CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA | VOL. 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FEATURED ARTICLES
RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION
RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY
TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING
READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE. SCAN THE QR CODE
1
CO NTE NT S FEATURES 4
Luxury Living
12
Senior Living
18
Investing For The Future
4
20 Local Event Guide 26 Destination Vacations
26
29 Saving For Retirement 32
Recommended Service Directory
• Promote your brand • Earn new clients • Grow your business www.The55Guide.com
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
OPEN FLOOR PLANS
A Luxurious home is not just well appointed, it is one where the amenities allow you to feel spoiled. Pools, saunas, in-home gyms, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and wine cellars are a few things that come to mind.
An open floor plan is one of the most sought-after criteria when deciding on a new home purchase or a new renovation idea. An open and airy floor plan allows the homeowner to elaborate on their design aesthetic and showcase the home’s individual, luxurious features, like a grand entryway or a beautifully designed staircase.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS If opulence and luxury are key, then a standard, fully-stocked kitchen is simply no longer enough. One may consider adding a cozy outdoor living area complete with outdoor kitchen, featuring built-in gas grills and refrigerated food and drink storage. Some other top amenities include expansive outdoor pools with water features such as waterfalls, hot tubs, changing cabanas, and saunas.
4
(. . .continued on page 6)
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
WINE CELLARS Exquisite wine storage is another amenity that most affluent homes contain. Private wine cellars built using materials such as glass and wood and are often thought to be works of art themselves. When considering one of these beauties, many factors come into play. One will want to consider the placement, temperature, humidity control, and of course bottle size accommodations.
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING When it comes to luxury home ownership, nothing beats a great location. Everyone desires their own slice of blissful paradise. One of the most important aspects to consider are privacy features such as bushes, hedges, trees or walls. The right landscape design features provide a concealed oasis, where one can relax and wind down. Picture yourself in a secluded ranch or gated beachfront enclave!
6
(. . .continued on page 8)
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
GAME ROOMS Game rooms or entertainment rooms are an old idea, but still on top of the list of luxury living ideas. Some would argue a luxury home is not complete without an in-home theatre or game room. The boundaries continue to be expanded with extra amenities such as indoor basketball courts, lavish sports bar set-ups, exquisite billiard areas, additional televisions and beverage storage.
IN-HOME TECHNOLOGY This newer trend has taken over the luxury market by storm, and these technological innovations have garnered the new term of “Smart Homes,� and along with it, smart devices. When it comes to technology, most
luxury builders cater to this tech-trend and offer amenities to help with just about all facets of home management. Some things you can do at the touch of a button or smartphone are control indoor climate, window and door security, and lighting. Additionally, an integrated smart home provides the owner with remote access cameras and security systems.
(. . .continued on page 10) 8
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
DRESSING ROOMS A dressing room is simply an extension of the master bedroom. This feature is commonly a top priority for the wealthy, as it functions as a place to both store and display lavish items such as purses, shoes, hats, and jewelry. There is an increasing demand among the jet-set crowd for larger and more lavish closet designs. Typical setups include cedar shelving, storage chests, ample lighting, and mirrors for cosmetics or modeling outfits.
10
g n i v i L r o i n e S
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
RETIRE WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLE
Today’s upscale senior communities offer “resort style living” which is hospitality-oriented and resembles a 4-star hotel or cruise ship rather than a hospital or retirement home. Amenities Some of the more luxurious communities at the deluxe level even feature lively bars with chandeliers and overstuffed pillows. More standard amenities include:
Activities: Education and Entertainment, Fashion shows, Lectures from retired professors and various social and cultural events which are all examples of regularly planned activities for residents at higher-end facilities. In urban settings, planned outings to the city for museums, art galleries or theater visits are frequent occurrences as well. Grounds-keeping: Luxury communities are beautifully designed on the outside as well, from gardens to ponds to putting greens and walkways. Many include well-appointed courtyards for residents to socialize, relax, or enjoy a meal. Concierge Service: Offering ‘Concierge Service’ is what makes a Senior Living community a Luxury one. Similar to a hotel concierge, a resident can use the Concierge to arrange hotel flights or tickets to events, a service that makes these luxury communities clearly more desirable to prospective residents and their families. 12
Modern Therapies: Assisted living communities offer personal care to their residents, and the best communities often offer top notch therapy on top of standard care. In addition to specialized pet and physical therapy, upscale communities often also provide top notch occupational therapy, and music therapy, and always from trained and certified professionals. Residences: The kitchen is the focal point of any home and it’s no different when looking at the residence at an Assisted Living community. A standard assisted living apartment has a kitchenette, traditionally including a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a small amount of cabinet and counter space. The luxury assisted living residences feature full kitchens and appliances plus top of the line finishes, like granite counter tops for instance. (. . .continued on page 14)
13
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
Dining: An upscale senior living community will most likely retain a registered dietitian on staff and employ experienced chefs who serve gourmet meals. Choice and variety are crucial for the success of a kitchen at a luxurious community and most have more than two restaurants within the community, each with their own menus. Personal Fitness Trainers and Recreational Facilities: Recreation rooms are always available to use at the residents’ convenience, with computer labs, fitness rooms and cinemas. Fitness programs supervised by physical therapists and personal trainers are also kept on staff by any upscale community. High-end assisted living communities also provide full service spa treatments, beauty salons for the women and barbershops for the men. Additionally, no luxury assisted living community would be complete without a heated pool and spa, which are always popular with residents. Pet Friendly: Studies have shown that pet ownership has been shown to be beneficial to seniors, and more and more luxury communities are open to 14
allowing residents to have their pets on site. There can sometimes be limitations regarding the size and number of pets. They frequently provide pet care such as dog walking, nail clipping, grooming and litter-box changes as well as formal, certified pet therapy. Spacious Apartments: One can expect about 20% more square footage at a Luxury community (approx 600 sf versus 500 sf at a standard community). A Two bedroom apartment at an upscale community can be more than 1200 square feet. Clearly, senior living is not what it was years ago. And for the retiree with means, it can be a lively, active, and rewarding lifestyle full of growth and fun!
17
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE Not many people stumble into financial security through sheer luck: a lottery win, big inheritance, or huge stock winnings. For most of us the only way to financial security is a long term plan of saving and investing. Consistency is key to reaching long term goals no matter your income. The sooner you start saving and investing, the longer your money has to compound and grow. Set goals for how much of your income you will invest monthly and stick to it. Keep investment money and cash reserves separate so you won’t dip into your investment account when the market is down. Keep expenses low and spend on what is really important to you whether it is experiences or material things. Try to avoid the big mistakes, like buying a home that is more than you really need or creating a heavy debt load. If your employer offers a matching 401(k) contribution, be sure to take advantage of that option and contribute at least enough to receive it. It is essentially 18
extra income that will grow and compound and is not taxed until you withdraw it. You can do it yourself but it probably makes more sense to work with a financial advisor who is more knowledgeable about financial markets. An advisor will help analyze short term vs long term needs, separate emotions from objectives as well as help with devising a portfolio and strategy suitable for your needs. Investing consistently over the long term is the best way to grow your wealth as there is no way to time the market.
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 7 | CHARLOTTE KOSHER BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP Charlotte Kosher BBQ event features a BBQ contest, watermelon and pickle-eating contests, live music, a kids’ zone and mechanical bull riding. For more info visit: charlottekosherbbq.com SEPT 14 | MULTI-CULTURAL FEST Discover different cultures through arts, music, fashion, dance and food. Connect. Share. Embrace. We invite you to discover different cultures through arts, music, fashion, dance, and food. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/34kwApl SEPT 21 | CAROLINA IRISH FEST This annual event will showcase the best in local and international Irish musicians, singers and dancers, as well as traditional food and drink. Come for two performance stages with music and dance, vendors, a kids’ area, food, and games! For more info visit: carolinairishfest.org
20
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 31 | THE GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Hooray for fall, y’all! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Carowinds’ Great Pumpkin Fest. We’ve got a full harvest of AMAZING, fall-tastic fun for everyone with games, activities and just a speck of spooky for pint-sized ghosts and goblins. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/311D8qw OCT 16 | CHARLOTTE WINE & FOOD WEEK Charlotte Wine & Food Week presented by Truist brings together leading winemakers and chefs from around the world to celebrate and advance public knowledge of and appreciation for great wine and food. For more info visit: charlottewineandfood.org OCT 18 - 20 | BALLOONFEST Bring your cameras, lawn chairs, and blankets to experience a family-friendly festival featuring more
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
than 50 hot air balloons, live music, food, wine and craft beer, kids’ zone, and artisan marketplace. For more info visit: carolinaballoonfest.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 2 | PUMPKIN FEST Compete in the 5K, pumpkin pie-eating contest or cornhole tournament. Enjoy vendors, local food, the craft beer garden, classic cars, live music and the kids’ zone with pumpkin activities and rides. For more info visit: statesvillepumpkinfest.com
NOV 7 - 8 | SHEEPDOG TRIALS AND DOG FESTIVAL What better way to wrap up the fall season than with your canine pal and several hundred of their new best friends? Bring your family, friends, and dogs to the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival. No other dog festival in the area can offer more fun or variety! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/324v4og
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 24 | CHRISTMAS VILLAGE The uptown, German-inspired Christmas Market includes traditional German foods and treats, homemade crafts and gifts, and featured programming.The aromas of specialty foods will drift across
21
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. For more info visit: cltchristmasvillage.com DEC 9 - 31 | WICKED So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3kVY1va
JANUARY
JAN 1 - 3 | CHINESE LANTERN FEST The Chinese Lantern Festival returns with hundreds of all new lanterns featuring vibrant flora and fauna. Each handmade lantern is constructed by masters of the craft in Zigong, the originator of the festival. Illuminated mythical creatures, flowers, trees, insects, and critters
22
will glow throughout the Garden and interactive light displays and colorful archways will captivate all. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3h4Oznb
FEBRUARY
FEB 1 - 21 | HAMILTON HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2FpTFfA FEB 6 | QUEEN CITY BREWERS FESTIVAL Queen City Brewers Festival shines the spotlight on locally produced craft beer and cider with invites exclusive to Charlotte-area breweries, brewpubs, cideries along with hand-picked restaurants, snack exhibitors and sponsors. For more info visit: qcbrewfest.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
FEB 22 - 28 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a family friendly, weeklong culinary and cultural tourism event, where top chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, local seafood, artisans, live music and wildlife come together. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3g75jbS
MARCH
DATES | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Charlotte’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through the heart of Charlotte to the sound of pipes and the cheers of the spectators lining the streets on a perfect day. The combination of flags, floats, kids, and pipe band music make everyone smile and be Irish for a day. For more info visit: charlottestpatsday.com DATES | CHARLOTTE FAIR The Charlotte Fair is back! Been missing that Fried Twinkie? Us too. Come out for shows, a petting zoo, fair food and more than 30 rides! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3azB4ZX
APRIL
APRIL 2 - 19 | QUEEN CHARLOTTE FAIR The Queen Charlotte Fair is the major annual event hosted in Charlotte every spring offering family-friendly entertainment, rides, food & games. The fair will feature family-friendly entertainment, carnival rides, food and shows. Something is happening every day at the Queen Charlotte Fair! For more info visit: queencharlottefair.com APRIL 17 - 18 | LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES The Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill is a family friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, and so much more! For more info visit: lochnorman.com
23
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
APRIL 24 | UNTAPPED BEER FEST It’s Beer o’clock somewhere right? Get ready to sample beers from local, regional and national brewers and ciders, live music, vendors, games and activities. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/345XuB2
MAY
MAY TBA | JIGGY WITH THE PIGGY Jiggy with the Piggy includes a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, rides, 5k race, over 100 artisans, concerts, an outdoor family movie night, a pancake breakfast, and people’s choice BBQ and wings tasting. For more info visit: jiggywiththepiggy.com MAY 1 | STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Celebrate the strawberry at this award-winning festival. Check out antique cars; buy fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcake. Attend pig races, and let the kids enjoy the rides. For more info visit: scstrawberryfestival.com
24
MAY 8 | WATER LANTERN FEST Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3iNFGyx
JUNE
JUNE 11 - 13 | TASTE OF CHARLOTTE Taste of Charlotte is a three-day food festival in Charlotte, NC. It features over 100 samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities that will surely delight the festival-goers. Aside from that, a large variety of local, regional, and national partners will provide information, coupons, and free stuff! For more info visit: tasteofcharlotte.com JUNE 19 | BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL The Blueberry Festival celebrates the historical, economic, and cultur-
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLOTTE PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
al significance of blueberries in the southeastern region of our state. The Blueberry Festival provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a full day of family entertainment while experiencing the southern hospitality of a small town. For more info visit: ncblueberryfestival.com
JULY
JULY 2 - 4 | OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL The Ocean City Jazz Festival, takes place the weekend of the July 4th holiday, features local and nationally recognized musicians.To promote and preserve the diversity that Jazz inspires and the history and culture of the Ocean City Community. For more info visit: oceancityjazzfest.com
For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2FxTJKu
AUGUST
AUG 6 - 8 | SNEADS FERRY SHRIMP FESTIVAL The Shrimp Festival is loaded with good eating. We will have a variety of food, drink and snacks sure to please everyone. Plates of fresh, fried or boiled shrimp with Slaw, Fries and Hush Puppies! For more info visit: sneadsferryshrimpfestival.org
JULY 6 - 11 | MEAN GIRLS The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, this new musical is fresh, fun and infectious.USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!” 25
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
TRENDING LOCATIONS FOR A GREAT VACATION
EXCITING TRAVEL
Destinations If you are looking for some exciting and awe inspiring travel destinations, consider the following destinations. 1. Sweden, a Scandinavian nation in Europe, offers some wonderful natural experiences and places to visit. Enjoy hiking in vast boreal forests and witness an all-white wild moose. Most principal cities, including Stockholm, are all coastal and offer breathtaking views of the towns and waterfront areas. There are historic medieval towns, an abundance of bridges, royal palaces, and museums to visit. Another sight you will not want to miss are the Northern Lights in Lapland. 2. Tenerife, Spain is the largest of the Canary Islands, which is dominated by Spain’s tallest peak, and dormant volcano, Mt. Teide. Enjoy parades, music, dancing, and a variety of colorful costumes at the Carnaval de Santa Cruz. The island hosts many beaches, some featuring black sand, resort areas to enjoy your stay, high-end restaurants, night clubs, golf courses, and water based sports. 3. Greece, a southeastern European country with thousands of islands to explore and enjoy.
26
There are a vast amount of sites to visit and places to see that tickle any particular interest. With a plethora of archaeological sites, museums, and historical tours, there is a lot to see and do. To name a few notable sites, The Acropolis is a must see as it is home to some of the most marvelous architectural feats known to exist by this advanced civilization, including the Parthenon and Erecthion. The Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens is the world’s only stadium built in its entirety of marble. This site is home to the first modern Olympics in 1896, where it held
a whopping 80,000 people. Aside from the numerous archeologic areas, Greece also has wonderful beaches, hotels, bars, restaurants, tours, ferries, and charters. 4. France, known for its exquisite cuisine, is also home to famous fashion houses, many classical art museums including the Louvre, and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Notre-Dame cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles. There are also magnificent parks, great music, ancient cave drawings, and renowned wine tasting sites.
27
READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE. SCAN THE QR CODE
Promote your brand
Earn new clients
Grow your business
www.The55Guide.com/CurrentEditions
10 Year Countdown
To Retirement
Money See Where You Stand - It’s time to assess how prepared, or unprepared, you are financially for retirement. •
Take a quick test: Assuming your retirement is about 10 years away, you want to have roughly seven times your current salary in savings, according to research from Fidelity. That puts you on the road to having about 10 times your final salary saved by retirement and maintaining your present standard of living. Retire before hitting 67 and you’ll need more saved; after, you’ll need less.
•
Do a deeper dive: Plug your current numbers (such as earnings, savings and future pensions) into an online calculator to estimate your retirement income. Experts say you’ll need 75 to 80 percent of preretirement income to live well — debatable but a good starting point.
•
Don’t despair: You have 10 years to act, by earning more, trimming expenses or delaying retirement. “Whatever you can do can only help,” says George Papadopoulos, a financial planner in Novi, Mich.
Save the easy way If you’re among the 82 percent of workers paid via direct deposit, save more by splitting your pay across accounts. Have your payroll department put part of each check into an online savings account, where it’s out of sight and out of mind. The direct-deposit users who split their deposits save up to $90 more per month than those who use another method to save, according to a recent study.
29
CHARLOT TE | NORTH CAROLINA | VOL . 2
Pad your nest egg If you already have significant savings in a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA, open a Roth IRA (in 2019 you can contribute up to $7,000 if you’re 50 or older), or put money into a regular taxable account. •
Why do it? You’re laying the groundwork for lower taxes later. Say you need a new roof on your house in retirement; If you take money from a 401(k) or traditional IRA, it is taxable as ordinary income, and you may end up in a higher tax bracket, explains Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners. But you can pull your contributions from a Roth IRA tax free (earnings, too, if you’re at least 59½ and have had the Roth at least five years). You can also invest via a basic taxable brokerage account; when you sell securities, you’ll pay only (usually lower) capital gains taxes on the profits.
Pay down the mortgage The problem with a mortgage in retirement is that you may have to sell investments to cover payments. And sometimes that will be when the markets are down - the worst possible time to sell, says Shelley Giordano, chair of the Funding Longevity Task Force at the American College of Financial Services. Her advice: 1. In place of your monthly payments, make half payments every two weeks. Those 26 payments per year are the equivalent of 13 monthly payments, resulting in a faster payoff and lower total interest costs. 2. Got a tax refund? A bonus? A side job? Apply that to your principal. 3. Avoid refinancing your mortgage, since a new loan with a later payoff date means more of your monthly payment goes to interest expense, not an increase in your home equity. 4. Don’t use a home equity loan or line of credit for purchases. The new tax law makes that less attractive, says Giordano. And this is the wrong time to be growing your mortgage debt. 30
Put new retirement savings to work Not sure where to invest additional money? Aim for growth, somewhere between a trip to Vegas and stuffing cash into your mattress. The sweet spot • Balanced mutual funds: Seek a mix of stocks and bonds;
a 50/50 or 60/40 ratio of stocks to bonds is reasonable. • Target-date mutual funds: These balanced funds automatically adjust investments to lower risk as you age.
Conservative but sound • High-grade corporate bond funds • Money market accounts • U.S. government bond funds • Certificates of deposit and online savings accounts (See bankrate.com for Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.–insured banks offering higher rates.) • Series I inflation-protected savings bonds (sold at treasurydirect.gov)
Work Prepare Your Plan B - Ask yourself these questions, and be honest. 1. Do I work in a stable and growing industry? 2. Do I work for a stable and growing company? 3. Is my heart still in it? Have you answered no to any? It’s time to update your LinkedIn profile and see what else is out there.
•
Why do it: Only about half of workers cruise their way to a planned, voluntary retirement; the rest of us exit prematurely, often as a result of job loss or burnout. You still have time to regroup. “With 10 years to go, there is still enough runway to make a mark,” says career and retirement expert Nancy Collamer.
•
How to do it: You know the routine. Tell people who can help you. Sign up for job alerts on the go-to site in your industry. Browse the postings that interest you, and note the skills that employers are seeking.
•
Want to stay put? Get busy anyway. “Whether you drive a bus or work in a store or in a professional occupation, maximize your opportunities by building your capital,” Collamer advises. “Give talks or write articles to boost your profile, or take advantage of short-term training programs.” One option: Go to linkedin. com/learning and get online access to thousands of business, creative and technology courses for $30 per month. Miller, Mark and Powell, Robert, AARP (2019, Feb 6). Countdown to Retirement: 10 Years [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2019/10-year-countdown.html
31
RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY
55 AND OVER COMMUNITY REALTY Karen Spell - Hellen Adams Realty...................19
INSURANCE David Stroman - State Farm ...............................13 Fogle Insurance Group...........................................21
CERTIFIED LUXURY HOMES Julie Tache - Homes with Cachet ........................1
LUXURY HOME REALTOR Shannon Anderson - EXP Realty.........................5
CLOSETS Tailored Living of Greater Charlotte...........18-19
MEDICAL SUPPLIES TLC Group, LLC ..........................................................11
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Arthur Whedon Investment Management .........Back Inside Cover
NON-PROFIT American Red Cross ..............................Back Cover
CRS Julie Tache - Homes with Cachet ........................1 ELDER LAW Mason Law PC .............................................................7
OSTOMY TLC Group, LLC ..........................................................11 PRIMARY CARE & GERIATRICS Doctors Making House Calls..................................3
GARAGE STORAGE & FLOORS Tailored Living of Greater Charlotte...........16-17
REAL ESTATE Karen Spell - Hellen Adams Realty...................19 Laura Pogue - Team Pouge ................................. 9
GOLF CARS Carolina Golf Cars ....................................................15
SENIOR LIVING Brightmore of South Charlotte............................11
GRE Shannon Anderson - EXP Realty.........................5
SRES SPECIALIST Julie Tache - Homes with Cachet ........................1 Karen Spell - Hellen Adams Realty...................19 Shannon Anderson - EXP Realty.........................5
HOME CARE Comprehensive Home Care.................................19 HOME ORGANIZATION Tailored Living of Greater Charlotte...........16-17 INCONTINENCE SUPPLIES TLC Group, LLC ..........................................................11
32
UROLOGICAL TLC Group, LLC ..........................................................11 WEALTH MANAGEMENT Trinity Point Wealth....................Front Inside Cover
This is how you say it’s going to be okay. Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to a disaster and makes this promise. You can help us keep it.
Donate today at redcross.org
