AARP has an online seminar to assist loved ones in talking about planning for driving retirement. It can be found at www.aarp.org/weneedtotalk
It takes about 30 minutes to take.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Top 5 Reasons Boomers Should Move to Tallahassee in 2011
#5. Diversity of Faith and Community: With churches from Baptist to Catholic and synagogues to Buddhist, Tallahassee has churches and places of faith for just about everyone. Many are dedicated to service and volunteering to help others in our community is evident from organizations conducting fundraisers to individuals volunteering regularly. Whatever your particular passion to help is, there is a way to express it here.
#4. Midtown Tallahassee and other neighborhoods. Each area has its own sense of community and Midtown Tallahassee is one that expresses itself by inviting all of the city. With bustling night life of local taverns and wine bars to locally owned and electic restaurants such as Kool Beanz and Chez Pierre, if you are looking for an evening out, Midtown is a good place to enjoy it.
#3. Our local universities: Florida State and Florida A&M boast certainly sporting activities and cultural ones too. You can continue your personal growth through engaging in some of the learning opportunities provided through these universities.
#2. Location, location, location: Within driving distance to many of the Gulf Coast beaches, there are wildlife and recreational opportunities for everyone. From the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse to Tallahassee's own Miccosukee Greenway and Tom Brown Park or even Florida's Maclay Gardens, recreational activities abound. Whether hiking in Torreya Park or swimming in the cold, clear waters of Wakulla Springs, there is a plethora of things to do outdoors.
#1. OUR WEATHER: Okay, so it's December and it's not even winter yet and we keep having days during the weeks of below freezing temperatures. Still on average, January is our coldest month, and the good thing about this, is that we do have the seasons. Some falls are prettier than others, but there is color change and temperatures. July and August are our hottest months and July typically has the most rain. With few exceptions, every day is advantageous for outdoor exercise and reasons to be active outside.
I could make the list longer with comments about state government, health care, culture and more. We are a great city to live in with a super sense of community and friendliness. Whatever you may be looking for, we've probably got it here in Tallahassee or some place close. So come on, check us out in 2011.
#4. Midtown Tallahassee and other neighborhoods. Each area has its own sense of community and Midtown Tallahassee is one that expresses itself by inviting all of the city. With bustling night life of local taverns and wine bars to locally owned and electic restaurants such as Kool Beanz and Chez Pierre, if you are looking for an evening out, Midtown is a good place to enjoy it.
#3. Our local universities: Florida State and Florida A&M boast certainly sporting activities and cultural ones too. You can continue your personal growth through engaging in some of the learning opportunities provided through these universities.
#2. Location, location, location: Within driving distance to many of the Gulf Coast beaches, there are wildlife and recreational opportunities for everyone. From the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse to Tallahassee's own Miccosukee Greenway and Tom Brown Park or even Florida's Maclay Gardens, recreational activities abound. Whether hiking in Torreya Park or swimming in the cold, clear waters of Wakulla Springs, there is a plethora of things to do outdoors.
#1. OUR WEATHER: Okay, so it's December and it's not even winter yet and we keep having days during the weeks of below freezing temperatures. Still on average, January is our coldest month, and the good thing about this, is that we do have the seasons. Some falls are prettier than others, but there is color change and temperatures. July and August are our hottest months and July typically has the most rain. With few exceptions, every day is advantageous for outdoor exercise and reasons to be active outside.
I could make the list longer with comments about state government, health care, culture and more. We are a great city to live in with a super sense of community and friendliness. Whatever you may be looking for, we've probably got it here in Tallahassee or some place close. So come on, check us out in 2011.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Backyard Nursing Home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIQ_qHfQ1OE
Wonder if we could get the legislature here in Florida to allow these (and of course Tallahassee's zoning laws). We already have the "granny flats" bill, so it seems this cottage would be an allowed addition. The problem is the size of the yard it's being put on, specifications on how close to the property lines they can go.
Wonder if we could get the legislature here in Florida to allow these (and of course Tallahassee's zoning laws). We already have the "granny flats" bill, so it seems this cottage would be an allowed addition. The problem is the size of the yard it's being put on, specifications on how close to the property lines they can go.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Helping you keep your net worth
Check out these steps to being able to live retirement the way you expect.
Seven Steps to a Sound Retirement
Seven Steps to a Sound Retirement
Thursday, October 28, 2010
155 Deer Ridge Circle Cir
155 Deer Ridge Circle Cir
Check out this 2005 home just 10 minutes north of I-10 off of N. Monroe.
Check out this 2005 home just 10 minutes north of I-10 off of N. Monroe.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
155 Deer Ridge Circle Cir
155 Deer Ridge Circle Cir Check out this new listing in Havana, just 10 minutes north of I-10 and Monroe. Large corner lot, well maintained, one owner, split bedroom plan.
Monday, September 20, 2010
"Why is now a great time to buy? 10 reasons:
1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average.
They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two
years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage
interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a
comparable place.
4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that
you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there
might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you
do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that
the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over
time outpaces inflation.
7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from
that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.
8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to
equity.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes
available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something
you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow
by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere.
Demand will eventually outpace supply.
Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)"
They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two
years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage
interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a
comparable place.
4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that
you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there
might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you
do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that
the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over
time outpaces inflation.
7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from
that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.
8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to
equity.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes
available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something
you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow
by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere.
Demand will eventually outpace supply.
Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)"
Monday, September 6, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of the social psychological and biological aspects of aging it is distiguished from geriatrics which is the branch of medicine that studies the disease of the elderly
Just so you know.
Just so you know.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
driver safety info from The Hartford
Guidebooks are available in downloadable form or by ordering from The Hartford,
Publication Request, 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06089. Booklets from "A guide to Comprehensive Drive Evaluations" to "We need to talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers". You can down load these at www.safedrivingforalifetime.com/publications
Be safe out there. Seems no one is watching the road. They are busy texting and talking on the phone. Also seems you can always tell, veering off the road some, looking down toward their lap instead of the road, slowing down...
Publication Request, 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06089. Booklets from "A guide to Comprehensive Drive Evaluations" to "We need to talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers". You can down load these at www.safedrivingforalifetime.com/publications
Be safe out there. Seems no one is watching the road. They are busy texting and talking on the phone. Also seems you can always tell, veering off the road some, looking down toward their lap instead of the road, slowing down...
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Health Care Reform Bill
Here's some good news about the health care bill passed this week. Seems it can help caregivers and seniors wanting to stay at home. Cut and paste the link below in a browser to read the entire article.
http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/few-know-health-care-law-has-class/19413357?icid=main|hp-desktop|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealthcare%2Farticle%2Ffew-know-health-care-law-has-class%2F19413357
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, otherwise known as CLASS, provides for a national insurance program to help cover the cost of long-term care -- something 70 percent of people over 65 will need at some point along the way. The premiums will be much lower than those for private plans, and you won't get screened out because you've already had some health problems. Once vested after five years, enrollees unable to care for themselves will be able to claim cash benefits for as long as needed.
http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/few-know-health-care-law-has-class/19413357?icid=main|hp-desktop|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealthcare%2Farticle%2Ffew-know-health-care-law-has-class%2F19413357
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, otherwise known as CLASS, provides for a national insurance program to help cover the cost of long-term care -- something 70 percent of people over 65 will need at some point along the way. The premiums will be much lower than those for private plans, and you won't get screened out because you've already had some health problems. Once vested after five years, enrollees unable to care for themselves will be able to claim cash benefits for as long as needed.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Elder Abuse
State of Florida has 4.36 million residents age 60 and older. Abuse includes not only physical abuse, but neglect, exploitation and self-neglect. Physical signs of abuse may include cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts, dehydration or malnutrition, poor coloration, sunken eyes or cheeks, soiled clothing or bed, or lack of necessitites such as food, water or utilities.
Behavioral signs of abuse may include fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal, depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory statements, implausible stories, hesitation to talk openly, confusion or disorientation.
If you know of anyone who may need help, call the Florida Elder Abuse hotline at
1-800-96-Abuse.
Behavioral signs of abuse may include fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal, depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory statements, implausible stories, hesitation to talk openly, confusion or disorientation.
If you know of anyone who may need help, call the Florida Elder Abuse hotline at
1-800-96-Abuse.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
TALL
I recently helped Sheila Salyer and Beth Hollister at the Senior Center again this year with the housing day for their participants in TALL (Tallahassee Area Lifelong Leaders).
These are usually but not exclusively retired individuals still wanting to make a difference in our community or making that difference and wanting to learn more.
We visited Woodmont Assisted Living where they fed us lunch which was fabulous and also Ed Dion's Remodel for a Universal House, over on Glenview. Very impressive what this builder has done to make this older home more practical for aging, or physically challenged individuals.
It took many individuals assistance to pull off the day and I am grateful for all the help and welcoming folks we visited. If you are interested in being a part of the TALL program at the Senior Center next year, contact Hella Spellman there at 891-4000.
These are usually but not exclusively retired individuals still wanting to make a difference in our community or making that difference and wanting to learn more.
We visited Woodmont Assisted Living where they fed us lunch which was fabulous and also Ed Dion's Remodel for a Universal House, over on Glenview. Very impressive what this builder has done to make this older home more practical for aging, or physically challenged individuals.
It took many individuals assistance to pull off the day and I am grateful for all the help and welcoming folks we visited. If you are interested in being a part of the TALL program at the Senior Center next year, contact Hella Spellman there at 891-4000.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
First Time Homebuyers
Tax time is here. If you've purchased your first home in 2009 and qualify for the first time homebuyer tax credit, you'll need IRS form 5405 to accompany your taxes.
The Internal Revenue Service has just issued its first formal guidelines for you.
Wait until later this month when the agency publishes its revised Form 5405 with the key instructions needed to get you a check from the government.
Download IRS Form 5405 in pdf at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf
The forthcoming version of the form will incorporate the major changes to the tax credit program made by Congress in legislation signed by President Obama on Nov. 6. These include expanded income limits, a cap on home prices, additional documentation requirements and prohibitions against claims by dependents.
In a tax bulletin issued just before Thanksgiving, the IRS emphasized that all home purchasers after Nov. 6 "must use this new version [of Form 5405] to claim the credit." Put another way: If you send in the old version -- the one you can currently download from the agency's website, www.irs.gov -- your request for the credit will probably go nowhere.
Then again, you may want your tax advisor to handle all this.
The Internal Revenue Service has just issued its first formal guidelines for you.
Wait until later this month when the agency publishes its revised Form 5405 with the key instructions needed to get you a check from the government.
Download IRS Form 5405 in pdf at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf
The forthcoming version of the form will incorporate the major changes to the tax credit program made by Congress in legislation signed by President Obama on Nov. 6. These include expanded income limits, a cap on home prices, additional documentation requirements and prohibitions against claims by dependents.
In a tax bulletin issued just before Thanksgiving, the IRS emphasized that all home purchasers after Nov. 6 "must use this new version [of Form 5405] to claim the credit." Put another way: If you send in the old version -- the one you can currently download from the agency's website, www.irs.gov -- your request for the credit will probably go nowhere.
Then again, you may want your tax advisor to handle all this.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
BRRRR it's cold outside.
Not the weather to want to make you get outside and do any exterior maintenance on your home, but...
When a buyer purchases a home they find by using me, I try to give them information that will help them keep their home values up. One thing I mention is to allot fundsd to do the maintenance all homes will require. A good rule of thumb is 1% of the cost of the home each year to savings for home maintenance or maintenance in general.
One of the home inspectors I recommend, Legacy Home Inspections, sent their newsletter to me with a January maintenance list that comes from weather.com so here is their January maintenance list for you!
Home Maintenance Tasks: January
Organize your home improvement files. Review warranties and product manuals to check on recommended maintenance for furnaces, equipment, appliances and tools. Mark your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service.
Inspect furniture, cabinets and vanities for loose knobs, pulls and hinges. Tighten or repair as necessary. Lubricate squeaky door hinges with lightweight machine oil. Free sticky doors by trimming edges or shimming hinges with thin pieces of cardboard.
Fix squeaks in floors and stairs by applying weight to the area (having a partner stand on it works) and driving an 8d or 12d galvanized finish nail through the flooring into a floor joist or stringer. If you have access to the floor from underneath, glue and screw backs to the floor or treads and to the joist or stringer.
Look for bargains on discontinued appliances and tools. Before buying, make sure that warranties are valid. Make a room-by-room inventory of everything in your house.
In the event of fire, flood or other disaster, it will be important in filing an insurance claim. Photographs or video of your possessions can also be helpful.
Don't close vents to crawl spaces. If you live where pipes can freeze and the floor becomes very cold, insulate pipes and under the floor. Vents play an important role in contolling condesation beneath a house. Learn more about preventing frozen pipes...
Double-check insulation around exterior pipes that are exposed to freezing weather to be certain that water cannot seep under the insulation.
Provided by move.com
When a buyer purchases a home they find by using me, I try to give them information that will help them keep their home values up. One thing I mention is to allot fundsd to do the maintenance all homes will require. A good rule of thumb is 1% of the cost of the home each year to savings for home maintenance or maintenance in general.
One of the home inspectors I recommend, Legacy Home Inspections, sent their newsletter to me with a January maintenance list that comes from weather.com so here is their January maintenance list for you!
Home Maintenance Tasks: January
Organize your home improvement files. Review warranties and product manuals to check on recommended maintenance for furnaces, equipment, appliances and tools. Mark your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service.
Inspect furniture, cabinets and vanities for loose knobs, pulls and hinges. Tighten or repair as necessary. Lubricate squeaky door hinges with lightweight machine oil. Free sticky doors by trimming edges or shimming hinges with thin pieces of cardboard.
Fix squeaks in floors and stairs by applying weight to the area (having a partner stand on it works) and driving an 8d or 12d galvanized finish nail through the flooring into a floor joist or stringer. If you have access to the floor from underneath, glue and screw backs to the floor or treads and to the joist or stringer.
Look for bargains on discontinued appliances and tools. Before buying, make sure that warranties are valid. Make a room-by-room inventory of everything in your house.
In the event of fire, flood or other disaster, it will be important in filing an insurance claim. Photographs or video of your possessions can also be helpful.
Don't close vents to crawl spaces. If you live where pipes can freeze and the floor becomes very cold, insulate pipes and under the floor. Vents play an important role in contolling condesation beneath a house. Learn more about preventing frozen pipes...
Double-check insulation around exterior pipes that are exposed to freezing weather to be certain that water cannot seep under the insulation.
Provided by move.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
Movies for Grownups
This New Year's Day Harry and I went to see "It's Complicated". Don't let any negative reviews deter you from seeing this one. We both agreed it was a good comedy about adults, none of the juvenile bathroom jokes and canaille one can see in many comedies.
Lots to laugh about, no tragedies to contend with, just adult issues. Plenty of humor with this one, well worth the ticket price. Not too sure about the concession stand price, but go see the movie.
Lots to laugh about, no tragedies to contend with, just adult issues. Plenty of humor with this one, well worth the ticket price. Not too sure about the concession stand price, but go see the movie.
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