Relocate! Winter 2016-17 | Vol. 2 Issue 2

Volume 2 Issue 2 | Winter 2016-17

Relocate! Magazine is published by Publish in Paradise, a subsidiary of Rechovot LLC For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com © 2016-2017 Publish in Paradise PublishinParadise.com

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Last Friday this magazine was supposed to be published, but I was unprepared for the unexpected. Late Thursday evening just as my 23-year-old, very pregnant daughter, was falling asleep, the unexpected happened–her water broke. So on Friday I was busy coaching her as she brought forth new life. What a joy! And wow how exhausted we were for the days following. Some things that are unexpected are true blessings! Nonetheless, they can still put a crimp into our plans.

Publisher: Angela J. Willard relocate@publishinparadise.com

On the cover: A view from Rotary Beach in Ketchikan, Alaska Photo by Angela J. Willard

As for the water breaking, I was prepared for that and had her bed covered in plastic; as for the middle of the night run to the hospital, I was prepared for that and our bags were already packed and ready to go; but for the baby to come on the day I planned to publish this issue–-I was not prepared! Had I known, I would have published it the day before.

Sometimes our unexpected life events come with a Tsunami that forces us to relocate, but some come in tiny beautiful packages that bring us pure joy. I’ll take those unexpected treasures any day :).

What unexpected events are you prepared for in 2017?

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Departments Preparedness Issue Are You Prepared for 2017?

Are you ready for the next Hurricane, Earthquake, Sink-hole, Tsunami? Share with us how you are preparing for the unexpected.

Email relocate@publishinparadise.com and we may publish your story in the next issue.

Finances 7 11

Face Your Financial Fears Five Strategies to Settle an Estate

Preparedness 5

Plan Ahead to Manage Winter Outages

13

Four Steps for Downsizing

17 Put Safety First When Winter Weather Strikes

On the Move 16 Six Car Care Tips for Cold Weather

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A

head of the frigid winter weather blowing into cities and neighborhoods, families can take steps to prevent frozen pipes, spoiled food and the uncomfortable situations that arise when temperatures drop and a home's power goes out.

Families that may endure a power outage this winter should remember these helpful tips to stay safe and comfortable.

● During the first few hours of the outage, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. Snow can be used as ice to keep items cold in a cooler. ● Choose mittens over gloves and wear layered loose clothing to stay warm.

Before the storm: ● Stock-up on batteries and flashlights. ● Evaluate the family's non-perishable food supply and restock if necessary. ● Review how to manually open the electric garage door. ● Conduct a practice run to help ensure your family knows how to properly locate and operate any equipment required during the power outage.

During/after the storm: ● Never use a gas stove, oven or grill to heat a home.

● Always operate a portable generator outside of a home.

Alternate energy source A loss of electricity poses one of the greatest potential dangers and inconveniences when a winter storm strikes.

"Having a backup power solution ready ahead of a utility power outage prevents most of the headaches that go with living without power. With backup power, families won't necessarily need to worry

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about perishable foods going bad, for example," said Dan Roche, director of marketing for portable power and cleaning systems at Briggs & Stratton. "This gives families the security they desire to comfortably ride out long winter months."

The most popular backup power solutions are portable generators and permanently-installed standby generator systems. Both types of backup power can keep a home's lights, furnace and necessary appliances working in the event of a weather-related power outage or other emergency. Understanding the differences and capabilities between the two options can make selecting the best generator for a family's needs much easier.

Portable generators are generally low maintenance, compact and easily maneuverable on the property. These units are typically powered by gasoline and can work well as a quick solution during a power outage to provide reliable electricity to a few essential items and appliances such as a refrigerator, basic light circuits and portable electric heaters at the same time.

Families who want a backup power source that offers uninterrupted power should opt for a home standby generator system.

Home standby generators are permanently installed, so they need to be done by a professional. These generators are connected to a house's existing propane or natural gas line. When utility power to a house is interrupted, the home generator automatically turns on within seconds.

Home standby generators can power more of a home's high-wattage appliances, like the furnace, electric water heater, stove and clothes dryer simultaneously, so your family doesn't experience any interruptions during unexpected power outages.

For more backup power solutions and an interactive tool to aid in the decisionmaking process, visit briggsandstratton.com.

Sources: Briggs & Stratton | Family Features

While portable generators can provide users with flexibility and comfort, they need to be used appropriately at all times in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a portable generator inside a home or in a garage. Visit TakeYourGeneratorOutside.com to learn more about portable generator safety.

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Retirement is supposed to be a reward for decades of hard work, but if you haven't planned well, the milestone may be a dark cloud on your horizon. In fact, new data shows that nearly 50 percent of Americans are most afraid of outliving their income or the inability to maintain their current lifestyle, and nearly 20 percent are worried about having enough money to cover health care expenses.

The research, released by the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC), also found that despite these very real fears, Americans are failing to take action to address them. For example, a quarter of Baby Boomers, the age group closest to retirement, have less than $5,000 saved for retirement and nearly one in five Americans have no idea how much they've saved.

The findings indicate that Americans are afraid of the unknown when it comes to managing their money and retirement.

While you can budget for leisure and travel,

health care expenses and life expectancy are unpredictable.

"Americans are living longer than ever, so it's no surprise that the No. 1 retirement fear is that they'll run out of money in their final years," said Jim Poolman, executive director of the IALC. "Thankfully, there are strategies and products out there that can help you create sufficient retirement income to last throughout your lifetime, which can help with this crippling fear."

To take control of the uncertainty and create peace of mind when it comes to retirement, here are some simple steps you can follow: See page 8‌

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Make a budget.

Those who plan for retirement are estimated to save three times more than those who don't. Take into account that your expenses may increase during retirement, specifically for items such as health care and travel. Also, be sure to revisit your budget periodically to make adjustments for new circumstances that affect how much you need to support the retirement lifestyle you desire.

Balance is key.

Investing in a 401(k) is a great way to start a retirement portfolio, but putting all your eggs in one basket is a common mistake.

One method to provide balance to your retirement portfolio is to add some more conservative, low-risk products, such as Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), which protect your principal regardless of market ups and downs. According to the survey, FIAs are an attractive choice for consumers, with 45 percent of Americans surveyed interested in this type of retirement product.

Plan to adjust.

A savings strategy that makes sense today might not fit your needs in five, 10 or 20 years. Factors like market volatility, changes in your career or personal life, can impact the amount you're able to save and

how much you anticipate needing when you reach retirement age.

Monitor the balance.

While it's not as critical to track the ups and downs of your portfolio in your younger years, the closer you are to retirement, the more important it becomes to be aware of your account values. Your level of risk should reflect your age and your retirement goals. Generally, the younger you are, the greater risk you may be able to tolerate because market cycles generally rebound losses over time. When the window of time before retirement is tighter, you may not be able to recover from a dip as easily.

Small changes count.

Even seemingly little adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your finances over time. For example, packing your own lunch and giving up an evening out with friends once weekly or monthly will allow you to direct that money to a retirement account instead. Also, be sure to pay your credit card bills on time to avoid fees that not only affect your credit rating but deplete funds that could be directed to retirement savings.

See next page‌

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Make it automatic.

Set up scheduled transfers so you don't forget or aren't tempted to spend the money you planned to save. Treat your retirement account as a debt you owe and be sure to pay yourself every month. If necessary, meet with a financial advisor who can help you determine a strategy to pay down debt without sacrificing your retirement planning.

Find more tips and tools to guide your retirement planning at FIAinsights.org.

Understanding Fixed Indexed Annuities In today's economy, experts recommend ensuring you have a diversified retirement plan and balanced financial portfolio that includes conservative, low-risk products that are less impacted by stock market volatility.

According to the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council's research, 45 percent of Americans are interested in retirement products, such as Fixed Indexed Annuities, that offer steady lifetime income and protect your principal even if the stock market goes down.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Source: Indexed Annuity Leadership Council | Family Features

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When a parent passes away, it's usually left to their offspring to manage and disperse the remaining estate. In the wake of such a loss, emotions can run high, and the sheer amount of paperwork can quickly become overwhelming.

If you're in the throes of settling an estate, whether by yourself or with the assistance of your siblings, consider these tips to help chart a smoother course.

1.

Get organized. Keep a seemingly

endless to-do list manageable by writing everything down. Create a system for

prioritizing each task and if there are others who are willing to help, delegate what you can. Establish categories such as bills to pay and other outstanding debts, accounts to close, agencies and organizations that need to be notified of the death and so on.

2. Know your limits. Some estates are simple and straightforward: There's a basic will, few assets, known heirs, and it's easy to grasp what happens next.

Others are far more complicated. If you find yourself in over your head, seek help from an expert such as an estate attorney

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who can guide you through the legalities and paperwork.

3. Focus on solutions. Remember that even the most seemingly hopeless situations can turn out well if you remain open to exploring solutions.

When Karen Jones' mother passed away, she and her four siblings were left with a house that needed a lot of repairs none of them could afford before it could be sold.

Jones learned about HomeVestors from a sister and the two scheduled a free consultation with a local independently owned and operated franchise.

Within 24 hours, Aaron Katz with WinWin Properties presented an offer not only to Jones, but individually to all of her siblings who were not able to meet at the same time.

Jones credits Katz's professionalism, kindness and sensitivity during a difficult time for her family.

An option such as HomeVestors, the largest professional house buying franchise in the nation, offers cash payments and quick closing, which can be helpful in settling an estate. In many cases, homes can also be sold as-is with no repairs and with unwanted contents still inside. For more information, visit homevestors.com.

Add this to the emotional simmer you've been holding steady and this may be the tipping point to boil you over. Simply put the new information on the back burner for now and return to it later, when you can deal with it more rationally and avoid letting a surprise stain your memories.

5. Take a break. In the aftermath of a loss, many survivors switch to autopilot, not only to distract their minds from the loss but to regain some sense of control in a situation that can feel helpless. While this coping mechanism may answer a short-term need, be sure to allow yourself time to properly grieve and avoid taking on so much that you neglect your own physical needs, such as food and sleep.

Settling a loved one's estate isn't likely to be easy, but taking it all one step at a time will help you take care of business while you make sure you're still taking care of yourself.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Source: HomeVestors | Family Featu

4. Expect the unexpected. It may come in the form of a change in the will or old letters stashed in a closet, but it's a safe bet that in settling the estate, you'll come across something you weren't expecting.

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For one reason or another, you've determined the house you're living in has become too much to handle. Seniors, empty nesters or those moving from a suburban home into a loft or apartment in the city all face similar challenges when it comes to downsizing.

For example, after Judy Raphael's husband was diagnosed with dementia and moved to a nursing home, it became difficult for her to take care of her large house the couple had lived in for 23 years.

At first, Raphael tried to maintain the house by herself, but things started to pile up and soon the house was in need of serious repairs.

"There were a lot of unknowns on what was wrong in the house - from mildew and mold to the driveway that needed to be replaced, the list goes on," Raphael said.

When it comes to downsizing your living space, you can start preparing with these steps‌

Step 1.

Determine what's next. Think about what type of lifestyle you want to live

moving forward, but take into account how much space you'll actually need to accommodate that life. Whether it's a smaller house or alternate option like an apartment or townhome, the first step is to decide what you're looking for in your next living space. This can also help you figure out what items will move with you and what will need to be sold, donated, thrown away or left behind.

Step 2.

Assess what you actually

need. Now that you've determined that downsizing is your best option, you'll need to figure out what size, space and things

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you need. Maybe there's a pile of stuff collecting dust in your attic or basement that can be sold or donated, or maybe you believe you can move all of your belongings into a more compact area. Either way, a downsize means going through storage spaces, closets and room in your home to determine what stays behind and what goes with you.

Step 4.

Stay organized during the

move. You've now spent a ton of time and energy going through old things and boxing up possessions for the big move don't let that time go to waste by allowing your organization to fall apart on move-in day. Make sure you store items in places that make sense, going room-by-room in an organized fashion.

Learn more about the resources available when downsizing at homevestors.com.

Step 3. Sell your home. Raphael knew she needed to fix the house before it would be considered sellable, but knew she could not manage it alone. After seeing a television commercial for HomeVestors, she decided to give them a call to schedule a free consultation with a local independently owned and operated franchise.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Source: HomeVestors | Family Features

Over the course of the seven-month sales process, Raphael not only accepted an offer on her home from Aaron Katz of WinWin Properties, but the unexpected happened: Raphael's mother passed away.

Katz not only promised to let Raphael and her daughter tour the home after it was renovated, but he was also the first to stop by with flowers after her mother's passing.

An option such as HomeVestors, the largest professional house buying franchise in the nation with more than 65,000 houses bought since 1996, offers cash payments and quick closing, which can be helpful in the downsizing process. In many cases, homes can also be sold as-is with no repairs and with unwanted contents still inside.

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6 Car Care Tips for Cold Weather

Winter is approaching, bringing cold temperatures, salty roads, wet conditions and other challenges for drivers. To ensure your vehicle is at its best, follow these six simple tips to get your vehicle winter-ready.

Whether it's packing an emergency kit and jumper cables or preventative maintenance like getting a car wash to defend against ice, salt, sand and slush; preparation is key to keeping your vehicle going strong throughout the winter months.

For additional winter car care tips, visit carwash.org/watersavers.

Source: WaterSavers | Family Features

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

S

evere winter weather and dangerously low temperatures can pose a serious threat to family safety, particularly when the power supply is threatened. Many families rely on portable generators as part of their emergency plan, which can provide peace of mind and protection when used properly.

Preparation is the best defense against the dangers of cold winter weather, as inclement weather can arise suddenly and bring power outages and restricted mobility. In addition to assembling an emergency kit, including basics like battery-operated flashlights, nonperishable food items and a first aid kit, many families also have a portable generator available for emergency use.

Portable generators provide safety, while helping avoid food spoilage, providing access to radio or television for important news and weather updates, and delivering

energy necessary to run lights, heaters, hot water or appliances necessary for cooking.

However, portable generators can pose serious health risks when used improperly. Most notable is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause extreme illness and even death. Because you cannot smell, see or taste carbon monoxide, which is emitted in the exhaust from the generator, it is essential to exercise precautions when using the machine.

The Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association recommends taking time to reacquaint yourself with your generator's features and safe operating instructions, as well as keeping these safety tips in mind: â—? Keep the operator's manual in a safe place so you can refer to it easily for further information about safe operation and potential hazards.

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● To avoid dangerous carbon monoxide accumulation from a portable generator, always "Take It Outside."

Never run a portable generator indoors, in areas such as garages, basements, crawl spaces, breezeways, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces. ● Always place a portable generator downwind and point the engine exhaust away from occupied spaces.

time to brush up on how to safely use your generator. Learn more about operating a portable generator during severe weather at pgmaonline.com and takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.

Sources: Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association | Family Features

● Avoid placing a portable generator near windows, doors or vents, as carbon monoxide gas can accumulate and potentially be drawn indoors. ● To power indoor items, install a manual transfer switch to avoid running dangerous cords through windows, doorways, holes in walls or ceilings. ● Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace batteries and test the alarm regularly to ensure it is in good working condition. ● Learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness and fainting. ● If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while using your portable generator, get to fresh air immediately and call 911 for emergency medical attention.

Before temperatures drop and winter arrives in full force, now is the perfect

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