Best Boomer Towns - Town Blogs

Consider State Taxes for Retirement

State income taxes
Seven states have none. They are Florida, Texas, Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Tennessee and New Hampshire only tax interest and dividend income.

The 27, plus the 7 above, states that do not tax Social Security are:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Ten states do not tax a state or federal pension:

Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York and Pennsylvania. .

State sales tax
Five states do not have a sales tax:

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon.

The 10 states with the lowest overall tax burden
The percentage shown is the tax burden as a percent of personal income.

* Alaska 6.6%
* New Hampshire 8.0%
* Tennessee 8.5%
* Delaware 8.8%
* Alabama 8.8%
* Oklahoma 9.0%
* South Dakota 9.0%
* Texas 9.3%
* Wyoming 9.5%
* Montana 9.7%

 

Columbia, MO has Grown 12% Past Ten Years

The median home price in Columbia is $172,000, below the national median.

The city is growing, nearly 12% in the last ten years, but the overall cost-of-living remains 15% below the national average. You will find single-family homes, condominiums, town homes, apartments and manufactured homes.

The median price will purchase a comfortable, 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes in one of the newer subdivisions.

More modest but well-maintained homes in older neighborhoods can be found for less than $100,000. Brand new, brick homes with 2,500 square feet, cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and marble foyers are available in the $300,000 range.

When it comes to property taxes, residents pay roughly $6.52 per $100 assessed value, and property is assessed at 19% of fair market value. The taxes on a $172,000 house would be approximately $2,130 per year. The Homestead Preservation Credit gives qualified senior citizens a credit on their real estate property tax if those taxes increase 2.5% in a non-reassessment year or 5% in a reassessment year.

Regarding retirement income taxes, residents age 62+ with Social Security benefits and private retirement benefits receive deductions for those benefits on their state income tax return. The sales tax in Columbia is 7.35%, and overall, Missouri has the 9th lowest tax burden of all 50 states.

 

Columbia, Missouri Technology Expo Thursday, October 7, 2010

REDI will be hosting two Panels

at the Missouri Technology Expo

on Thursday, October 7, 2010

in Monsanto Auditorium,

Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center

University of Missouri

Please register online for the Missouri Technology Expo at:

http://muconf.missouri.edu/MTE2010

REDI's program

3:30 P.M. - PANEL #1:

Entrepreneurial know-how!

Hear the stories of four entrepreneurs who followed entirely different paths to turn their dreams into companies. Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

Emcee - Vicki Russell, Vice Chair, REDI

§ Jimmy Winkelmann, 19, founded The South Butt before he graduated from high school and was sued by retailing giant Northface before he was a freshman at Mizzou. Since then, Jimmy started his sophomore year at MU, The South Butt continues to grow and Jimmy is launching another enterprise.

 

§ Kat Cunningham, whose company Moresource has celebrated 16 anniversaries, remembers the day when her accountants told her she couldn't afford to stay in business and would be better off to close the company. That was 7 years ago. Today, she has 13 employees and provides payroll, insurance and bookkeeping for thousands of people in businesses large and small.

 

§ Brant Bukowsky, 34, and his brother just can't stop themselves. They start a company, sell it and then do it again. These days, the three-time Inc.500-winners are primarily focused on VA Mortgage Center, their successful web-based company, while they continue to nurture new ventures. They currently employ 300 people with offices in 7 states.

 

Tariq Shah is an experienced commercial director with a track record of success in growing companies within challenging veterinary markets. He joined PetScreen, a UK-based veterinary diagnostic company in 2008, and in December 2009, he moved to Columbia, Missouri to establish PetScreen Inc, the US division of PetScreen Ltd.

4:30 P.M. - PANEL #2:

There is help for people like you.

Learn about the resources available in Columbia and in Missouri for entrepreneurs wanting to turn their ideas into enterprises. Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

 

Emcee - J. Michael Brooks, President, REDI

 

§ Raina Knox, president, Excellence in Missouri Foundation provides leadership to the administering of state's premier quality awards programs the Missouri Quality Award and the Governor's Quality Leadership Award. Founded in 1992, the organization supports the management philosophies of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program and promotes performance excellence principles by focusing their workshops on how to build, operate, assess and manage effective processes in organizations.

 

§ Jake Halliday, PhD, CEO, Missouri Innovation Center has a strong interest in innovation-based economic development, and also serves as director of the MU Life Science Business & Technology Incubator at Monsanto Place. With over 32 years experience in the life sciences industry, Dr. Halliday also teaches entrepreneurship at the graduate level at the Trulaske College of Business.

§ ike Crist, Enterprise Development Corporation has been director since 1983 and has participated in the financing of over $500M in projects over the last 20 years. Utilizing commercial financing channels, small business loans and venture capital sources the EDC has been a successful asset to small businesses in mid-Missouri

§ Stan Gerling, Boone County National Bank, is a Vice President in Commercial Relationship Banking and has over 20 years of financial experience including positions with General Electric Capital Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Stan is responsible for managing and developing an existing portfolio of commercial clients and in new business relationships.

Please stay for the reception to follow.

To register and review the entire event's program:

http://muconf.missouri.edu/MTE2010

 

Baby Boomers Purchase Homes Before They Actually Retire

2010-Whether it's in the Sunbelt or the Rustbelt, a move across the street or across the nation, Baby Boomers are still willing to move to a new place when they retire, according to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey.

Del Webb is America's largest builder of active adult communities. Targeted to those ages 55 and older, its 50+ communities are currently open for new home sales in 21 states. Del Webb has conducted 10 Baby Boomer surveys since 1996 seeking to better understand the attitudes and opinions of this generation-the current and future customers of Del Webb communities.

"Retirement marks a new phase in a Baby Boomer's life, and it only seems natural to relocate or move to a new home when they transition away from their primary career, or from the day-to-day rearing of school-aged children," said Deborah Blake, Del Webb creative director. "After all, when Boomers went off to college, they lived in a new place-a dorm or an apartment. When they married, they lived in a new home-most likely moving several times to different states for a job. Today, Baby Boomers are even purchasing their home before they actually retire.

Whether staying close to home or moving across the country, there are many options for them as they plan their future home in retirement," added Blake.

According to the Del Webb survey, nearly a third of older Baby Boomers plan to move in retirement, with more than 50% planning to move to a different state, about 25% of them planning to move to a different city within the same state, and less than 20% of older Boomers planning to move within the same city.

Additionally, the desire to move during retirement is on the rise among today's younger Boomers surveyed, with 42% of those turning 50 in 2010 planning to do so, as compared to 36% among 50 year-olds in 1996.

Where are Baby Boomers Planning to Move?

For today's 80 million Boomers, the choices vary on where to spend their retirement years. During its 50-year history, Del Webb has found that some consumers choose to retire in place, in the city where they currently live and, potentially, near family and grandchildren. Alternatively, some consumers seek warmer climates such as those found in Arizona and Florida.

According to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, the Carolinas have emerged as the preferred destination for retirement, while perennial favorites, Florida and Arizona, remain top contenders. Both younger and older Baby Boomers ranked either North or South Carolina first as their preferred location in retirement-with the other Carolina ranking as their second choice. Del Webb currently has six communities in the Carolinas, with five of them opening since 2006 to address this interest in the region as a growing retirement destination.

"There is a huge opportunity to serve this demographic not only in destination locations, but in their own backyard," said Steve Petruska, chief operating officer of PulteGroup, Inc. (Del Webb is a brand of PulteGroup). "While many of them look for a highly amenitized community, some consumers want to be close to urban amenities. These consumers want their community to be located near shopping/retail, restaurants and cultural amenities in the area, or near their family, church and friends. With Del Webb's diverse product offerings and community locations, we are poised to capture this growing demographic."

Factors in Moving

Among Baby Boomers looking to move, the most important factors in deciding where to relocate weighed heavily toward an area's cost of living and access to preferred healthcare programs, 81% and 66% for the younger Boomers. Surprisingly, cultural and recreational amenities, as well as a more favorable climate, ranked higher than being close to family members, including parents, children and/or grandchildren.

For current Del Webb residents, those who plan to move again consider both access to healthcare and cultural/recreational amenities as the most important factors at 71%, with the cost of living a concern among 70% of these respondents. Being close to their grandchildren ranked second to last in consideration at 44%.

According to Blake, this survey confirms that Baby Boomers want, need and do lead an active social life. "Their day planners are more scheduled today than ever before and they would have it no other way," she said. "They want to take their hard-earned money and stretch those dollars in a community that gives them confidence, not only in the stability of the market, but also a vibrant life. It's great if that community is near their children or grandchildren. But, if it's not, that's okay, too."

 

The Mature Living Festival September 10th in Columbia, MO

The Mature Living Festival

*Friday, September 10th, 2010; 9am - 3pm
*Held at the Holiday Inn EXPO Center
*Admission is FREE
*Why you should go:

o Last year more than 550 people from the Boone and Cole County area attended this FUN event and found great information!!
o This is not just for people 55 and older but their families and caregivers too!
o Over 60 booths showcasing the wide range of services available to Boone County seniors.
o Lots of freebies!

*Don't miss!
o Fabulous entertainment!
+ The St Louis Strutter's
+ The all star ukulele band
+ And much more
+ Look for advertising in the Columbia Tribune and The Missourian for updates and the schedule
o Information Sessions

*Sponsors Include:

+ Gold sponsor: Millard Family Chapel
+ Silver sponsors: Boone Hospital Center, Columbia Orthopaedic Group, Columbia Tribune, Missouri Foundation for Health, Peak Performance, Prime Magazine & Selwyn Place Apartments
+ Bronze sponsors: Heart of Missouri United Way, The Eagle 93.9

Mature Living Festival 2009 Highlights
Call (573) 443 1111 for more information

 

 

Boomers are Moving - The SRES Designation Sets Realtors Apart

With the SRES designation addressing the fastest growing market segment in real estate, Boomer Authority^TM Association and SRES have launched the first "Value-Added SRES Designation Program" for real estate professionals serving the 50+ demographic.

The Boomer and Senior Market
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart.

Through Boomer Authority^TM as a Value-Added SRES designee, you'll be able to immediately:
> Join a group of REALTORS® who comprise one of the fastest growing networks in the country.
> Register online for courses available in over 50 states and provinces.
> Connect to a nationally advertised brand in the consumer market.
> Market your personal brand with designs and tools you receive with membership.
> Create your own "Optimized Landing Page" on Boomer Authority^TM, which will extend and expand your personal brand, reach 1000s of 50+ Boomer Boomers that are in immediate need of your expertise, and ultimately help you secure new listings and sales and generate incremental revenue.
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Each SRES Designee can use their Optimized Profile Page on Boomer Authority^TM as a custom "Landing Page" which explains in detail how you, as a professional SRES Realtor, can help a Baby Boomers and Seniors with their real estate needs.
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SRES Designation Program
The SRES® 12-hour designation program instructs REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.
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SRES Designation Requirements:
Three (3) requirements must be met to attain and use the SRES® designation:
1. Successful completion of the two-day SRES® Designation Course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam.
2. Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS®
3. Maintain active membership in the SRES Council.
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The first year membership in the SRES Council is included in the SRES Designation Course fee. However, every year thereafter will require payment of annual dues of $99. Membership in Boomer Authority^TM is always free.
For information on the course outline and learning objectives, click here.
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Display the Badge of Distinction with Pride on your Blog or Website
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SRES Designation Badge
Upon certification, you will be authorized to display on your web site or blog this distinctive badge recognizing your professional status and association with SRES and Boomer Authority^TM.
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Your Boomer Authority^TM Optimized Landing Page
Below are the key components for the creation of your custom landing page:
1. Professional profile - You may use as many words as needed with embedded links, photos & a thumbnail. Visit a typical Optimized Landing Page on Boomer Authority^TM HERE.
2. Service offer - An explanation of the offer, fees, how will you deliver your service (i.e. telephone, conference call, webinar, in-person, etc), etc.
3. Area of real estate expertise - (i.e. town, city, etc.)
4. Upload pictures and video to your personal page.
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Third-Part Application & Widgets
Boomer Authority^TM has many useful applications to help promote your services: you may upload videos, third-party widgets, photos, RSS Feed your blog or radio show, and much, much more. Visit the Applications available to you right from your Profile Page. And, of course, you may edit your Profile Page on-demand 24/7. There is no cost for third party applications.
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If you have authored a book, you may have it listed for free and available for purchase at the Boomer Authority^TM [Book Store].
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Already Have SRES Designation
You immediately qualify for membership in Boomer Authority^TM if you have already successfully completed the SRES Designation program. Learn more about joining Boomer Authority^TM click here.
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States with No Sales Tax

States With No Sales Tax

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not have a sales taxes. While some States have a uniform rate. others allow counties and municipalities impose a local option tax onto the base tax rate. States with a single rate include Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The highest sales tax are found in:

California (7.25%
Mississippi (7.0%)
New Jersey (7.0%)
Tennessee (7.0%
Rhode Island (7.0%
Minnesota (6.5%)
Nevada (6.5%)
Washington (6.5%)

The final tax will be higher, though, in those jurisdictions which permit a local option tax.

 

 

A Healthy Haven

Columbia is the perfect place to keep healthy and active, no matter your age. Not only does Columbia boast an extensive and prominent healthcare system, but Columbia residents are committed to staying in shape and living healthy lifestyles.

According to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, ‘Columbia's sizable medical network provides mid-Missouri, and the entire state, with the highest quality healthcare. The city's medical population brings positive economic influence, attracts medically related industries and provides residents with progressive medical services comparable to those offered in cities many times its size.' With three major hospitals and specialized facilties like a cancer center, children's hospital and a fully accredited rehabilitation center, Columbia is poised to meet the medical needs of all its residents.

In addition to world-class healthcare facilities, Columbia also provides residents with a plethora of options to keep healthy and active. Columbia's committment to green park space, athletic facilities, an extensive trail system and bike-friendly streets make the city a haven for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts as well as those who just like to take a walk in the park.

The number of cyclists and those who commute on a bike are also growing. PedNet, Columbia's pedestrian and cycling coalition, is focused on building a healthy community and they schedule various acitivities throughout the year to promote healthy lifestyle changes and practices. Get About Columbia is a group that oversees Columbia as one of four communities in the nation to participate in the Federal Highway Administration's Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot program. According to Get About Columbia, ‘Columbia's designation as a pilot city came with $22 million in federal funds over a four-year period to help build infrastructure and establish national standards for public awareness and willingness to use active modes of transportation.'

Columbians also get on the health path with a large selection of local merchants that provide locally produced and organic foods. With two flourishing farmers markets and multiple shops that cater to the healthy conscious consumer, living in Columbia means easy access to a healthy way of life!

 

Holidays in Columbia

With the leaves now starting to change colors and fall off the trees, Columbia turns its attention to the fast approaching holiday season. The celebratory spirit runs through town and is personified both in special holiday events and a cheerful winter atmosphere.

Each year, Columbia plays host to a few traditional holiday events. The season kicks off on the first Friday of December with the Living Windows Festival, when shopkeepers clear out their front windows to make way for live performers. That night, The District features open houses, strolling carolers, holiday treats and visits with Santa all against a backdrop of holiday lights. This family-friendly event is a Columbia tradition that grows more extravagant each year.

Overall, The District is also the perfect place to get in the spirit all season long. Storefronts as well as interiors are decorated to the hilt for the season. Some shops even shut down for a few days to decorate, resulting in grand holiday open houses to unveil their new look. Throughout the season, you may also spot carolers and horse drawn carriages in The District, making it a charming spot to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

The holidays are also a time for musical performances. Both the University Concert Series and the Missouri United Methodist Church Concert Series provide world-class holiday entertainment. The University Concert Series (http://www.concertseries.org) will feature St. Louis Ballet's The Nutcracker as well as Wynonna Judd: A Christmas Classic at Jesse Hall this December. The MUMC Concert Series (http://www.moumc.org) includes the local tradition of Handel's Messiah sing-along as well as a special program entitled, ‘Holiday Organ Music You Won't Hear in Church.'

Columbia also knows how the ring in 2010! First Night Columbia is a family-friendly celebration in The District and the adjoining Stephens College campus. The night focuses on music, art and celebration and concludes with a countdown and fireworks display at midnight. With something fun for everyone of every age, First Night Columbia is the perfect way to start the New Year off right in a big way.

 

Locally Owned, Locally Loved

Columbia is a goldmine of fantastic local businesses. Their presence throughout the city truly provides a ‘uniquely Columbia' experience for visitors and residents alike. What local businesses have to offer combines the personal touch of a small town and the world-class products of a large city. In fact, Forbes named Columbia as the number five ‘Best Small Place for Business and Careers' in March 2009 based on a variety of factors including cost of living, cost of doing business and projected job growth.

Many of Columbia's local businesses are concentrated in the downtown area known as The District. In The District, local galleries, shops and restaurants line the streets and provide residents with an endless supply of beautiful art, exceptional products and delicious food. Galleries in The District include PS Gallery, the Columbia Art League and Bluestem. Each provides amazing local, regional and national art to peruse and purchase. With rotating exhibits, an art lover will always be able to find something new to see. When you're in the mood to do a little shopping, there are shops for any taste. Calhouns and A la Campagne provide charming and unique home accents. You can stop into Makes Scents for anything from bath beads to personalized fragrances, and The Candy Factory churns out all types of sweets. If you need something new to wear, everything from vintage clothes to designer fasions await you.

Of course, shopping can work up an appetite! If a coffee stop is all you need, you can sit a spell in Lakota or Uprise Bakery and enjoy delcious drinks and perhaps even a snack. If a meal is what you need, the options are almost endless. Sycamore takes locally owned even further by using many locally produced products in creating their menu. Other fantastic options include Main Squeeze, Shakespeare's Pizza and Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar. To plan a day in The District, start on their website at http://www.DiscovertheDistrict.com.

The District isn't the only place to find great local businesses. The Columbia and Boone County Farmers Markets provide fresh produce, meats, cheeses and other products from late spring through early fall. Thousands of people visit these markets each season to stock up on the best mid-Missouri has to offer. A little exploring will reveal many other great local businesses that help make Columbia such a gem.

 

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