Thursday, 10 May 2012
Edgewater: Waterfront Living for Active Adults in South Carolina
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Tips for Retirees: Lowering Your Taxes
One of the great things about Tribute Homes in North and South Carolina is the tax benefits that come from moving to, or living in, the sister states. In addition to some great state tax incentives, however, there are other important deductions that can help lower taxes, such as:
Medical and Dental Treatments
Healthcare costs and medical bills make up the largest expense for retirees. The good news is much of your medical care costs are deductible. That can include insurance premiums (including Medicare and Long-term), prescription medications, and nursing home and assisted living care centres. Although medical expenses are deductible only when they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI), for most seniors that limit is often attainable.
Retirement Plan Contributions
Being retired does not mean you can’t make tax-deductible contributions to retirement plans. You can still lower taxes by contributing to a traditional IRA, Roth IRA or 401(k), deducting the amounts from your retirement income. If you own a business, as many retirees do, you can establish SEP-IRAs, Simple IRAs, Keogh plans and solo 401(k) plans that allow higher contribution limits for those 55 and over.
Investments
One of the best ways to earn money when you retire is by way of interest, dividends and capital gains from investments. Unlike employment or business income, dividends and capital gains are not subject to social security or Medicare taxes, and they are limited to a 15 percent maximum tax rate. Additionally, most fees associated with a variety of investment and accounting services may also be counted as deductions.
Business Expenses
Many retirees continue to run their own businesses and find it a great way to lower taxes. All business expenses incurred may be deducted, along with the cost of any equipment used for business purposes, whether at home or in an office.
Charitable Donations
Retirees love giving back to their communities, and their charitable contributions make great itemized deductions that can help lower taxes. Cash donations of up to 50% of the AGI can be annually deducted, and property donations, although with a few more limitations, can really add up to some great tax write-offs.
Tribute Homes builds retirement communities for active senior living in and around Charlotte NC and Charleston, SC. For more information on our new retirement homes call us at 800-381-2984 or visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com
Thursday, 26 April 2012
A Volunteer’s Guide for Active Adults
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Science Says Pet Ownership Increases Health and Happiness in Seniors
Just the simple act of holding or petting your beloved animal can eliminate symptoms of depression and fatigue, which are often tied to loneliness and lack of companionship. Having a warm, loving pet-friend is nature’s way of bringing that vital resource of love we all need to feel valuable and alive.
Health Benefits
Seniors with health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lethargy and a decrease in physical activity have experienced tremendous relief by owning a pet. Walking a dog, grooming, feeding, and all around caring for a pet, leaves seniors with a sense of purpose and significance. These powerful stimulators have enormous effects on the heart and circulation, leading to an increase in activity and positive thinking.
Pet Matching
There are a number of organizations that specialize in matching pets with seniors. The key to a successful match is in knowing what type of animal best fits your lifestyle. For those more prone to walking and physical exercise, there is no beating a canine companion. Seniors who prefer more of an indoor pet that requires less attention but offers immense love, a feline friend just may be in order.
Whatever your choice pet turns out to be, you will be provided with happiness and friendship for years to come, reaping many great health rewards along the way!
Tribute Homes builds resort-style retirement homes for active adult seniors. For more information on active senior living and active retirement communities, contact us at 800-381-2984.
It’s an Active Kind of Life
Living an active and vital lifestyle once you retire does not have to be a chore. Nor should it be. After all, retirement is leisure. It’s doing what comes easily in the way of satisfaction and fulfillment, minus the 9-5.
On the flip side of that leisure coin, however, lays the challenge of remaining active in your senior years. With that daily routine of toil now gone, that can be a bit more difficult than many retirees bargained for and they often fall into a sedentary lifestyle rather quickly.
Truth be told, retirement and senior living can be active and invigorating just by following a few simple guidelines:
● Retire from toil, not fun! - Retirement is the time to enjoy and pursue those things you did not have the chance to get around to before. It’s the season to self-indulge; doing what makes you truly happy. Find something you always wanted to do and do it.
● Stay social - Being socially connected with others is critically important to your mental and physical well being, especially during your senior years. Clubs, co-ops, musicals, support groups, concerts in the park are fantastic ways to meet new friends, find new interests and cultivate vital relationships.
● Exercise - Physical and mental exercise are equally important for an active and healthy senior life. Walking, meditation, swimming, card games and crossword puzzles are great ways to keep the mind sharp and attentive, and all have proven beneficial to enhancing short-term memory.
● Diet and nutrition - One of the most important active living tips for retirees involves diet and nutrition. Healthy living requires healthy eating. Depending on your own personal health, smaller, more frequent meals, more water (try some mint or lemon for flavor), and fiber-rich foods are a great start to any good eating plan.
● Invest in others - Volunteering your time and talents to those who need it is one of the most satisfying experiences retirees often speak of. Sharing knowledge and wisdom – leaving a legacy – is a remarkable way to remain active during those years of retirement.
● Community activities - Especially important for those living in senior housing are the community activities. Social get-togethers, live entertainment, exercise classes, etc. make for lively and active senior living community. When considering a retirement living community, be sure to look for one that fosters an active lifestyle by offering an assortment of social and physical activities.
For more information on Active Senior Living
Visit : www.tributehomesusa.com/active_living
Monday, 9 April 2012
Featured Home of the Week: Edgewater – Montcrest $ 252,900
- 3 BR/3BA
- 2,686 sq. ft.
- 2 Car Garage with Full Driveway
- Lake Front Boat Docking Lot
- 9' First Floor Ceilings
- Luxury Master
- Butler's Pantry
- Second Level Guest Suite
- Master Sitting Room
- Great Room Fireplace
- Lanai
- Stainless Steel Appliance Package
- Granite Countertops (kitchen and baths)
- 36" Kitchen Cabinets
- Hardwood Flooring (kitchen and foyer)
- Ceramic Tile Bath Flooring
A stunning resort-style community resting on the beautiful shores of 3,300-acre Fishing Creek Lake, the Tribute Homes exclusive 55+ retirement home offers seniors a rich lifestyle of activities at an unprecedented value. The sparkling community is equipped with an 18-hole golf course and features such amazing amenities as:
- Social Center
- Golf Clubhouse
- Lakeside Park
- Miles of Walking Trails
- Lake Club
- Water Park
- Equestrian Program
- Tennis and Athletic Club
- Boat Club
- Public Marina
Tribute Homes builds in three Edgewater neighborhoods, The Cottages, The Reserves and The Links, with prices ranging from the $100’s to the mid $200s.
Retirement in the Carolina’s never looked finer!
For more information on Active Living Retirement Homes by Tribute Homes,
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Sun, Sand, Shopping and Sports – Makes the Carolinas a Perfect Home
Whether it is North or South Carolina, when it comes to exploring the outdoors you’ll have plenty of choices. The Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains are famous for their breathtaking vistas and stunning hiking trails. And just a few hours away are the pristine waters and white sands of Myrtle Beach inviting you to roll up your pantlegs and splash in the waves. You can also visit the Riverbanks zoo, South Carolina State museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame or catch a game be it the Carolina Panthers or the Charlotte Bobcats.
Charlotte offers some great water sport options including Lake Norman which is home to a yacht club or Lake Wylie, along the Catawba River which is ringed with small towns and the Carowinds Amusement Park, while Fishing Creek Reservoir provides public access for great fishing, boating and incredible bird watching.
The Carolinas are not just about beautiful beaches and sports they offer tremendous historical activities as well. You’ll want to experience the storied past of the
The Carolinas in Charleston with Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, Fort Jackson and Ed Venture Children's Museum.For the shopping enthusiasts, the Carolinas are a haven. From flea markets, antique shops to stylish malls housing the best international brands, The Carolinas are great for a heavy dose of retail therapy. So all you need to do is put on your most comfortable shoes and shop till you drop. Finally, end your day with a stage show with your family at Carowinds Amusement Park or just relax at a nice fine dining restaurant in uptown Charlotte!
All these incredible places are just a couple of hours from the active adult retirement communities by Tribute Homes. Tribute Homes are distinguished by their beautiful designs, unprecedented value, market-leading affordability and low-maintenance living.
They have carefully selected locations and neighbourhoods that foster community, affordability and security.With all these incredible adventures to explore, it won’t take long before you fall in love with the Carolinas too!
Visit : http://www.tributehomesusa.com