Archive for April, 2010

Bad People (convicted felons) in Your Neighborhood

Hi Folks,

Once or twice a year I like to tell you how to learn if there are any baddies (convicted felons) living in your neighborhood or your family’s and friend’s neighborhood. 

There is a web site entitled Felon Spy and all you have to do is pull up the site, scroll down to Begin Search, type in the street name, city, and state that you want to search, push the search button and up pops a map with flag pins pointing to where convicted felons live near by.

This is particularly important for people with children and grandchildren (and great grandchildren).

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Cutting the Cost of Cooling Your Home

Hi Folks,

Summer and hot weather are on their way. You can almost hear your electric meter whirling as the air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool. So it’s time to revisit some tried and true methods of cutting the cost of cooling your home this summer. These tips really work so put them to work for you this summer.

Woody

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Retirement Income

Hi Folks,

Oh what a beautiful spring we are having in Greenville. The azaleas are out in full bloom, days are warm and comfortable and a couple nice rains washed away all the pollen.

I’m trying to get my yard and gardens in good shape before it starts getting hot and so we can spend some time at the beach. So after I finish this post it back to the yard for me.

I’m a raised bed, square foot, and container garden enthusiast. It’s the most fun, low maintenance type of gardening going and I would like to hear from those of you who enjoy or are interested in this type of gardening.

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Five Simple Steps to Prevent a Stroke

Hi Folks,

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a good time to take stock of your risk factors and overall cardiovascular health. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of adult disability. Arm yourself with knowledge this May by talking to your doctor, considering a preventive stroke screening, and learning how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke so you can react FAST if you think someone is having a stroke.

If you think someone is having a stroke remember F.A.S.T.

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Thrifty Travel For Retirees

Hi Folks,

One of the most often listed goals for retirees is travel. Most of us put that right up at the top of our list. Janie and I love to travel. There are so many wonderful places we still want to visit but alas,  we are like so many other retirees – short on travel funds.

Over the years we have had some great vacations – some expensive, some not so expensive, but mostly budget. Not cheap mind you, but budget. We don’t camp, we don’t stay at hostels and we don’t stay two blocks from the beach. There isn’t anything wrong with those type of vacations but we personally don’t enjoy them. It’s important to know what you like, how much money you can afford and plan around it. Janie and I know what we enjoy doing and we budget for it and if we can’t afford it, we don’t go!  

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Saving Money on Bills

Hi Folks,

I am always looking for ways to save a little extra money. I know that when I don’t overspend on one item I’ll have more money to spend on something else. Lots of folks do without things they need or which would make a life easier just because they are overspending on other items.   

The following article by Marilyn Katz offers some suggestions for easy places to look for savings.

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An Uncertain Retirement

Hi Folks,

In spite of the gloomy sounding title, the following article really is an encouraging and heads-up piece that warns that life for Boomers may not be as they have planned. But coping with change has always been the Boomers’ strong point. So, bring it on!

Woody

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Budget Travel

Hi Folks,

Have you taken your first trip for 2010? Spring is in the air and it just sorta’ calls many of us seniors to the open road.

Janie and I took our first trip last month. Up into the Smokies. It was a short trip, only four days, but short trips generally don’t cost as much as longer ones, leaving money for another get-a-way soon.

We’re big fans of VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owners). I’ll tell you a little about VRBO in the coming days.

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Buying Clothing on a Budget

Hi Folks,

I cannot remember the last time my wife paid full price for her clothing. She has a closet (actually two closets) full of very nice clothing and shoes for which she paid a fraction of the retail price. And the fun part for her in getting great clothing at great prices is the “hunt”.

Most retired folks have to budget for everything but that doesn’t mean you have to do without. But you do have to be a good “hunter” like my wife. The following article tells of some places to begin your hunt.

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