Strategies for Getting Organized

About 40% of American retirees downsize or move after retirement. Some retirees opt to relocate to a new community and others decide to age in place. Below are things to consider when choosing a home for retirement and resources to help make the best choice. Tips Alternatives  – consider changing lifestyle, downsizing to a condominium, or living with family. Benefits  - moving provides opportunities for improving health, lifestyle, and happiness. Communities  - choices include active adult, assisted living, life plan (also known as continuing care retirement), and lifestyle communities (e.g., beach and golf communities). Cost  - consider financial and psychological expenses of moving; rent before buying to reduce risks. Dwelling  - varieties  include apartments, cabins, condominiums, garden homes, mobile homes, and townhomes. Family  - explore alternatives with family members to achieve consensus.   Health  - plan for the go-go years, th...

Below are recommendations for reducing parental pressure and raising happier kids. For more tips, read articles about  raising kids ,  keeping them happy , and toxic tutoring . Also read Jennifer Brehenny's book about avoiding  problems experienced by over achieving kids. Tip Delight    - Lighten up when your child enters the room to show that their presence delights. Chores   - insist that your child complete chores because it makes them feel that they matter at home. Family   - organize low-stress family activities to promote healthier balances between work and play. Grades   - don't emphasize top grades in every subject to avoid pressuring your child. Outdoors -   promote outdoor activities like camping, hiking, etc.

About 1% of Americans live to be centenarians. You can increase your longevity by avoiding health issues that come with age. Below are health conditions organized by decade, tips for preventing them, and resources for healthy aging. Stages of Life 20's Cancer is unlikely in the 20’s, but other health challenges can occur like infertility, muscle atrophy, sexually transmitted diseases, and weight gain. Protect skin with sunscreen and avoid over exposure to sunlight. Follow best practices for hygiene and nutrition. Maintain well-being with exercise and social activity throughout life. Get medical checkups every few years. 30's Slowing metabolism makes weight control more difficult in the 30’s. Hair may start receding, thinning, or turning gray. Skin cells won't form as quickly as in earlier years. Start using moisturizers and watch for unusual skin growths. Consider coloring to camouflage gray hair. Prioritize well-being with a nutritious diet, exercise schedule, and fitness...

Lawyers can advance their careers by going back to school anytime during their career. Options include continuing education seminars, non-degree courses, and post-graduate degree programs. Post-JD education can keep you current with changes in the law and sharpen your skills. Below are tips for continuing you education and resources for implementing them.     Tips Benefits  - use educational programs to add specialties, change careers, improve skills, and expand social networks. Costs   - consider free and low-cost programs offered by online providers and community colleges. Disciplines  - options include practice management, law office technology, and legal specialties like environmental, estate planning, international, maritime, and tax law. Providers   - search programs offered by bar associations, CLE organizations, online providers, and universities. Style   - select the learning style that suits your needs (e.g. in-person, online, and podcasts). ...

Advance planning helps travelers avoid crowds, prevent flight delays, and reduce costs. A comprehensive plan delegates tasks, selects destinations, and books travel arrangements. This article provides tips and resources for planning an affordable and fun trip. Tips Accommodations - consider low-cost accommodations like B&B's, campgrounds, and college dorms. Activities - chose experiential destinations to focus on adventure or culture.   Costs - economize with car travel and destinations that are off the beaten path or off-season. Crowding - avoid crowds by traveling in late Summer and visiting lesser-known destinations.   Disconnecting – alert clients of travel plans and assign responsibility for monitoring messages. Duration - travel for at least a week to allow time to decompress. Enhancement - add value by traveling to a summer festival, attending a bar association meeting, or participating in volunteer opportunities. Insurance - purchase travel insurance to co...

Brain disease can develop long before symptoms are detected. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia and slow deterioration. Although genetic causes are outside of your control, you can help your brain by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Following are recommendations and resources to help you promote brain health: Daily exercise - Staying fit can prevent some types of dementia and slow the progression of others. Develop an exercise routine like taking a daily walk or enrolling in weekly fitness classes. Social Engagement - Stay connected with family and friends to promote brain health and emotional well-being. Participate in social activities by joining a social club, playing team sports, or walking with friends. Healthy Diet - Adopt a Mediterranean diet by eating beans, berries, chicken, fish, grains, nuts, and vegetables.   Avoid sugar and junk food. Sleep Habits - Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Avoid sleep deprivation by fo...

Aging can impact financial security, mental well-being, and physical health. The adverse effects of aging can be overcome with advance planning and behavioral changes.  Healthy lifestyles reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow the aging process.  Use the following tips to help lead a long, happy, and useful life. Following the tips are links to articles, books, and websites with additional information for overcoming the challenges of aging.   Tips Appearance  -  look ageless by limiting sun exposure, coloring grey hair, moisturizing skin, and updating wardrobes. Attitude  - maintain a positive attitude by focusing on creativity, friendships, and good things in life. Financing  – secure futures by buying an annuity and delaying the start of Social Security benefits. Healthcare  – avoid problems by calendaring health checkups, dental exams, and immunizations. Insuring –  mitigate risk by purchasing long-term care insurance and supp...

Below are some tips and resources for prolonging the life of appliances, cars, and other things. Follow the strategies to save money and avoid having to replace things too soon.  Tips Buying - buy products with simple designs and fewer features.  Batteries - use devices with replaceable batteries Discipline - control   the  urge to buy more and have the latest version Fixi It  -  buy products that are fixable Scheduling -  set goals  for replacing things Trade-in - purchase products from companies that except trade-ins like Apple and Dell Warranties - buy extended warranties from manufacturers Articles  Making Phones Last Longer Policy and Regulation Stopping planned obsolescence  Webites Better Business Bureau Consumer Guides Consumer Reports Product Review Websites

Below are steps for making an apology from the book Sorry, Sorry, Sorry by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy.  Apology can help offenders build relationships, seek forgiveness and relieve stress.  For more tips, see articles and books listed below.   Tips 1. Say I'm sorry 2. Say what you're sorry for 3. Acknowledge why what you did was bad 4. Make no excuses 5. Promise not to do it again 6. Offer to make things right Articles Art of Apologizing   How to Apologize   Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness Guide to Apologies Meaningful Apologies Rules for Apologizing Solving   Relationship Conflicts Books The Art of Apology and Forgiveness Communicating at Home and the Office

Below are tips from an article.by Carol Hymowitz about managing careers.  Hyman notes that the traditional 40-year career is being extended. Follow Hymowitz tips to lead a rewarding career.  Click here  to read the complete article. CAREER TIPS FROM HYMOWITZ 1.   Expect a career that resembles a jungle gym rather than a ladder 2.   Lifelong learning, including breaks to return to school, will be essential 3.   Seek flexibility to have a better work/life balance 4.   Learn strategies for restarting a career after a break 5.   Build an intergenerational network 6.   Explore new paths even when you're enjoying your current career