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%

 

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."

 

Fort Collins Fall and Holiday Events 2010

Make A Difference Day

United Way of Larimer County will host Make A Difference Day this year from October 18-24, 2010. Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others. Everyone can participate. Thousands of volunteers throughout Larimer County will band together to serve at projects throughout the community, making Make A Difference Day the biggest day of service in Larimer County- and one of the Top 10 Make A Difference Days in the country! Projects range from raking leaves, painting fences, decorating cookies with the elderly and more. To find out how you can get involved in this year's Make A Difference Day, visit www.uwaylc.org. Volunteers can begin registering for projects on September 8, 2010.

Holiday Craft Show Fundraiser

The holidays are fast approaching. What better way to get in the spirit early and do some shopping too. Come and enjoy being part of our great community. Walt Clark Middle School will be holding our 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Show Fundraiser on November 6th, from 9am to 3pm. Many local artisans and craftsman will be represented. Come on down and take a look; much to choose from. We will be having a Pancake Breakfast, Chinese Raffle, pictures with Santa too. This is a wonderful opportunity to make this a holiday tradition for your family. All proceeds benefit the needs of students, teachers and staff of Walt Clark Middle School!

 

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.

 

 

Is Someone Bugling in Ft. Collins?

During the September through October months in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), there is a very distinct sound that can be heard loud and clear and it sounds like a bugle you might hear being played by a marching band at a college football game. But, in fact, that bugle comes from bull elks during their mating season. The unique rutting call of bulls can be heard from dusk to dawn and some of the better locations within RMNP to hear and see the bull elks are in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows.

Not only can you view the bull elks in RMNP but you'll also find them grazing around the town of Estes Park on golf courses and in front yards. If you are lucky you might come across a couple bull elks battling for the attention of a female elk. Typically the dominant bull elk has a full set of antlers and a bellowing bugle. Occasionally the bull elks will enter into a competitive battle ramming each other with their antlers. I was able to witness bull elks fighting a couple years ago and it was amazing to see in person...which leads me to a very important topic about watching wildlife...etiquette.

Elk gather in the open meadows and are easily visible when left undisturbed. The RMNP has strict rules to follow during the elk rut and they will not allow people to venture into the park's meadows between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and visitors must stay on roadways and designated trails. Look for postings alerting you to areas that have been closed.

Please remember that wildlife are the natives in this area and we are the visitors! Wildlife are very keen on "personal space." In other words, they're happier if you keep your distance. Many people will bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a close up view of these majestic creatures. If your presence causes the elk to move away, then you are too close. Within the park, you may be cited for harassment of wildlife if your actions affect the behavior of an animal in any way. As soon as you park, turn off your car lights and engine. Shut car doors quietly and speak softly. Don't use headlights or flashlights to illuminate or entice wildlife.

Please be respectful of the wildlife so everyone can have the same enjoyment when they visit the Park.

 

 

We’ve had a very busy month in Fort Collins

We’ve had a very busy month in Fort Collins. Here are some highlights:

• There was a much needed snowstorm that dumped about 6” of heavy, wet snow to replenish our extremely dry forests. 

• We have a heated city council election going on now that could reshape the city’s view on growth, jobs and the unpopular 3 unrelated rule pertaining to rental properties. 
  

• President Obama signed a public lands bill into law designating 250,000 acres of the Rocky Mountain National Park as a wilderness area protecting the park’s vital land and water.  
  

• Fort Collins was ranked #2 by Forbes magazine’s latest list of the best places for business and careers. 
  

• A brand new library, Council Tree Library, opened in southeast Fort Collins.

• The 4^th annual boating and fishing expo is on April 4 and 5.

• The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at the Budweiser Event Center in April.

• The Broncos had their hands forced to entertain trading their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, over a silly dispute. 
  

• The annual Easter egg hunts all around town are preparing for excited children looking for their yellow peeps and bunny shaped chocolate treats. 
  

• And let’s not forget Ben & Jerry’s free ice cream cone day on April 21…get in line behind me as I might camp out for that one! 

 

 Lots of fun and exciting things are happening in Fort Collins so don’t miss out.  Just found out that we have another round of winter storms hitting us on April 1, but I don’t know if that is real or if the meteorologists are playing an April fools prank on us.  See you soon.

 

 

Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Come out and celebrate the Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14th at 10am.  The parade begins on the north side of Old Town Square on Walnut Avenue.  Join in the festivities! The parade is full of local businesses like Gib’s Bagels tossing out free green bagels, a local nursery performing a dance with red Ryder wagons and the always entertaining Bassett Hounds marching dressed in their Irish outfits…they are definitely the highlight for the children.  This is a great excuse to take the family to Old Town for some free entertainment and then mingle around the shops and restaurants doing your part to stimulate the local economy!  Look for me as I’ll be wearing my traditional Irish Sweater and Scully cap.

The Great Plates of Downtown

The Great Plates of Downtown is a unique event in Fort Collins taking place from March 1 – 14, 2009.  Celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Fort Collins, Colorado with this wonderful dining event.  The City of Fort Collins was founded in 1868 and over 25 participating restaurants will offer dining specials at the price of $18.68.

Each participating restaurant will be offering their own individual dinner special.  The meals will vary and could be a multiple course meal, dinner for four or a gourmet feast for one very hungry person.

For a list of the participating restaurants visit the Downtown Business Association’s website at www.downtownfortcollins.com.  Here are a few of my favorite restaurants that are participating: Austin’s American Grill (Prime Rib), Bisetti’s Ristorante (Fort Collins’ best Italian food), Coopersmith’s Pubside (Try their Punjabi Pale Ale in the cask condition), Jay’s Bistro (Exotic foods), Lucky Joe’s (barrels of peanuts), The Melting Pot (get your fill of Fondue), Old Chicago’s (over 110 beers on tap), Rio Grande (World Famous Margaritas), and the Trailhead Tavern (Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap).

Not only is this a fun event but it will also provide an opportunity for people to support the Food Bank for Larimer County.  People attending the Great Plates restaurants will be encouraged to “leave their change” after their meals and that money will go to the Food Bank.  For every dollar donated during Great Plates, the Food Bank will be able to provide enough food for 4 meals to feed a family in need!

I’ll look forward to seeing you downtown at the Great Plates.

What’s So Great About Fort Collins?

What is all the fuss about Fort Collins?  Over the past several years, Fort Collins has been recognized as the Best Place to Live (and a 2nd place finish), One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids, Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community, 3rd place for Best Place for Business & Career, 9th place for Best Place to Invest in Real Estate and one of the Top 10 College Towns for Grown-ups.  Those are all great awards to achieve but what really makes it a great place?

Could it be that Fort Collins receives over 300 days of sunshine each year?  Maybe it’s the 44 parks with more than 800 acres or the 3 city-owned golf courses.  For the hiking and biking enthusiasts there are 280 miles of bike lanes, 25 miles of off-road trails and 25 miles of paved multi-use trails that are maintained year round.  Let’s not forget about all the rock climbing routes around Horsetooth Reservoir and inside Lory State Park.

Those are all great activities but this is Colorado so how about the winter activities? There is great snowshoeing within one hour at Cameron Pass and Estes Park with many miles of terrain to explore.  Do you enjoy skiing or snowboarding at World Class Resorts?  Within a 2 ½ hour drive, you can enjoy the best skiing in the country at Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Winter Park, A-Basin, and Keystone.  If you would like to mingle with the rich and famous, Aspen is an exhilarating 4 hour commute over mountain passes and offers four ski mountains easily accessible on their local bus routes.

As a 13-year resident of Fort Collins, I’ve heard many reasons why people chose Colorado, and specifically Fort Collins.  The most common reply is that they came for the winters, but it was the summers that kept them here.  So, not only does Fort Collins offer an overabundance of outdoor activities, but it also has some well known local events.

Here is a sample of some of the more popular annual events for 2009.

• March 14: Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
• May 2 & 3: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
• June 27 & 28: The 20th Annual Colorado Brewer’s Festival
• July 4: Fourth of July Celebration Downtown
• July 9, 16, 23, 30: Thursday Night Music & More
• August 6 & 13: Thursday Night Music & More
• August 15 & 16: New West Fest
• September 26: Oktoberfest Celebration
• October TBD: Community Homecoming Parade
• October 30: Tiny Tot Halloween
• November 6: Lighting of Downtown Ceremony
• November 21-December 24: Santa’s Workshop
• December 31: First Night Fort Collins

While many publications tout Fort Collins as the number one this or the top ten that, we just call it home.

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