How To Stay Stimulated During Retirement

When transitioning from full time work to retirement, life can become very difficult and even confusing for some. At first, it may seem like something you have always wanted, though as time goes on and if you are not staying active, life may not seem as fulfilling as it once did. At Tribute Homes in South Carolina, our inviting, friendly, and active retirement communities offer residents a chance to take control of the new life chapter they’re entering.

One rule of thumb for keeping both your brain and body stimulated during retirement is to take on new activities that you find fulfilling and meaningful. Now is your chance to be creative—become a volunteer at a museum, take up a new past time, or maybe plan weekly nights out with your friends or family. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something that you’re passionate about, as this will bring a sense of fulfillment to your time.

If you’re able, traveling is always a great option for staying on the path to a mentally and physically rewarding retirement. Traveling anywhere for any length of time will be something that can keep you motivated both physically and mentally. Experiencing new places and surroundings is a way to build strong relationships with others as well as the relationship you posses with yourself.

Now that you are retired you still must concern yourself with staying active and keeping yourself in a healthy physical state. It may be easier and tempting after years of work for you now to spend your days on the couch. Though there’s nothing wrong with sitting back and relaxing now and then, it’s important for everyone to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Whether it be taking classes at the local YMCA, joining a gym, or just taking a daily walk, physical activity is a proven necessity for a happiness, health, and longevity. Setting active goals for yourself will keep you motivated and feeling great.

Use the time and energy you once spent on work-related goals and turn the concentration to setting and achieving new life goals for you’re future. During retirement, you’ll have more time to truly focus on what may have been put on the back burner all of these years. Taking a few moments to write out your goals will allow you to visualize and conquer your desires.

If you’re nearing the age of retirement, our staff at Tribute Homes in South Carolina encourages you to contact us today to learn more about our retirement communities that provide residents with everything they’ve been seeking for a new part of their life. Call Tribute Homes today at (800) 381-2984 or visit us on the web at www.tributehomesusa.com.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Retirement Savings

Entering retirement can be as satisfying as it is scary. You've saved your whole life for this time, but many retirees are left wondering if it will be enough? To help make sure you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement, it’s important to stretch your retirement dollars as far as possible. To help you make the most out of your retirement savings Tribute Homes, one of the largest active adult community developers in Carolinas, has put together this list of important tips to keep in mind before and during retirement.

Develop a budget and stick to it!

Once you enter retirement your income and expenses change significantly, and you need to sit down and develop a budget to reflect those changes. Start off by entering in your, and overestimate them. This will help you trim some fat if you discover your budget isn't feasible. Major ticket items like your mortgage payment, health insurance premiums, and other recurring expenses should be accounted for first. You can then add additional expenses, like food and clothing, entertainment, travel, utilities, and other. Next, you’ll factor in your income and then revisit your expenses. A vacation home in an active adult community may be affordable than you think if you cut back your travelling; it just depends on what you and your family wants. Keep in mind that a budget isn't set in stone; it’s better used as a helpful planning guide for long term planning.

Adjust Your Investment Portfolio

When you first started saving for retirement, your risk profile was much different. Simply put: you had more time to ride out the ups and downs in the equity markets and other riskier investments. Now that you’re counting on the money you saved to live on, you’ll want to start moving those fund into more conservative investment vehicles like cash, bonds, and annuities. The sooner you can start planning for retirement, the better prices you’ll be able to liquidate your existing positions at. A qualified financial adviser will be able to assess your individual situation and develop with a plan that works best for you.

Minimize Your Taxes

Taxes can take a major bite out of your retirement savings, and you’ll want to minimize your tax bill as much as possible. One way to minimize your taxes is to focus on reallocating investments in your tax deferred retirement accounts first. This will help minimize any taxes due on realized gains. In the same vein, selling investments that you've lost money on in a taxable account will also generate valuable tax shields for gains withdrawn from tax-deferred accounts later on. A professional tax adviser or financial adviser will be able to help you keep your tax bill as low as possible.

Generate Additional Income

Being retired doesn't mean you have to stop working entirely. In fact, many retirees find that starting their own small business is a great way to fill their time and generate additional income. Think about it: if you can minimize withdrawals from your retirement account by as much as $10,000 for 10 years, it’s the equivalent of having saved an additional $125,000 (assuming a 5% annualized return).

There are lots of books and other resources (almost too many) that go into more detail for helping you get the most out of your retirement savings, but the above tips provide a good place to start when planning for retirement. 

Many new and prospective retirees find that moving into an active adult community, like the ones developed by Tribute Homes, is a great way to stay active and socialize with other like-minded adults. Whether you dream of retiring in a golf course or lakeside community, Tribute Homes has a number of developments to fit your lifestyle. To learn more about Tribute Homes’ active adult communities in South Carolina visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or call us on the phone at 800-381-2984. We look forward to making your retirement dreams come true.

"Un-retirement" Communities: The Latest in Active Adult Living

Home builders of retirement communities also known as active adult communities are on the rise. Developments of these “unretirement” housing communities are centered around big employment centers, such as Charlotte, North Carolina, the newest energy capital of the US. This upward trend of homes for active seniors, boomers and un-retirees are evidence of older Americans working longer.

Retirement? What’s That?

For the generation born between 1946 and 1964, the notion of retirement has changed. A 2011 survey conducted by AARP found that among non-retired boomers, 29 percent said they will work part-time during retirement for needed income, 23 percent will work part-time for enjoyment, 15 percent will start their own businesses and 7 percent will retire from their current jobs but work full-time doing something else.

The Ageless Group
They say 60 is the new 40 and boomers on the cusp of retirement are making a statement that to maturity doesn’t mean sedentary. Scores of retirees and baby boomers flocking to Charlotte have one main thing in common: active adult living. They are not interested in retiring; rather, they want communities that encourage and support the active lifestyles they have worked to enjoy.

A True “Un-retirement Community

At True Home we understand the needs of active seniors. Our communities throughout Charlotte, North Carolina of retirees all he conveniences of an active lifestyle combined with the design and layout elements every retiree wants to have. Club houses, golf courses, gyms walking trails and business centers offer working and active seniors all of the amenities necessary to live a full and active life among friends and neighbours.

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.

5 Great Exercises for Staying Limber

Remaining loose and limber in your senior years is not impossible. With some dedication and a daily routine of a few simple exercises and activities, your body can remain flexible and pliable throughout your golden years. Here are five great exercises/activities to consider:

Swimming

Long known for not only it’s refreshing effects, swimming offers great advantages to those who may be suffering from arthritis or other forms of diseases that have brought on stiffening of the limbs. Swimming is a great cardiovascular workout and uses many different muscles, joints and ligaments, strengthening and limbering up stiff areas of the body. Breast stroke, back stroke or doggy-paddle your way to a healthy limber body!

Walking

Walking is not only a pleasurable experience it is one of the most desired of all activities for remaining fit and limber. Depending on the pace and severity of the walk and trail, this activity can burn some serious calories all while enhancing endurance and strength. Be sure to take along some water to rehydrate, especially during the hot summer days when you will lose a great deal of water during your walking workout.

Yoga

Yoga has fast become a popular fitness activity, and for many reasons. Posturing, breathing techniques, stretching and meditation all combine to make it one of the most physically stimulating exercises leading immense flexibility and limberness for those who engage in it. Additionally, yoga is a form of relaxation that brings great peace and tranquility to the soul, warding off sickness and fighting depression.

Golfing

Golf enthusiasts know firsthand the wonderful benefits of a good game on the green. From social stimulation, to quiet time alone, golfing offers you an opportunity to walk and move about at your own pace for as long as you desire. The fact that you are outdoors is another physical benefit to the game.

Strength Training

One thing that seniors face as they get older is the loss of muscle mass. A great way to prevent that from happening is to develop a mild daily or weekly routine of strength training. Whether you decide to use free weights or a machine, the results will be a more limber body, reduced muscle loss and toning. Be sure to begin with light, easy weights and give your body a day’s rest in between workouts. Focusing on certain sections of the body at one time works well as you can schedule your upper body one day and then your lower body the next.   

Staying limber in your senior years can be a lot of fun and you will reap tremendous rewards for doing so. Have fun!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.

Lake Ridge: Active Adult Life and Carefree Living in Tega Cay

Living actively and remaining carefree is the goal at the Lake Ridge community in Tega Cay, South Carolina. Home to resort-style retirement houses built by Tribute Homes, Lake Ridge was developed with an open feel concept of “golf course minus the course” that includes 150 acres of wooded greenways specifically designed to provide active adults with easy, breezy carefree living.

Activity Abounds at Lake Ridge

Housed in a prestigious neighbourhood, Lake Ridge resides near popular Lake Wylie in Tega Cay. It is an active adult community featuring a 7,000 square foot clubhouse, outdoor pools, a community fitness center, tennis courts, and over two miles of paved walking trails. Boat owners have close access to Lake Wylie’s public boat ramp near the property.

About 10 minutes outside of Lake Ridge, active adults in search of the ultimate outdoor environment can see Mother Nature’s finest at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, home to over 2,300 acres of forests, lakes, pastures and trails perfect for walking, biking and horseback riding.

Golf enthusiasts will quickly discover the true pearl of Lake Ridge living at the desirable Tega Cay Golf Club, located only minutes from the community. Its 27-hole golf course and discounted rates for Tega Cay residents make it a popular recreation spot for active adults living in Lake Ridge.

With all of this activity and more, it’s no wonder the Lake Ridge community is considered the ultimate carefree place for active adult living!

For more information on Tribute Homes in Lake Ridge, contact us at (800) 381-2984, or visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com