7 Habits of Highly Successful Retirees

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Planning for your retirement is something that all of us know we must do, but many of us put this kind of planning off, we avoid it as we think we've got stacks of time to worry about it. However, if you wish to have a successful retirement, you must take the time to make plans to ensure that it is everything you desire.

There are seven things that every successful retiree did prior to retiring that has made their retirement happy and secure. Surprisingly, they are not all financially related. Most of these retirees stated the following seven habits as the key to their happy retirement.

1. Savings Accounts

You want to have a bank account set aside just for your retirement. While you are still working, only make deposits in this account. When you retire, use this account to manage your finances. By changing your accounts when you retire, you have mentally created a new way to approach your money. 

2. Have Investments

Take advantage of every investment opportunity you can afford while you are working to guarantee an income when you retire. Make sure that your investments are diverse, and if at all possible, make sure that they have low maintenance fees. You want to make sure that your investments are funding your retirement and not paying high commissions to the brokers. 

3. Pay off Bills

Try to eliminate as many bills as possible before your retirement date. Review your current bills to determine if there are ways you can reduce them, such as downsizing cable options, getting rid of a land line phone and only opting for cell service, and moving credit card debt to low interest cards. Debt free living helps reduce retirement stress.

4. Downsize Your Life

You have spent your entire life working, now it is time for enjoyment. Look for ways to reduce your obligations so that you can only concentrate on your passions. If you have club memberships that you are no longer interest in, get rid of them. If you want a smaller home with less yard work, look for a new home before retiring. Have a pro-active approach to making your life your own and not filled with chores and duties. 

5. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

There are so many different senior discount programs available, including those for necessities such as insurance policies and utilities, that it is foolish not to use them to your advantage. So many people avoid the “stigma” of senior citizen. The truth is, you need to embrace this title and take advantage of everything that it offers. 

6. Make Plans for Fun

One of the hardest things that retirees must face is waking up in the morning with nothing planned. After a lifetime of getting up and going to work, adapting to not having to be somewhere each morning can be difficult. Successful retirees always make sure they have at least one thing planned each day so that they are never sitting around with nothing to do. 

7. Volunteer

Retirees that offer their services to local charities, even for a few hours a week, seem to be the most successful. There are so many opportunities, from mentoring children to advising business owners, to accepting tickets at the gate of a state park, that any retiree can find a volunteer position that makes them happy.

The tricks to a successful and happy retirement are not as hard as you may have thought. As you can see, it just takes a little planning and a desire to be happy that will make your retirement the best time of your life.

This article was written by Perth Financial Adviser, Medhat Takla from Chambers Investment Planners. You can catch Medhat on Google+ and LinkedIn as well.

6 Ways to Market Your Small Business Via Social Media

Social media is a valuable resource for marketing your small business online. With new social networks popping up all the time, and others gaining mass popularity, it is tough to navigate the maze of opportunity. Here are a few surefire strategies for marketing your small business via social media. 

Engage, Don’t Broadcast

The goal of social media marketing is to start conversations and generate brand awareness—and, more businesses are starting to use social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to provide customer service, as well. The key is to engage your audience, meaning listening, responding and asking questions. If the only thing you do on social media is broadcast your content without ever interacting with users, you won’t grow your connections or make an impact. 

Take Advantage of Platform Tools

Many social networks offer tools designed to help businesses generate brand awareness. Facebook, for instance, allows businesses to create offers, such as discounts on products and services. When users accept an offer, it’s shared with their contacts, leading to more exposure for your business. Other examples of platform-specific marketing features include:

• Google+ Hangouts 
• Facebook Events 
• Facebook Promoted Posts 
• Twitter Sponsored Posts 
• Connect with Relevant Users 

Social media is a two-way street. Follow other thought leaders and relevant users and communicate with like-minded people to get the conversation flowing. You’ll make valuable connections with users who can help share your content.

Capitalize on Multi-Media 

Social status updates that include images capture attention and result in more clicks than text-only messages. So take advantage of the rich media features offered by many of today’s social networks, and incorporate images and videos into your status updates and content when possible.
Use a Multi-Platform Approach

There are so many social networks out there, it’s impossible to manage an active presence on every one. But using more than one social platform reaches a broader audience. The most popular social networks include:

• Facebook 
• Google+ 
• LinkedIn 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• YouTube 

In addition to these primary platforms, there are second-tier networks that aren’t as widely used but are useful for targeting more precise demographics. Examples include:

• Quora 
• Instagram 
• StumbleUpon 
• Yelp 
• Tumblr 

Start by creating a brand page or profile for your business on each platform. This alone will help customers find you and boost your search engine rankings. Start joining in on the conversation and watch your brand recognition grow.
Tie in Your Email Marketing Campaign

Cross-promotion is one of the best ways to maximize your exposure online. Tying in your other marketing efforts, such as email marketing, by letting your subscribers know when you’ve posted an offer to Facebook or are hosting a Hangout on Google+, helps boost your follower counts and engage users.

There are dozens of ways to use social media to market your small business. It all starts with a presence across the social web. Combine your marketing efforts across multiple channels and actively engage your audience for the best results.

Leaving Behind a Legacy that Lasts

As you grow older especially when you are retired, you have more time to think about the future and what legacy you want to leave behind to your children and grandchildren. Of course you would want to make sure your family is taken care of when you’re not around anymore. Finances is already a given. Beyond material wealth, there are other valuable things that would make your legacy a lasting one. 

Words of Wisdom

Do you remember the 1994 movie, Forrest Gump? Tom Hanks played the lead character Forrest Gump and one of his most memorable lines was, “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “My Dad said...” or “Mom told me...”? Just like Forrest Gump, we hold what our parents’ words in high esteem. You may not recognize your parents’ advice as golden nuggets of wisdom then but when you become a parent or grandparent yourself, you realize the truth of those words. Your wise counsel is one of the best things you can pass on to your children and grandchildren. At first they may not realize its value but once they do, your words of wisdom will become a legacy that your descendants will live by.

Financial Stability

Do you remember the hearing the heartbreaking news about four innocent lives that were lost during a police chase gone wrong? It’s news like this that remind us of our mortality, of the fact that any day could be our last. It is a reminder to never go to bed mad and to try to never say hurtful words you don’t mean because that last angry encounter with a friend or a loved one could be the last time you will ever see him or her.

Life is so unpredictable that you never know what tomorrow brings or when you will meet your end. That is why it’s important to prepare for all contingencies and this includes investing in insurance to provide for your family’s needs should you meet an early demise. Consult a term life insurance company and get quotes that will fit your budget. If you have children who are still in school, insurance will help pay off tuition and allow them to finish their studies. It will also help your family get back on their feet after they grieve over their loss. 

Education

One of the best things you can give to your children as parents is education and I don’t mean the academics part only. You can offer financial support while your son or daughter is in still in school. But you can also teach them lessons that will help them grow to become good and responsible adults. Learning is an integral part of life and no matter how much time passes by, you are never too old to learn something new. You are not only a parent but also a teacher who must help your children to better understand the world and people around them. You can help expose them to new venues for learning through travel and activities like community outreach. The valuable lessons you impart to your children will someday be passed on to their own children in the future.


About the Author Based in San Diego California, Tiffany Matthews is a professional writer with over 5 years of professional writing experience. She believes it is better to be prepared than sorry. Tiffany also blogs about travel, fashion, and anything under the sun at wordbaristas.com, a group blog that she shares with her good friends. In her free time, she likes to travel, read books, and watch movies. You can find her on Twitter as @TiffyCat87.

Business Apps For Your iPhone You Must Not Miss Out!

There are numerous different iPhone apps that are directly related to business management and practices, and here, I have compiled some vital business related apps that you would never preferring missing out. You can try them out and enhance your productivity and time management to a great extent. Some of the apps are amazingly versatile, and would work as a great resource for your business as well as personal use. 

WebEx:

It happens to be a great a great app as it is useful to make conference calls, and the app for iPhone users. If you are not able to reach your computer for your upcoming conference, you can make use of this app and join a conference call instantly from your phone. As it is one of the best solutions when it comes to web conferencing, it is a lot better than missing out an imperative conference. The app is compatible with video conferences, making it a perfect and ideal emergency app. 

City Index Spread Betting Apps:

This app is every trader’s dream! It enables them to access their City Index account from their iPhone. However, you need to register an account on City Index. The app has become very popular among the business community and is a powerful resource. It is useful for automating specific tasks like limit orders and setting stops, so you can make the most of your trade through this app and maximize your revenues. 

Square: A Credit Card Processor For iPhone:

If you can operate your business remotely, or you get to travel more frequently from one place to another to make your sales, you perhaps find it tough to drag all your confidential items with you everywhere you go. Square, as a result, offers you with ultimate solutions. It is more of a credit card processor that you can utilize via your iPhone. There are numerous small attachments that will plug into your device, and enable you to easily swipe your credit card. This can turn out to be exceedingly beneficial in several circumstances, with one great example of being electrical breakdown. 

Log Me In:

It is another interesting application that enables users to access their office or home computer directly from your Smartphone. Mostly people are not familiar with such kinds of apps, and do not realize their worth they can offer you for your business. You can connect to multiple systems via this app, and can log in to your computer directly from your phone; no matter where you are. If you are not around your system but have to access vital documents stored onto your system, you can merely sign in, snag your documents and log out. It is extremely useful when your system is facing technical issues.

Author Bio:

Austin Richard is an IT professional from Pass Certification. It provides you 100% 70-293 exams. Let’s take benefit of 70-433 Exams material efficiently and get guaranteed success. Check out free demo of all certifications Exam.

Downsize and Save Money: Retire in Biloxi!

The kids have grown up and (hopefully) moved out, and now it's just you and your spouse. Rambling around a five-bedroom homestead seems pretty pointless, especially if it involves climbing a bunch of stairs. Have you considered downsizing?

Many retirees are trading in their family-sized homes for a more manageable apartment in an affordable area. According to GulfCoast.org, every year 700,000 retirees relocate in an effort to cut the costs of living and reap the benefits of a more comfortable climate. Selling your home enables you to rent a more affordable apartment, and apartment-dwelling requires far less maintenance than homeownership. This makes everyday life more manageable and gives you more time to concentrate on the serious business of retirement.

Biloxi is Lovely

Property values in the northeast have skyrocketed, leading many retirees to move to other parts of the country that have lower cost-of-living expenses. CNN.com reported that moving to a less expensive area can save retirees up to 15 percent of their retirement income. Where to Retire magazine recently selected Biloxi, Miss., as one of the top places for retirees, due to its warm climate, low taxes and affordable living spaces. Biloxi apartments are well-designed, located near a lovely seaport and close to many exciting attractions and casinos. Editor of Where to Retire Magazine, Mary Lu Abbott, says Biloxi's low cost of living, affordable homes and low taxes, has attracted more retirees. Biloxi is a rich city that includes, luxury four-season locations and mountain/desert reserves.

Attractions in the Area

Biloxi's beaches and landmarks are wonderful places to spend the day, whether it's to retreat from the world or see something new. If jumping into the fray is more for you, there are many casinos and resort spas that feature great deals for seniors. Boomtown and Isle of Capri casinos offer special packages for golfers and spa visitors and fun things to do when the grandkids come for a visit. Make sure to bring little ones to the Boomtown Bakery & General Store for a cupcake – you can hit the slot machines while you're there, too.

Biloxi has a variety of historic places to investigate either on your own or when family is in town. Try taking them to the Biloxi Lighthouse or on a Ship Island excursion. There are guided tours that combine relaxation, recreation and history.

Old-Style Restaurants

For a traditional take on cuisine, Mary Mahoney's Old French House in Biloxi has delicious seafood. This restaurant was established in 1964 in a Colonial-Era home, and locals tout the imperial half lobster as unrivaled in its exquisiteness. McElroy's on the Bayou in Ocean Springs offers a genuine taste of the South; try the crab-stuffed jalapenos and seafood gumbo, topped off with a beignet sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Relocating in retirement can be a rejuvenating and life-affirming experience, especially when you're saving money, meeting new people and visiting new places. Plus, the gulf coast is begging you to take a walk and admire Biloxi's sunset. Maybe it's time to say hello to a new and exciting life of retirement in Biloxi.

What is Emergency Section 8 Housing?

T (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are going to apply for emergency Section 8 housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you need to follow specific steps as making mistakes can cause problems. In fact, one of the reasons why applications get held up has to do with mistakes with the process. 

Find the Local PHA

The first thing you should do is look for the local public housing authority (PHA) in the city you are living in or plan to live in. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can look in the yellow pages for the federal or local HUD (Housing and Urban Development). If you have not yet made up your mind as to which state to go to, then go to the federal HUD website and choose one of the states there.

Once you have made up your mind and decided on the HUD, you need to check if the HUD offers special treatment or preferential treatment. Local HUDs usually have priorities; for instance, some HUDs will give preference to families and individuals that are homeless, victims of domestic violence, have small children, live in substandard homes, and paying more than 50% of their monthly earning for rent.

Other circumstances that might lead to preferential treatment are being forced out of your former home due to a natural disaster, government action, fire and other reasons that are beyond the control of the tenants.

If your family falls in any of these circumstances, then you can expect to get some sort of preferential treatment. In all likelihood you will be moved up from the waiting list increasing your chances of getting the next available voucher.

Section 8 Apartments and Vouchers

While you are on the website of your local HUD, you can find a list of apartments and houses that are under the Section 8 program. You can search by state, city, county or enter your zip code. In addition, you can search for units that allow animals, designed for the elderly or disabled as well as by the number of bedrooms.

Of course before you can take part in the Section 8 program, you have to get a Housing Choice Voucher or Section 8 form. You can obtain this from the HUD website or your local PHA. It is very important that the form is filled with the correct formation. For this reason, you need to read the form carefully.

You can fill the form up online or by getting one from the main office. After you have completed the form you just need to submit it. Before you do, make sure you have all the pertinent documents and IDs required by the government. 

Wait for the Response

The next step is to wait for the response. If it seems to be taking a long time, you can get a status update by calling your local housing agency. As stated earlier, under special circumstances, preferential treatment will be afforded under certain conditions. If you do not fall under any of those categories, you may have to wait several months to get a voucher.

If you are approved, you will receive a voucher. This is what you will use for the rent agreement between you and the apartment you chose. Aside from your agreement with landlord, the property owner will also sign an agreement with HUD.

Bio: Eric Morgan is a freelance writer with more than 16 years experience writing and researching the government housing program. Aside from writing, Morgan is also a part time photographer and baseball enthusiast. He is presently living in Beltsville, Maryland. He also writes for http://www.section8application.org/