Hi Folks,

Meet Owen Jones, author of today’s article. It’s been a while since we have had a general commentary about retirement so we welcome his comments on the Baby Boomer generation.

Woody

Baby Boomer Retirement

By Owen Jones

Please allow me to introduce Dee Cascio, Certified Life & Retirement Options Coach. Lee has a lot of good information and sound advice for this blogger and his readers.  

I know you will appreciate the wisdom Dee brings into her articles. I plan to bring you more of her writings in the weeks and months to come.

Happy Retirement,
Woody

Use it Or Lose It – The Memory Challenge

By Dee Cascio, LPC, LMFT, ACC

We seem to have  replaced the back fence, front porch and church socials with email, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. We used to call it visiting but now we call it social networking. Sort of like bringing the front porch indoors. 

I have a few friends that refuse to get involved in “that old computer stuff” but for the most part my senior friends have embraced the internet for a wonderful way to keep in touch with family, friends, people with simular interests and, believe it or not, neighbors.

If you are interested in moving beyond email for keeping in touch with folks, this article is for you. Many thanks to Bottom Line Publications for all their wonderful publications (both email and hard copy).

I hope you are having a great day. I’ll see you at the church social tonight.

Woody  

Social Networking on the Internet: The New Way to Make Friends and Have Fun

By Susan Ayers Walker
SmartSilvers Alliance

Want to know which South Florida nightclubs have a senior-friendly reputation? A member of the social networking site Eons recently put together a list. Meanwhile, several AARP networkers shared opinions about dentists in Los Angeles. And would you like to meet some nearby singles in your age group? Members of the Gather social networking site regularly swap information on the subject.

These are a few of the thousands of ways that seniors are exchanging information, making new friends and keeping up with older friends on the Internet’s social networking sites.

Networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, sprang up several years ago, largely for Web-savvy young people. Today, there’s a growing number of social networks specifically for adults who are interested in travel, health, dating, politics, second careers, movies and hundreds of other subjects.

How they work: Social networking sites typically ask you to create a profile about yourself that includes basic information, such as the city where you live, your hobbies and other interests, as well as a network nickname by which members can refer to you. Members usually include pictures in their profiles. There’s rarely a charge to join a network, but most sites have lots of advertising.

Once you register on a social networking site, you can search for people with similar interests, location or hobbies. You can get in touch with other members by posting a message on a person’s profile, or by joining a discussion group. Only the site has your real e-mail address unless you give it to another member — which you may want to do after developing a trusting relationship. Social networking sites usually have blogs that let users post comments, exchange views and ask for advice on a wide variety of subjects.

Examples: One member of a networking site recently asked for information on jobs for seniors in the Chicago area. Another wanted advice on repairing a wooden sailboat, and many more were still exchanging views on the November election.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Some of the best social networking sites for adults…

Eons (www.eons.com) is a social network for older adults interested in leading healthy and fulfilling lives. One of the most popular features of the site is the Longevity Calculator, which asks a series of health-related questions and then estimates your life expectancy. Among the popular social groups at Eons are those that discuss spirituality, pop music and saving money.

AARP Online Community (www.aarp.org/onlinecommunity) is a new feature of the country’s largest organization for seniors and is growing strong. As it grows, the social network will connect more and more adults interested in such subjects as entertainment, education, health, careers, sports and volunteering. You don’t have to be an AARP member to take part in its social networking.

Gather (www.gather.com) is a social network with an especially large number of interest groups, including those for adults interested in horror movies, baking bread or writing poetry. When members use Gather, they build up credits that can be redeemed at retailers such as Amazon.com, the Gap, Starbucks and Target.

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Many social networking sites are now aimed at people with specific interests…

Literature.At Goodreads (www.goodreads.com), you can network with people who love to read books and want to exchange information about authors, best sellers and publishing industry events.

Women’s issues.iVillage Connect (http://connect.ivillage.com) is one of the few social networking sites devoted solely to women, covering a wide range of topics from health, careers and relationships to shopping and style.

Careers.Of the many sites for career-minded networkers, LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is one of the most popular. Members exchange information about career interests and skill sets, post their résumés and invite people they have met in business to join their online network of business colleagues. Your network expands as you are introduced to other businesspeople — a bit like exchanging business cards, except it is done online in this network.

Personal finance.ValueForum (www.valueforum.com) is one of a growing number of specialized networking sites that charge for membership. For about $21 a month, members exchange information about their personal experiences with a wide variety of timely investments, including municipal bonds, energy-related stocks, real estate, foreign equities and gold.

Language learners.LiveMocha (www.livemocha.com) is a network for language learners, allowing them to connect with native speakers throughout the world. LiveMocha supports learners of English, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish and is expected to add more languages.

To find other social networks on the Web, enter “social networking” into Google or another search engine. To find a site for people with a specific interest, add the name of that interest in the search box. Example: “Social networking cooking.”

SMART NETWORKING

With so many social networking sites available, it’s difficult to choose the ones that are right for you… and then to use them to your best advantage.

Visit one or two networks frequently for about a month to decide whether you’re connecting with like-minded people. If the site is not for you, remove your profile by deleting all the information you provided, including pictures.

But if you do like the site, be sure your profile includes a picture, either of yourself or something that represents your hobby. If you don’t, the profile won’t attract many interested networkers.

Be cautious about giving out your phone number, street address, real e-mail address or other personal information. Though the majority of networkers are honest, a few disreputable people always sneak in, sometimes to sell you a product or lobby a point of view that doesn’t interest you.

It’s usually best to remain online friends with a fellow networker unless the person can provide references that you can check (mutual friend, church or club affiliations).

Bottom Line/Retirementinterviewed Susan Ayers Walker, technology journalist and consultant who advises companies on technology applications for older adults. Her company, SmartSilvers Alliance, is located in Menlo Park, California, www.network.smartsilvers.com.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Here is some sound financial advice from a Certified Financial Planner and you won’t even have to pay for it.

I hope you are having a great day,
Woody

(ARA) – Saving more for retirement is always a good idea, especially now. In 2009, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated that Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), a cornerstone of retirement savings, sank to a median value of less than $29,000 post-financial meltdown. That leaves many Americans working even harder to recoup their losses and stay on track to make retirement a reality.

The good news is that many people can increase their saving potential simply by learning more about IRA dos and don’ts. Saving as much as possible, handling rollovers correctly and avoiding costly penalties are the keys to success.

“There’s no question that saving through an IRA is a strategic move, but it’s not quite as simple as ‘set it and forget it,’” says J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner with USAA. “Staying aware of what to do and what not to do can really pay off, especially now, when you have the opportunity to invest and potentially save on your tax bill.”

Montanaro outlines eight of the most common mistakes IRA investors make when it comes to making the most of this retirement-saving tool:

* Thinking you’ve missed the deadline: Though 2009 is over, it’s not too late to make your IRA contribution count toward this year’s tax bill. This year, you have until April 15 to make “2009″ IRA contributions and claim eligible deductions on your tax return.

* Not contributing enough: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax deductible, within limits, so you can help secure your future and cut this year’s tax bill at the same time. If you’re younger than 50 years old, you can contribute up to $5,000 annually. Maxing it out makes for maximum tax savings.

* Not playing catch-up: Age does have its rewards. If you’re 50 or older, you may be eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 (up to $6,000 per year) to an IRA account. This “catch-up” contribution offers a chance to kick your savings into overdrive.

* Assuming you can’t contribute: If you’re a stay-at-home spouse, you can still open an IRA as long as contributions from both spouses don’t exceed your combined taxable compensation. A “spousal IRA” is especially handy when the working spouse is already covered by an employer retirement plan and can’t deduct IRA contributions. What you can deduct will depend on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), but every bit counts.

* Rolling the wrong way: If you’ve recently switched jobs or lost your job, you can roll the funds from your old employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Just be sure the transfer is made directly from one custodian to the next – a direct rollover. If the payout goes to you first, it will be subject to a mandatory 20 percent withholding tax. Then, you’ll have only 60 days to move the funds you received, plus the 20 percent that was withheld, to a new account or you’ll have to pay income taxes on the distribution, plus an early withdrawal penalty if you’re not at least age 59 1/2.

* Not considering a Roth: You might be able to save more on taxes in the long run by contributing to a Roth IRA instead of a Traditional IRA depending upon your tax situation. Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax deductible, but the Roth can provide tax-free withdrawals come retirement time. And starting this year, the income restrictions to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA have been eliminated, opening the door to millions more investors. Ask a trusted financial adviser if opening or converting to a Roth IRA would be the right move for you. It’s important to keep in mind that conversions from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are subject to ordinary income taxes, so it’s recommended that you consult with a tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

* Withdrawing too early: Your IRA is designed to remain untouched until you reach age 59 1/2. If you make a withdrawal from your Traditional IRA before then, you’ll have to pay taxes on the income and investment earnings, and fork over a 10 percent penalty, with some exceptions. While a Roth IRA allows you to withdraw your contributions, not including earnings, at any time without taxes or penalties, you’ll thank yourself later for not raiding the piggy bank.

* Procrastinating: More than any technicality, it’s plain old procrastination that hurts investors the most. Whether its uncertainty in the markets, cash flow concerns or the rising costs of college, there will always be excuses to put off this year’s IRA contribution. But time-honored investing principles show that consistent contributions – through good times and bad – provide the clearest path to long-term investing success. So make the commitment and take action to help secure your financial future now.

For complete IRA details, visit www.irs.gov and search for Publication 590. When in doubt, you can contact professional financial advisors at USAA through www.usaa.com or at (800) 531-USAA (8722) to help you determine how investing in an IRA can help you meet your financial goals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

At my house the discussion for what we will serve for our 4th of July meal has been settled, and I won (for a change). Pork barbeque. And don’t get mad at me but I’m going to buy it at one of the great barbeque places here in Greenville.  I can already taste it, yum, yum. Of course all the trimmings are what will make it a great meal.

A lot of folks across our nation are going to miss their fireworks display though, because something in  their 4th of July food made them sick. Please take extra precaution with your Independence Day food to keep it fresh and safe. The following article has some really good pointers on keeping your foood safe.

Have a great day,
Woody  

How to keep summer foods fresh and safe

(ARA) – Summer is the season to be outdoors with friends and family at picnics, barbecues and many other events. But the warm weather also brings an increase in foodborne illnesses when food sits out in hot, humid conditions. Make sure your summer party is memorable for reasons other than food poisoning by taking steps to keep food fresh and safe.

Dr. Claudia Fajardo-Lira, spokesperson for the Institute of Food Technologists, says most foodborne bacteria thrive in summer’s steamy conditions. “It’s critical to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness like E. coli and salmonella,” she says. “Always remember to wash your hands and, if you don’t have running water, bring along a water jug, some soap and paper towels; or use hand sanitizer.”

Fajardo-Lira suggests following food safety steps recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

Get food safely to its destination

* Keep cold food cold and stored at 40 F or below to prevent the growth of bacteria. Use a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs and limit the number of times you open the cooler.
* Pack beverages and perishable foods in separate coolers.
* Keep raw meat, seafood and poultry wrapped securely to keep juices from contaminating other foods.
* Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before packing and eating.

Grill to perfection

* Never marinate foods outdoors or on a kitchen counter. Always marinate in the refrigerator. Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw meat.
* Cook food thoroughly and use a food thermometer to ensure proper temperature. Steaks and fish should reach 145 F, pork 160 F and poultry and hamburgers 165 F. Shellfish should be closed tightly before cooking and cooked until their shells open.
* Keep hot food hot by moving finished meats to the side of the grill rack, away from the coals.
* Do not reuse platters or utensils that have touched raw meat, poultry or seafood.

Keep food out of the “danger zone”

* Never let your picnic food sit outside in temperatures between 40 F and 90 F for more than two hours. When temperatures are above 90 F, food should not sit out for more than one hour. Discard any food that has been left out for a longer time.
* Perishable foods can be placed on ice or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice.
* Wrap hot food well and place in an insulated container until serving.

For more information about summer food safety visit IFTFoodFacts.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Are you making plans for celebrating Independence Day this Saturday? I hope your plans include a big American flag, proudly displayed in a prominent place on your home.

And what would the 4th of July be without a cookout.  I understand that the most popular food for a cookout is burgers. Yea! for burgers, I love them.

The following little article takes us back to the basics of fixing burgers and throws in a bit of modern insight as well.

Now, get busy making your plans and inviting your family and friends (and go buy that  instant-read meat thermometer).

Have a great day.
Woody

Burger season is back — don’t forget the basics

But there’s one thing most burger enthusiasts agree on. According to a national consumer survey from The Beef Checkoff, 90 percent of people enjoy their burger cooked to medium (160 F) doneness or higher. However, some home chefs and grillmasters are using unsafe methods for checking when a burger is done, like cutting into them with a knife, squishing them with a spatula, or just making an educated guess.

Dave Zino, executive director of the Beef and Veal Culinary Center at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, suggests a better method for checking your burgers to ensure a juicy, flavorful and safe result.

“Don’t waste time with guesswork and techniques that can affect the quality of your burger,” Zino says. “Use an instant-read meat thermometer each and every time to make sure you’re cooking ground beef to 160 F. It’s the only sure-fire way to achieve the doneness most people prefer while also ensuring a safe meal.”

No matter the hamburger preference, the beef industry is dedicated to providing consumers with healthy and nutritious food. Steps taken at every segment of the beef production chain — from pasture to plate — ensure the safest product possible. However, there still are many opportunities for consumers to improve food safety in their own kitchens, and making sure your ground beef is cooked to 160 F is just one of them.

“Whether I am at work as a professional chef or in my home kitchen, food safety is always a part the recipe,” Zino says.

Try Chef Dave’s tips to ensure your burgers are safe and savory this summer:

* Keep beef refrigerated, even when thawing it. Don’t leave beef out at room temperature.

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after making patties or preparing any other foods.

* Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Think ahead when at the grill or stove and have a clean plate ready for cooked meat.

* Insert an instant-read meat thermometer sideways into the center of the patty. Always cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 F.

* Have leftover burgers? Refrigerate cooked foods no later than two hours after cooking.

For more information, tips and recipes for making your burger the best, visit: www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com/safesavoryat160.

Classic Beef Cheeseburgers
Makes four servings. Preparation and cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
4 hamburger buns, split
4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

Toppings:
Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickles

Directions:

1. Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally. About two minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.

3. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger, and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: To prepare on stovetop, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally.

Cook’s Tip: Other popular burger toppings include grilled or caramelized onions, blue cheese, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and barbecue sauce.

Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

I just ran across a neat little web site that you might be interested in: www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. Just log on and enter the name(s) of your local hospital(s) (or any hospital in the USA) and get a comparison of your hospital with any other hospital you choose. 

Hospital Compare  is sponsored by Medicare and  provides “information on how well hospitals care for patients with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures, and results from a survey of patients about the quality of care they received during a recent hospital stay”.

Be warned though, you may not like what you learn about your favorite hospital or you may be thrilled with your findings as I was with mine.

Happy retirement,
Woody

I have posted 42 ways to use WD-40 on my Retirement On A Budget blog,  http://www.retirement-on-a-budget.com/. Click on over there and pick up some great tips. 

I’ll bet you can use at least one of these tips today.
Woody