Women face challenges that often make it more difficult for them than men to adequately
save for retirement. In light of these challenges, women need to pay special attention to
making the most of their money.

• Women tend to earn less than men and work fewer years.

• Women tend to change jobs or work part time more often, and they interrupt their careers
to raise children. Consequently, they are less likely to qualify for company-sponsored
retirement plans or to receive the full benefits of those plans.

• On average, women live 5 to 7 years longer than men, and thus need to build a larger
retirement nest egg for themselves.

• Some studies indicate women tend to invest less aggressively than men.

• Women are less likely to be financially informed than men.

• Women tend to lose more income than men following a divorce.

• Women are twice as likely as men during retirement to receive income below the
poverty level.

divorce women money women women need

Tags: planning for retirement, retire, retirement, early retirement, retire young, where to retire, retirement money, retirement business, retirement option, retirement financial planning

Here's a great age-relevant search engine site cRANKy.com. It is targeted towards +50 year olds (seniors and baby boomers).
They intend to provide information on specific topics like jobs after retirement, how to get to 100 years of age, how to make new friends, etc. Some of the searches are neatly sorted in categories on the frontpage. There's a section "How to make friends" as people in specific phases of their lifes are only adding specific types of new contacts to their network of friends. This is a fact of life when you retire because you won't see your co-workers on a daily basis anymore, your routines are changing and you might loose some of your previous contacts.
Click Here To Continue Reading ==>

Tags: retire, retirement advice, early retirement, retirement, retirement income, retirement money, retirement option, retirement option, planning for retirement, retirement business

Recreation:
It's possible to "play your way to better health." The best exercises are those that are rhythmic, continuous and build you up to a steady level of exertion. Unfortunately, many games are not very good exercise because they are a series of starts and stops. Still, you can better exercise and enjoy your activities more if you walk instead of ride between golf shots, and switch from tennis singles (which is a series of starts and stops) to doubles, which is more a leisurely and sociable game and actually gives you better exercise. Cycling, swimming and skiing can all give you the exercise you need, too.

Education:
Someone once said, "It's a shame to waste education on the young." We have many practical reasons for continuing learning. First, the mind can't stagnate since it either moves forward or backward. Then, in this changing world, we need up-to-the-minute information to make or save money, participate in community affairs, find suitable housing, hobbies, activities.

It's never too late to learn. The one organ we can depend upon to last us into old age is the brain. Even at age 80 we can learn at the speed of a 13-year-old but only if we really want to. And we've got the wisdom, experience and time to learn and to apply what we learn for personal and practical reasons. This is the reason we keep saying that All Retirees Are Authorities and can use their knowledge to grow, help others and profit at the same time.

Shopping:
You really can spend money and save money at the same time. Almost every community has at least one drug store, clothing store, department store, even auto parts store, that offers discounts to senior citizens. Once again, all you have to do is ask. Remember your neighborhood merchants are really the biggest discounters you'll find. In fact, many metropolitan areas have associations or clubs of area merchants who offer senior discounts. Many cities have programs and towns have individual businessmen who'll be happy to have your business and offer you a special deal in return. So don't forget to ask for the Senior Discount!

Tags: retirement money, retirement jobs, where to retire, retirement financial planning, retirement advice, retirement option, retire young, early retirement, retirement business, retire

Consider yourself an athlete in the sport of investing. Physical endurance is important when it comes to the sprint, however mental poise will see you through the long run. An investor can have the most reliable information available, but with the absence of emotional control, you may fail to reach the goal.

You should strive to be the Tiger Woods of investing and when you reach the eighteenth hole, your score is based on the portfolio's value. Upon retirement, you will know your ranking. At this time, the more desirable position would be that of team owner, not peanut-tosser.

It is in the world of sports, you may find relevant ideas for retirement planning. There are no guarantees when it comes to investing in stocks, yet you may want to consider the following attributes shared by champions.

The first step in developing your portfolio is to put together a team of all-stars. Forget the minor league players, you need the Sammy Sosa's and Randy Johnson's to fill your roster. Relieve the players with weak relative strength versus the index and keep the ones with strong relative strength. If you are unaware of these changing numbers, contact an investment professional knowledgeable in this area.

Next, limit yourself to the number of players allowed on the field. In football, for example, your team may only have eleven players on the field while the play is live. Your team is penalized for too many players. This seems to be a difficult rule for many investors. As a coach, you may have drafted a college superstar who turns out to be a professional dud.

Do not allow your self- esteem to keep the player in the game. Analyze your back-up players and be aware of the time remaining on your retirement clock.

Although it may be emotionally difficult to pull the stock, keeping it may limit your overall score. You should always focus on long-term fundamentals without neglecting short-term reviews (ie: annual updates). This does not mean you become a speculator of stocks; you just position yourself as the number one draft picker.

If resources do not allow for adequate diversification, or if you are new to investing, consider hiring a manager. In other words, find mutual funds suitable for your investment risks, time horizons, and goals. Your batting average is no better when you hit a home run versus a single. It may be more exciting to post a high slugging average, but even Babe Ruth struck out now and then.

Another point worth noting is to keep your winners. Unless you can find a better player for that position, let your winners carry you to a championship. John Elway did it for the Denver Broncos in 1999 at age thirty-eight. Remember, we pick our starters because we believe in their abilities to outperform. Still, it is vitally important to monitor your holdings. You may one day decide to retire a player who does not fit into you overall game plan. Until that time, remain focused on the goal line and block out the noise of the market.

In the game of rugby, players advance the ball forward while pitching it back to another player. The idea here is to look forward, but never forget what the past teaches us. Players may come and go, but victory never loses its appeal. We all look for success in our investment portfolios and a time to take home the gold. Keep a positive attitude and dedicate your resources to winning the game of retirement.

Wardlaw's belief is that familiar life elements best illustrate practical investment strategies; not typical investment jargon. With that philosophy, the author assists financial planners/advisors, brokerage firms, periodicals, and other investment information syndicates create informative and entertaining articles. For comments and questions, please contact the author at tools2invest@yahoo.com or visit http://www.tools2invest.com

What will you look for as you approach your "golden" years? Will it be an affordable condo on the golf course with room for the grandchildren to visit? Must it be close to friends and family or new "senior" friends living close by? Should it be near good medical facilities?

The average householder 65 or above earns only two-fifths as much as earners age 45-54 (who are at their peak earning years). Even though many "goldenagers" are now free from the encumbrances of children and work-related expenses, the costs of daily life must be planned. Income must be protected to assure its availability for household expenses and higher health care costs.

The "goldenagers" have even more than lifestyle questions to consider in choosing their retirement nest. You should take a look at the effect of state tax structures on your projected retirement income. It's important to look at the following key tax areas:

* TAXATION OF EARNED AND INVESTMENT INCOME

If you plan to continue working, you need to take a look at the way states vary in taxing your income. Some states do not make an exception for age, some give tax breaks and some do not tax earned income at all for "goldenagers."

* PENSION INCOME TAXATION

Many "goldenagers" depend on the income from military, government or private pension plans to survive. Some states exempt all pension income from taxation , others exempt only certain types of pension income and other states place caps on non-taxable pension income.

* TAXES ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Social Security benefits are important to all "goldenagers." Some states do not tax this benefit at all, some follow federal tax formulas for determining taxes on the benefits, but still other states have their own formulas to determine the tax due.

* PROPERTY TAX

Some states offer advantages to "goldenagers" such as homestead exemptions that can be helpful in reducing property tax burdens. Remember to check the tax laws regarding taxes on personal property, especially cars and boats.

* SALES TAX RATES

Nearly every state, and often localities within each state, tax clothing, gas, household goods and sometimes even food and drugs. When you budget your fixed income for these items, remember to consider the sales taxes as you move to your retirement nest.

* ESTATE TAXES
Even though these taxes will not affect your cost of living as a "goldenager," they should be considered as you build your nest. Some states tax the surviving spouse on a portion of the inheritance which in another state would pass to him or her without being taxed. States are studying how to make their financial environments "friendlier" to seniors so watch for changes in state estate tax codes.

A decision for your "golden years" cannot be based on any one tax consideration. You need to examine your overall financial situation and consider the options in the attempt to make your retirement nest free from financial stress.

Fearing the American worker is being left in the dark, Mr. Morris, a fee based Investment Advisor Representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., helps 401k participants get the most out of their retirement plan.

Given recent events in the news, many employees have begun wondering what would happen to their 401(k) dollars if their company were to go into bankruptcy, out-of-business, or was merged or acquired by another firm. This is a question that few employees think about when making contributions to their company retirement plan. Yet, in the economic environment of today where corporate closings and restructuring are not uncommon, it makes sense to know what level of safety exists.

Retirement plans are managed exclusively for the benefit of participants by plan officials called fiduciaries and trustees. A fiduciary is any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the management of the plan or its assets, or any person who is paid to give investment advice regarding plan assets. A trustee has the responsibility of collecting and holding plan assets in trust for the participants. The obligations required of fiduciaries and trustees means that they are ultimately responsible and held accountable for the safety of the participants' money.

It is important to know that there are laws specifically designed to protect the interests of qualified retirement plan participants and their beneficiaries. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was passed in 1974 to specifically protect the retirement plan assets of qualified retirement plan participants. For defined contribution plans - such as 401(k)s - the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also oversee various rules and regulations to enforce fiduciary compliance, participation, vesting (ownership) and funding standards.

Under the various rules of ERISA, benefits under a 401(k) plan are protected from creditors if a company goes bankrupt. No matter how much a struggling company may need access to funds, they cannot use plan assets for such purposes as buying equipment, paying rent or paying creditors. Your retirement dollars are held "in trust" for your benefit - not for the benefit of your company.

Participants are always 100% vested in their own contributions to a 401(k) plan. While it usually takes several years to become fully vested in any employer contributions, if a qualified plan is terminated, the employees immediately become 100% vested. IRS approval must be received before any qualified plan can be terminated. Once approval for a termination is obtained from the IRS, the full amount of plan assets are distributed to plan participants.

If you would like to know more about ERISA, or if you require more general information regarding qualified retirement plans, such as a 401(k) plan, contact your financial advisor. After all, the more you know about your retirement plan, the more secure you are likely to be upon retirement .

Fearing the American worker is being left in the dark, Mr. Morris, a fee based Investment Advisor Representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., helps 401k participants get the most out of their retirement plan.

Let's be completely honest. Everyone has their own dreams and expectations about retirement. Upon retirement, some folks plan to travel around the world while others simply plan to take excursions to their local beach. Whatever the retirement plan that you may have, being able to implement your goals takes a certain degree of financial security. The problem however is that financial security does not just happen but requires careful planning, commitment and yes, money.

To be a successful retiree, you must successfully transition yourself into retirement in order to meet your retirement objectives. In addition, you have to plan the amount of money you need and what you want to accomplish with your savings. After all, you'll likely spend 35+ years in retirement so you must start planning now. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways that you can successfully transition yourself into retirement. They are as follows:

1. Debt Reduction - Make sure that you do not carry your debts into retirement. Therefore, commit yourself to paying off as much of your debts as you possibly can. Eliminate car payments, credit card debts, personal loans, etc. Do what you have to do now to squash debt and make sure that you don't obtain any new debts either.

2. Have a Nest Egg of Emergency Funds - Have enough liquid funds in hand to cover at least a few months of expenses, without eating into your investments. Be prepared for the unexpected expenses while you transition into retirement. After all, emergencies will certainly come up but if you have a certain amount of savings, you won't have to worry about them.

3. Adequate Insurance Coverage - Make sure that you have adequate insurance to cover your life, health, homeowners', and auto insurance policies. Reassess your insurance needs on a yearly basis to ensure that they suit your retirement needs. Be open to making changes as needed and check out your employer's retirement coverage. Many of folks have been unpleasantly surprised to learn that their employers will no longer cover their medical expenses after they retire. So, if you find out now, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.

4. Retirement Income Plan - To ensure that you don't outlive your assets, develop a retirement income plan that includes your income and expenses. Keep track of your current expenses and cut back as needed.

5. Social Security Benefits - The rules for benefits are rather complex, so talk to a Social Security representative a year before you plan to retire. By doing this, you'll be able to understand your benefits and how much you're covered. In addition, you should apply for social security three months before you want to start collecting your benefits or three months before your 65th birthday.

6. Contribute to a Savings Plan - If your employer offers a tax-sheltered savings plan (such as a 401K), make sure that you contribute as much as you can. Not only will this substantially lower your taxes but will also make huge difference in your financial security due to the magic of compounded interest.

7. Review Wills and Trusts - Make sure that you have a valid will and/or trust. Not only will this protect your assets but will give you peace of mind.

8. Invest in IRA - By putting money in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you'll cleverly delay paying taxes on investment earnings. If you invest $2,000 in IRA at 4% when you are 30, it will grow to $112,170 by the time you are 60. Now that's a lot of moola for simply being smart!

9. Follow Basic Investment Principles - Just remember that how much you have for retirement depends on the type of investments you make now. Learn how to multiply your savings using mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. Consult a financial advisor for additional information.

10. Know About Medicare - Find out when it is appropriate to apply for Medicare and then apply. The Medicare application process and premiums may vary, depending on your age and whether or not you are receiving Social Security by being aware of the type of Medicare you may qualify, you'll be ahead of the game. For instance, the two parts of Medicare are:

- Hospital insurance, which generally you do not pay. It helps to pay for hospital, hospice, and home health care.

- Medical insurance, which you pay. It helps pay for doctors, outpatient care, and other medical services.

Follow our suggested ten steps and you'll not only improve your mental health but you'll also transition yourself into a happy and financially secure retirement.

Dr. Cynthia Barnett is a "refired" educator who had reinvented her life moving from the school house to an entrepreneurial venue.. She is the author of "Stop Singing the Blues: 10 Powerful Strategies for Hitting the high Notes in Your Life, and RE-FIRE, Don't Retire: 7 Secrets of Highly Successful Retirees She was featured by Time magazine for their article on women in mid-life who have reinvented themselves.

If you are ready to "RE-FIRE" your life sign up for my free 7 day audio mini course on the 7 biggest mistakes retires make and how to avoid them for an extraordinary life at http://www.refiredontretire.com
http://www.refiredontretire.com/

The retirement years can be the best time of your life. It is a time when you have more flexibility; you're older, wiser and have a better idea about what you want to do with your life and what is important to you. However, there is a great deal of security with having a predictable job. There are the elements of having a place to go to every weekday at an appointed place and time; the people you work and socialize with, and the compensation you receive for your efforts. All of those elements can disappear when you retire. Here are some strategies to help you adapt to the post retirement years:

1) Don't retire at all.

Many people are choosing this option today and will find it easier to find employment as our population changes. Over the next decade the number of workers aged 25 - 44 will decrease causing a shortage in the labor market which will make your age and experience an even greater asset and increase employment opportunities for older workers.

2) Work at having a great social life

Increase your social circles; stay connected to people. Make it a habit to make new friends. What are your interests and hobbies? Join a club or association involving those interests and you'll make friends with whom you can share those same interests. If you're the shy, retiring type (no pun intended!) take along a friend. However, if you must go solo, volunteer to work with others on a committee where you'll effortlessly interact with others.

3) Be an event planner

Throw a party. Don't wait for others to invite you to events; be the one who does the inviting. Don't be upset if you have to be the one to reach out to others. Reach out to others regardless, you'll be happier for it and so will your friends.

4) Make your health a priority

When you think about it, the state of your health affects every area of your life. But too many people don't think about their health until there is a problem. Examine your habits today; will they allow you to live to a ripe old age? Be sure to keep up with your routine annual visits to your doctor for check-ups. In addition, look into techniques for managing your stress such as yoga and deep breathing exercises in order to create an overall sense of well-being.

5) Exercise and stay in shape

Exercise is good for your health. The better you feel, the more you'll want to keep involved and the better you'll look. There are countless books on staying in shape. Buy one and get started. It's not a bad idea to join a gym too!

6) Join a cause greater than yourself

When you make a contribution for the greater good, you will derive a feeling of self-worth and fulfillment. Commit yourself to something that is worthwhile and important to you. You'll be helping others as well as yourself.

7) Increase your technology know-how

It is imperative that you keep up with the latest computer programs and skills, especially if you do choose to work in an office. There is nothing that will qualify you as an "old dinosaur" more than being behind the times technologically (except possibly the next area).

8) Dress for the 21st Century

Update your look. Hire a fashion consultant at your local boutique or department store if necessary; however, if that's not an option, here's an idea that may be helpful. Think of a celebrity or public figure that is similar to you in age and body type who dresses well, and then imitate their style. Also, find a good hairstylist; get referrals from people with great hair cuts that you admire.

9) Fulfill your dreams

What is it that you have always wanted to do, but never seemed to have the time to do it? Many people find that their retirement is the perfect time to explore their dreams and make choices that they didn't believe were possible in the past. Start out by making a plan for your life. Ask yourself what you would like to see yourself doing in the next 5, 10, 15 years and beyond. Then make up a detailed game plan and go for it!

10) Attitude is everything

Maintain a youthful attitude. By youthful I mean energetic and eager to live each day to the fullest. Don't buy into the idea that now that you've reached a certain age you have to act a certain way. We all know of elderly individuals who look and act much younger than they are. Let their example inspire you to be the same way.

The key to happiness during the retirement years for the majority of us is staying connected to others. Participating in activities that we enjoy, being with people we like and doing things that we feel are worthwhile all combine to make for exciting and fulfilling post retirement years. Implement these strategies now so that when people ask what you'll do during your retirement, you'll tell them you're having so much fun that you haven't had time to consider it.

Donna Bradshaw is a Career Consultant and Speaker specializing in career development and transition guidance for men and women over 40. She can be reached at http://www.cacoaching.com Tel: 201-236-1158 or via e-mail at Donna@cacoaching.com.

And you thought you were all finished with work. But retirement planning these days includes so many diverse options. And one of them is to find a retirement job.

If you're leaning in that direction because you just can't see yourself hanging up your work shoes . . . or perhaps you wish to work for financial security . . . well, there are some fabulous opportunities just tailor made for your situation.

The good news is that many companies value having retirees on their workforce. They're experienced, loyal, committed, on time and get along well with others. What employer wouldn't salivate to have someone like that on board?

If you've decided to explore some retirement work opportunities, whether full-time or part-time, there are five benchmarks you can use to check out in advance to determine if an employment situation makes sense for you. That way you can be sure you'll wind up in an environment that's comfortable and productive.

1. Health benefits. The best companies offer subsidies for eldercare, tax-free health accounts, wellness programs and insurance coverage for part-time workers.

2. Recruiting. Forward-looking employers target diverse age groups. They seek out older workers, rehire retirees, and actively retain their older workers.

3. Pension plans. Defined-benefit plans, stock options, profit sharing, incentive programs . . . all these are signals that you're dealing with an age-friendly organization.

4. Training and development. The very best employer provides career counseling, refresher courses, as well as mentoring and coaching opportunities.

5. Alternative work arrangements. Flexible workplaces with seasonal schedules, shift options, telecommuting, leave for care-giving. In other words, do they engage older workers on their own terms?

Now, where do you find such high-quality employment opportunities?

For openers you might take a look at the Nov/Dec issue (2005) of AARP Magazine. They list a number of companies that meet these high-quality specifications.

On the other hand, if you haven't been in the job market recently, you must understand that things have changed dramatically, especially since 9/11 and Katrina.

To succeed in today's job marketplace you need to dump the old-fashioned ways of finding a job and
discover the exciting alternative and non-traditional strategies that can guarantee you a high-paying job in as little as 14 days!

With these innovative techniques you can be sure your retirement job search planning will lead to the career adventure of a lifetime!

Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" Click on RSS. http://www.fastest-job-search.com

Don't let retirement be forced on you or think you have to continue in a job you dislike because the Pensions Industry has
messed up. Active retirement might be the answer when all you actually want to do is stop what you've been doing but not "hang up your boots" altogether.

This may be a good choice for you - especially if you are keen to maintain intellectual stimulation; you like a challenge AND you have expert knowledge in some subject or another.

For most people contemplating retirement, or early retirement, the main concern is money; however, far from thinking of putting your feet up, there are other and better ways to supplement your investments or pension.

Like many of us, you would probably be keen to supplement your personal pension income. If you enjoy mental stimulation or need to have a sense of purpose you'll be less concerned that without a job you lose a large part of your identity.

If you're taking early retirement, why not ask your employer if they could continue to use your skill and knowledge as a consultant - you can do this either as self-employed or as an employee of your own small business. If the idea of owning your own small business is attractive to you, running a small business can be a most satisfying retirement occupation, and there are thousands of success stories of those who took the plunge at 55-plus. These people have built businesses that provide involvement, fun and income while creating something of value to pass on to their children or grandchildren.

You almost certainly have a skill or specialist knowledge to offer, and with the drive and energy to do something with it, the time to invest and the health to support your ambition, then you have the basis of a business that can bring real retirement benefits, allow you to make the most of your investment income, and above all continuing career satisfaction.

You may not have given it much thought but you could as you are reading this perhaps you are looking for ideas. I have built an online business based upon my knowledge and you could too. You've no doubt amassed a great deal of knowledge from your
work experience, your hobbies, passions, or past-times. Think about the websites you visit; my own website at www.your-career-change.com comes from my specialist knowledge and a set of tools called Site Build It that removes any need for technical web site building knowledge - you could do it too, and if you let me I'll show you.

Needless to say I'm only recommending this because I know it works, and they can not only prove it but back it up with lots of good ideas for ways you can use your own knowledge; I had no web-site building skills yet I've been able to put together a 93 page website in a very short space of time. I'm sure if I can do it, you could do it too!

I'm going to give you a few ideas that show you exactly what is possible if you know your subject matter. And if you're really motivated you can build a solid business with interest and intellectual stimulation that provides information to others who can benefit from your knowledge, whilst creating additional retirement income for your family.

You never have to sell a product or service; you can build upon this foundation of information. It's your choice, depending on your skills, inclination, and time availability.

But if you do like the idea of selling a service; perhaps using your knowledge as a Consultant, you could offer a service related to your particular niche. Since every service revolves around a theme you could build a client base, whether clients are local (e.g. business consulting, or organizing children's birthday parties) or global (e.g. assessing the value of antiquarian books or travel services). Or you could start a completely new service business — what do you know or do, that is of value to others? This is how you can start to build a business and with it additional money.

Just like me, before getting too involved you'd probably want to see what other people like you and I have done, and perhaps get some good ideas for yourself take a look at these results which range from "Home Decorating" to "Juggling" and making
"Greetings Cards" all at http://results.sitesell.com/Careers1.html

Peter Fisher is a Career Coach, writer and consultant. His website is at http://www.your-career-change.com.