New homes in Florida are those homes that have just recently been built either by a private contractor or by a large corporation as part of a wide-ranging set of new homes. These homes have never been lived in by another family or other type of resident. They are fully equipped with all the necessary add-ons you will need.
Florida enjoys a booming real estate market as people flock to the state for recreation, picturesque cityscapes and fine weather. Florida is an ideal locale for a new home.Florida offers a wide range of choices for dwelling, renting, investing, or even retirement requirements.
Florida has a line of New Home communities that allow the choice of condos, villas or single family homes. Many people dream of living on the beach, and some dreams come true with the purchase of some of Florida's beach homes. Luxury homes are also available in Florida with the prices ranging from $2 to $7 million approximately.Florida retirement communities have literally changed the definition of retirement. These are communities designed to cater to your retirement needs while you enjoy fun and recreation.
The manufactured communities in Florida, with their theme parks, schools, shopping complexes, and all forms of recreation and leisure, are a very sought after option in the new homes market. These communities have a variety of home styles to offer. Some of the dealers in manufactured communities are Sherwood Fortes and Mid Florida Lakes Yacht club. Investment in Florida real estate is considered a sound move by many.
Central Florida Retirement Real Estate: http://mysuncountry.com/realestate
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Baby Boomer Generation Will Stay Active in Retirement
Artical From Baby Boomers Magazine - March 5th, 2008
While early Baby Boomers are entering retirement age, we intend on doing so having active fun. There is no shortage of fun activities for the Baby Boomer Generation. Fortunately for Baby Boomers times have changed since our parents retired. Nowadays there's definitely no shortage of fun activities for the Baby Boomer Generation. In fact, many of today's Baby Boomers believe that the best way to keep from growing old is to remain active. And they're right. While many of us are intending on working well past traditional retirement ages, we intend on fun doing so..
While early Baby Boomers are entering retirement age, we intend on doing so having active fun. There is no shortage of fun activities for the Baby Boomer Generation. Fortunately for Baby Boomers times have changed since our parents retired. Nowadays there's definitely no shortage of fun activities for the Baby Boomer Generation. In fact, many of today's Baby Boomers believe that the best way to keep from growing old is to remain active. And they're right. While many of us are intending on working well past traditional retirement ages, we intend on fun doing so..
Today's Baby Boomers enjoy most anything that's done outside the home in a group setting. Biking, swimming, tennis, golf, dancing, bowling, playing cards, eating out, exercising, shopping, traveling, indulging in the arts, and even dating are just a few of the many fun activities for Baby Boomers to choose from. Basically, when it comes to keeping active and entertained, nothing is off limits for today's Baby boomers!
As Baby Boomers grow older, many are choosing to move into communities that have been designed to serve our aging market. Whether they're called "over 55 communities" or "adult communities" or "manufactured home parks" and even "ALFs" the one thing all these communities have in common are lists of scheduled activities. These lists help keep members of the community informed of upcoming fun activities for Baby Boomers can participate.
Going online is another excellent way to find out about fun activities for Baby Boomers. No longer something to be afraid of using and learning, Baby Boomers are finding the Internet just as convenient a source of information and research as the rest of society. To help meet the growing demand of Boomer online users, local libraries and other community centers are marketing introductory classes on computer usage and safety to Baby Boomers. Classes are worthwhile and they're filled to capacity which further proves that fun activities for Baby Boomers know no boundaries.
Special Baby Boomer interest websites (such as BabyBoomer-Magazine.com) and Social networking sites are another valuable source of fun activities. What began as a way for the younger generation to make friends has caught the attention of the Baby Boomers. And why not? Social networking sites are a great way to meet others from across town or across the globe who share similar interests. Besides meeting others, visitors to these sites find plenty of scheduled activities with open invitations meaning that if you're interested in the activity, then you're invited.
Fun activities for the Baby Boomer Generation are out there and there's no limit to what we'll find once you start looking. Staying active and social are both not only enjoyable, they're great for our physical and mental well-being. With so many fun activities for Baby Boomers taking place every day, there's no longer any excuse for being bored!
Goals On The Wall
Surprisingly few people regularly make lists of their goals and even fewer put their lists where they can see them. This article suggests that it is worth doing both. It also takes a look at the life goals of Minnie Driver and Genghis Khan. A lot of money was once paid for the following famous goal setting advice given to a rich businessman:
Each night make a list of 6 things you need to do tomorrow and list the 6 tasks in order of priority.
When tomorrow arrives, start on the first task and complete it. Then move on to the second task. If you don't finish all your tasks add the unfinished ones to your list for the next day.
Goals could be listed for each day, each week, each month, each year and for life. You could even make lists for each project you are working on.
Recently, Minnie Driver, the singer was asked: "What drives you?" She gave a thoughtful reply:
� To live fully - to pursue every gift I've been given.
� To think what am I going to bring to this day as opposed to what I am going to get from it.
� I want to have kids and live by the sea and write records, have a great partnership with someone and maybe do some teaching.Very few people could have come straight out with such a clear life mission statement. Minnie is going to make the most of her singing talent and give rather than get. She wants kids and wants to live by the seaside and so on.Ask yourself what the main goals of your life are? Could you come up with a great list like Minnie Driver 's if someone put you on the spot? Do you plan:
� To become all that you can become?
� To help others become all that they can become?
� To live an extraordinary life?
� To help humans, animals and even insects?
� To see the wonders of the world?
� To love your neighbour as yourself? etc. etc.It is worth making a list and revising it regularly.
You can always change your mission statement or list of life goals whenever you wish to. In the mean time life goals will give you a guiding light for much if not all of your life.However, goals are soon forgotten unless you look at them and revise them regularly. Some people put their list of goals on post it notes and stick them on their computers. Some buy computer software that will parade their goals across their computer screen.
I put my goals on the wardrobe to my right where I can look at it all day. This reminds both my conscious and subconscious minds to focus on the goals. They are thus much more likely to be completed. They will also be finished with much less conscious effort.
Try sticking your goals list somewhere prominent where you have a bit of space. My walls are already covered with A4 sheets of things I need to remember so my wardrobe is the only space left.
One of my goals on the wardrobe list for today is to finish this article. I now have the satisfaction of crossing it off my list and moving on to my next goal which is to prepare for a class I am teaching this evening.
We all need to get a move on with our goals before our time runs out. Genghis Khan 's life goal was to conquer the whole world. In the end he conquered a huge space twice the size of the Roman Empire but he died too soon to fulfil his life mission. At the age of 65 on his death bed he said:
"I have conquered for you a large empire but my life was too short to take the whole world. That I leave to you."
Even after death, the power of his goal lived on.
His sons doubled the size of his empire. They invaded Russia, Poland and Hungary but as the Mongol armies approached Vienna in 1242, Ogodei Khan, the son of Genghis died and all his armies went back to Mongolia for his funeral. They did not return to Europe.
A century later his empire began to crumble. However, genetic studies suggest that 1 in every 200 men on the planet today are genetically related to Genghis.
Some goals will never die!
What do Minnie Driver and Genghis Khan have in common? They both set themselves clear life goals. The resemblance stops there. Minnie Driver 's goals are much, much greater than the goals of the Universal Ruler - Genghis Khan.
Each night make a list of 6 things you need to do tomorrow and list the 6 tasks in order of priority.
When tomorrow arrives, start on the first task and complete it. Then move on to the second task. If you don't finish all your tasks add the unfinished ones to your list for the next day.
Goals could be listed for each day, each week, each month, each year and for life. You could even make lists for each project you are working on.
Recently, Minnie Driver, the singer was asked: "What drives you?" She gave a thoughtful reply:
� To live fully - to pursue every gift I've been given.
� To think what am I going to bring to this day as opposed to what I am going to get from it.
� I want to have kids and live by the sea and write records, have a great partnership with someone and maybe do some teaching.Very few people could have come straight out with such a clear life mission statement. Minnie is going to make the most of her singing talent and give rather than get. She wants kids and wants to live by the seaside and so on.Ask yourself what the main goals of your life are? Could you come up with a great list like Minnie Driver 's if someone put you on the spot? Do you plan:
� To become all that you can become?
� To help others become all that they can become?
� To live an extraordinary life?
� To help humans, animals and even insects?
� To see the wonders of the world?
� To love your neighbour as yourself? etc. etc.It is worth making a list and revising it regularly.
You can always change your mission statement or list of life goals whenever you wish to. In the mean time life goals will give you a guiding light for much if not all of your life.However, goals are soon forgotten unless you look at them and revise them regularly. Some people put their list of goals on post it notes and stick them on their computers. Some buy computer software that will parade their goals across their computer screen.
I put my goals on the wardrobe to my right where I can look at it all day. This reminds both my conscious and subconscious minds to focus on the goals. They are thus much more likely to be completed. They will also be finished with much less conscious effort.
Try sticking your goals list somewhere prominent where you have a bit of space. My walls are already covered with A4 sheets of things I need to remember so my wardrobe is the only space left.
One of my goals on the wardrobe list for today is to finish this article. I now have the satisfaction of crossing it off my list and moving on to my next goal which is to prepare for a class I am teaching this evening.
We all need to get a move on with our goals before our time runs out. Genghis Khan 's life goal was to conquer the whole world. In the end he conquered a huge space twice the size of the Roman Empire but he died too soon to fulfil his life mission. At the age of 65 on his death bed he said:
"I have conquered for you a large empire but my life was too short to take the whole world. That I leave to you."
Even after death, the power of his goal lived on.
His sons doubled the size of his empire. They invaded Russia, Poland and Hungary but as the Mongol armies approached Vienna in 1242, Ogodei Khan, the son of Genghis died and all his armies went back to Mongolia for his funeral. They did not return to Europe.
A century later his empire began to crumble. However, genetic studies suggest that 1 in every 200 men on the planet today are genetically related to Genghis.
Some goals will never die!
What do Minnie Driver and Genghis Khan have in common? They both set themselves clear life goals. The resemblance stops there. Minnie Driver 's goals are much, much greater than the goals of the Universal Ruler - Genghis Khan.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Retirees, Followed By Boomers, Will Redefine Retirement
According to a report from The Media Audit, adults who are nearing retirement are now one of the fastest growing demographics in the country. 17.9% of all U.S. adults are now retired, a figure that has increased by 6% in the last five years and will rapidly increase as Boomers exit the workforce over the next few decades.
Consumption habits of aging Americans are likely very different from those of their predecessors because they are living longer, achieving higher levels of education, are wealthier, and redefining what it means to be retired.
83% of the retired adults in the U.S now own their own home
Thirty percent of retired adults have cash, stocks and CD's valued at more than $100,000, the highest figure ever reported
13.1% of new automobile purchasers are retired, compared to 11.1% five years ago. 8.3% of adults who have a car loan are retired, compared to 6.4% five years ago, an increase of nearly 30%
16% of adults who frequently stay in hotels are retired, compared to 14.7% five years ago, a jump of almost 10%
Among frequent beer consumers, 13% are retired, compared to 11.3% five years ago
Adults who are retired are 6% more likely than the average U.S. adult to frequently dine out at a full service restaurant and retirees now make up nearly 20% of all adults who frequently dine out.
14.3% adults who plan to take an ocean cruise in the next year are retired.
Nearly one in five adults who plan to have lasik eye surgery are retired, and are 5% more likely than the average adult to be planning a lasik eye surgery procedure.
The report further reveals that adults who are retired today compared to the average U.S. adult:
Spend nearly 30% more time watching broadcast TV, 14% more time watching cable TV
25% more time reading a daily newspaper
Retired adults today spend only 89 minutes per day online, a figure that is 26% less than the average U.S. adult who spends 123 minutes per day online.
The next generation of retirees, though, is expected to be more computer and internet friendly, since Baby Boomers between the ages of 45 and 64 spend a considerably higher amount of time online - 123 minutes per day.
The most affluent retirees can be found in larger markets such as Washington, D.C., where the average retired adult earns $64,000 in household income.
San Jose, California, Fort Myers- Naples, Florida, San Francisco, California and Long Island, New York, follow behind with household incomes of more than $50,000.
And, currently the top ranking retiree markets are:
Ocala, Florida with the highest percentage of retired adults (36%)
Fort Myers- Naples, Florida (34%)
Daytona Beach, Florida (33%)
West Palm Beach, Florida (31%)
Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa, Florida (29%)
Source
Consumption habits of aging Americans are likely very different from those of their predecessors because they are living longer, achieving higher levels of education, are wealthier, and redefining what it means to be retired.
83% of the retired adults in the U.S now own their own home
Thirty percent of retired adults have cash, stocks and CD's valued at more than $100,000, the highest figure ever reported
13.1% of new automobile purchasers are retired, compared to 11.1% five years ago. 8.3% of adults who have a car loan are retired, compared to 6.4% five years ago, an increase of nearly 30%
16% of adults who frequently stay in hotels are retired, compared to 14.7% five years ago, a jump of almost 10%
Among frequent beer consumers, 13% are retired, compared to 11.3% five years ago
Adults who are retired are 6% more likely than the average U.S. adult to frequently dine out at a full service restaurant and retirees now make up nearly 20% of all adults who frequently dine out.
14.3% adults who plan to take an ocean cruise in the next year are retired.
Nearly one in five adults who plan to have lasik eye surgery are retired, and are 5% more likely than the average adult to be planning a lasik eye surgery procedure.
The report further reveals that adults who are retired today compared to the average U.S. adult:
Spend nearly 30% more time watching broadcast TV, 14% more time watching cable TV
25% more time reading a daily newspaper
Retired adults today spend only 89 minutes per day online, a figure that is 26% less than the average U.S. adult who spends 123 minutes per day online.
The next generation of retirees, though, is expected to be more computer and internet friendly, since Baby Boomers between the ages of 45 and 64 spend a considerably higher amount of time online - 123 minutes per day.
The most affluent retirees can be found in larger markets such as Washington, D.C., where the average retired adult earns $64,000 in household income.
San Jose, California, Fort Myers- Naples, Florida, San Francisco, California and Long Island, New York, follow behind with household incomes of more than $50,000.
And, currently the top ranking retiree markets are:
Ocala, Florida with the highest percentage of retired adults (36%)
Fort Myers- Naples, Florida (34%)
Daytona Beach, Florida (33%)
West Palm Beach, Florida (31%)
Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa, Florida (29%)
Source
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
5 Ways To Become A ‘Giver’ Now!
By Todd March 4, 2008
About Todd Goldfarb
Todd Goldfarb is a business consultant and entrepreneur living in Manhattan, New York. Over the last several years, Todd has developed and implemented award-winning marketing programs for a successful network of financial planning firms, CPAs and attorneys.
A few weeks ago I was eating lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Manhattan. Seated next to me were two very well-dressed men in their late 50’s/early 60’s who were having a conversation about their recent retirements. Given that seating in New York restaurants is ridiculously tight and I was dining alone, I heard most of their talk.
One of them asked the other “so what are you going to do now”? The other sat for a moment contemplating, then looked up and said questioningly: “Give back”? They both hooted in laughter at the response, and began perfunctorily yapping about the stock market, recent travels, and other typical conversation.
The dialogue bothered me ever since hearing it. It is so common in our society for people to work their whole lives with the primary goals of making money and becoming “successful”, and then retiring to a life of leisure where they can potentially “give something back”.
I am not saying there is something wrong with working hard, creating wealth, and making a success of yourself. But when the end result of 30 or 40 years in a profession implies: “OK, now I am ready to show compassion outside the realm of my family, friends and immediate situations” then something is fundamentally off.
I say we should seek to have it all: A successful, abundance-filled life in conjunction with a caring attitude about the people and world at large! With this said, here are 5 excellent ways you can begin your giving ways well before retirement:
Become Conscious of Your Desire to Help Others
I am aware that I painted a pretty negative picture of the two gentlemen I sat next to at lunch. For all I know both these men spent their entire professional lives helping other people. However, the tiny slice of conversation I heard extrapolated a bigger issue in my mind, and I wonder how many people in the world wake up each morning and say to themselves: “what can I do to help today” or “how can I serve today”. I imagine that a much more significant number of people think “what can I do to get ahead today” when they wake.
But when we are able to step outside our socially conditioned roles, the more basic human traits shine through: to help, to give and to love. If you go deep enough, you will remember these are the most important qualities to have. So get out there NOW, even while you are ensconsed in your “life”, and become a giver.
Help Children
Recently I became aware that 60% of the world’s population is under the age of 25 (isn’t that amazing)! Unfortunately, many of the problems our society has created will fall on the leaders of tomorrow. Ask yourself: what can you do to help cultivate exceptional human beings who will make wise decisions in the future? If you have kids, raising them well and providing love is obviously the #1 thing you can do. But I challenge you to think outside the box and devise a few ways you can help make a difference to children beyond the realm of your own home!
Become a Mentor
Another great way to give back is to educate. What are your best skills, and how did you become a success? There are people who want to know and can benefit from your expertise. And there are a myriad of ways you can do this; perhaps you can use your contacts within your profession and let it be known that you want to help others. Maybe you can give a class. Nowadays you can mentor people online. Either way, teaching your most valued skills for the betterment of others is a great way to give back. And do it while your in your prime!
Volunteer Your Excess Funds
Do you remember the end of Schindler’s List when Schindler (Liam Neison) had a breakdown when he realized that he could have done so much more to save people? Even though he was a hero, the perspective of time made him realize that life will always be infinitely more valuable than possessions. So yes, I am suggesting to give money to groups, charities and individuals that represent wonderful causes. I love the fact that there are so many high level individuals across the globe giving away their fortunes to make the world a better place. It is awesome, and we should all follow their lead. Why wait until later? Start giving NOW!
Volunteer Your Time
Choose a few causes that you care genuinely about, and become involved. There are hundreds of millions of people in the world who are hungry, poor and need some form of help…and your actions will make a difference. The great thing about volunteering is that there are no obligations: you can do it on your time, give only what you can (although you may be compelled to start giving more once you feel the benefits), and no one will debunk you for your effort. Don’t be like the men in the restaurant and wait, do it now!
About Todd Goldfarb
Todd Goldfarb is a business consultant and entrepreneur living in Manhattan, New York. Over the last several years, Todd has developed and implemented award-winning marketing programs for a successful network of financial planning firms, CPAs and attorneys.
A few weeks ago I was eating lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Manhattan. Seated next to me were two very well-dressed men in their late 50’s/early 60’s who were having a conversation about their recent retirements. Given that seating in New York restaurants is ridiculously tight and I was dining alone, I heard most of their talk.
One of them asked the other “so what are you going to do now”? The other sat for a moment contemplating, then looked up and said questioningly: “Give back”? They both hooted in laughter at the response, and began perfunctorily yapping about the stock market, recent travels, and other typical conversation.
The dialogue bothered me ever since hearing it. It is so common in our society for people to work their whole lives with the primary goals of making money and becoming “successful”, and then retiring to a life of leisure where they can potentially “give something back”.
I am not saying there is something wrong with working hard, creating wealth, and making a success of yourself. But when the end result of 30 or 40 years in a profession implies: “OK, now I am ready to show compassion outside the realm of my family, friends and immediate situations” then something is fundamentally off.
I say we should seek to have it all: A successful, abundance-filled life in conjunction with a caring attitude about the people and world at large! With this said, here are 5 excellent ways you can begin your giving ways well before retirement:
Become Conscious of Your Desire to Help Others
I am aware that I painted a pretty negative picture of the two gentlemen I sat next to at lunch. For all I know both these men spent their entire professional lives helping other people. However, the tiny slice of conversation I heard extrapolated a bigger issue in my mind, and I wonder how many people in the world wake up each morning and say to themselves: “what can I do to help today” or “how can I serve today”. I imagine that a much more significant number of people think “what can I do to get ahead today” when they wake.
But when we are able to step outside our socially conditioned roles, the more basic human traits shine through: to help, to give and to love. If you go deep enough, you will remember these are the most important qualities to have. So get out there NOW, even while you are ensconsed in your “life”, and become a giver.
Help Children
Recently I became aware that 60% of the world’s population is under the age of 25 (isn’t that amazing)! Unfortunately, many of the problems our society has created will fall on the leaders of tomorrow. Ask yourself: what can you do to help cultivate exceptional human beings who will make wise decisions in the future? If you have kids, raising them well and providing love is obviously the #1 thing you can do. But I challenge you to think outside the box and devise a few ways you can help make a difference to children beyond the realm of your own home!
Become a Mentor
Another great way to give back is to educate. What are your best skills, and how did you become a success? There are people who want to know and can benefit from your expertise. And there are a myriad of ways you can do this; perhaps you can use your contacts within your profession and let it be known that you want to help others. Maybe you can give a class. Nowadays you can mentor people online. Either way, teaching your most valued skills for the betterment of others is a great way to give back. And do it while your in your prime!
Volunteer Your Excess Funds
Do you remember the end of Schindler’s List when Schindler (Liam Neison) had a breakdown when he realized that he could have done so much more to save people? Even though he was a hero, the perspective of time made him realize that life will always be infinitely more valuable than possessions. So yes, I am suggesting to give money to groups, charities and individuals that represent wonderful causes. I love the fact that there are so many high level individuals across the globe giving away their fortunes to make the world a better place. It is awesome, and we should all follow their lead. Why wait until later? Start giving NOW!
Volunteer Your Time
Choose a few causes that you care genuinely about, and become involved. There are hundreds of millions of people in the world who are hungry, poor and need some form of help…and your actions will make a difference. The great thing about volunteering is that there are no obligations: you can do it on your time, give only what you can (although you may be compelled to start giving more once you feel the benefits), and no one will debunk you for your effort. Don’t be like the men in the restaurant and wait, do it now!
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