Retirement Community: Is it an Ideal Place for Retirees?

 One big decision to make when you reach the retirement age is to decide whether or not to find a new home. Surely by this age, your children have grown up and moved out from your house. Thus, living in a huge home is already impractical. Many seniors opt to buy a brand new house that will serve as retirement home. Oftentimes, they choose to retire in rural areas.

Are you looking for a retirement home? As of today, there are several retirement communities emerging like mushrooms in different places. In a retirement community, the residents are obviously retired people (if not all - majority of the denizens). The development of community has offered seniors varied choices to settle on. So, will you go for a retirement community? Is it really the perfect place for you?
There are some aspects that can help you decide with regards to pursuing a community housing.

Cost

In terms of cost, retirees will not have to fret since there are affordable homes available. If you have enough budget after retirement, it is highly advisable to buy a home in full payment. As much as possible, retirees should avoid home mortgage considering that they are no longer working - no more regular job to rely on. But if you prefer to have it in installment basis, you will just have to allot certain amount of money for the down payment and other fees to pay. Some retirement community developers offer various modes of payment.

So, is retirement community ideal for retired people? Practically speaking, it is indeed suitable. With so many options to choose and flexible payment methods, acquiring a retirement home is very feasible.

Neighborhood

Primarily, a retirement community is meant for retirees - aged 55 and older. These communities are intended to cater to retired people who wish to own a new home after retiring. Hence, it follows that majority of the residents in these communities are senior citizens. And now the big question is: Would you like to live in a community where most dwellers are elderly? There are pros and cons in this scenario.

Pros:

• People might be easier to mingle since you are in the same age group
• Several activities are offered to keep retirees busy and active
• A chance to meet new people (friend or new companion)
• Retirees can feel a sense of belonging and feel less lonely

Cons:

• Access to medical or fitness establishments might be a challenge if there is no younger companion
• Some retirees might find it hard to form a new relationship

There are other advantages and disadvantages of living in a neighborhood where seniors are living. That is why it is essential to ponder all possible pros and cons to help you decide if living in a retirement community is ideal for you.

Amenities and Facilities

Most retirement communities have amenities suitable for seniors. Depending on the developers, some communities have golf course, medical facility, park, tennis court, convenient store and activity center. All these amenities are designed to help keep the seniors active while living in the community. In fact, some communities host simple livelihood programs to guide the retirees in managing their finance.

By simply checking out the available facilities, you can easily determine if it is the best place for your or for your senior. There are community developers offering more amenities in an effort to provide the most comfortable living experience to seniors. However, the more amenities being offered the more expensive these community houses become. That is why, it is important to scrutinize if the featured offerings can be of great help to you.

Generally, a retirement community can be a good choice for retirees out there. But there are advantages and disadvantages to weigh before making a decision. At the end of the day, it is not about living in a retirement community or in another housing community. Whether you buy a house in a certain community or rent a unit in one of those apartments in Dallas, the place may not be the main priority. The most important thing is that seniors can dwell with less hassle and much comfort. 

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® Review for 2013

The best-selling credit card is the Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard®, which provides a 0% opening APR on balance transfers and purchases. 

It also provides speedy collection of points with bonus points after the cardholder’s 1st purchase or balance transfer, and double points while utilising the card for the grocery store*, gas, and utilities.

The Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® offers 3 other variations, depending on your credit rating:

• average credit (no intro. APR or balance transfer benefits)
• good credit (this review is focussed on this version)
• excellent credit (with 0% APR for 12 mo. & up to 10,000 bonus points!)

Note: all the "Apply Now" buttons and other BarclayCard® links on this page take you to the good credit version.

APR for Purchases

The Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® comes with a 0% introductory APR that's in effect for the 1st six months (12 months for excellent credit version) the account is open. After that period, the rate adjusts to a variable APR that is presently tiered at 14.99%, 17.99%, or 24.99% depending on creditworthiness & reward benefits. When the introductory APR expires, the minimum interest payment on cards carrying a balance is $2.00.

The opening APR can be eliminated early in the event from a late payment, in which case a penalty APR of up to 30.24% may be applied. Even during the introductory period, it’s important to make all payments promptly.

Balance Transfers

For balance transfers, it's 0% APR for the first 6 months. Likewise, after six months, the interest on balance transfers moves to the same three levels as for purchases: 14.99%, 17.99%, or 24.99%. 

Fees

This card has no yearly fee. It does charge a fee for balance transfers: the greater of $10 or 3% for the first 15 months, and the greater of $10 or 4% after that. Cash advances come with a fee equivalent to the greater of $10 or 5%, along with an APR of 25.24% on that portion of the balance.

Either a late payment or a returned payment brings a fee of “up to” $35.

Reward Points

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® offers two Rewards points for every dollar spent on “day-to-day purchases,” such as gas, groceries, and utilities*. It also offers one point per dollar on everything else, and 5,000 bonus points awarded after the first purchase or balance transfer. Points can be saved for statement credits; they're applied to any purchase on the previous statement of $25 or more, at a rate of 100 points per dollar redemption. The bonus 5,000 points are worth a statement credit of $50. Rewards points don't expire, so long as the account remains active and in good standing.

My Take

The Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® provides a fantastic 0% APR opening period of a full year on purchases and 15 months on balance transfers. The reward redemption choice is limited to purchase reimbursement, and the interest after the opening period is rather high, but the card remains a good option for consumers who want to use the introductory period to pay down balances and can pay off the balance in full every month after the first year.

Apply for Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard

How to Plan Best Final Expense Insurance?

No one wants to give trouble to loved ones at the end of the life’s journey. You can plan now for funeral cost with final expense insurance so that all your possible expenses are met. Thus, your family members will be able to celebrate your life in a most dignified manner. In order to make the most of the final expense insurance, you should go through the available insurance options. It is also required to get an estimate of probable costs that will be involved at the end of life’s journey. The insurance plan should not exceed your needs in which case, you will pay higher premiums. At the same, the final insurance plan should not under cover your expenses in which case, it will extend financial burden to your family members. 

Assess your requirements 

You can plan now for funeral cost with final expense insurance by getting a decent estimate on your needs. There will be need to spend money on various heads which include funeral service, casket, burial and cemetery plot. Other expenses include the arrangement of flowers, vehicles, procession, viewing and headstone. In order to reach a decent estimate, you should consult the elders present in your community. If you discuss with local community leaders and organizers, it is possible to get a realistic figure. 

Final expense insurance policies 

There are various kinds of insurance policies. It is true that a traditional senior life insurance policy can cover burial and funeral expenses. However, you will get these benefits at higher face value. The premium that you will pay for a final expense insurance policy is very less. Thus, you will get maximum benefit through final insurance policy. You can plan now for funeral cost with final expense insurance by choosing various important riders as per your needs. 

If you go through the final expense insurance policies that are offered by various insurance companies, you will be able to select the best policy for your needs. By going for quotation from more than two service providers, it is possible to select the best final insurance plan. If you go through reviews offered by experts and customers, you can plan now for funeral cost with final expense insurance. 

Plan selection 

Final expense insurance plan will work on the same lines as that of life insurance. It can be taken on term basis or whole life basis. If you go for term insurance, it will provide cover to a certain age (generally up to 80 years). When you go for a whole life policy, it will cover your entire life. The age limit that is set for obtaining final expense insurance will be dependent on the insurance company that you have chosen. Most of the insurance providers set the age limit of 75 years. 

You should go through the eligibility criteria. The past and present health condition should be shared with the insurance provider. You can plan now for funeral cost with final expense insurance so that your family members are relieved from financial burden and they will organize the proceedings as per your desires.

The Cost of Cars: Is it All Getting Too Much?

We all like to have the little luxuries in life, but getting them is something that is becoming increasingly harder to do as the cost of living rises. There is little room for manoeuvre in financial terms as money is restricted not allowing for the things we love to indulge in. 

Cars are a luxury and in most cases a necessity, but the expense that surrounds them often makes them difficult to afford and to maintain. It is not simply the cost of the car itself that makes expenses begin to build - the running costs and maintenance and fuel prices combined make it something that is now a luxury for most and simply unaffordable for others. 

There are ways to attempt to bring the costs down; diesel cars, a budget direct quote for insurance, smaller engines, and older cars are all factors that play a part in reducing the costs.
Brand new cars have dramatically increased in price over the years; they have risen with the cost of living and in an attempt to be profitable in the time of economic crisis. Parts are more expensive as is labour, which significantly raises the cost of the car and any work that may need to be done to it. There are a higher number of accidents as the world has entered into a ‘suing culture’. 

There are drivers on the road that are looking for the opportunity to make an insurance claim for even the most minor of incidents - they are claiming mainly for personal injuries as a result of an accident which sees them being compensated with thousands of pounds for something that may or may not exist. This has had a direct impact on the cost of insurance premiums, which means drivers are finding it more expensive to insure their cars and even keep them on the road.
It is not just the suing culture that has added to the increased cost of an insurance policy, but the fact that insurance is now equal. There are no longer lower rates for women or older drivers. For cheaper rates, people have to earn a high no claims bonus and be considered a low risk driver, it takes time and can be relatively hard to do, as there are many accidents, which occur that, simply are not the fault of the driver. At the same time, there are more driving offences that have been introduced and will see premium costs rise.
The cost of repairs has increased at the same time as the cost of a vehicle. Parts are expensive, time and labour are costly and its just another area that adds to the expense of car ownership. Insurers are more than aware of this and the higher premiums are a reflection of the cost required to get a car back on the road after an incident. 
Finance tends to be the only option for those that are looking to own a car but cannot pay for it outright. The monthly instalments are spread over a number of years and make a car affordable, provided the financial arrangement contains no hidden terms. 

Often the interest that is added on top of the price of the car means you are paying back far more than initially borrowed, it could even run into the thousands. Car finance is a big commitment and something, which has to be paid every month regardless of the financial situation you are in, the car, will be reclaimed by the finance company if payments are not fulfilled.
It is incredibly difficult to be able to afford the things you want and the things that you need. There are means and measures that can reduce the costs of car ownership, but overall it is an expensive luxury but something that is more than worth it. It provides you with freedom and independence and makes everyday tasks significantly easier.

Does Your Budget Need a Makeover?

It’s not uncommon to reset your budget when you reach a major milestone, such as getting married, retiring or buying a house. When you do that, however, you manage your finances in fits and starts, and you miss numerous chances to save and spend more wisely.

When life goes along smoothly with no major interruptions, you might not think about money. But all the while, costs go up, fees are incurred, and new cost-saving opportunities come along. If you haven’t set a budget in a while, ask yourself these questions to see if it’s time to reorganize your financial priorities.

Has my Month-End Balance Changed?

When you wrote your budget 10 years ago, you may have assumed you’d end each month with a set amount of money left over. Take a look at your bank statements from the past year and see if that amount has gone up or down since your last budget.

Suppose you used to have $500 at the end of each month. If you’re now keeping less, go through your expenses and look for things to reduce or eliminate. If you’re keeping more, have some fun with it; better yet, put that extra money into your retirement account.

Am I Still Getting my Money’s Worth?

If you’re spending more time fixing your 1996 Mustang than you are driving it, you’re not getting much return on your investment anymore. Similarly, your gym membership might seem silly since you bought a treadmill last year. Let your budget reflect these changing priorities.

Just as revenues and expenses change, so does the need for certain things. What seemed essential in your 20s and 30s might not matter in your 40s and 50s. Analyze your spending habits over the last few years and decide whether certain expenses are still important in your life.

Am I Properly Preparing for the Future?

Some situations come out of nowhere, like an illness or a termination. Other things are inevitable, like retirement or the passing of a loved one. These situations don’t have to be imminent for you to start preparing for them, but as the day approaches, give them more attention.

As you get older, you may want to cut back your work hours, thus cutting your pay. Or you may start facing various health problems, resulting in higher expenses. Factor those possibilities into your current budget; the more you prepare, the easier these things will be to manage.

Do I have a backup plan?

Even after you’ve considered every contingency, something unexpected could happen to put your finances at risk. Instead of being blindsided by these sudden changes, protect yourself by having an alternate budget in place.

This Plan B should reflect what would change if things went awry. For instance, what would you do if you or your spouse became ill and needed long-term care? Some people might cut expenses to pay for home care, while others might rent out or sell a second home.

Nothing stays the same, and it’s important to make sure your finances follow suit. Give your budget a regular review to keep your finances on a smooth track.

4 Reasons Binary Options Trading Is Great for Newbies

binary options (Photo credit: opportplanet)

Those who are less accustomed to the rules of the trading world might find talks about binary options as foreign as an unknown language. However, as most expert brokers will be quick to explain, understanding binary options is not at all that difficult. In fact, they are considered perfect for newbie traders: though they do come with significant risk, they are also a major source of profit – and, the best thing about them – they are no-strings attached. If you’re thinking of giving binary options trading a go, here are the four basics that you need to know about.

1. A bit of history about binary options

Since we live in a pre-eminently digital era nowadays, many people tend to assume that binary options have always been digitally traded. This, however, is not true – for a long time, they were available over the counter, and could be purchased directly from the institution that issued them. Back then, though they were considered financial instruments, they were part of the exotic options category. They could not be traded on a liquid market and, more often than not, they were offered as part of more complex options contracts.

Since 2008, binary options have been traded on specialized websites and this has also given rise to the emergence of numerous websites explaining how to do binary trading online. It’s worth bearing in mind that online traded binary options are non-exchange-traded (more on that in the following section, which explains the difference between the various types of binary options). Current estimates (as of August this year) say there are over 200 websites up and running online at the moment and they are trading roughly 125 different kinds of underlying assets. Non exchange-traded binary options became regulated as financial instruments in Cyprus, as of May 2012, and in Malta, as of March 2013. In the United States, trading is legal, but not regulated.

2. Types of binary options

There are several criteria according to which binary options can be classified, but perhaps the most important distinction is the one made according to the way in which these options are traded. The categories, in this respect, are two: exchange traded and non-exchange-traded binary options. If getting into the technical details sounds daunting, then let’s put it this way: if you’re trading binary options online, you are taking part in a non-exchange trade. This class of binary options has a pre-determined expiration date, which needs to be attained in order for the owner of the options to buy, sell, or trade them in any way. They also come with a pre-established rate for profit (or loss), which is one and the same, irrespective of the difference between the options’ stake price and the value of the underlying assets.

Exchange traded binary options have been available in the United States since May 2008, when they were first introduced by the American Stock Exchange, also referred to as Amex. The Chicago Board Options Exchange followed suit the next month. These European binary options, which operate according to the cash-or-nothing principle, have been standardized. As such, the owners of the options can trade them with continuous quotations, i.e. a way of knowing what the price of the options and the assets has been historically, up to a certain point. 

3. Binary options trading basics

In order to best understand how the process of trading binary options goes, let’s focus on an actual example. Trading starts with a market watch for one or several assets in which one would be potentially interested to trade. 

For the purpose of this example, let’s say it is one of the indexes offered by the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the S&P 500. When the trader decides to invest, the index is sitting at 1175, and the trader believes that, according to their observations, it is going to rise. Binary options are then purchased through a broker, which will offer a strike price on that binary option and a time frame for it. 

In this example, let’s say that expiration comes at the end of the trading day – although binary options can come with just about any expiration frame, be it half a minute, several hours, or several days. Since the trader believes the price is going to increase, they buy a call option; the opposite, when one believes the price is going to fall, is to buy a put option. 

In this case, the payout is 80 per cent for the option ending the trading day ‘in the money’ (above the current index), and the loss is 95 per cent for an ‘out of the money’ situation (if the price should fall). The trader invests $100 and, at the end of the day, finds that the index has gone up. They have just earned $80 – but it is true that, had their predictions gone awry, they would have lost $95.

Before deciding to purchase binary options from any particular broker, it is wise to inquire carefully about their conditions. Sometimes the price taken into account is the last quote on a particular index, but in other cases it is calculated according to the (bid+ask)/2 formula. Also, it may happen that the price has stagnated on expiry. In this case, most brokers will choose to return the buyer’s investment in full. One rule that is largely applied across brokers is to forbid traders from selling their options or choosing to leave the trade before the expiration time is up.

4. Risk management for binary options

Of course, any one trader may choose to manage their risks in any way they see fit. However, binary options are largely regarded as a safe financial instrument, particularly because, unlike vanilla options, the trader knows exactly how much they stand to lose or gain from each trade. It’s also important to understand that, when trading binary options, the margin by which the price varies on a particular asset is irrelevant. All the trader needs to do is estimate whether it will rise or fall. Lastly, most brokers will charge no fees or commissions to binary options traders – this is a very attractive specific condition for beginner traders, who will want to give trading a go, but without having to pay for their one-off chance.