Best Boomer Towns Columns

Americans Need to Face up to End of Life Planning

Advance care counseling is long overdue and can bring incredible peace of mind. As a culture, we'd rather do anything than talk or even think about our own death. Psychiatrists have long equated the reluctance to draw up a will or estate plan with this fear of death.

Millions of families find themselves without guidance or direction when faced with a medical emergency or unexpected death. The legal forms for a living will and health care proxy haven't been filled out. No one wanted to think about the possibility that they might be needed.

We have all kinds of ways of not thinking about our death. Denial allows us to pretend that we won't be caught in that situation. We postpone filling out forms until "We're not so busy." We're paralyzed by our foolish superstition that makes signing papers a signal to God that we're ready to die. What about optimism that we'll just die in our sleep, or during sex, or our favorite sport?

Why spoil the quality of life by being negative?

However, a medical emergency or a tipping point in a chronic illness will trigger the need for a living will and a health care proxy, the documents that form the basis for advance medical planning.

The living will, a medical directive form, lets others know what medical procedures and treatments we want and the conditions under which we want them. Without this, our families will struggle with decisions they have to make that may not be what we want. The health care proxy or durable power of attorney form lets us choose someone we trust to make decisions for us if we can't make them for ourselves.

Why should any child be put into a situation of predicting a parent's wishes? What a huge responsibility for parents to shunt off on children -- one that is often complicated by the possibility of friction with other siblings. Why force people you love to read your mind and make heart-rending decisions in a time of crisis? Isn't it better for both generations to talk about what they want in case they can't speak for themselves at the time -- and to put it in writing?

For example, in the Terri Schiavo case, determining what a loved one would want was neither a simple nor clear decision.

The young woman was left in a persistent vegetative state after having a cardiac arrest. Unconscious and sustained by artificial hydration and nutrition through a feeding tube, Terri was unable to speak for herself. Because she had no official medical directive, her husband, who argued that she would not have wanted to be kept alive in this fashion, was locked into a 15-year battle with her parents, who refused to allow the withdrawal of the life-sustaining technologies.

The culture of silence around financial and estate planning, medical directives, powers of attorney, lifestyle preferences and end-of-life care results in countless unnecessary financial, legal, and social complications and pain for millions of people. That's too bad; advance care planning of all kinds is a smart and loving thing to do for our families.

 

Not Done Yet - Inspiring, Empowering, Optimism and Belief in Self

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Media expert Nancy Shonka Padberg Turns Spotlight on Top Boomer Issues

What images spring to mind at the mention of "baby boomers?" Executives? Yoga teachers? Botox? All of the above?

Media expert Nancy Shonka Padberg turns the spotlight on top issues facing the baby boomer generation.

By Emily DiFrisco

The multifaceted baby boomer group comprises 78 million people living in the United States today. They fall between the "Silent Generation" (the children of the Great Depression) and Generation X. Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers are the healthiest, wealthiest, most educated, and prosperous generation thus far, plucked right from the pages of American history.

Boomers saw the U.S. change from a manufacturing economy to a knowledge economy. They saw the formation of the Interstate Highway System, enabling their families to "pack up the station wagon" and travel like never before. They were able to leave their hometowns and go to college. They embraced technology, as they saw the number of television sets grow from 4 to 50 million from 1950 to 1960.

"In the industrial age, it was all about product, price, place, and promotion," says Nancy Shonka Padberg (MBA '03), founder of Best Boomer Towns, Inc., and Navigate Boomer Media, LLC. "The manufacturers pushed the product to the customer. You could get your Ford in black or black. In the knowledge age, it is all about consumers, cost, convenience, and communication. The consumer is in charge. And I would argue that the boomer consumer is in charge."

Even as they age, baby boomers still control 70 percent of the total net worth in the U.S. They spend an average of $3 trillion dollars per year and an additional $7 billion online. They purchase 41 percent of new cars and shell out for 80 percent of luxury travel.

Padberg, a former Fortune 500 executive, first discovered the baby boomer market as vice president at The Phelps Group, where she worked on campaigns for Fairmont Hotels, PETCO, and Whole Foods Market. "All these companies have research on their clientele," she explains, "and the research was astounding. Specifically, with PETCO, we found that baby boomers and empty-nesters spent the most on their pets."

As part of the team developing TV, print, and radio campaigns, Padberg strove to help advertisers understand and reach the boomer audience. She asked her clients, "How do we connect with boomers emotionally? It was easy with animals. We really had some terrific commercials for PETCO."

Seeking to start her own marketing firm and realizing that with knowledge comes opportunity, Padberg went back to school, earning her MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management of Pepperdine University, where she "saw all the pieces come together." In marketing class, she again studied the demographics of boomers. She also learned the two biggest takeaways for a startup: have a clear point of differentiation and develop a healthy culture.

Parlaying her knowledge from school and her career, the Iowa native developed a business plan for Best Boomer Towns, Inc., which launched in 2005. The Web site serves as a destination for boomers to find and exchange information on the best 21 locations in the U.S. to relocate or retire.

Recognizing additional needs in the marketplace, Padberg brought together nine media colleagues, including Pepperdine alumnus Kyle Murphy (BSM '04, MBA '05), and launched Navigate Boomer Media, LLC in Fall 2009. Navigate allows time-starved media buyers and marketers to buy display advertising on 10, 15, or 20 Web sites at a time. Launched in 2009 with 50 sites, the company now represents 119 sites with over 112 million unique visitors per month.

"Boomers spend an average of 15 hours per week online," says Padberg of her decision to create online businesses. "Print and radio can't say they have their audience for 15 hours per week. The largest segment of the population is coming through and embracing new technology like never before. In fact, the fastest growing segment on Facebook in the last year has been women 50-plus."

Not even one year later, Navigate Boomer Media has emerged as the No. 1 online boomer ad network in the U.S. They represent boomer-focused Web sites such as vibrantnation.com, grandparents.com, and silverplanet.com, and publish original content for Web sites, blogs, social networking communities, and streaming radio. The business is now expanding into Canada and Southeast Asia.

While the young company continues to grow, Padberg observes, "We're not a Fortune 500 company, we're not corporate. We wear quite a few hats. We're nimble and can make quick decisions. We know that we have the right media with the right target audience, at the right time."
Summer 2010

Pepperdine Magazine Article August 31, 2010

 

Money Matters

Millions of people in the business world are going through overwhelming and uncomfortable emotions due to the financial meltdown our nation is currently facing. According to The American Psychological Association, the high level of stress associated with money problems is creating increased anxiety, depression, and tragically, even suicide. A recent Gallup poll states that worry about the economy is tied for first (along with healthcare) as the issue Americans are most concerned about, and therapists are saying they are counseling more business professionals on the emotions surrounding finances. When things start to go wrong, many people find themselves dwelling on the worst possible outcome. It's not abnormal, but there are a few steps you can take to help you regain your balance. Instead of just thinking about the worst that could happen, you need to think about what the best scenario could be. This will help you see that your financial future may have some bright spots. It's just an exercise, but play fair and let your mind find reasonable positive outcomes and it will help you release your anxiety. The next step is to examine what it is that's most likely to happen. There's your real situation, and you need to grab hold of it. You may find that you need to change your budget, work longer hours, or hire/fire to get the most bang for your buck. But you may also need to take steps on a different level. Being financially insecure can permeate our lives and the fallout can be felt everywhere. You may be frightened our angry about the situation, and when you walk around in fear and anger, it leaks into all of your actions and effects your team. Like having a headache, you just aren't your best self, and your co-workers will see it. If what's going on with the economy is causing you sleepless nights, or if you just can't stop worrying, you need to actually do something deeper about it. There are hundreds of books and many consultants and counselors, financial, as well as emotional, who can at least answer some of your questions, and knowledge is power. Sticking your head in the sand won't let you see a solution, and there always is one if you look hard enough. A wise man once said, "If all your problems can be solved with money, then you haven't got any real problems." I'm sure most of us could find exceptions to this rule, but he makes a good point. Money can't buy you health, love, or even happiness. It can buy you security, and that's a lot, but it isn't a replacement for physical wellbeing or for people who truly care for you. So take stock of your emotional savings account, your mutual interest fund, and how fortunate you are to have great people around you. Now that's hedging your bets.

Features That Excite The Baby Boomer Home Buyer

5 Home Features That Excite Baby Boomer Buyers

1. Hardwood Floors:
Hardwood floors are sought after by home buyers across all property types and architectural styles. Hardwood flooring has a timeless style and is more durable than other types of flooring. Synthetic wood floors are an option for owners who can't afford hardwood - just know that most potential buyers will know the difference right away.

2. Stainless Steel Appliances:
Many buyers like the sleek, powerful appearance of stainless steel kitchen appliances. Part of the attraction may be that a home kitchen with stainless steel appliances suggests the professionalism of a commercial kitchen. The modern look of the appliances themselves can be incorporated into almost any kitchen design (from modern interiors to more traditional styles). A stainless steel finish is not for everyone, however, so keep in mind that the appeal of these contemporary gadgets will not be universal.

3. Quality Fixtures:
Upgrading the smallest details can often go a long ways to improving your home's appeal to buyers. Replacing outdated or lower-quality doorknobs, faucets, light switch/outlet covers, and drawer pulls can be a relatively inexpensive way to make over a bathroom or kitchen. You can also greatly enhance your home's appeal by updating lighting fixtures throughout your house, but keep in mind that higher-end lighting fixtures can get expensive fast. Whenever replacing fixtures, make sure the replacements coordinate with both any remaining fixtures and the interior aesthetic of your home.

4. Area for Big Screen TV
The popularity of larger flat panel and projection screen televisions in recent years has in turn generated greater interest in advanced home audio that compliments near cinema-quality picture. Building a surround sound system into your living/media room can entice potential buyers who may be excited by the idea of a new dimension of home entertainment but disinclined to go through the process of installation and setup.

5. Slab Kitchen Countertops:
Granite countertops get a lot of attention as a must-have finish for any contemporarily designed kitchen, but in reality a number of other slab materials can be used to achieve a similar look at a lower cost. One of the major selling points of granite countertops is how easy they are to care for: the hard, nonporous surface is much easier to clean than a tile counter top with grout lines. Solid Synthetic surfaces (such as Corian), composite stone (such as Silestone), limestone, soapstone, marble, quartz and butcher-block slab counters all come with easy care and a more attractive appearance than laminate or tile countertops.

Upgrades to the home itself are features (such as hardwood flooring or high end appliances) that you pay extra for to improve the home based on your tastes. Builders can make a lot of money on upgrades, because they get the parts and labor at favorable rates and generally tack on a large markup.

Make sure you know the base feature list of the model you are purchasing by heart. When the builder offers upgrades, make sure you understand exactly what is being offered by asking questions and taking notes.

Do your own research to compare the cost of the feature plus installation as offered by the builder with what it would cost to have the work done independently after move in. If the builder's version is far and away more expensive, bidding the work out to independent contractors after you move in is probably the smart move. If the costs are similar, however, it may be less stress to have the work completed by the builder in advance.

Hire an Independent Home Inspector

Many people who purchase new construction fall into the trap of thinking that because the home is newly built, the important step of getting a detailed home inspection is unnecessary. Simply put, new construction does not guarantee sound construction, and skipping a professional inspection can leave you open to future problems that might crop op as a result of building flaws or cut corners. Even homes built by the most scrupulous contractors can have defects that are not obvious to the untrained eye.

 

California Personal Income Tax Information

Personal income tax

* California collects income tax from its residents at the following rates.

For single and married filing separately taxpayers:

1.25 percent on the first $7,060 of taxable income

2.25 percent on taxable income between $7,061 and $16,739

4.25 percent on taxable income between $16,740 and $26,419

6.25 percent on taxable income between $26,420 and $36,675

8.25 percent on taxable income between $36,676 and $46,349

9.55 percent on taxable income of $46,350 and above

* A 1 percent surcharge, the Mental Health Services Tax, is collected on taxable incomes of $1 million or more, making California's highest marginal rate 10.55 percent.

* For married persons filing joint returns and heads of households, the rates remain the same but the income brackets are doubled.

* Residents must complete returns on Form 540EZ, Form 540A (short form), Form 540 (long form) or Form 540-ADS by April 15. When that date falls on a weekend or holiday, filers get until the next business day to submit their state returns.

* You might be able to file your California return electronically at no cost using CalFile if you meet the program's eligibility requirements.

* With Ready Return, eligible California taxpayers can view a pre-filled state tax return, update it if needed and e-file it directly with the state, all at no cost.

 

Financial Planning is More Than Money - How Strategies Fit Into Plans

I was reminded of this difference recently when reviewing the "plan" created by Lou, a friend of mine. Lou asked if I would, "take a look" at his plan and offer an opinion. He handed me a document that was several pages long, which contained the results of a risk analyzer and portfolio recommendations. I could see that he had spent some time creating this.

I immediately thought of the difference between strategies and plans and said, "This is interesting as a strategy, but lacking as a plan." He looked puzzled at my comment and I went on to explain, a true financial plan is a life plan. It starts with a vision of how you see your future, creating goals, setting priorities.

Once your goals are set, then you develop strategies. These should consist of more than building a portfolio. Strategies are the engine that drives you to your vision. They are the action steps that lead you to meet your goals. They must be comprehensive to be truly effective. Like an engine, which cannot run efficiently on a few cylinders, throwing together various strategies, without a global plan, will only get you spotty results and ultimately misfires. Strategies include creating timelines, understanding all areas of money management, insuring and protecting against catastrophe, and creating a Plan B for the unexpected.

A plan is an active document--an evolving project--which requires monitoring, tweaking and updating. Changes in your job, relationships, health, and financials will necessitate updates and adjustments. When priorities change, one goal may be accomplished, while another is added to replace it. For instance; the birth of a child or grandchild, may add college planning to the plan, or health issues may require additional care costs. Changes in relationships may require revamping your estate planning goals.

When the plan is active and not set in stone, you can easily readjust and keep moving forward. Making sure you stay on target to your goals will require vigilance. You will be updating and rebalancing your accounts, making adjustments in your strategies, and revisiting your timelines.

Try thinking of building a life, or financial, plan along the lines of taking a long journey. First, you have a vision of the trip, decide upon the various stops along the way, and then chart the route you will travel. Your vision becomes stronger, once you have that map out, the car goes into the garage for a tune-up, and the hotels are booked. Once begun, the journey is likely to follow twists and turns you didn't plan for and yet they add to the value of the experience. The restaurant you found on the back street when you took a wrong turn, the bad weather that caused you to postpone the canyon hiking for a trip to an antique shop full of bargains, all contribute to the evolving nature of an active journey. It's always changing and that allows you to make the best of whatever comes your way.

As you build your life/financial plan, keep these thoughts in mind:

1. Start with a vision.
2. Set timelines for goals.
3. Create strategies that align with your goals.
4. Monitor, adjust, rethink, tweak.

The destination you reach may be more wonderful than you ever imagined.

About Mike Bonacorsi, CFP®

Mike Bonacorsi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, public speaker and award-winning author of Retirement Readiness: A Guide to Creating Your Vision, Knowing Your Position, and Preparing for Your Future. You can listen to his radio show, The Mike Bonacorsi Show, at WSMN, 1590AM or on your computer at http://wsmnradio.com on Tuesdays from noon - 1:00 PM. For additional information, visit http://mikebonacorsi.com/. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeBonacorsi. Read his blog at http://www.mikebonacorsi.blogspot.com/ Reprinted with permission of the author. 2009© Mike Bonacorsi CFP® All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Charting a Course out of the Doldrums

There have been broken promises, harsh words, and hurt feelings. Add to that poor communication and avoidance, and you get to the point where just looking at your partner fills you with ire.

Divorce may be a thought but not an option. Between the kids and the economy, it would only cause more pain, and neither of you can handle that. So you choose to live as a couple but don't connect, and that has got to be one of the most difficult places to be in life. If you don't change this dynamic, you will only hurt yourself and your partner more by acting out your pain.

The pain can manifest in a number of ways, like affairs (emotional and/or physical), self-destructive behaviors like using drugs and drinking to excess, or even violence. If you have thought of any of these, you really must find a way to heal your relationship, and you most likely will need some help figuring it out.

Of course, therapy or marriage counseling is what comes to mind first, but there are a number of other ways you can begin the healing. The simplest is by just starting to talk about your feelings and how the relationship isn't working for either of you. Agree with your partner not to shame or blame, but to talk about your own emotions in a way that expresses your feelings versus venting your anger.

It can be a little difficult to keep your emotions in check during this kind of conversation (which is why I suggest professional help), but at least give it a try. By putting your feelings on the table, you will see them differently, and try looking at things from your partner's perspective if you can. This process will definitely give you some deeper insight as to what is going on between you.

Even though things are tough right now, if you and your partner can summon up the courage and the love to commit to making things better, by whatever appropriate means necessary, you will have gotten over the biggest hurdle. Then you both must do your best to remain on good behavior and try being nice and respectful to each other. This will make being a couple less toxic and allow some healing to take place.

No one changes overnight, and when it's your relationship that needs to change, it can take a while, but don't give up. Remember that love and family are the greatest gifts, and even when you enter the doldrums, there is always a way out.

 

 

Living Longer and Retirement Planning

Today this is considered and oddity but, could it become the norm at some point? The world population is getting older, the number of people and older is expected to increase from 516 million in 2009 to 1.53 billion in 2050, according to data released by the US Census Bureau.

The number of centenarians (100 years) has increased to more than 340,000 worldwide versus a few thousand in the fifties. By midcentury, the number of centenarians in the US could grow from 75,000 to 600,000.

Advances in medicine, healthcare and education concerning lifestyle choices have been big factors in longer living. Problems like heart disease, and many types of cancer a few years ago were the beginning of the end, now with proper treatment and monitoring they have become health issues rather than life-ending.

As a segment of the population grows fast another slows down, while the age group over 65 is expected to see a jump by 2050, the group under 15 years old will grow at a much slower rate, from 1.83 billion to 1.93 billion. In 2017, the number of people over 65 will exceed the number under age 5.

The aging population will stress Social Security, Medicare and health services, while the disappearance of pensions and lack of savings for retirement will them modifying their original thoughts of retirement. Longer and healthier life expectancies will find people working longer at their current job or starting a new career to provide income, benefits, or to remain active will be the norm rather than the exception.

About Mike Bonacorsi, CFP®

Mike Bonacorsi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, public speaker and award-winning author of Retirement Readiness: A Guide to Creating Your Vision, Knowing Your Position, and Preparing for Your Future. You can listen to his radio show, The Mike Bonacorsi Show, at WSMN, 1590AM or on your computer at http://wsmnradio.com on Tuesdays from noon - 1:00 PM. For additional information, visit http://mikebonacorsi.com/. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeBonacorsi. Read his blog at http://www.mikebonacorsi.blogspot.com/ . Reprinted with permission of the author. 2009© Mike Bonacorsi CFP® All Rights Reserved

 

Working Without a Net- The Disappearing Pension

Mary had counted on that pension; the expense of raising a family, managing a household, and saving for college made it difficult for her and her husband Joe to commit money towards their retirement. They had hoped Mary's pension income along with Social Security, the small amount of savings in their 401k, and part-time work would cover their expenses during retirement. Would they have to work forever just to pay their bills? What would happen if they ran out of savings, or felt they were no longer able to work?

The defined benefit pension provides a benefit at retirement; an ongoing stream of income, often based on a formula of compensation and length of employment. The employer funds the plan, calculated to determine the amount needed to provide the benefit. Several options for distribution are usually available including a single life distribution that ends at the death of the pensioner or a survivorship option that provides a reduced benefit that continues through the lifetime of the surviving spouse.

The income is usually a percentage of actual compensation during the years of employment. Some plans have cost-of-living adjustments to safeguard against rising costs while others are vulnerable to the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation. Personal savings, IRA's and 401k's are still important to help fill the gaps between income and expenses, as well as providing for lump sum withdrawals and emergency resources.

The responsibility of making sure the plan benefit is available at retirement is the responsibility of the employer. The value of the plan is subject to periodic review by an actuary to ensure it is on track to meet the obligations. During prosperous times with strong investment performance, the plan might become over funded, exceeding the obligations due. Other times, poor performance could cause the plan to become underfunded. The employer would be responsible for bringing it back to funded status.

During the 1990's a shift began to occur regarding retirement benefits provided by employers. The costs of funding and the complicated administration caused many employers to begin freezing these plans and offering only defined contribution (401k) plans. These plans do not provide a defined benefit, it is unknown; only the contribution has a value. Investment performance and contributions determine the plan value; it may be more or less than the contributions at any time, including retirement.

By making the move from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan the security of a no-cost continuous income stream escapes us. The responsibility of funding retirement moves from the employer to the employee. The employee makes pre-tax contributions to the plan through payroll deductions and directs it to the investment sub-accounts offered. The employer may or may not choose to contribute to the plan.

There is much discussion at this time concerning new retirement options; the decline of the pension, concerns about the longevity of Social Security, and the cyclical market declines will require us to be pro-active towards our retirement. Working longer, saving throughout our career and more employee education concerning retirement planning are steps in the right direction.

About Mike Bonacorsi, CFP®

Mike Bonacorsi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, public speaker and award-winning author of Retirement Readiness: A Guide to Creating Your Vision, Knowing Your Position, and Preparing for Your Future. You can listen to his radio show, The Mike Bonacorsi Show, at WSMN, 1590AM or on your computer at http://wsmnradio.com on Tuesdays from noon - 1:00 PM. For additional information, visit http://mikebonacorsi.com/ Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeBonacorsi. Read his blog at http://www.mikebonacorsi.blogspot.com Reprinted with permission of the author. 2009© Mike Bonacorsi CFP® All Rights Reserved

 

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Envision the Next Chapter

Monica's adult son finally got a job and moved out last September. Then she was forced into retirement when her company downsized. At first, she was grateful for the peace and quiet, but she's now having trouble getting into motion: "I just feel like giving up and hiding in a hole for the next 10 years."

Monica is in the midst of a transition. They often happen as we age, but they can also be brought about by an unasked-for change. One chapter of our lives has closed and a new one hasn't begun. The uncomfortable gap in between, when we may feel malaise, or even panic, is what it means to be in transition.

I learned this perspective from Candice Carpenter in her book Chapters. Because we're all living longer and change is accelerating, we will go through many chapters, each with its own dramas, excitement, requirements, and difficulties. Just like with a great novel, we may not be sure where the story will take us and can feel lost or confused. Article continues http://silverplanet.com/silver-planet-aging/envision-next-chapter/55356

 

Social Security When and Why You Should Start

As you get closer to retirement, it is important to realize that there are decisions you have to make regarding certain benefits that will become available to you. One decision that affects all but a few groups is when to begin your Social Security benefit.

Three milestones require consideration when choosing your benefit, age 62, full retirement age (between 65 and 67) and age 70. At each of these ages your benefit amount changes and it is important to understand which age and amount is most advantageous to your needs and situation.

Age 62, the age where Social Security first becomes available, offers you a benefit amount approximately 75% of the amount you would receive at full retirement age. The common thought for many people is to begin benefits at this time, the idea being, "the longer I take the benefit the more lifetime benefit I will receive".

Starting benefits at age 62 made more sense when life expectancies were shorter; the "break-even" age for taking benefits at 62 versus your full retirement age is between 78 and 80 years old.

Another factor in your decision is whether you will continue to work between age 62 and your full retirement age. Earnings from employment may reduce your benefits if they exceed certain amounts. In 2008 if you have not reached full retirement age and earned over $13,560.00 your benefit reduction is $1 for every $2 earned. If you will reach full retirement age during 2008, your earning limit is $36,120.00 and benefits are reduced $1 for every $3 earned.

The month you reach full retirement age you can relax, from that point on you are able to earn as much as you want with no reduction in benefit. One important note is that these limits are on income earned from employment, not pensions, annuities, IRA's, or 401k withdrawals.

A third consideration is delaying you benefit. Social Security provides delayed retirement credits up to 8% per year to age 70 for those who can wait to take their benefit.

These options will determine the benefit you receive during your lifetime. An often, overlooked part of the decision process is what affect will my choice have on my surviving spouse? Your surviving spouse at full retirement age will receive a benefit equal to yours if it is higher than his or her own.

If you chose to delay your benefit beyond your full retirement age, your surviving spouse will receive your benefit plus the additional delayed retirement credits.

It is important to realize that decisions like these should not be automatic or determined by the "if it works for him it should work for me" process. You need to determine the pros and cons of each option and understand how it satisfies your needs in your unique situation.

Propositions 60 and 90

Question: Am I eligible to transfer my Tax base?
Answer: Yes, if you fit the requirements below

Propositions 60 and 90
In most cases, these constitutional tax
initiatives allow senior citizens to transfer
the trended base value from their
current home to a replacement property
if certain requirements are met.
This may result in substantial tax savings.

Who Qualifies?
If you or your spouse who resides with you is age 55 or
older, you may buy or construct a new home of equal
or lesser value than your existing home and transfer
the trended base value to your new property.
This is a one-time only benefit. You must buy or complete
construction of your replacement home within two
years of the sale of the original property.

Both the original home and the new home must be your principalplace of residence. A claim must be filed within three years of purchasing or completing new construction
of the replacement property. If a claim is filed
after the three-year period, relief will be granted
beginning with the calendar year in which the claim
was filed.

Once you have filed and received this tax relief, neither
you nor your spouse who resides with you can ever file
again. Source: Los Angeles County Assessors Office.

You must consult with a CPA to determine any and all tax issues. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Follow me on Twitter Southbabyhomesjj

 

Revisiting Your Cash Flow Before You Retire

Reviewing and understanding your cash flow, income streams versus expenses, is an important part of retirement planning that is frequently overlooked. The lifestyle you have created based on your income during employment may require some modification when you leave your current position.

Let’s start with understanding income; I define income as a consistent, scheduled, reliable stream of payment, for a determined amount of time.  Social Security is an example of income; you receive your check at the same time each month, for the same amount, for life. If you have a Defined Benefit Pension with your employer, you can choose an option that will provide income to you based on your life expectancy or one that will continue to provide an amount to your surviving spouse.

Bond and CD interest fit the definition of income however; an issue may present itself at maturity. These products have a shelf life and at maturity and renewal, there is no guarantee the same opportunities will exist. Annuities can also provide a lifetime stream of income.

The key to these sources is in the definition, consistent, scheduled, and reliable for a determined period.  If you receive a check on January 2 and you run out of money on February 1 you know there is another check coming on the third. Your income sources will not run out, they may stop after a pre-determined date, but not run out.

Drawing down on savings to supplement your income is a strategy to offset a shortfall but does not provide income. One reason is that savings can run out; if you spend it too quickly, it will be gone. Unless you are able to add to savings or, receive a high enough return to replace your withdrawal, you will eventually run out. As a strategy this requires careful consideration, drawing down on savings too early can have a negative impact in later years.

Once you have determined your income flow the next step is to list your outflow, expenses. Expenses fall into one of two categories, necessary or lifestyle.

Necessary expenses are those you need to survive, shelter, food, medical, insurance utilities, transportation.  These are bills that if not paid will have a direct negative effect on your ability to live, or function day-to-day.

Lifestyle expenses are not necessary for us to live but, they are the ones that we like best, these expenses are fun and make us feel good. They can be impulse or emotional purchases, planned or unplanned, practical or not, but expenses that are not needed for survival.  They include your daily out-of-pocket expenses that add up each time you swipe your debit or credit card.

Tracking lifestyle expenses on a daily basis can be key factor in understanding where your money goes and where spending habits need to be changed.

Understanding your income and expenses will become critical when you decide to leave your current job and paycheck. You no longer will have the regular paycheck you have grown accustomed to, and your lifestyle may require some modifications. Reviewing your situation and preparing for these changes will make the adjustments easier when the time comes.

 

 

Who Says You Have to Retire at 65?

Do you want your retirement years to be lively? Is your current job, or career, fulfilling for you? If so, then maybe you are going to be joining the happy, busy ranks of those more than 70%, according to a recent AARP survey, who are planning a "working retirement." If working past your retirement date seems grim, then cheer up. There is a silver lining if you know where to look.

1) Continuing at your current job has its positives - you know the job. There are no learning curves, or the awkwardness of being the new kid.

2) If you have personal debt or you are close to paying off your mortgage, working a few more years at your current income can go a long way to eliminating expenses.

3) Continuing to draw a paycheck will allow you to delay Social Security, for a higher benefit in the near future. Your benefit will continue to increase up to age 70. Keeping that weekly paycheck coming will also prevent you from drawing down your savings too early.

4) Chances are if you are near retirement, you may be close to peak earning and benefit levels. Perhaps you want to boost your 401k levels by maxing out your contribution and taking advantage of the over 50 catch-up contribution. Your employer may even contribute to your account adding to your total. Health benefits will probably continue and can provide continued coverage for you, your spouse and possibly other family members. It can also provide as a bridge to Medicare or act as a supplement.

5) You might not be ready to quit working. You may need income, require some benefits, or just like to work. There are many people out there, who enjoy the challenges work brings and going out there each day to meet them. For you "retirement" may the beginning of a new career!
You may be feeling like "George." His wife Linda says, "George is in his sixties and while all our friends are talking about retiring, he doesn't want to quit. George likes his job, he has the option to continue full-time, or work in a per diem arrangement, as long as he wants. He's the kind of person that needs to be busy.

The income and flexibility in his job will allow us plenty of opportunity to enjoy ourselves without worrying about money. I have already stopped working, but this doesn't mean that my husband will. As long as we can enjoy more time together, then I am satisfied with his decision to stay in the workforce, for now." Linda and George have different dreams about retirement, but they have created a plan that works for them. Where do your dreams fit into your plans for retirement?

Mike Bonacorsi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, public speaker and award-winning author of Retirement Readiness: A Guide to Creating Your Vision, Knowing Your Position, and Preparing for Your Future. You can listen to his radio show, The Mike Bonacorsi Show, at WSMN, 1590AM or on your computer at http://wsmnradio.com on Tuesdays from noon - 1:00 PM. For additional information, visit http://mikebonacorsi.com/. Reprinted with permission of the author. 2009© Mike Bonacorsi CFP® All Rights Reserved.