. Finding medical insurance will take a bite out of your budget, but it will be a necessary expenditure. Taking Your Money Will Cost You Accessing tax-sheltered accounts early comes with penalties. Be sure to be fully aware of the costs associated with withdrawing money from your 401K, IRA, or ROTH IRA before making your decision to tap that resource. Earlier is Less If you begin receiving Social Security before the age of 67, you will receive less in monthly payments and may ultimately forgo as much as 30% of the benefits owed you. Employer paid, and private pension funds typically come with an early withdrawal reduction in benefits as well. Do your homework to make sure your lifestyle can withstand the pay cut. In this case, less is definitely not more. If early retirement is on your horizon, one of the best ways to maximize financial health is rightsizing. Selling a home that has outlived its purpose, will not only add to your financial comfort, it will also give you an opportunity to find a community of folks in your similar situation with whom you can share this new and exciting chapter of your life. There is no life change more major than retirement. Before you take the plunge, consult a financial expert to make sure that your numbers add up to a fabulous future.