©Publishing, Copyright 2013. Fader Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2013. Fader LLC. All Rights Reserved.
September - October 2013
October - November 2013
from the
Editor
Editors Letter: No. 1 I'm so thrilled to finally be welcoming you to a long time vision, successful launch, and very first issue of 55+ Magazine!
Publisher Scott Worrall Editor in Chief Wayne Morgan Creative Director Eric Hall Contributing Writer Barbara Worrall Advertising Director Dan Stern Executive Assistant Martha Zerblis Circulation & Distribution LV Distributing
Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive guide for value, quality and affordable ways for seniors. To enhance and elevate the standard of home, as well as senior leisure life in Southern Nevada. While making you feel informed and a part of our growing community.
Subscriptions You can receive a free one year subscription. Mail: 1176 Center Point Dr, Henderson, NV 89074
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first issue of Simply 55+. This first issue has truly been a labor of love – of art, good writing and publishing – by me, the team at Fader Publishing and all the contributors who supported the magazine.
Simply55+ Magazine is published Bi-monthly by Fader Publishing LLC. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.
I can not say “thank you” enough for everyone’s encouragement and enthusiasm. We hope you enjoy this first issue of Simply 55+. We welcome your feedback as we experiment, tweak and fine-tune over the next few issues. We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of Simply 55+.
With Warmest Thanks, — Wayne Morgan 4•
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contents October-November
2013
7 Reasons To Practice Yoga Page 10 Practicing Yoga in the later years of life.
5 Luxuries You Can Afford Page 16 5 Ways to Splurge on the Cheap.
Celebrate Fall Recipe Page 20 Pumpkin Cheese Muffins.
One Day Patio Makeover Page 24 Give your patio an affordable facelift in 1 day.
Natural Ways To Purify Your Home
Page 10
Page 28 Often times the air you breathe in your home is more polluted than the air outside your windows.
Picking A Vehicle That Fits Your Life Page 34 Choosing the right car can made simple.
Travel Getaway: Sedona Page 36 Discovering Arizona’s natural beauty.
Early Retirement
Page 28
Page 42 What do you need to retire comfortably.
5 Ways To Save Money On Your Grocery Bill Page 44 Saving money on your grocery bill.
From The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Simply Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30 New Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 38 6•
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Y
7
Reasons to Practice Yoga
in the Later Years of Life
oga is typically associated with young adults. This is unfortunate because yoga is well-suited for every age group, including toddlers, children, teenagers, and seniors. Yoga offers great advantages to the health and general well-being of all practitioners, regardless of age or fitness level. In fact, millions of seniors are turning to yoga as a form of exercise in later life. Here we explore 7 reasons why yoga can be a great addition to the lives of older adults.
By: Amy Crutcher
4) Yoga in later life is a gentle and noncompetitive way to maintain mobility, stay active, and increase balance. This is important in terms of falls prevention; older people who are less active and less balanced are more likely to experience falls.
1) There is something for everyone. There are hundreds of poses in yoga and no one person should feel compelled to master every single one. There are challenging poses and gentle poses, and each one is uniquely beneficial. Tougher poses can be modified using chairs or bathrobe belts to make them more accessible to all age groups. The vast variety of poses can make yoga an enjoyable and enriching addition to life. 2)Later life is associated with weak bones because the cumulative stress experienced through life produces an acidity that robs bones of their calcium content. Certain yoga poses promotes strong, healthy bones because they build bone density. 3)Menopause
marks a time in a woman’s life that is full of physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes. Regular yoga practice can relieve many of these physiological changes, such as irritability and insomnia. Psychologically speaking, yoga encourages practitioners to take a “glass half full” attitude to the rest of their life, rather than sinking into states of depression or anxiety that are often associated with menopause.
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5)Yoga is very personal and allows practitioners the freedom to control the flow and variety of their routine. Practitioners can remain in a pose for as long as they feel comfortable and can rest whenever they choose. Additionally, poses are adaptable; it is important to be aware that you mustn’t attempt to force yourself into any particular pose. Instead, gently flow into it, and let the pose adapt to suit you. In other words, yoga is pressurefree, unlike other fitness activities.
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6)Some older people suffer from breathing problems, poor circulation, high blood pressure, and/or asthma. Yoga teaches optimal breathing techniques and encourages practitioners to combine correct breathing with each pose. By fully dilating the lungs, older people learn to breathe more efficiently, and therefore, increase energy and blood circulation.
7)No article on yoga would be complete without mentioning flexibility. Many older people suffer from stiff joints and muscles, and yoga is a gentle and pressure-free way to reduce these problems whilst gradually easing into a state of increased flexibility.
“Psychologically speaking, yoga encourages practitioners to take a “glass half full” attitude to the rest of their life.”
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Overall, yoga is a gentle and relaxing way for older adults to continue to maintain their mobility in these later years. Yoga has numerous health and fitness benefits, and is much safer than other types of physical activity. By increasing bone density, balance, and flexibility, older adults are less likely to experience dangerous falls. Yoga also promotes a positive outlook on life; this can be invaluable for adults going through the stages of menopause.
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A
5 Luxuries
You Can Afford During a Recession By: Exposure
re you finding yourself depressed about the state of the economy? Are you thinking back fondly to times when you had more money? Prepare for bliss. Here are 5 ways to splurge on the cheap as though you were rich and famous!
Some travel clubs, discount groups, and even Borders Rewards programs often offer even better savings at Restaurants.com as a joint promotion. You can sometimes get gift certificates for 10% of the value!
Massages
Find the nearest massage school. You can often get VERY cheap massages at massage schools. Call one nearby to check their rates. Some schools have programs where students massage for under $20 for an hour! Call massage studios and ask what kind of specials and coupons they are currently offering. At one point, the exclusive, snooty salons would have laughed or hung up the phone, but the recession is hitting the entire country. You’ve probably noticed coupons and deals in mailed flyers. You can often get a great deal, especially as a first-time customer.
Decent Restaurants
Even schmancy fancy restaurants are starting to put specials and coupons on their websites. Check out the websites for some of the pricey restaurants in your area. If they have mailing lists, join them! If you already get too much email, set up an email account exclusively for restaurants. When you want to eat out, check that email for the latest offers. A lot of restaurants send GREAT offers for your birthday. Restaurants.com is a gift certificate site where you get restaurant gift certificates at a fraction of the cost. Enter your zip code to see what nearby restaurants participate in the program. 16 •
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If you refuse to use coupons or gift certificates (which makes you really silly, by the way – do you really care THAT much what your waiter thinks?), you should at least go to an expensive restaurant for one amazing signature drink, a fantastic appetizer, or dessert. Even the most sinfully decadent dessert on the menu is affordable, and when you permit yourself to indulge it will feel so good.
Luxury Suite Event Tickets
“Are you thinking back fondly to times when you had more money? Prepare for bliss. Here are 5 ways to splurge on the cheap as though you were rich and famous!”
Have you seen the prices for event tickets on eBay and Craigslist lately? It’s a great time to get some of your equally poor and depressed friends and family to pitch in and bid on some fantastic seats at a concert or sporting event. In most cases you can get a luxury suite for about $10 a person. Don’t forget many of these packages include parking and even food and drinks!
Stay At A Fancy Hotel
If you want an overnight or weekend trip, bid on a hotel room at Priceline.com or look for deals at other travel sites. You can get great deals on last-minute hotel stays. Stay at an exclusive hotel for Motel 6 prices. Swim in the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, and enjoy a mini-vacation.
Rent A Luxury Car
Yes, it seems silly, but it’s great fun. Once again, find deals online (or bid on Priceline) for renting cars. You can usually get better deals during the week. Rent a car for a day or two. Take your spouse or go in with a friend to take a day-trip in a luxury car or a convertible on a sunny day. Sign up for email listings at travel sites. If you watch for deals and look for discounts, you can get a hot car at a great price. If you go in with a friend (be sure you list two drivers if you both drive), you can split the cost and share the thrill. It’s smart to cut expenses when money is tight, but if you think creatively, you can still splurge once in a while without doing much damage to your bank account.
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A
By: Virginia
Celebrate Fall With Delicious
Pumpkin Cheese Muffins
s the hot summer weather clears, and the days and nights begin to get cooler, school starts up again and every member of the family needs a quick and delicious breakfast that's handy to carry on the run. These muffins take advantage of the abundant pumpkins that can be picked up for a song in stores, at farmer's markets, and roadside stands. While the taste of fresh pumpkin simply can't be beat in muffins, breads, and pies, many people are nervous about tackling what initially seems like a difficult project – that of cooking their own pumpkin. It's really very easy though. This recipe recommends the use of fresh pumpkin. If you choose to use canned pumpkin instead, be sure to check the ingredients for sneaky extras that may mar the taste of the muffins. If possible, try to get pure organic pumpkin if you have to go with canned pumpkin.
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This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make extra muffins. After letting them cool completely, put one muffin each in a small zippered plastic bag for a quick and handy breakfast or a snack to go.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheese Muffins
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole grain flour 1 cup granulated sugar (or the equivalent in sugar substitute) 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp salt 1 cup cooked pureed pumpkin from a small fresh pumpkin ¾ cup fat-free plain yogurt 1/3 cup fat-free milk ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 large egg white 1 block low-fat cream cheese Cooking spray Muffin tins, you'll need enough for 18 muffins 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar
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Steps to Prepare Your Pumpkin To prepare a fresh pumpkin, wash the exterior of your pumpkin to remove any dirt and debris. Then, quarter the pumpkin and remove the seeds and flesh from the center with a spoon. (See later instructions to roast the seeds.) Place the pumpkin pieces in a steamer over water and steam the pumpkin until soft. You'll know it's done when a fork can be easily pressed into the flesh. Let the pumpkin cool until it's easily handled. Then use a spoon to scrape the cooked flesh away from the outer shell into a bowl. It will be very soft. Once you have all the cooked pumpkin removed from the shell, mash it with a fork. Measure out the amount you need for this recipe. If you have a lot of pumpkin left, you may want to double this muffin recipe or try pumpkin soup! Steps to Roast the Pumpkin Seeds You can roast the pumpkin seeds as well. Wash the seeds by rinsing them in a colander. Then spread the seeds on paper towels and pat dry. Toss them with a little oil and salt, and then spread them on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cook them at a low oven temperature, typically 275 degrees, for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Cool them thoroughly before the kids touch them because the hot seeds can burn fingers and tongues.
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Steps to Prepare Your Muffins With your freshly cooked pumpkin in hand, follow these steps to prepare your muffins: 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 2. Lightly spoon the flours into dry measuring cups and level with a knife. Combine the flours and the next 6 ingredients (flours through salt) in a medium bowl and stir with a whisk. 3. Make a well in the center of your flour mixture. 4. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin and the next 6 ingredients (pumpkin through egg white). Stir thoroughly. 5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the well in your flour mixture and stir with a fork just until all the ingredients are moist. 6. Spoon the batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. 7. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese onto the center of each muffin. You may have some cream cheese left over. 8. Sprinkle each muffin with the turbinado sugar. 9. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. 10. Remove the muffins from their pans immediately and allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!
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ONE DAY PATIO MAKEOVER Now that autumn is in full effect and the weather is inviting for entertaining friends and family—it's about time to give your backyard space that much needed facelift you've been talking about but haven't decided to tackle. Do you feel your patio is a little sub-par and wouldn't be the best place to entertain your guests? Well, I've got 7 easy low cost steps for giving your patio a 180-degree makeover all in under one day. These tips are perfect if your planning to have company over and you really need to shine as a host/hostess in no time at all. First thing you may want to do is get any unwanted debris off your patio that may be an eye sore to your guests. Either get your industrial shop broom to sweep up the area or finally put that garden hose of your to work and spray the entire area clean. Next you may want to check your patio furniture for any torn cushions, or worn areas that appear to be sun rotted. If you have metal patio furniture—it's fairly easy to buy some outdoor furniture paint for as low as $.99 per can. Scrub your furniture thoroughly, let it dry, then paint over entire surface. This quick fix will last a
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Give your patio a simple, effective, and affordable facelift in just one day.
long time and is a highly recommended treatment for a fast fix. If possible, try matching the paint on the patio furniture with the same color schemes you're working with inside your home. A very nice touch. Another excellent addition to your back yard social spot is plants and trees of all sorts. Creating a nice vertical plane will help derive a feeling of an intimate gathering away from your neighbors. Banana palms and bamboo trees are excellent ways to create that seclusion you desire, plus it gives the area a nice tropical feel.
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A great subtle touch to any backyard is a nice assortment of decorative throw pillows to add
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some bright colors and textures to your existing patio furniture. Try matching some tones from inside your home to the patio as well. If you're looking to add some much-needed flavor to your nearly re-vamped patio try surrounding your patio with some colorful and light patterned curtains. This will provide some nice coverage from the summer heat, and give you all the privacy you need from your neighbors.
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The last few finishing touches, which can make a noticeable difference once applied are, the addition of wind chimes for a pleasant soothing environment and eye-catching flavor And lastly, try and find a nice colorful rug to tie everything together, and really let everyone know that you have a brand new patio ready for any outdoor occasion.
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BEFORE
You'll be surprised when your guests go out of their way to compliment you on what a cozy, colorful patio space you have! It will be our little secret as to how easy it really was. Enjoy!
Also, the easy install of a decorative wall or floor fountain can really bring your patio to life. If you already have power outlets outside then you're one step closer to having a patio worth talking about. Fountains can range from $50-$200 depending on what you're looking for.
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Y
Natural Ways To Purify Your Homes
our home is supposed to be a dependable refuge from the hectic outside world, but what if your house isn't the safe harbor you thought it was? Oftentimes the air you breathe in your homes is more polluted than the air just outside your windows. The invisible indoor toxins can cause all sorts of health conditions, including respiratory disease, heart disease, and depression. The Environmental Protection Agency considers polluted indoor air to be one of the top five potential hazards to human health. With most deluxe air purifiers costing hundreds of dollars, keeping indoor air clean can be a costly proposition. Here are some cheap, natural ways to help keep the air in your home clean and healthy. The air in your home is chock full of positive ions, which play an important role in how the human body takes in oxygen. Unfortunately, positive ions also collect allergens and other pollutants and keep them suspended in the air, making them more convenient for humans to breathe in. These freeloading allergens hitch rides on positions ions, and oftentimes the destination is you.
By: Easton Johnson
Beeswax Candles Purify Air
Consider firing up some air purifying beeswax candles, which are one of the only known natural methods for producing negative ions. Emitted into the air when the candle is burning, negative ions have the ability to separate the allergens caught up in all those positive ions, thus making the air in your home safer to breathe. Beeswax candles perform this important task while giving off a pleasant honey scent.
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Avoid Petroleum-Based Cleaning Products
The very chemicals you use to help rid your house of grease and bacteria can actually contribute significantly to the overall air pollution inside your home. Though the labels don’t always say it, many of your most frequently-used cleaning supplies rely on petroleumbased chemicals to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to fighting all those grease stains. Using such products releases volatile organic compounds into the air, which definitely contribute to indoor air pollution.
talents in future missions in space, NASA measured the air-purification ability of a wide variety of plants. Their top three scorers were: English ivy, Spider plant, and Golden Pothos. Keeping copious plants such as these around your house can greatly reduce the pollutants and chemicals in the air. Keeping the air in your home clean doesn’t have to cost a fortune, nor does it require a lot of work on your part. You’ll love the end result. Simply follow these tips and the inside of your house can be better to look at and better to breathe.
Air-Filtering Houseplants
Fortunately, there are plenty of plantbased cleaning solutions—like those offered by Seventh Generation—which will get the job done without introducing copious volatile compounds inside your home. Clean your house with the clean stuff. Due to their ability to absorb toxins when they breathe, certain kinds of houseplants can be effective natural air purifiers. Seeing a potential use for plants' air-filtering
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A
Picking A Vehicle
that Fits Your Life By: Steven Symes
new vehicle represents a considerable financial investment for most people, with some households spending well over half a year’s income on the purchase. Because a vehicle purchase involves so much financial commitment, you need to ensure whatever vehicle you commit to works with your lifestyle for several years to come. Selling a new vehicle too soon after you purchase it can cause you to take a considerable loss.
Take these points into consideration to ensure you purchase a vehicle that works well with your lifestyle, both now and in the future: How many will be riding in it? You need to ask yourself honestly how many people
will be riding in the vehicle on a regular basis. This involves not only immediately after you purchase the vehicle, but also several years down the road. For example, a young family with only one or two children might be planning on having more children in the near future, making a sedan that can only fit two car seats impractical. Two-door vehicles or those with small backseats with limited legroom work well for commuter vehicles, as long as you do not plan on carpooling. Where are you driving? Think about if you drive mostly inside the city, on the highway or elsewhere on a regular basis. Cars with at least five gears in the transmission are generally better for highway driving. Smaller vehicles can be more easily maneuvered and parked in tight urban settings. If you venture into the wilderness on a regular basis, a vehicle with good ground clearance, four-wheel-drive and low-end torque would be beneficial.
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hobbies or activities that require you to haul large pieces of equipment or multiple people around at once, look for a vehicle with plenty of interior space or a large cargo capacity. If those items are heavy, always pay close attention to a vehicle’s payload and towing capacity. Some vehicles come with small features like electrical plugs in the tailgate area or a retractable roof rack for carrying skis or snowboards, which can make a huge difference in how you use the vehicle.
“Selling a new vehicle too soon after you purchase it can cause you to take a considerable loss.” What is the climate where you live? Your car must keep you safe and comfortable year-round, unless you are fortunate enough to own several vehicles for different times of the year. While a convertible might sound fun, the reality is anything but fun if you live in an area that gets a substantial amount of snow in the winter months. For colder climates features like heated windshield washer jets, seat heaters and self-defrosting side-view mirrors can make life more pleasant. Allwheel-drive or four-wheel-drive also come in handy not only in areas that receive significant snowfall, but also areas with significant rainfall. What do you do in your free time? Your vehicle needs to accommodate your entire lifestyle, not just your commute to and from work every day. If you participate in
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How close are you to gas stations? How many miles per gallon a vehicle achieves seems to be a detail an increasing number of consumers are paying attention to, which can make a huge difference in your monthly budget. What people might forget is to look up the driving range for a vehicle, or how far on average it can drive on just one tank of gas. If you do not live near many gas stations, purchasing a vehicle with a long driving range is a huge benefit. A long driving range also means fewer stops for fuel while traveling long distances for vacations or work trips, making your trips that much shorter. What is your driving style? The way a vehicle drives should match your personal driving style, otherwise you will hate driving the vehicle over time. Some cars come with a sport-tuned suspension and highly responsive steering, which suits drivers with a more aggressive driving style better. Other drivers are more relaxed in their driving style, and so they would enjoy a vehicle with a softer suspension, less responsive steering and more gradual acceleration. A relaxed driver would quickly find a performance-oriented car tiring or even nerve-racking to drive on a regular basis, while more aggressive drivers would find other cars boring to drive.
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I
f relaxation and mind & body rejuvenation are what you seek, then bear witness to Sedona's natural healing oasis and otherworldly beauty, tucked away in the landscape of the red rock splendor. Families, couples and singles continually find themselves attracted to the staggering beauty, clear skies, starlit nights and rich and historic cultural life Sedona offers.
Nature lovers, travelers, adventure seekers and art enthusiasts alike it's time to escape the concrete jungle and grind of the Las Vegas lifestyle. It's time to hit the road for a short 5-hour drive to awe inspiring Sedona Arizona. With endless attractions and riveting landscapes, unlike any you've ever seen, it's perfectly clear 36 •
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why Sedona attracts more than 400,000 visitors p/year. Find out why.Various assortments of biking, hiking, camping, swimming, ballooning, guided and unguided Jeep tours, horseback riding and numerous avenues of family entertainment are always available. If you're looking for something special that'll keep the entire family in smiles, be sure to check out the Out Of Africa Wildlife Park. It's a safari experience to the fullest, and is home to 104 acres of tigers and lions pouncing in a natural environment. Take the Serengeti Safari tour and feed the giraffes too.
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While Sedona is world famous for it's timeless and stunning landscapes, it also continues to be a heavy draw for travelers seeking spiritual renewal. Clairvoyants and gifted spiritual healers from all walks of life flock to Sedona for rejuvenation from the numerous medicine wheels, healing waters, and sacred structures. Some structures are nearly 100 years old, and were left behind by the early Native Americans. Sedona has been called a “Spiritual Mecca,” and “Global Power Spot,” for it's enrichment of the body, mind and soul.
Hop on the Verde Canyon Railroad for a historic and scenic journey through towering cliffs, ancient Indian ruins, and a 680 ft. man made train tunnel. The sights you'll be taking in are rich in Sedona history and spiritual lore, and many sights are destinations just by themselves. Get your shopping bug out of the way and peruse the vast amounts of shops and galleries in the Tlaquepaque Village, home of the breathtaking 34th annual Festival Of Lights. It's a true sight to be remembered.
Make your trip for the first Friday of the month and attend the wide array of art galleries, shops and informational programs for the art lover in you. The Sedona Gallery Association keep their doors open late just every first Friday for just this reason. No other community has a more convincing model for the creation and prospering of art. The petro glyphs, pictographs, and artifacts left behind by the Native Americans keeps the art aficionados inspired and coming back for more. Just imagine the serenity and peace of waking to utter silence where the only sounds to be heard are that of nature, and the vast surroundings of an enigmatic desert landscape. Sedona's beauty is something that even the finest art can't capture, and being there in person is the only real way to do it justice. Take your well-deserved vacation and tell them Simply 55+ Magazine sent you.
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UTILITIES Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson POWER • www.nvenergy.com Nevada Power • NVEnergy 24 hour customer service 367-5555 Para servicio En Espanol 367-5554 Toll Free 1-800-331-3103 TDD 367-5080 Boulder City Utilities 293-9244 GARBAGE • www.republicservicesvegas.com Clark County Sanitation District 458-1180 Republic Services Inc 735-5151 City of Boulder City 293-9244
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES & PUBLIC SAFETY 486-4368 • www.dmvnv.com LAS VEGAS LOCATIONS 8250 W. Flamingo (near Decatur) 2701 E. Sahara (at McLeod) 7170 N. Decatur (at Elkhorn) NORTH LAS VEGAS LOCATION 4110 Donovan Way (The Express office) Closed on Saturdays HENDERSON LOCATION 1399 American Pacific (at Stephanie) 8am-5pm M-F 8am-4pm Sat. BOULDER CITY By appointment (only on Wednesday) 293-5673
GAS • www.swgas.com Southwest Gas Corp Customer Service 365-1555 General Offices 876-7011
DID YOU KNOW...
SEWER • www.cleanwaterteam.com City of Las Vegas 229-6227 Clark County Sanitation 458-1180
Once you have made the move, you can use your out of state drivers license for only thirty days until you have to get your new Nevada license.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
TELEPHONE Embarq Telephone 244-7400 MPower 310-3100 SBC 469-2355
CAT Bus 228-7433 • www.rtcsouthernnevada.com (CAT bus runs throughout the valley 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The fare is $2 each way, and senior citizens and children ages 6-17 are eligible for reduced fares with a CAT reduced fare photo ID)
WATER • www.lvvwd.com Las Vegas Valley Water District 870-4194 Henderson Water Department 267-5900 City of Boulder City 293-9244 CABLE • www.lasvegas.cox.net Cox Communications 383-4000 38 •
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How Much Will I Need to Retire Comfortably?
S
ome people think they only need about 80 percent of their current income in order to live comfortably in retirement. Other people don’t want to have to worry about using their senior discount card in order to be able to make it on a fixed income. Financial experts say workers need to get a retirement reality check by figuring out their retirement number. Everyone needs to aim for their own specific number that represents the amount of money they need by the time they want to retire.
Determining a Desired Annual Income
First, workers can multiply their current annual salaries by 0.80 if they want to live on 80 percent of their current income. However, some people may choose an annual income that is actually higher than what they make right
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By: Easton Johnson
now. After figuring out how much money a person wants to have each month in retirement, he or she can identify different sources of potential retirement income.
Estimating Benefits From Social Security
The next step is for workers to write down how much money they expect to receive from social security. The Social Security Administration often mails out a report letting workers know how much money they may receive every month. The information can also be accessed from the Social Security Administration’s website. Younger workers may want to reduce their estimated benefits by 20 to 30 percent in case the system can’t continue to pay out full retirement benefits. It’s better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
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Adding in Pension Benefits
Government workers and some employees still receive pensions, although they are not as common as they used to be. Most employers provide information about retirement benefits on the company website. Otherwise, workers may contact the human resource department to find out exactly how much of a pension benefit they should receive when they are ready to retire.
Following Retirement Guidelines
Most financial experts say people need at least 6 times their annual salary by age 60. For a person earning $50,000, the target retirement number would be $300,000. Most people are financially prepared to retire if they have more than 8 times their annual salary. For a person earning $50,000, the target amount would be $400,000. However, people with a generous pension plan wouldn’t need quite as much money saved in a retirement account such as IRA or 401(k).
Depending On Compounded Growth
It’s truly impossible to know how a worker’s retirement savings will grow because there are few guaranteed or
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predictable returns. However, given plenty of time, each dollar that is invested may experience compounded growth. Because compounding builds momentum over time, financial experts stress the importance of saving early for retirement. Typically, bear financial markets do not last for decades, which means most investors will see their retirement accounts bounce back over the long term. However, to be on the safe side, many experts recommend target date funds that are adjusted over time. Each portfolio becomes more conservative as a person gets closer to retirement age. When it comes to saving for retirement, it’s best to save as much as possible to counterbalance unexpected financial challenges. Some of the financial problems that can’t be predicted included higher taxes on dividends or a breakdown in the social security system. In some rare cases, people have even lost their expected pension funds after companies go bankrupt. To retire comfortably, a worker needs to save enough to be able to replace 100 percent of his or her current income rather than the recommended 80 to 85 percent. People who travel or have expensive tastes, may want to boost their income even more in retirement.
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5 Ways to Save Money On Your Grocery Bill By: Easton Johnson
eeding your family can be expensive. With the high cost of food, this has put even more of a strain on people’s budgets. It has caused many families to come up with ways to save money on their groceries. Here are some tips on how you can lower the cost of your family’s food bill.
Subscribe To A Meal Plan
Subscription sites like emealz.com claim to save money on groceries. They send a menu for the week along with a shopping list. They base this list on your preferred grocery store. They also offer a vegetarian and low calorie option.
Shop Smarter
Certain stores have certain items cheaper. A locally-owned store may sell meat at a fraction of the cost of national chains. Their canned goods, however, may be more expensive.
“CLIP” Coupons
Coupons are not just found in the Sunday paper these days. The internet has made coupons available through sites like coupons.com and couponclippers.com. “Coupon swap groups” have been showing up on social media sites. These shoppers will exchange coupons that they won’t use for coupons that they can. Also, manufacturers will often post coupons on their website. 44 •
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Know Your Weaknesses
Stores that sell groceries as well as household furnishings, clothing, toys, movies, etc., may sell cheaper groceries, but they may still cost you more money. Some people can’t resist the urge to buy other things they don’t need. If this is a problem for you, it is better to shop at a store that only sells groceries.
Cook Your Food!
Eating out is fine if it is every once in a while. Most people don’t realize how much they’re spending on fast food and restaurants. If you do a budget, you may be surprised at how easy it is to spend $1,000 or more eating out! Save it for the special occasions.
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Saving money on your grocery bill can make a huge drop in your spending. It may take some change in your normal habits, but it will be worth it in the end.
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Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
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Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
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