Books

Retirement Your Way

Books Man-4060500_1920Everything I read suggests the Boomer generation has been the first to truly change the notion of retirement. I've witnessed this personally -- - every Boomer I know (including myself) views retirement as an opportunity to reinvent, rewire, or refresh their lives.

The biggest question Boomers face is not whether to continue to be vital and active, but rather what to do next. There are many books available that can help point you in the right direction, including John D. Anderson's Replace Retirement. Writing for NextAvenue.org, Anderson  says "Your second half of life can be invigorated and energized by living out one or more of three opportunities. You can do all three at once, but will benefit most by focusing your energy on one, and enjoying the other two as additional fuel." He identifies these three key "drivers" to success in the second half of life:

  1. Pursue Professional Mastery
  2. Revive a Dream
  3. Improve Your Word

Check out what Anderson has to say about each of these drivers in his article.

I think Anderson has accurately identified the areas that are likely to be of greatest importance to most Boomers as they consider what to do next. There is much to be said for maintaining flexibility and, if finances and time permit, pursuing more than one avenue in life's second half. Anderson's suggestion that Boomers concentrate on one area but include the others as secondary interests makes sense for those who want to enrich their lives. This concept has worked well for me: I maintain a part-time professional career, but also pursue personal passions and volunteer activities.

If you can make it work, retirement your way -- the way you want to structure it -- should be the best way to live out the rest of your years.

HappilyRewired.com is a Top 75 Baby Boomer Blog.

Image: Pixabay.com

Check out the forthcoming book featuring 156 best and worst brands of the 50s and 60s!


An Interview with Boomer Author Julie Gorges

Books Book Cover I'm Your Daughter JulieA new memoir, I'm Your Daughter, Julie, explores the emotional experience of a baby boomer caring for her mother, who has been diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. In reading this excellent, engaging book, I began to understand the enormous challenge of caring for elderly parents, and I also learned a great deal about the harsh realities of dementia.

Julie Gorges, the author of the book, was kind enough to answer my questions about her writing career, her new book, and her advice for boomers who face a dementia diagnosis.

You've had a wide variety of writing experience -- as a newspaper reporter, short story writer, and author of non-fiction and fiction books. How would you characterize the difference between writing non-fiction and fiction? Do you find one form of writing more appealing than another?

That’s a good question. Writing fiction and non-fiction are more alike than one may think. Penning a novel with a fascinating plot, compelling characters, and lyrical prose is a creative endeavor. But the process often involves using true personal experiences or factual events as a springboard into an author’s imagination. Non-fiction is based purely on accurate facts. But techniques used in fiction are often used to make articles and non-fiction books more compelling and dramatic.

Do I like one form of writing more than another? When I first started writing, I focused primarily on fiction. But as the years went by, I became increasingly drawn to non-fiction. Stories I wrote about people as a newspaper reporter were fascinating and inspiring. Plus, I discovered that writing non-fiction has the power to educate, motivate, solve problems, heal, offer hope, and even change lives. Writing about real life is a great way to share the wisdom you’ve gained over the years to help others.

While I’m writing non-fiction right now, I haven’t ruled out writing another novel someday. What I do know is that I will write until the day I die. I’m in love, captivated, and addicted to words. Words are powerful, sometimes even magical, evoke our imaginations, and create wondrous worlds to explore. I started down the path of becoming a writer 30 years ago and still love the endless possibilities that this career offers.

Why did you write your first novel for teenage girls? How difficult was it to adopt the persona of a teenage girl and write in the first person?

I started my first novel while in my early 20s when my teen years were still fresh on my mind. So, it was easy to channel my experiences and feelings into my novel. Thankfully, I kept diaries as a teen-ager and much of the story comes directly from journals – with some fabrication, embellishments, and imagination thrown in, of course.

The teen years are fascinating to write about since it’s a time of discovery, a time when decisions can change your life forever, and a time of intense emotions. That’s why we all remember our teen years so well. It’s a time of unforgettable firsts – your first love, your first betrayal, your first profound mistake, or your first heroic act – all happening within a short amount of time.

Since the main character had many facets of my personality, it was easy for me to adopt her persona and writing in first person seemed to come naturally. By the way, finishing and publishing my first novel came years later, which speaks to the tenacity and perseverance that this career demands.

Your new book, I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia, is a very personal story about caring for your mom, who had Lewy Body Dementia. What made you decide to write this memoir?

Although many people encouraged me to share my story, I couldn’t immediately immerse myself in the painful memories of watching Mom slowly lose her mind, deteriorate physically before my eyes, and take her last breath. Nevertheless, eventually, I felt compelled to write the book out of a desire to help others learn from my successes and mistakes as a caregiver. For example, when my Mom developed bedsores while in a rehabilitation center that contributed to her death, I knew it was important to warn other caregivers and family members so they might be able to prevent such a catastrophe. By sharing my intimate journey, I hoped to make the process of bit easier and provide comfort to those losing a loved one to dementia so they wouldn’t feel alone.

I also wanted to write the kind of book that I would have found beneficial during those difficult years. I tried to read a few books while caregiving, but they were so thick and overwhelming. Time was limited and I didn’t need to know all the science behind what causes Alzheimer’s or Lewy Body dementia or try to decipher essential information from fluff often used as filler to meet a publisher’s page requirement. In a short amount of time, I needed to know how to communicate with my Mom when she was being unreasonable, how to help her get dressed when she became immobile, and how to keep from going crazy. That’s why my concise book is under 100 pages and to the point.  

In addition, not all books of this nature take you to the end of this journey and beyond. The mourning process for a caregiver is somewhat different and I wanted to share ways that family caregivers can move forward after their loved ones die.

What advice do you have for boomers who are facing a dementia diagnosis, either for a loved one or for themselves?

Knowledge is power. Become informed. You’ll be better prepared to handle the wide variety of challenges that lie ahead if you know what to expect. Try and learn everything you can about the disease from your doctors, websites, books, and support groups. There are many things you can do to make life more dignified and enjoyable during this time. Once you become informed, you may need to help educate other family members and friends.

Also, keep in mind, there are several types of dementia. Try to get an accurate diagnosis so you can find the right treatment plan that can include medications and lifestyle changes to help with symptoms. Having an accurate diagnosis will also help you make informed medical decisions and make plans for the future.

Finally, face this disease one day at a time. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, caregiving is a meaningful, worthwhile, and important undertaking. That being said, make sure you take care of your own needs, accept help when offered, and be aware of caregiving options to help you during later stages.

About Julie
Author Photo 2018-1Julie A. Gorges is an award-winning journalist, author, and freelance writer. She is also a blogger at Baby Boomer Bliss, recently recognized as one of the top baby boomer blogs on the web. Her latest book, I’m Your Daughter, Julie is available on Amazon. If you’d like to learn more about Julie, please visit her author’s website.


Savor the Memories: The Brands You Loved as a Kid in a New Book

I am excited to announce the publication of my new book, written especially for Boomers!

Standup1Boomer Brands: Iconic Brands that Shaped Our Childhood is a unique book that celebrates the brands of the 50s and 60s. The book covers cereal, soft drink, snack food, fast food, toy, car, beauty brands and more, as well as rock ‘n’ roll, protest and environmental brands. I share “Boomer Brand Cameos” of over fifty of the brands Boomers grew up with: Disney, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Good Humor, Howard Johnson, Hush Puppies, MAD, Ovaltine, Twinkies, and WIFFLE Ball, to name a few. Plus, Boomers will gain rare insight into how these iconic brands shaped their childhood and have a lasting impact on their life.

Publishers Weekly says Boomer Brands is “a delightful journey through a time that saw the birth of the modern brand,” while Midwest Book Review calls it “a unique, entertaining, nostalgic, and impressively informative read from first page to last.”

 Boomers are already buzzing about Boomer Brands:

When was the last time you had your memory tickled over a long-forgotten but prized product that shaped your childhood? You’ll find a lot of those “Oh, yeah, I remember” moments in Barry Silverstein’s wonderful wander down Memory Lane. “Try it, you’ll like it.”
- Ron Schon, Retired Advertising Agency Executive and OLLI Instructor,
“The History of Advertising”

Boomer Brands is a delightful book filled with fun facts about our favorite childhood brands and memories. If you're over 50, you're sure to enjoy this nostalgic, entertaining and informative stroll down Memory Lane. 
- Nancy Collamer, Career/Retirement Coach and Author, Second-Act Careers

If you remember watching Saturday morning TV while slurping down a bowl of Frosted Flakes, or perhaps begged your parents to visit Disneyland after watching Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night, you’ll want to read Boomer Brands. This enjoyable, easy read is chock full of fun facts about what made the brands we grew up with iconic.
- Anne Holmes, “Boomer in Chief,” National Association of Baby Boomer Women

Barry Silverstein offers a fun walk down Memory Lane for boomers, describing what made some of their favorite childhood brands so treasured then and now.
- Richard Eisenberg, Managing Editor, Nextavenue.org

Boomer Brands is meant to be read by Boomers, shared with Boomers, and savored for the memories! It is available from all major booksellers in print and eBook editions. Find out more about it, download a free chapter, or purchase a copy here:

http://www.boomerbrandsbook.com


July Half Price Sale on Couples Business Book

LMMH book cover-jpg BooksIf you've ever thought about going into business with your spouse, you need to read Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business. The book has received excellent reviews from book reviewers and readers alike. It tells the story of how a Boomer couple started a small service business and sold it seven years later. You'll find plenty of advice about what to do and what not to do when starting a business with your spouse. Included are details about planning, financing, outfitting, and launching a service business, as well as operations, marketing, sales, customer service, and managing growth. Useful tools to help couples assess their business interests and business compatibility are also included. 

For the month of July only, Happily Rewired is offering the eBook edition of Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business at half price -- just $3.50 -- if you order it through Smashwords. You can get the book in any format for any device, including a PDF. 

To get your copy at half-price, simply go to: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/568837  When you place your order, enter the code SSW50 and you'll pay just $3.50 instead of the regular price of $6.99. This offer is only good from July 1 through 31 at Smashwords so order today!


Half Price eBook, "Let's Make Money, Honey," March 4 - March 10

LMMH book cover-jpg BooksIf you've ever thought about going into business with your spouse, you need to read Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business. The book has received excellent reviews from book reviewers and readers alike. It tells the story of how a Boomer couple started a small service business and sold it seven years later. You'll find plenty of advice about what to do and what not to do when starting a business with your spouse. Included are details about planning, financing, outfitting, and launching a service business, as well as operations, marketing, sales, customer service, and managing growth. Useful tools to help couples assess their business interests and business compatibility are also included. 

From March 4 through March 10, 2018, in celebration of "read an ebook week," GuideWords Publishing is offering the eBook edition of Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business at half price -- just $3.50 -- if you order it through Smashwords. You can get the book in any format for any device, including a PDF. 

To get your copy at half-price, simply go to: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/568837  When you place your order, enter the code SAE50 and you'll pay just $3.50 instead of the regular price of $6.99. This offer is only good from March 4 through March 10 at Smashwords so order today!


Executive Recruiter Authors Employment Guide for Boomers

Screen Shot 2018-02-09 at 1.06.48 PM BooksThere has been a spate of books recently about seeking employment for Boomers. Here's one that is particularly interesting.

One of my blog readers, Rick Manning, is an executive recruiter with over 40 years in the employment field. He has authored and recently published a new ebook: You are a Classic: An Employment Guide for Baby Boomers. Geared to all job candidates over 50, this employment guide has been written to provide the reader with both support and expert instruction; in particular, with additional focus on empowerment and inspiration for those dismayed and dispirited by perceived ageism, which can be prevalent in the marketplace.

This guide also provides information offering a perspective on “positive aging” and optimistic attitude and outlook. Further, it has suggestions to help confront the common emotional impediments, which often occasion difficult job searches. Says Manning, "It is my intention to provide older job candidates with a proactive approach to their job hunting campaign, where they can take satisfaction in their effort worthy of a healthy self-esteem."

You can purchase You are a Classic wherever ebooks are sold, or directly from Amazon by clicking here. The Amazon listing includes the option to view a Table of Contents and a portion of the first chapter.

 


Is Consulting for You?

OnYourOwnI remember a time when a professional became a "consultant" for a brief period of time while looking for full-time work; sometimes, in fact, "consultant" was a code word on a resume for "on my own until something better comes along." Nowadays, however, consulting is not only a legitimate career path for the self-employed, it is also a viable second career for older professionals.

There are numerous potential benefits to becoming an independent consultant, not the least of which is the very word "independent." Benefits include the potential to earn high income, setting your own schedule, and re-purposing skills you already have and expertise you developed during your first career.

Still, consulting isn't a "slam dunk" for everyone. Writing for NextAvenue.org, Jonathan Dison, author of the book The Consulting Economy, has some sound advice for you before you consider plunging into the world of consulting. He talks about four lessons he wished he had learned before he became a consultant:

  1. Trust is everything
  2. Become indispensable
  3. Know the skills that are in demand
  4. Know your tax write-offs as a consultant

This article is a must-read if you're considering becoming a consultant. If you'd like a copy of Jonathan's book, you can purchase it directly from Amazon below.


5 Steps to Help Ensure Adequate Retirement Income

Guest Post by Merilee Kern

MusingsWhile plenty of people are duly committed to saving for retirement through 401k, IRA or other nest egg-inducing personal finance plays, however devotedly and even over many years, it turns out several may actually be suffering a false sense of security. 

“For many years, financial planners have espoused general formulas for determining the amount of income retirees will need, the most popular being the ‘70 percent rule’ that suggests that retirees will need to replace just 70 percent of their pre-retirement income to provide for their living needs in retirement,” notes Ray LeVitre, CFP, author of 20 Retirement Decisions You Need to Make Right Now; and founder/managing partner at Net Worth Advisory Group — a firm specializing in retirement financial planning

“That may have been an effective guideline a few decades ago when the rule was established; however, for many retirees, relying upon it today may be fraught with financial peril."

According to LeVitre, modern-day aging cost considerations include:

  • A male turning 65 years old today can be expected to live another 19 years versus 11 years in 1970; for women, they can expect to live another 23 years

  • The chances of retirees or an elder family member requiring some form of long-term care is 7 in 10.

  • Many of today’s retirees are carrying some form of debt into retirement, including mortgages, consumer debt and student loans.

  • Although inflation has moderated somewhat since the 1970s, lifestyle costs, such as housing, food and transportation consume a larger portion of a retiree’s budget today.

  • Although health care cost increases have slowed, the rate of cost increases continues to be well above the general rate of inflation.

I asked LeVitre what baseline, foundational steps those within 15 years of retirement can do to enhance lifetime income sufficiency. Here’s what he had to say:

  1. Track your expenses now. You should begin to track your living expenses and gradually adjust your budget to smooth out your consumption between your living requirements now and your requirements in retirement.

  2. Start living like a retiree now. Taking it a step further, you could take the approach of changing your lifestyle now to reflect how you expect to live in retirement. That might mean downsizing your home now, reducing your leisure travel, driving more efficient cars, and generally adopting a more frugal mindset.

  3. Increase your savings. Any combination of the first two steps should generate steady increase in excess cash flow which should be saved for retirement. Pre-retirees within 15 years of retirement should target a minimum of 15 percent of their earnings for contributing to their retirement.

  4. Start exploring your Social Security options. Retirees who are able to postpone their Social Security benefits until age 70 can significantly boost their lifetime income; and additional Social Security planning for spousal benefits could increase it further.

  5. Don’t invest too conservatively. Although the natural inclination is to reduce your exposure to risk-based investments like equities the closer you are to retirement, reducing your exposure by too much, too soon could stunt the growth of your capital. To ensure lifetime income sufficiency, today’s retirees should always have some exposure to equities. A broadly diversified, well-balanced portfolio of equities, bonds and cash offers the best opportunity to maintain the necessary growth of capital needed while minimizing volatility over the long-term.

LeVitre also underscored that, regardless of your planning method or process, it would be a mistake to succumb to standard formulas or a generalized approach to retirement planning.  

“Right now, your retirement vision—formed by your specific needs, wants, attitudes and beliefs—rests in your mind, and it will undoubtedly change as your outlook and priorities change,” he says. “But, you should always base your income needs on realistic assumptions.” So it’s time for America’s aging population to do a collective fiscal-future reality check. 

Merilee Kern, MBA, is an influential media voice and communications strategist. As the Executive Editor and Producer of "The Luxe List International News Syndicate,” she’s a revered consumer product trends expert and travel industry voice of authority who spotlights noteworthy marketplace change makers, movers and shakers. Merilee may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.


July Half-Price Sale on Business Book for Boomer Couples

LMMH book cover-jpg BooksIf you've ever thought about going into business with your spouse, you need to read Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business. The book has received excellent reviews from book reviewers and readers alike. It tells the story of how a Boomer couple started a small service business and sold it seven years later. You'll find plenty of advice about what to do and what not to do when starting a business with your spouse. Included are details about planning, financing, outfitting, and launching a service business, as well as operations, marketing, sales, customer service, and managing growth. Useful tools to help couples assess their business interests and business compatibility are also included. 

For the month of July only, Happily Rewired is offering the eBook edition of Let's Make Money, Honey: The Couple's Guide to Starting a Service Business at half price -- just $3.50 -- if you order it through Smashwords. You can get the book in any format for any device, including a PDF. 

To get your copy at half-price, simply go to: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/568837  When you place your order, enter the code SSW50 and you'll pay just $3.50 instead of the regular price of $6.99. This offer is only good from July 1 through 31 at Smashwords so order today!


Resources for Seniors - Updated October 2024

Have you noticed that the number of online resources available for seniors has blossomed lately? It comes as no surprise -- we Boomers are aging and we'll need all kinds of services. Information is free-flowing from service organizations and marketers who want to reach seniors. One of the best general resources is Next Avenue (http://www.nextavenue.org/). Be sure to subscribe to their free email newsletter. 

Here are numerous additional helpful resources on a wide variety of topics. This list will be regularly updated.

A Senior's Guide to Life After Retiring from Business

52 Retirement Statistics You Should Know

Help from Addiction to Recovery

Senior Health Resources

Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

How Seniors can Sleep Better

Aging and Dental Health

Aging and Eyesight: What to Expect and Ways to Improve Your Eyesight

Eye Health for Seniors: A Guide to Vision Concerns

Helping Seniors with Low Vision

A Comprehensive Vision Care Guide for Veterans

PTSD: Specialized Care and Supportive Services

How to Identify and Report Elder Abuse

Seniors' Guide to Medication Management

Complete Guide to Safe Driving for Seniors

Boomer's Roadmap to Aging in Place

How to Modify a Home for Seniors: 10 Tips

Home Safety for Seniors

Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone

Elderly Slips and Falls Guide

Best Tips to Buy a Walk-in Tub

Five Home Repairs Seniors Should Avoid Doing When Alone

The Senior Citizen's Guide to Moving

Moving Tips for Seniors

Hurricane and Flood Preparedness for Seniors

Retiring? 5 Essential Questions to Ask About Where You're Living

Tenants Guide to Senior Rentals

All About Senior Boutique Living

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Nursing Home

Medicaid Long Term Care

How to Downsize for Retirement

Retirement Planning Guide for Seniors

Retirement Calculators

Annuities vs. 401(k)s

Best Low-Risk Investments

Grants for Seniors

Financial Resources for Seniors

Financial Resources for Older Adults and Their Families from the CFPB

Digital Money for Seniors

Applying for Jobs in the Digital Age

14 Retirement Planning Strategies for Late Starters

Planning for the Future for Seniors with Special Needs

A Guide to Smart Home Tech for the Disabled and Elderly

Smart Tech for Seniors

Do It Yourself Home Modifications for People with Disabilities

Technologies for People with Disabilities

Disability Accommodation Letter to Landlords

16 Smart Home Assistant Devices for Senior Safety

45 Free Apps for Seniors to Promote Independence

Socializing in Place: Tips for Older People to Stay Connected and Safe

Comprehensive Room-by-Room Home Safety Guide for Older Adults

Home and Flooring Modifications to Safely Age in Place

Home Renovations for a Senior-Safe Home and Aging in Place

Preventing Accidents at Home and How a Home Inspection Can Help

Guide to Smart Home Tech for Disabled and Elderly

Do It Yourself Modifications for Senior Fall Prevention

A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors

Keeping Seniors Safe at Home

Home Modifications When Moving In an Elderly Parent

Senior Fall Prevention

How to Access Low Cost Internet

30 Credit Card Scams to Watch Out For

A Senior's Guide to Financial Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

Top Ten Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Internet Scams

The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Scam Protection Resource Guide

Senior Financial Scams: How the Elderly are Targeted

Online Safety Guide for Seniors

Privacy in the Digital Age: What's at Stake and How to Protect Yourself

Protect Your Parents from Common Digital Scams

Veterans Benefits for Seniors

At-Home Services that Can Help Senior Veterans

Understanding a Veteran with PTSD

Legal Planning for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer's and Dementia Medication Management

Dementia and Alzheimer's Facilities

Memory Care Facilities Search

A Senior's Guide to Computer Basics

15 Best Websites for Seniors

Top 10 Benefits of Puzzle Solving for Adults

Video Games for Seniors

The Ultimate Guide to Spending and Saving Wisely During Retirement

Umbrella Insurance Policies

Nursing Home Resource Center

The Ultimate Guide to Hearing Loss

Guide to Alzheimer's and Dementia

Mild Cognitive Impairment Resources

Treatment for Substance Abuse in Older Adults

Inpatient Treatment for Addiction

Help for Seniors in Daily Living

Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

Ways to Beat Social Isolation and Loneliness

Aging in Place: Renovating with Independence in Mind

Downsizing Your Home for Retirement? Incorporate These 10 Features to Age in Place Longer

The Importance of Home Inspections for Seniors Looking to Age in Place

Why Seniors Should Avoid Isolation

Healthy Aging for Men

The Health Benefits of Pets for Older Adults

20 At-Home Hobbies with Health Benefits for Retirees and Older Adults

Sexuality and Aging: Your Guide to Maintaining Sexual Health

The Top 13 Anti-inflammatory Foods

Mesothelioma Cancer Guide

Mesothelioma Survival Rates

12 Ways to Advocate for Yourself as a Cancer Patient

Handling Coughs and Colds in the Elderly

U.S. National Directory of Senior Care Resources 

How to Start a Business: A Step by Step Guide

How to Apply for a Job When You're Over 50 and Avoid Age Discrimination

Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety

9 Fun Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

How to Explain Gaps in Employment

18 Passive Income Ideas

How to Make Money While Overlanding