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Learn from local experts in LIMITLESS Learning
When is the Right Time to Consider a 55+ Community?
While making life decisions, including when to move, is an individual choice, I have found most people considering a change to this lifestyle are somewhere between retirement and needing assisted living.
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The RightSizing Dilemma
The biggest stumbling block to adopting an Active Adult Living Community Lifestyle is often the daunting task of moving. Many folks a this stage of their lives reside in the family home where for years they raised their family and accumulated stuff to show for it. It’s the stuff that is the issue and the family discussion goes something like this: • What should we keep? • What will the kids want? (Very little, in truth ) • What gets donated and where? • Is any of this worth money? • How do we sell stuff? Yard Sale, Facebook Marketplace, Craig’s List? • And the overwhelming problem of, where do we start?
This one factor, in my opinion, delays folks from moving to the next chapter of their lives between three and five years. Like most things, moving only gets harder the older we get. To enjoy an Active Adult Lifestyle, you need to embrace it while you can still be active, which in turn will keep you active longer. In fact, Wellness, Freedom, and Friendships are the 3 Pillars this lifestyle is built on. I haven’t had anyone tell me they wished they had waited longer to move to an Active Adult Community; only lamenting that they hadn’t done it sooner. Don’t be like them. You’ve spent a lifetime looking forward to enjoying the rewards of your retirement. Don’t wait! Enjoy them now!
Karen Spell, Broker, SRES, J.D., 55+ Community Expert
Helen Adams Realty 321-279-1384 kspell@helenadamsrealty.com PurplePineappleRE-NC.com
My True Wealth philosophy is founded on the “Dream It” gene, but the pragmatist side of most of us, asks, “How do we pay for it?” The reality is that the road to “limitless” adventures is paved with dollars and sense. The main question, then, when exploring your possibilities is, “How do I replace my income to maintain my lifestyle?” This is a fair question with multiple potential answers. Strategies can include retirement accounts, pensions (not as prevalent today), and potentially inheritance as conceivable options. Social security is another resource. This is where having a good sense of where you currently stand financially is essential. The natural tendency is to want to get the government payout as soon as possible, which is technically age 62, but is that the best decision for you? Here are a few factors to consider: Life expectancy: Longevity is a guess. Look to your family history for guidance. Benefits taken early are reduced. Benefits delayed are increased. Retirement Income Needs: Can you afford to wait? Delay of your benefit after normal retirement increases gross monthly benefit by approximately 8%. Taking benefits at age 62 reduces benefits up to 70%. What other resources are available to you? Marital Status: Claiming decisions should be considered both individually and as a couple to maximize income for both life expectancies.
Be sure you have established your account with Social Security at www.ssa.gov and know your benefits. Calculators are available to help you understand the dollar options. Choose wisely because you don’t get a second chance. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities and Advisory Services provided through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA, SIPC. True Wealth – Funding the Possibilities
Jeffrey Karp, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL® founder of Karp Financial Strategies and is a registered agent representative of LPL Financial. More information and his blog, Permission GrantedSM can be found at www.karpfinancial.com.
Delight-Sizing: An Inspiring Perspective
Now that you’ve made the decision to simplify your surroundings, or have chosen to move to a smaller home, it may feel as if you are sacrificing or settling in some ways. Instead, consider how less space is a way you can enjoy your home even more. We call it ‘delight-sizing.’
First, decide to keep what brings you joy, if it’s a necessary item, or if it can be released for someone else to enjoy.
Next, you’ll consider ways to make the most of every nook and cranny you have available for smart storage solutions and multipurpose.
For instance, consider these clever ideas: • Under a stairway, cabinets or drawers can be a built-in for shoes, clothing or sports equipment. • The landing under a u-shaped stair can be a fun grandkid hang-out, or access to a hidden wine cellar. • Areas between wall studs can become niches to hold family photos, artwork, and books if they’re deep enough. • An old armoire or big TV cabinet can become a Drop Zone storage cubby, a linen closet, or a china cabinet. • Turn a closet into a small home office. • Choose a cabinet in the kitchen for a pullout pet feeding station, and add hidden storage in the toe kick areas. • Add a two-foot bump-out in a room for additional seating or sleeping space with storage underneath. • Need a part time guest bedroom? Place a murphy bed in your home office or sewing room.
What you will find is through delight-sizing, you will see how simplifying can be very gratifying too.
Skin Cancer Self-Checks Simplified
In these unusual times, many people want to keep as much distance as possible between themselves and a doctor’s office, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your health. Fortunately, a simple monthly self-check can go a long way toward the early detection of a highly treatable disease—skin cancer.
The first thing to look for is anything new or different. Moles or growths that increase in size, change texture or color; spots that itch, hurt or bleed; and sores that don’t heal for more than three weeks might be signals that something is amiss.
When examining existing marks for potential melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests people look for the ABCDE warning signs. A is asymmetry – look for moles whose size, shape, or color vary from one side to the other. B refers to borders – be wary of irregular or ill-defined borders. C signifies color – particularly varied colors within the same mole or sections that are red, white, gray, or blue. Size does matter when it comes to melanoma, which is why D stands for diameter. Spots that are larger than a pencil eraser are of particular concern and should be checked by a dermatologist. Finally, E refers to evolution. Marks that evolve or change over time may be sending a signal. Most importantly, scan your entire body from head to toes, and use a mirror (or significant other) for hard-to-see places like your back.
For detailed instructions on how to perform a selfexam, visit www.dermgroupnc.com/self-exam.
If you find something that raises concerns, Dermatology Group of the Carolinas in Huntersville can help. Our board-certified dermatologists are offering virtual visits for the duration of the Stay-at-Home order and would love to see you in person once normalcy returns. Your Skin. Our Experts.
Jennifer B. Pippin, FAIBD, CPBD, is owner of Pippin Home Designs, an awardwinning custom residential design firm specializing in homes with views that are client-inspired for joyful living. For more information: www.pippinhomedesigns.com. Your Skin. Our Experts. 704-784-5901 9735 Kincey Avenue, Suite 102, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.dermgroupnc.com Let us help soften the impact with these dry skin tips: ✓ Wet hands, then vigorously lather with soap for at least 20 seconds, then rinse with warm (instead of hot) water ✓ Use moisturizing soap, if possible ✓ Pat dry with a clean towel - do not scrub your hands ✓ Immediately moisturize with a cream-based moisturizer or 100% petrolatum like Vaseline
Pretty good. That means you’ve been following the CDC guidelines about hand-washing.
What are the odds we are happy your hands are dry and chapped?
LaDonna Mabe Email: happytailsrescueinc@yahoo.com Tel: 704.507.5307 or 828.238.5766 https://happytailsrescueinc.wixsite.com/happy-tails-rescue Happy Tails Rescue, Inc. is a North Carolina 501c3 nonprofit organization out of Maiden, N.C.
These adorable animals are looking for their forever homes . . .
Visit Happy Tails Rescue website for a full list of adoptable pets.
Gypsy Gypsy is a female 3-year-old German Shepherd/Pug mix. She is spayed, microchipped and current on all vaccines and heartworm prevention. She is crate and house trained, friendly with other dogs, and loves to give kisses and cuddles.
Bullet
Bullet is a 4-year-old Jack Russell/Australian Shepherd mix. He is currently being house trained, is crate trained and friendly with other dogs. He is a sweet boy who really just wants to be loved.
Speckles Speckles is a 4-5-year-old female English Pointer/Dalmation mix. She is house and crate trained and dog, cat and child-friendly. If you’re looking for the perfect low-key companion, this is your girl.
Dory Dory is a female 3.5-year-old Boxer/Bull mix. She has been spayed, microchipped and is current on all vaccines and heartworm prevention. She was abandoned by her family when they moved, and is very sweet and smart. She is crate and housetrained and good with other dogs, but would be best in a home with no cats.
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