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Road Trip to Retirement–Four Seasons

Hello friends, and welcome to another installment of “Road Trip to Retirement”  Hubby and I drove to the Four Seasons, an Active Adult Living Community on Bayview Road in Middletown, Delaware.

 

Four Seasons Active Adult Community

The first home we toured was the Martinique, which is a 2-3 bedroom, 2-3 bathroom model and at the time of this post starts at $336,400.  As you can see from this picture, the kitchen is beautiful, open and airy.

Spacious kitchen

The second model we toured was the Ambassador, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, starting at $286,400,  Our salesperson Eban Pinto, was great in providing all the information about the builder’s history, the homes and community as well as the standards and upgrades available for each model. 

Four Seasons Active Adult Community Tour

 

Four Seasons Active Adult Community Tour Four Seasons Active Adult Community Tour

After we toured the three models at the Four Seasons we returned to the car only to find that it wouldn’t start, which was embarrassing especially since this was a “road trip”. 

Anywho, while waiting for the AAA repair truck I went back inside each model to give you a better view of each. 

The Four Seasons by K. Hovnanian’s is definitely a lovely Active Adult Community in Middletown, and there are many models in which to choose from.  I also loved the resort-like pool and clubhouse amenities.

Road Trip to Retirement 6 Road Trip to Retirement 5

Did you watch the video?  Which was your favorite model and what did you think about the Marina Club?  

If you missed the first Road Trip to Retirement, click here to read the post and watch the video.

Four Seasons


A Guide to Helping Aging Parents

A Guide to Helping Aging Parents

Author: Andy Andersen

Knowing how to help aging parents is tough for everyone. It can be an unexpectedly difficult topic to address for all parties involved because it usually entails painful emotions that are difficult to process. If this is an experience you are going through, know that you are not alone and that it’s ok to feel what you’re feeling.

Here are some simple tips that will help you get through this difficult time and find your aging parents the right care:

Recognize the signs.

The first step in helping your aging parent is recognizing the signs that they need additional or professional elderly care. One adult child reported that it took his aging father driving his car through the back wall of his garage to realize he needed assisted living. But there are many simple signs that can let you know your parent needs help before anything that drastic happens:

Does your parent tend to wander, even in the short time it may take you to go to the bathroom, or step into the other room for a moment? They might be experiencing dementia.

Do they display aggravated behavior later in the day? This is another sign that they might be experiencing dementia.

Is their current home becoming a less safe place for them? If so, they probably need the attention that you can’t give them on your own.

Senior woman on wheelchair taking her husband's hand.

Senior woman on wheelchair taking her husband’s hand.

Have an open conversation.

Broaching the subject of assisted living, or any kind of elderly health care for that matter, can be incredibly difficult for both parents and adult children. It can be especially challenging when a parent is refusing help. That’s why it’s best to recognize the early signs and approach the conversation before they need urgent help. It might also be necessary to enlist the help of others, in hopes that the more loving support they have, the more likely your parent will change their mind about getting help. If all else fails, know that you can call social services if your parent is of serious danger to themselves or others.

That all being said, remember that your parent is much more likely to agree to receiving elderly care if you have an honest, upfront, and open conversation with them about it. Communicate love and concern as you address this subject and discuss options. Let them know that you are looking out for their best interest and listen to their concerns as well. You may be surprised at how open they are to getting the help they need.

Multi-Generation Family Enjoying Walk In Beautiful Countryside

Multi-Generation Family Enjoying Walk In Beautiful Countryside

Scope out your options

It’s important to take the time and effort necessary to research your care options before deciding on any particular plan. If you’re concerned about your budget, remember: you’re looking for the right help, not necessarily the most expensive. In any therapy situation, it’s important to find the place where the patient will receive the individual, personalized care that works best for their condition. It’s easy to be quickly enamored by a care center or program that appears to be the most expensive, has the most state-of-the-art equipment, the newest looking facilities, etc. But the most expensive place isn’t always the right one; especially for the elderly.

If your parent is going to receive home care, there are plenty of options beyond simple housekeeping and daily check ups. Social work, chaplain assistance, and a wide variety of therapies (including physical, occupational, speech, and music) are just a few of the home care options available today. Click here for an idea of what kind of home care treatments are available to you and your parent.

people together icons

people together icons

Be your parent’s advocate

Empathy is key in establishing a healthy relationship between you and your parent at this stage of your lives. Empathize with your parents. Put yourself in their shoes and be their advocate with the rest of the world. Any nurse will tell you that it’s your responsibility to be your loved one’s advocate in any medical situation. Do your part to see that your parent’s needs are being met. No matter what the situation, continue to spend time with them. The more love and attention elderly parents have from their family members, the more likely they are to live a rewarding elderly life.

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Road Trips to Retirement – The Ponds at Bayberry

Road Trips to Retirement with The Blake’s

Road Trips to Retirement AVI

Our life long dream…work for about 30 years, pay off the mortgage, get the kids through college then retire and start enjoying life traveling around the world.

Not once were the words “you have cancer” part of that dream. Oh, it’s a phrase and a harsh reality that I’ve heard too many times from too many family members, however, I never thought I would be hearing it about my own spouse.

Approximately 2 months after hubby signed his retirement papers, he was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, the surgery and recovery came and went before his official retirement date of July 1.

Now with a new reality mixed in with that dream, we are on a mission to downsize our home, and move into a no-shoveling or lawn/pool maintenance 55+ community so let the ride begin!

You are cordially invited to tag along, so hop in, buckle up and let’s get started on these Road Trips to Retirement…you never know, we just might become neighbors!

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As a Boomer who Blogs with a Millennial Mind, it only seemed natural to not only blog about but to also vlog about our adventures in finding a new home in a 55+ community. We want to begin this journey in the state of Delaware for several reasons. First of all, I am not 55, so my retirement date is still a few years off and secondly our oldest son, who is intellectually disabled may be living with us for several more years. He loves his school, job and the benefits he receives in Delaware which are probably much better than those in other states.

Our youngest, currently a sophomore at Bowie State University is loving school and doing well, but I can see him returning home after graduation just long enough to save up enough to have a good financial foundation before he starts on his life’s journey.

Last Saturday hubby and I drove to New York to attend a graduation party for my best friend’s daughter. Prior to returning the rental car, we decided to take a Sunday cruise and check out the new 55+ community by Blenheim Homes, The Ponds at Bayberry, so this is where our adventure begins.

Blenheim Homes Entrance

We toured several of the homes, 3 were fully staged and 2 were Quick Delivery models.  This particular model, The Loren had an awesome layout, unfortunately it was also a two story and we are avoiding steps all all costs, however, Tayair would love it #Eagle’s Territory!

Eagle's Territory

Now I want you to take a quick video tour of The Cooper, The Loren and The Tracey models then leave me a comment below as to which one you liked the best.

 

Wait until you see which one I chose…I could actually see myself sipping Sangrias in the Sunroom!

Entrance to 55+ Home

The Ponds at Bayberry is a 55 and Better Active Adult Community centrally located for travel and shopping in an exclusive country setting, offering 389 single family detached ranch homes with a variety of social and community amenities. Tree line streets, walking trails and shortened neighborhood blocks. We are looking forward to coming back for a visit once the Resort like amenities are built.

Signage to The Ponds at Bayberry

Road Trip to Retirement at Blenheim Homes

 

Okay, which model was your favorite and why?

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6 Ways to Save For The Future

save for the future Every morning someone in the office will greet me with, “Hello Antionette, how you doing”, and I’ll usually respond, “I’m good, it’s another day closer to retirement!”  Actually it’s several more years before I can really retire but hey, it’s my fantasy so leave me alone!

Retirement may be my distant future, but we all know that time flies when you’re having fun and it will sneak up on me before I know it.  So even with a 401K plan and Social Security benefits, I still need to save for the future.  Whether or not your not-so-distant future includes retirement, purchasing your first home, a new car, sending the kids to college or even getting married, here are 6 ways to help you save money for the future.

Save money piggy bank

1) Trim your food costs – for us this has gotten easier with Malik away at school.  Believe it or not, since he left, our grocery bill has been cut in half, but I’m spending money sending him snacks so it’s a wash.  However, if you eat out often whether at a restaurant or take-out/delivery, find and use coupons or Groupons.

There are many deals to be found on social media so seek them out and save some cash. Don’t forget the grocery store apps to help you save while shopping as well as rewarding you at the gas stations.

Save 50% - 90% on things you Love!

2)  Shop sale or clearance – you know me, the frugal fashionista, but even if you don’t thrift never pay full retail.  Head straight to the sales and clearance racks then put the savings into an account.  Buy off season and don’t BOGOif you don’t need two, don’t buy two unless it is really BUY ONE GET ONE FREE,   Most times BOGO is ‘Buy one get another 1/2 off” and don’t be enticed by the 2fer or 3fer deals on items especially if you only need one. shop sales and clearance racks

3) Ask for discounts – whether you’re a senior, military, college student, member of AAA, AARP or any other organizations, ask if there are discounts available.  You can find savings on dining, car rentals, hotels, auto and home repairs.  Put the money you saved into your account.

4) Shop around  – for the best prices, especially on big renovations, get at least three bids and check third-party websites such as Groupon and Angieslist.com

5) Pay with cash – most people spend less with cash than when using a debit or credit card and depending on the vendor you may be given a discount for paying with cash.

paying with cash

6) Bargain hunt for travel – name your own price @Priceline.com, is a good way to save money on your travel budget – or just stay local.  Seek out fun spots and destinations in your own city or state to save even more money.

There are so many other ways in which to save a few dollars here and there so track your spending whether by writing it down in a notebook or with a Smartphone app, look for ways to cut your spending and save it for the future.

 

Now it’s your turn, share some tips on how you’re saving money for the future.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Living in Latin America | Where Will We Retire

Hello Friends, I hope all is well in your world.

Today is the day that my hubby is officially retired from the State of Delaware – WOOHOO – CONGRATS Hun!

Prior to this day and for the past several years he has chosen and then changed his mind on a half dozen places of where he wants us to live when we both retire.  The first destination he chose was Africa and the last was Arizona, so it’s obvious he hasn’t narrowed it down to one location.

Recently I read an article on Latin America’s la vida buena and what caught my attention was the fact that our Social Security would allow us to live comfortably in paradise.

costa rica beach

As long as there is sun and water and no snow, you can count me in and the average temperature in Costa Rica is 72 degrees!  Costa Rica has been named as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  You can live well on a budget and as a matter of fact, the book “The International Living Guide to Retiring Overseas on a Budget: How To Live Well on $25,000 a Year”, was written by a retired couple who now live in Equador.

Well whenever the time does comes for me to retire, I want us to live out our Golden Years in a place where our money goes the furthest and the weather is the warmest, so if that is Latin America so be it.    It’s close enough to the US so if we want to come back for a family visit it’s relatively easy.

Ready to Retire to Latin America

10-day group tours are available which of course we’d take before making any decision and it’s also suggested that you live in a new country for at least 6 months before making the commitment to move there.  If we became residents in a country in Latin American we wouldn’t lose our U.S. Citizenship, we can still vote, pay taxes and collect our Social Security.  The medical care is supposedly top quality and much more affordable in comparison to the US which is another plus.

Although I have several more years before even considering retirement, living in paradise on less than 2 grand a month sounds like a plan and Latin America just might be the place to be…guess I better start brushing up on my Spanish!

 

Let's Chat Let’s Chat: Would you retire outside of the USA?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Now That You’ve Got More Time, What Are You Going To Do With It?

Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.  Did you know that on average people worldwide are living six years longer than they were 20 years ago?  Thanks to improved medical advances and declining tobacco use the average life expectancy for women in the United States is 81 and male life expectancy is 76.

life expectancy

So now that you’ve got more time, what are you going to do with it? If you are nearing retirement or have retired what creative and inexpensive activities would you like to do in your golden years?

Getting together with friends or neighbors visiting cultural sites, libraries, historic homes or museums or how about taking a Yoga or Tai Chi class to increase your flexibility.

tai chi for seniors Volunteering your services, participating in church or religious groups are also other great options.  A lot of people actually fear retirement thinking they are going to be bored, but trying something new or doing something that you’ve always wanted to do can be both fun and exciting.

Have you ever wanted to write a book, sing, act, paint, or learn to play a musical instrument? Perhaps you would enjoy sharing your knowledge by teaching, writing a blog or in specialty cooking and baking.  Local travel to neighboring states discovering what is in your own back yard can also be an inexpensive adventure.

No matter what you choose, if you start making a list now while you’re still working you’ll have more to look forward to when that great day actually arrives.

Let's Chat What is the one activity that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time?

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Ready for Retirement | Avoid these Mistakes

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday

 

retired couple Have you and your spouse started thinking about retirement?  Perhaps it’s several years off or maybe in the not-so-distant future.  What are your plans, will you be traveling or just relaxing on the back deck watching the sun rise while sipping your morning coffee?

Hubby will be retiring from the State of Delaware in July, but since I have at least 5 more years, he has to wait for me…and while he waits, he will be working no doubt about it.  Just because he’s retiring with a full pension doesn’t negate the fact that we’ll have a son in college and bills to pay.  

Retirement should be a dream come true filled with fun and excitement but if you make mistakes in not planning, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.  

According to the experts, there are 7 mistakes that couples should avoid if they want their retirement years to be truly golden.

  1. Couples never talked about what each of them expected retirement to be, i.e. personal interest or professional goals
  2. They haven’t planned for emergencies, i.e. illnesses, accidents and major home repairs
  3. Couples in their 2nd marriages didn’t plan for unique problems that come with blended families, ie. adult children needing financial assistance
  4. They didn’t do proper financial planning.  i.e. fail to calculate the amount of money needed in retirement, lifestyle and living costs changes
  5. Hospitalizations Couples didn’t consider the high costs of health care or long-term care
  6. Assuming that because you are married you can act for each other in business and health care decisions, consider getting a Power of Attorney
  7. Only one partner is handling financial matters – couples need to talk regularly about finances and both should actively participate

power of attorney

 

If you and your spouse haven’t sat down and talked about your retirement plans, the time to do so is now so you can make those golden years tarnish free!

sunrise  

What are your thoughts?

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Retire or Regroup | Encore Entrepreneur

Hello Friends and Happy Tax Day Tuesday!

If you’re anything like me no matter what year in your career you’re in, the countdown to retirement has begun. I never told hubby, but when he signed his retirement papers on the 28th of February I was extremely jealous! It’s not that I’m ready to sit home and do nothing or pack my bags and start traveling, I am just looking forward to the day when I have the option to work or NOT!

At this point in my life I am too young and active to retire or at least retire without a plan, which is why this blog is part of a bigger 5-year plan.  I’ve thought about starting a small business, but it would have to one of little to no stress and definitely little to NO commuting involved!

Ideally, I would love to sit on the dock of a bay with a laptop or tablet writing and creating.  Perhaps I’ll have a little shack where tourist can purchase fishing bait and tackle!

http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/

http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/

There was an article published in USA Today that caught my attention, it stated that “more older entrepreneurs are starting businesses after they’ve worked and retired from other careers”.  They have been labeled “encore entrepreneurs”.  An encore entrepreneur is someone over the age of 50 who starts a small business or begins a new career.  Some of these small businesses are non-profits that provide a social need such as job training for the unemployed.  Others turn their hobby or passion into an income stream which is part of my 5-year plan.  

encore entrepreneur Of course as with any new start-up there are obstacles and challenges, but with age comes wisdom and knowledge both of which are a plus for the encore entrepreneur.  Job layoffs, supplementing or replacing income are just a few reasons for starting a business after the age of 50.  

However, with people living longer becoming an encore entrepreneur gives us an opportunity to stay active and do something that perhaps we’ve always wanted to do.  

What about you, are you ready to retire or regroup and become an encore entrepreneur?

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