laughingboomeradmin's blog

Check out your DNA and family history

Wed, 2007-07-04 10:09

Hi:

We have been exploring our family history through DNA matching. There are several companies that will process your DNA results and give you an historical picture of which part of the world you are from. Bearing in mind that we all came from Africa, they provide a map which traces your history via your DNA. It goes back more than 30,000 years.

Attitudes towards Retirement

Mon, 2007-07-02 08:02

Hi:

A couple of ideas around retirement based on people's attitudes towards this looming event.

1. Do not be paralysed by fear and so do nothing. If you believe what the newspapers and other news media tell you, you might think you may never retire. Realistically look at your lifestyle and how much money you spend. Then look at taking one of the variables away from that equation, generally your accommodation expenses, and see how little it really takes to live if all you need to buy is food. If you live somewhere reasonably warm, you might live quite inexpensively.

Stay Home and Enjoy your Community

Sat, 2007-06-30 10:32

Hi:

Well, here it is, the holiday weekend in July, and we still have cold weather here in Vancouver. Theoretically it is supposed to rain tomorrow, and the weekend is generally cold and not sunny.

What to do, what to do? We decided against going away. Any place we could comfortably drive to will probably have the same weather. But, if you look around, there is a plethora of things happening here. Many of them are indoors.

Are ya blogging

Fri, 2007-06-15 19:18

Hi:

According to a TNS Canadian Facts Survey released Monday June 11th, over-50's are visiting blogs. While only three percent of people over fifty, like me, have blogs, 38% of over-50's have used them. This was an online survey of 1,627 online interviews.

"Beanpole Families

Thu, 2007-05-24 06:28

Hi:

A new report, commissioned by HSBC and conducted by the Oxford Institute of Aging covers a number of significant findings in its Future of Retirement Survey. The interviewed 21,000 people from 40 to 79 years of age in 21 mature and transitional countries. They claim it is the largest survey of its kind, and compares the experiences of those approaching retirement. It looks at their expecations and then examines the reality. I'll be reviewing a few of these key findings over the next few blogs.

Retiring Earlier Better than Later

Tue, 2007-05-22 19:42

Hi

Well, of course it sounds better to retire earlier rather than later, but not just for the obvious reasons. All things being equal, if you had the money you might retire early. However, most people continue to work for several more years because they need to accumulate more.

It seems though, that people who completely retire and start a brand-new lifestyle at a younger age, say in their fifties, have a better chance of enjoying retirement that those who retire later.

Not Growing Older, Growing Bolder

Mon, 2007-05-07 21:20

Hi:

Well, the description "growing bolder" is how many boomers feel. They are adding expansions to their homes, going on longer trips, buying high-end electronic equipment. Some are throwing caution to the wind as they sail out in their new boats, new homes, new recreational vehicles.

One boomer couple I know have left their jobs for a year and sailed down the west coast to Mexico. They holed up for the winter there, and I'm sure it was more enjoyable than the rain, snow and wind they left behind.

Canadian Retirement Age is 60.

Fri, 2007-04-27 16:45

The median age for retirement in Canada between 1997 and 2001 is 60.8 years. Self-employed people still work until 65, and private employees work until 61.7 but the big winners in the retire-early sweepstakes are public sector employees, retiring at 57.6. Only 7% of people work until age 70.

Before you buy overseas know your destination country well.

Sun, 2007-04-22 08:58

Hi:

If you are thinking about moving to another country, do yourself a favor and research your destination thoroughly. Understand the system of government, the employment situation, the economic drivers and the weaknesses or problems the country is facing. Besides understanding the political situation, talk to your Embassy and learn how they treat foreigners in times of crisis. Knowing the pros and cons will help you make a better decision.

Conflicting Reports Regarding Retirement

Fri, 2007-04-20 09:50

Hi:

You probably read them all the time. I just received two reports this morning, one very negative saying boomers will not have enough money to retire. Boomers are unrealistic as to the amount of money they need, says the report, and will need to keep working for several more years.

Another report paints a different picture, saying boomers are optimistic about retiring. Thirty-four hundred were interviewed, and most are looking forward to their freetirement.