​Whether you have a health insurance policy or a car insurance policy, if you suddenly find you have been diagnosed with cancer, you need to let your insurer know.
 
The policies could need to be updated. In a worst-case scenario, your insurance policies could become invalid if you fail to inform your insurer about your diagnosis and the treatments you are having. So, always be upfront with your insurance companies to ensure you maintain coverage.
 
The most important insurance policy to consider is your life insurance. Let us take a closer look at how having cancer can affect getting a life insurance policy.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 600,000 people died from cancer in the United States in 2020.

The most common cancers include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, and melanoma. But there are, unfortunately, lots more.

There are even deadly cancers caused by the toxic chemicals and contaminants of the smoke and dust that first responders, residents, and others, were exposed to in the aftermath of the twin towers terrorist attack on 9/11.

As sad as that is, at least those who have developed 9/11 cancer types and other 9/11-related illnesses can now gain support from the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which, together, help to provide medical coverage and pay compensation to people with 9/11-related health conditions.

Whether you have breast cancer, melanoma, or a 9/11-related cancer, your illness could affect your ability to get insurance coverage.

If you do not purchase life insurance until your health gets worse, it will be very challenging to get coverage.

Unfortunately, the sad truth is if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are receiving treatment, you probably will not qualify for a traditional life insurance policy.

However, it is not all bad news. You could qualify for a guaranteed issue life insurance policy. But bear in mind that the policy can be costly and the coverage amounts are limited, usually to a maximum of $25,000.

If your primary reason for getting life insurance when you have been diagnosed with cancer is to cover medical bills and potential funeral expenses, getting a guaranteed issue life insurance policy will be suitable.

Of course, hopefully, treatment will work and you will become cancer-free. If you become healthy again, you could apply for a permanent life insurance policy.

Typically, insurers that provide life insurance want to know that you have been free of cancer for a specific number of years before they will consider insuring you.

The type of cancer you had can determine the number of years because some cancers are less life-threatening than others.

Generally, people who have had less serious forms of cancer need to wait between one and three years after they have been cleared of the cancer before they can qualify for a life insurance policy.

For people who have recovered from more severe types of cancer, they may have to wait for as long as five years before they are able to qualify.

Sadly, even if you have been cancer-free for years, it is very likely that you will not qualify for the best insurance rate.

A life insurance policy will probably cost more for people who have had cancer in the past because the insurance company deems you to be a higher risk. The insurer will check various records, like your medical history and prescription drug history, and take things like your gender and age into account, in order to determine your risk and your insurance rate.

Even though you've probably had car insurance for quite some time already, you've probably noticed the premiums gradually climbing higher over the past few years. Unfortunately, this is somewhat common for seniors. 

There are four primary reasons why auto insurance premiums increase as drivers age. These include the expectation that various components of our physical health tend to decline when we age, from vision and hearing to cognitive functions. Unfortunately, because age is associated with this, your risk as a driver increases on paper over time. 

Fortunately, there are approaches to lower your premiums as a senior, and we've listed them for you.

​Even if you have had your current insurance for several years, you will probably be able to find another that has a far cheaper option as well as better benefits for seniors. In some cases, if you find the best auto insurance simply by comparing what's available.

​Security advances haven't been left out when it comes to modern-day technological breakthroughs. We now have options available that used to be reserved for the financially elite. Some of the most common anti-theft protection to install on your car are anti-smash window protectors as well as a car tracker. 

These will drastically reduce your premiums no matter what age you are, as they reduce your risk on paper. Although not as expensive as many think, a dashcam can assist in solving who is responsible for an accident and assists in obtaining vital evidence when it comes to the theft of your vehicle.

​Your vehicle is not only at risk of damage while you're driving. When your car is parked overnight, it can be at risk of weather damage, theft, and other instances. However, this is only relevant if your car is parked out on the street. 

Alternatively, if you park your car in a lock-up garage, or covered parking that's secure from theft, then your risk will also reduce. Therefore, safely parking your car can effectively lower your insurance premiums.

​Drivers over the age of 70 usually pay more for insurance. But if you drive less, you will be able to lower your costs. However, a small discount is offered to seniors who have excellent driving records.

Cautious driving has always been one of the best ways to avoid accidents, although it's also an effective way of reducing your insurance premiums.

Most insurance companies track your driving habits, and if you drive respectfully, your insurer will offer a discount if you keep up all the good driving. Not only that, the more you claim from your insurance, the higher your premiums will climb. So, naturally, not having to claim will lower your monthly premium. 

There are several ways to reduce premiums, whether you are a new driver or a senior. Another practical option is to reduce your monthly payment is to increase your deductible, which is the amount that you pay when you claim from your policy. While managing your health as you age is vital, reducing costs is also a priority for many seniors.

Preparing an inventory list of things you need for a new house is one of the most important steps you need to work on when moving long-distance. Ideally, you should handle the inventory lists of things for a new house yourself because you, of all people, know of the things you need for a new house and what you’re going to let go of. If you have already worked on a list of household items for your place, getting an estimate on the moving cost will also be easier.

Thus, putting together your inventory list or a list of household items you plan on moving should be the first order of business. When you contact our professional movers to move things you need for a new house, at californiamoversusa.com, we'll give you an estimated cost of moving based on your household items list for the new home, the distance to be traveled, and so on. Your household items checklist will not only give us a fair idea about the amount of labor needed but will also make the process much more efficient for you.

Read on to find out why inventory lists for things for a new house are so important and how you can make yours highly efficient:

Your top priority regarding the things to do before you move into a new house is to create a screened moving inventory checklist. Your moving inventory list should mention only the items you need to get moving. You probably have a ton of useless stuff lying around in your place – all the books you’ve read, old clothes, old shoes, and so on – you should give these to charity. This way, not only will you shorten your moving inventory but also save up on the moving costs by reducing the volume of items to be moved.

Also, note that your packing inventory list should be thorough – don't leave any important stuff out of the moving inventory because that might create confusion later.

Make this a priority in your list of things to do before organizing an apartment move.

Next, you should begin sorting your moving company inventory list – this would be simpler if you're using a computer/mobile software like MS Excel for this purpose. One of the most important things to do before you move into a new house is packing your stuff efficiently, and for that, you should create a packing inventory list that groups your household items based on their similarities. This way, the packing will be simpler, and you won't have trouble unpacking and placing your stuff in your new home.
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Of course, if at any point you feel confused about what to do before moving into a new house, just ask our team of professional movers – we’d be glad to assist you!

The good old pen-and-paper works fine, and you can indeed make a thorough list with them, but they are not so effective when it comes to editing, eliminating, sorting, and other things of this sort. The ideal way to make your moving home checklist is via spreadsheet software or other checklist software available on mobile phones and computers. MS Excel, for instance, allows you to customize your home inventory list to your liking, allowing you to make it more understandable, refined, and categorized.
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Plus, you can edit your home moving checklist as many times as you like.

​Instead of writing down a list of things to move, you can also take pictures to create a picture-based home inventory checklist. Of course, this can also be in addition to your written house inventory list, and it will allow you to better keep track of your items.

Your home inventory worksheets can also be further backed by video proof of your items to be moved. Household inventory forms are sufficient on their own but if you add a video to the equation, you'll have visual cues to remember the things you need in your new place. This will allow you to better relate to the things mentioned on your home inventory worksheet.

We mentioned earlier that you should list similar stuff under one category – this is another approach that will yield the same results. Just note the contents of each box, label the boxes, and mention the items on your movers inventory forms as such. This way, you’ll be able to use the moving inventory form as a reference for unpacking.

This is pretty self-explanatory, but on top of mentioning such items on your home inventory list for moving, make sure that such items are packed with utmost care so that they don’t get damaged during the move. The more detailed your household inventory list for moving, the better.

​Your moving home list should be easy to read – the perfect way to do so is to use colors, not just for aesthetics but for categorizing your items into groups. A home move in the checklist will become twice as effective with a color-coding scheme.

​Before moving household goods, have your move inventory reviewed by the professional movers so that there are no mistakes or omissions. Your household inventory should be error-free, and the best way to ascertain this is to get an expert opinion on the matter.

​Instead of creating a new home inventory from scratch, you also have the option to use templates for home contents inventory worksheets in MS Excel and other software. Drafting your inventory packing list has never been easier!

What is home inventory? Is it merely a list of moving items, or should it have more? Ideally, you should include as many details, without being too expansive, in your household inventory spreadsheet for the reference of your movers. For instance, if your furniture is antique, don’t write it up as simply furniture.
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Hopefully, with this, you'll move one step closer to getting relocated long-distance!

Many people that are going through financial difficulty consider borrowing money from their retirement plan. But the question is, is it okay to do that? Will it benefit you more than choosing another way to borrow money?

These questions will surely flood your thoughts if you come face-to-face with the situation. Hence, it’s important to check out the pros and cons of borrowing from your retirement plan first before you decide if you want to continue or not.

First, let us talk about the advantages you can get when you decide to push through and borrow money from your retirement plan. Then, we'll go through each of the benefits to give you a clear understanding of how it works. 

Easy Money
The first advantage you can get when you borrow money from your retirement plan is the quick and easy processing. Whatever reason you have, you're eligible to borrow money from your retirement plan. 

Additionally, you won't undergo a credit check, which can be a relief if you don't have a good credit score. The amount you're allowed to borrow will depend on the type of plan you have.

Overall, borrowing money from your retirement plan is a good option. However, if you don't want to touch the money for your retirement, you can opt for another option. For example, you can acquire both installment and bad credit loans in the Houston area, a personal loan in Miami, or a payday loan in Indianapolis.

Easy Repayment Method
The repayment of the money you borrowed from your plan will be automatically deducted from your payroll. This means that you'll never have to worry about any missed payments. 

Another great news for you if you choose to go this path is that you won't have to pay for interest to a third-party lender. The interest and the principal amount will go back to your retirement plan. Therefore, you'll still be the one who's going to benefit from your repayment.

There'll Be No Impact on Credit Record
Another great benefit of borrowing from your retirement account is that it won't affect your credit record. No hard credit checks will be conducted. Therefore, it won't show up on your credit history.

If you opt to borrow money from lenders or banks instead, expect them to perform a credit check that can reflect on your credit record. When the lender or the bank conducts a hard inquiry on your credit score, it'll stay on your credit record for two years.

Now that you have an idea of what advantages you can get from choosing to borrow from your retirement plan, here are the downsides of this option.

Limited Amount to Borrow
One of the disadvantages you might notice if you choose to take this path is the limitation imposed on how much you can borrow. Usually, the amount allowed for you to borrow is around 50% of your retirement savings.

If you only still have a small contribution and require a considerable amount, you'll have to look for an alternative route. However, if you only need to borrow a small amount, you shouldn’t hesitate to borrow from your plan.

You Have to Pay Tax in Double
Another thing you have to take note of about borrowing money from your retirement plan is that you'll have to pay taxes twice.

First, you have to pay the income tax for the salary that you'll use to repay the money you borrowed from your retirement plan. Second, you'll have to pay tax when you start to collect your retirement money as distributions.

Needs to Pay the Loan Short Term
The principal amount that you borrowed plus its interest rate should be paid within five years only. If you quit your job or switch employers while you still have a loan to pay, you'll be required to pay the balance in full for a short window of time.

In addition, you'll be required to pay federal income taxes for the loan. Therefore, it'd be best to consider the 10% penalty for the early withdrawal that the IRS would charge.

You Won't Be Able to Save
The last concern you must consider is the amount of money you'll get when you retire. Borrowing money from your retirement plan will mean that you won't save money for your retirement.

The money deducted from your payroll will be as payment and not as a contribution. Therefore, when the time comes that you'll retire, you will only have a small contribution, which results in a small retirement pension.

Before you jump into borrowing money from your retirement plan, it'd be best to weigh the mentioned pros and cons. Are you willing to take the risk? Do you badly need the money fast? If you think that the benefits outweigh the risks, then you should start processing that loan soon.

While there are specific standards set for a healthcare worker in clinician’s offices or in hospitals, oddly there is no group or organization that sets standards for home care workers. Because of this, these dedicated healthcare workers are often at risk in several ways. They wouldn’t face some of these risks when working in a physician’s office or in a hospital and this is why it is so important to identify and address health and safety guidelines specific to home care settings.

As a home care worker, you may be required to travel in and out of some extremely dangerous neighborhoods. Because of this, it is imperative that you set your own guidelines to ensure your personal safety. Some home care workers carry pepper spray or mace and others set up an emergency speed dial on their cell phones. Sadly, it is up to you to establish safety protocol such as staying in a locked vehicle until help arrives.

​This is something everyone is more than aware of since the onset of the COVID pandemic. While hospitals and doctors’ offices provide PPE for their nurses and staff, this isn’t something routinely given to home care workers by their agencies. You will often be required to get your own gear and if you are dealing with a patient with a bloodborne illness, for example, it is up to you to stay safe by wearing an isolation gown.

​Not only can neighborhoods be dangerous but some homes you enter could be as well. There could be guns, knives and other weapons laying around so be prepared for just such a situation. This can be extremely dangerous, especially in patients prone to aggression. Establish guidelines on how to identify guns in a household. There is nothing wrong with asking if there are weapons in the home and if there are, it is your right to refuse care if you feel threatened.

​This is most common among patients suffering from dementia. Do you have safety guidelines for dealing with patients who lose control due to dementia-related aggression? You obviously can’t strike back but perhaps your agency or the patient’s doctor may allow for an alternate method for getting them under control. Whether it is a sedating injection or simply walking away, this is a guideline you must set if you deal with a large enough number of aging patients.

​Another thing you may wish to establish from the very beginning is a way to get immediate help when needed. Remember, you are there alone and sometimes it might be necessary to call for paramedics while you are busy administering lifesaving first aid. A wearable with a panic button would be nice but, lacking that, have a speed dial set on your phone that would call your agency or paramedics to get help on the way without delay.
There are so many guidelines you will need to establish for both your personal safety and the safety of your patients, but if you establish them from the very beginning, your job will be that much easier and safer for all involved.

​As we move through life, we start to notice new lines on our faces or start to feel a little unsteady in our joints. Plus, we notice we don’t have the same physical power we used to have. All these are natural aspects of reaching a certain age threshold. 

However, you don’t have to live your golden years feeling like a wreck at drift. You can still enjoy life to its fullest and make full use of your body’s amazing capabilities. This is possible by doing the appropriate work to build muscle mass as you add springs to your name. 

While skeletal muscle gradually loses the ability to make protein (which helps them grow) there are still methods and exercises to keep you fit well after your 50s. This is important because muscles protect you from injury, keep the bones healthy, and improve flexibility (among other benefits).

​The diet is a crucial part of your health and exercise routine, so make sure to adjust it accordingly. Start by addressing any nutritional deficiencies since older bodies can’t absorb and process vitamins as nutrients as they used to.

For instance, medical specialists recommend supplements of calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. On the other hand, it’s equally important to eat high-quality, healthy foods and avoid fast food, sugary drinks, and foods with high-fat content. 

You should also find some supplements to build muscle that work for your dietary needs. However, before you decide on such a product, make sure to check with your doctor.

​Aerobics, yoga, power walking, and other exercises that require endurance are not often associated with muscle growth. However, just because you don’t bulk up from them, it doesn’t mean there are no benefits for the muscles. 

Endurance exercise trains slow-twitch muscle fibers by strengthening them. This means that you will be able to keep your mobility and flexibility as you grow older. So if you want to go biking with the nephews, you don’t have to worry about achy knees or strained calves. 

However, to keep your mobility and strength, you need consistency in your training. Therefore, focus on doing cardio and endurance exercises at least twice a week.

​If you thought you’re done lifting weights, it’s time to reassess your idea of living a healthy life after 50. Weight training is a resistance exercise that helps reverse the loss of muscle mass as you get older. Plus, it’s beneficial for both men and women (both genders have to deal with the loss of muscle mass because of a decrease in estrogen and testosterone production)

However, in order to see results (especially after a certain age) you have to be consistent with your training. Build an exercise routine where you do weight training around 3 times a week.

​Each individual has a unique chemical build and body structure, so it’s important to adapt everything you do to your capabilities and style. Plus, not everyone ages the same. So, talk to your doctor and find a fitness trainer experienced in working with older gym-goers and listen to their advice. 

In doing so, you increase the chance of a healthy and beautiful third stage of life. Plus, you may want to enjoy retirement in an exotic location, and it would be a shame to not be able to go for a run on the beach or go for a hike when surrounded by beautiful scenery. 

A healthy body is a perfect vehicle for a healthy mind, so make sure to keep yours in as good shape as possible!

If you're overwhelmed by an endlessly increasing list of things to do and neverending deadlines, you're definitely not alone as an event planner. Fortunately, the common dilemma has brought about the demand for innovation, and so, several innovative software tools have emerged to help you be significantly more efficient.

These tools will genuinely make your to-do list a lot less daunting, and because most offer free trials, you can test the water a bit to decide if the tool is right for you before you subscribe.

That said, most of these tools are pretty budget-friendly, so you definitely won't regret the small monthly cost of enhancing your efficiency.

Magnet is a pretty innovative tool specifically created to streamline various areas of event planning and hosting, from managing card payments and coupons to handling ticket sales and sending out invites. This is a tool that really can benefit event planners.

This event organizing tool is perfect for all kinds of events as well, so it's suitable whether you are planning intimate weddings, corporate events, or even festivals.

Slack is a communications platform that grew tremendously in popularity at the start of the covid19 pandemic. Because this software platform acts as a virtual office space, allowing entire teams to communicate and providing various separate channels, remote work became more possible thanks to this type of innovation.

That said, you can use Slack as an event planner to manage your team, keep track of communications, and store documents in one secure place.

And if you're not entirely fond of Slack after trying the free version, you can consider some of the best Slack alternatives, such as Google Chat, Discord, and a few others. 

The concept of aging is pretty disheartening for most of us; noticing deepening wrinkles, greying hairs, and enduring the beginning of back and knee pains are just the beginning. 

Seniors inevitably face an entire category of age-related health ailments that range from mild to severe and include conditions such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and dementia, to mention only a few. Unfortunately, as we age, the risks of developing such ailments increases.

Fortunately, you can decrease your risks and uphold ideal overall wellbeing by managing your health as you age. What's more, it's pretty essential to prioritize your health long before you reach your twilight years; the sooner you adapt to a healthy way of living, the sooner your risks will be lowered.

So, even though you might be focusing on how you will afford retirement and searching for ways to prepare financially over the years, we've listed some practical tips to help you manage your health. Prioritizing your health will ensure a higher quality of life when you finally retire, so making these changes or adaptions is definitely worth your while.

Medical alert systems make monitoring your health and wellbeing convenient. These systems include features like remote monitoring, recording health data, and dispatching emergency services when necessary. 

This type of innovation takes smartwatches that track health to a whole new level. However, these watches are always an excellent way to keep track of your overall wellbeing by monitoring sleep quality, stress levels, and various other elements of your health. 

Furthermore, because these systems are available in a broad range, there's something for every budget out there. They make quality life for seniors safer, and you'll have a lot more peace of mind knowing you are constantly being watched over when frailty becomes more of a concern.

Regardless of your current age, your everyday eating habits will greatly impact your overall health. For example, if you have picked up poor eating habits over the years and your general diet consists of unhealthy fats, processed convenience meals, fast foods, and takeouts, and lacks adequate nutrition, your risks of developing heart conditions, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other health ailments increases dramatically. 

Fortunately, it's never really too late to turn your health around by switching up your eating habits. Watching your bad cholesterol intake is also essential for reducing the risks of developing heart health concerns. You can use smart devices to monitor cholesterol and eating plan apps to measure cholesterol content in foods you eat.

Exercise contributes majorly to a vital element of overall health; if you aren't active enough, your risks of developing health concerns also increase. But not just that, a sedentary lifestyle will increase the chances of developing obesity, depression, negatively impact sleep quality, and influence mood and brain functions. 

So, suppose you're hoping to manage your health well as your age to ensure your retirement years are enjoyable and rewarding. In that case, you should create a manageable workout routine that includes enough physical activity for your age. 

Not all workout regimes are really suitable for everyone. So, if you are over 50, it's generally best to have a personal trainer guide your workout sessions for you. This way, you won't overexert yourself or risk injuries that can lead to severe mobility issues later down the line.

​As you age, the risks of developing particular health conditions increase even if you are leading an ideally healthy lifestyle. For this reason, you must also prioritize general health checkups with your doctor. A twice-yearly visit to your healthcare practitioner is enough to keep your health in check over the years. 

These checkups are important as your doctor will be able to identify the early signs and symptoms of any potential conditions. Therefore, you can receive treatment, manage symptoms, and take precautions to maintain your health as soon as possible. More often than not, identifying a health condition early on will prevent the ailment from spiraling into a severe and unmanageable illness. 

So, even if you feel you are overall pretty healthy and fit, you should still prioritize checkups as you age; prevention is always better than cure, and early identification will reduce severity substantially.

​We are all aware that medical bills are often astronomical, leading many to hefty debt burdens. However, by investing in your healthcare needs now, you can avoid finding yourself in crippling debt later on or finding yourself unable to pay for your own healthcare needs.

Investing in health insurance, disability insurance, and securing your finances for health-related expenses is the best approach to ensure you can afford healthcare as you age.

​Mental health should never be left out of the equation for enhancing your health, although so many of us overlook the importance. Unfortunately, neglecting your mental health can also improve your risk of developing age-related mental health conditions. 

But not just that, you'll also experience high-stress levels, poor quality sleep, and even memory issues resulting from mental health neglect. 

Fortunately, it's become more accessible than ever to look after your mental wellbeing, as you can find virtual therapists easily, access meditation guides, devote more towards self-care practices, and even find natural supplements to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. 

The more you prioritize your health now, the more you will lower your risks of developing ailments as you age. And because our golden years are a time period we look forward to because we no longer need to worry about things like fast-paced careers, raising children, and so many others, there's no doubt that you want to be able to enjoy your retirement. 

And the best way to genuinely enjoy your retirement is to maintain good health along the way. Instead of experiencing crippling health problems before you even retire, investing in your health will have you leading a quality life when your career comes to an end.

​Taking care of an aging parent can be stressful at times. It takes time, a tremendous amount of energy, sacrifices, and a lot of financial resources as your parents begin to rely on you more and more for their daily needs.
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But, taking care of your parents can also be a highly rewarding experience. You get to return all the kindness, love, and affection that your parents showed you throughout your life.
Read the five tips below to find out how you can provide your parents with the best care when they need it the most.

Do everything you can to help your aging parents when they need assistance, but be sure to take a step back when they don’t need help.

Rather, introduce them to tools to help them remain somewhat independent – like home delivery services (for prescriptions and shopping), access to easy transportation (like Lyft and Uber for doctor’s appointments and social activities), and consider a mobile medical alert system for peace of mind.

If you have one aging parent, consider assisted living to combat their feelings of isolation and loneliness. Assisted living facilities can help with managing medication, meal preparation, personal care, mobility, and housekeeping if they are becoming difficult for your parent to keep up with on their own.
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If your parents have health issues that need to be closely monitored, assisted living facilities can make sure that their safety and wellbeing aren’t at risk.

To avoid caregiver burnout, you must take some time out to meet your own needs, too. 

Caregiver burnout can result in mental and physical fatigue, extreme anxiety, insomnia, and depression. To be a good caregiver, you need to take care of your own well-being. This could be spending some time with friends, taking walks or going to the gym, and taking a few vacations each year.
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If taking time off is not a viable option, ask a family member to take some of the load. If this is not possible, you can look into palliative or hospice care – they will dispatch a professional caregiver to take care of your parents for short periods of time while you rest and recharge.

Isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest threats to your parents’ wellbeing, so try to include them in daily family activities as much as you can. 
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It’s not just Christmas and other special occasions, though – if you attend sporting events for your children, take your parents along. If you have a family dinner once a week, try to include them.

Although nobody’s situation is the same, try to share the responsibility for your parents’ health and wellbeing. Contact family members to share the load, and have backups in case something doesn’t go as planned.
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One way to do this is to split the caretaking duties across the week or take turns with family members to help with grocery shopping, family dinners, or doctor’s appointments.

​Saving for retirement should be a priority throughout our working years, but many don’t know where to start. The highest priority should be getting rid of credit card debt before considering a retirement strategy; otherwise, you could get stuck in an endless cycle of payments. If you’re in debt, consider using this snowball debt calculator to create a plan for getting out of it as quickly as possible.

Aside from becoming debt-free, there are other steps you’ll need to take at every stage of life to ensure you’re on track to retire. Here, we’ve broken down the major milestones you should work towards for every decade until you hit your goal retirement age. 

Your teenage years are where you’ll begin to develop the financial skills that you will carry with you throughout your life. It will be difficult to think about retirement at such an early age, so don’t stress if retirement is too much of an abstract thought now. What you should focus on, though, is learning how to handle your money wisely. Open a joint checking account with a parent or guardian and start understanding how money can flow in and out of your life. You should also open a savings account at a bank without minimum balance requirements and create a habit of saving money for emergencies.

Your twenties will be a lot of work as you move into adulthood and gain financial independence. You’ll probably make a few mistakes here and there, especially once you start getting approved for credit cards. Don’t let yourself think of credit as extra money for your bar tab or shopping trips; this mindset will have a ripple effect that can last for decades and give you less freedom when you’re hitting retirement age. 

Start to save more aggressively than you did when you were a teenager. Any compound interest you receive now will make a big difference with how much money you’ll have to use during retirement. If you land your first full-time job, utilize your employer’s retirement options, such as a 401k or IRA account, especially if they’ll match your contributions up to a certain amount. 

It will be challenging to hold onto all of this new money you’re getting, especially when retirement seems so far away. But if you set a budget that includes retirement and savings, then you’ll be able to build a sound financial plan that lets you splurge here and there while also providing a solid foundation for retirement.

Your thirties will be a time where you move further into your career and start to accrue higher salaries. Use that extra income to clear up any lingering debt from credit cards, student loans, etc. You’ll also need to rebalance your budget to account for more income and if, for instance, you paid off your student loan debt. 

At this point, if you haven’t begun saving for retirement, do that as soon as you can. Your retirement portfolio should be a diversified mix of cash, bonds, and stocks. Since you’ve got time before hitting retirement, you can also skew your portfolio to be more aggressive now, which means having a higher allotment of riskier assets like stocks in proportion to less-risky assets like cash and bonds. You may also consider investing in other assets that could support you during retirement in your thirties, such as real estate.

By your forties, you may have accumulated a lot of debt for assets, i.e., mortgages. You may also now have to pay for things like college for your kids, so it can be a challenging decade to navigate when you’re focusing on building your retirement nest egg.

You also may be at a time when you’re near the peak of your career and collecting a decent salary for your effort. Since there are so many moving parts to your finances, now is a good time to start working with a financial planner to help ensure your money is being allocated well for retirement. Look for a fiduciary planner as they have a legal obligation to work in your best interest and are typically fee-based instead of commission-based.

You’re so close! Your fifties are the time when you’re getting all of your ducks in a row for retirement. If your student loan or mortgage debt hasn’t been paid off yet, now is the time to get rid of it. Work with your financial planner to ensure that you’re set up for the retirement lifestyle you’re looking for. If you’re not, start looking at how you can improve your portfolio or add more income to make that vision a reality.

​Once you’ve hit your desired retirement age, the primary concern is blowing through your nest egg too quickly. You’ll need to stay on top of your finances and adjust your lifestyle to fit your cash flow. If you’re feeling a pinch, you can always look for passive income streams to help pad your savings.

​Wherever you are on this list, start making it a priority to become debt-free and put money toward retirement savings—the earlier you begin, the better. With a solid financial plan and years of savings, you’ll be able to have a comfortable and peaceful retirement at whatever age you choose.

Retirement is a concern for just about everyone. And the concern is about affording retirement and quality healthcare, as it's no secret that as we age, we can develop an array of health conditions. And these can range from rosacea skin conditions to more severe age-related conditions such as arthritis and dementia, to name only a few.

For this reason, searching for more affordable retirement options has become a sound solution to ensure you can be well taken care of in your golden years. And just one suitable option is relocating to an affordable region where you can stretch your retirement budget as far as possible without compromising your comfort and a few luxuries.

So, to help you choose a destination that will ensure you can enter your twilight years with financial peace of mind, we've listed the top options for you.

The southeast of Asia is an excellent option for an affordable retirement. The cost of living in this vibrant region is pretty low, so your retirement savings will go pretty far. And the exotic element of the region means you'll enjoy a blissful retirement surrounded by enchanting scenery.

You can find a lot for sale in Antipolo and quickly locate various other properties for sale in the Philippines that will suit your budget. And when retiring in the Philippines, you will need to consider the process of relocating to this region as the specifics of purchasing property here is slightly different. Although you will have access to international-standard health care, this is a pretty significant perk for retirees.

Costa Rica is another excellent choice. The cost of living here is also ideally low, and the breathtaking scenery will ensure your retirement is absolute bliss. The healthcare availability is up to standard, and there's more than enough to see and do while you stay here.

If you make the decision to retire in Costa Rica, you can budget your stay at around $1500 per month. And for this low price, you'll enjoy a Caribbean-style retirement with quality healthcare, suitable housing options, and safe transportation solutions.

Mexico is another excellent option for retirement. The cost of living is affordable, even when opting for a more luxurious standard of living. However, the main downfall here is that healthcare systems are not entirely the best.

Fortunately, because the states are nearby, sharing a border, you can solve this issue by seeking your healthcare needs elsewhere. That said, Mexican weather and culture are vibrant and enjoyable, which is why so many retirees opt for Mexico.

Columbia is a great choice as well; there's genuinely something for everyone here; whether you prefer the beach scenery or adventure in a rainforest, you'll have tons of ways to spend your retirement time when staying in Columbia.

The cost of living is also ideally low, and the housing options are plentiful. Health care is also pretty affordable here, although you should consider travel health insurance when relocating, as this is the perfect healthcare solution for ex-pats.

Retiring abroad is an option that can enable you to stretch your retirement funds without stress about your finances. If your current home region is not entirely affordable, relocating might just be your only option to truly enjoy your twilight years without having to spread each dollar as thin as possible.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known as JFK Airport, is one of the United States’ busiest airports and serves as the main gateway to the state of New York, particularly New York City. As the busiest airport in the New York airport system, as well as being a major transportation hub, JFK Airport welcomes millions of travelers yearly, both local and domestic.
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In a city as massive and chaotic as New York City, the journey from the airport to your accommodation can easily become time-consuming, especially when dealing with traffic. One of the main considerations when booking a place to stay should be distance; if you’re not staying long in the city or you just need a place to stay before moving on to your next destination, it’s best to skip the traffic and instead book a hotel not too far from the airport. Below are our top picks for the best hotels near JFK Airport.

(Pro tip: Making a few stops before you get to the hotel? To avoid the hassle of having to carry your heavy luggage around, look for luggage storage in New York City.)

Crowne Plaza JFK Airport

IHG Hotels & Resorts, the group behind the Crowne Plaza chain, has long been associated with quality hotels at strategic locations and the one near JFK Airport is no exception. Just a stone’s throw away from JFK, Crowne Plaza is an upscale accommodation with 330 rooms and suites. 
Some of the amenities available at the hotel include an around-the-clock gym, meeting and business facilities, and flier-friendly facilities such as early check-in and late check-out, parking space rentals, and free airport shuttles. Because of these special features, Crowne Plaza is a favorite choice among business travelers entering New York City.

Hilton New York JFK Airport

Situated just a quarter of a mile from the airport, the Hilton New York JFK Airport has one of the best locations among all airport hotels in New York. Similar to the hotels of the Hilton chain, this location features well-appointed and comfortable rooms equipped with amenities such as flat-screen television, ample desk space, free WiFi connection, and minibars.

Additionally, the hotel offers facilities for business travelers, such as conference rooms and event spaces that can accommodate 500 people. There is an on-site restaurant that hotel guests can access while those staying in suites and executive rooms are treated to an exclusive dining lounge. A complimentary airport shuttle service is also offered to all hotel guests. 

Hampton Inn NY – JFK

Also part of the Hilton hotel brand, the Hampton Inn NY – JFK is another excellent option for travelers entering NYC who like to get the best value for their money. Nestled north of the airport premises, the hotel offers a free airport shuttle service for guests round the clock.

The hotel’s rooms are cozy and spacious, featuring modern facilities such as flat-screen television, dedicated workstations, and coffee maker. Guests also get free breakfast, as well as access to the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center and three meeting rooms for business conferences and other work-related purposes. 

TWA Hotel, JFK Airport

For the longest time, there was no on-site accommodation at the JFK Airport despite the volume of people entering the airport; most of the travelers flying into NYC had to commute or get a cab to a nearby hotel. However, this all changed in 2019 when the TWA Hotel was established. Set within a former Trans World Airlines terminal, it is the most convenient choice for travelers who do not want to go through the hassle of leaving JFK.
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TWA Hotel features 512 rooms, all of which are outfitted with modern amenities such as a mini-fridge, a minibar, plush sofas, flat-screen TVs, and thick windows that block off sound from the outside. The hotel also boasts incredible facilities open to all guests, such as a full-service gym, six on-site restaurants, eight bars, and a rooftop infinity pool. The best part is that you no longer have to deal with the notorious NYC traffic to catch your flight because you are already within the airport premises.

Courtyard New York JFK Airport

Brought by world-renowned hotel chain Marriott, Courtyard New York JFK Airport is a little on the pricier side but is a great choice if you want to get your money’s worth. Located just less than a mile away from the JFK Airport, the Courtyard’s newly renovated modern rooms feature hi-tech touchscreen technologies, ergonomic workspaces, comfortable sleeping amenities, and other amenities such as a mini-fridge, soundproof windows, and microwaves.

Guests of the hotel can also request services such as laundry, valet parking, housekeeping, and airport pick up and drop off at no additional cost and can access the hotel’s other facilities such as a gym, meeting rooms, business center, an on-site restaurant, and even a Starbucks outlet. But what sets the Courtyard apart from other hotels near JFK Airport is its notoriously friendly staff who go the distance to ensure that your stay will be satisfactory.

Five Towns Inn

Set in the village of Lawrence, Five Towns Inn has the perfect mix of exclusivity and convenience that you probably won’t get from any other New York airport hotel. Just a quick 10-minute drive from the JFK airport, Five Towns offers free shuttle service to and from the airport as well as to other nearby attractions.

The hotel also has spacious rooms that are equipped with workstations, flat-screen TVs, fast WiFi connection, and minibars. Guests also get complimentary breakfast and all-day cake and coffee as well as access to a fitness facility near the hotel.
 
Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport

Brought to you by hotel giant Marriott, Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport is one of the more budget-friendly options for airport hotels in NYC. Found along Rockaway Boulevard, the hotel is a top option for travelers who need a comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank.
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The hotel rooms at Fairfield Inn are spacious and feature soundproof windows, flat-screen TVs, dedicated workstations, coffee makers, and minibars. The hotel also features some amenities that guests can access, including a fitness center with a spa and pool, a convenience store, laundry facilities, and a business center with meeting facilities.

​A home environment for seniors needs the right touches and upgrades to accommodate the needs of aged loved ones. Regardless of whether a senior has a special condition or not, it is vital to check their living environment to ensure no underlying dangers. Here are five tips for making a home comfortable and safe for seniors.

Older adults have trouble regulating their body temperatures, and spending time in a house that is too hot or too cold can quickly turn into a medical emergency. It gets worse when a senior has chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory complications, or cardiovascular diseases, as they are more vulnerable to temperature changes. To avoid these risks, you need to ensure a senior’s home is ever warm, which calls for the regular services of heating and cooling specialists such as Allied Experts.

The two rooms in a home that present the greatest dangers to seniors are the bathroom and kitchen. Bathrooms are a prime spot for slip and fall accidents, while kitchens are notorious for causing accidents that lead to house fires. Luckily, you can make these rooms safer by:

•  Installing grab bars in the showers, next to the toilet, and above the bathtub
• Using shower chairs and non-slip mats in and around the bathroom
• Providing easy-to-use kitchen appliances such as cookers and ovens with automatic shut-off or programmed buttons.
• Installing fire and smoke detectors in the kitchen
• Ensuring the kitchen is arranged for the convenience of use and movement

Whether a senior is strong enough to walk independently or depends on walking canes or a wheelchair, they need lots of open space for easy movement. This calls for home decluttering to remove all unnecessary items and hindrances that might pose a danger to your aged loved ones. Do not forget to check the furniture to ensure they are all stable, have their sharp corners padded, and arranged to provide plenty of walking space.​

Most seniors have poor eyesight and do not have the strength to reach switches mounted too high. As such, you will need to install better lighting systems such as indoor motion sensor lights, having light switches that are easily accessible, and putting brighter lights in the hallways, stairs, and other darker areas.

There are several necessary precautions for seniors to take, and one of them is avoiding physical injuries. In turn, it is essential to eliminate all tripping hazards in a home by:

• Installing slip-resistant floors and grab bars along the stairs
• Ensuring no electrical cords or loose ropes are running across a room
• Removing all items that could lead to slip and fall injuries or pose a danger if your loved one trips. These include throw rugs, unstable décor pieces, and clutter on the floor.

The first step to ensuring your aged loved ones live with dignity is by making their dwelling place comfortable. Use these tips to make the necessary upgrades in a home for happier and healthier senior living.

The older we get, the more we tend to slow down. We achieve our life goals, raise our families, and settle comfortably into retirement. We keep the same habits every day, and we lose interest in trying anything new. That works for some people. But for others, it can feel like stagnation. If you've found yourself bored and restless in your old age, it might be time to go back to school.

Yes, you heard right. College isn't just for the young. There are plenty of public and private programs that welcome people of all ages. You can even pursue a degree online. Depending on the types of classes you take, the program can be tailored to be very friendly to your needs as a senior. Maybe you have a decades-old degree already. Maybe you don't. But is there anything you've been really thirsting to learn? It's never too late to throw yourself into academia. Your mind has the capacity for incredible things.

Most people's retirement budgets are already stretched pretty thin. It's tough to rely on an investment income in today's economy, even if you had a lucrative career. If you're pinching pennies from day to day, you might think that you don't have the means to finance college. But that isn't true. There are grants and scholarships built specifically for older people who are pursuing their education.

In addition, private loans for college are available through private lenders. These can be used to cover your tuition and academic expenses so that you don't need to dip into those all-important retirement funds. You might also consider what type of school you'd attend. Online university degrees tend to be the most inexpensive, but they aren't always accredited. Community colleges are the next most affordable option.

If you feel like you're stagnating, you probably are. One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is by seeking new experiences. Your brain needs new stimuli so that it doesn't start to lose its focus. There are online opportunities like games to keep your mind sharp that you can learn, but that is something you’ll do alone. School is one of the most interactive new experiences you can get.
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Not only will you be learning new information and meeting new people, but you'll also need to meet expectations. You'll have to study and retain the info, write papers, have discussions, and do projects. All of that is to say, you'll be contributing to your program instead of being a passive participant. If you've felt like you don't have anything to do in retirement, this is a great choice.

​Being older actually gives you a lot more freedom in academia. You don't need to study for a career. You don't need to worry about making your resume marketable. You don't need to stress about chasing a "useless" major. When you get a new degree in retirement, it's because you're pursuing knowledge for knowledge's sake. That frees you to learn about exactly what interests you, no matter how niche or non-marketable it is. Follow your passion.

​The energy bill in Australia has reached record highs for several years now and only recently has changed in the retail market given customers some hope that prices will be lowered.

That hope is found in the Default Marker Offer, which is supposed to serve as a price cap for those previously paying the highest prices on contracts known as “standing offers” in Australia.

​As of July 1st, 2019, the Default Market Offer (DMO) rolled out to electricity customers in South Australia, New South Wales, and South East Queensland.

It describes the entire bill amount energy companies are able to charge for the “standing offer” prices, which are based on an average usage amount. This reference price makes it easier for Australian consumers to compare electricity companies and find a deal that works better for them.

Now, energy retailers can supply usage charges that are equal to or less to than the DMO reference price. Customers on the Basic Home electricity plan with flat/controlled rates or time of use rates will likely have a lower electricity bill as long as they live in the 3 offered areas.

​A reference price is another term for competitive pricing. If a product or service is sold below the competitor’s price, it’s typically bought up by customers. However, companies can’t offer a cost that’s far too below the market. Otherwise, they’ll price other businesses out of the market.

In a capitalist system, the market determines the price, but if the minimum wage doesn’t keep up with inflation, that product won’t be available to the general population.

While that’s bad in itself, electricity companies further hide what a consumer is likely to spend. Without that knowledge, the average Australian basically chooses their energy company by throwing darts.

The standing offer and Default Market Offer are similar, but the new default price is generally lower than what’s set by the government. With the DMO, customers who aren’t signed up to market offers can still be given a “fair” deal of electricity.

It also makes it harder for retailers to exploit customers. The reference point then acts as a shared benchmark to clarify comparisons.

​Although the Default Market Offer has only been given to customers for a little over 2 years, it seems that Australians are saving a bit of money on their electricity bills. Consumers who live in an area that offers DEO will save $53-$116 a year.

SA Power seems to offer the greatest savings between 2021-2022 as there was a 6.3% price difference within that time.

Essential didn’t change its price as much as its competitors (2.7%), with Energex being the second-worst (3.5%). Ausgrid (4.7%) and Endeavor (6%) offer decent savings margins.

​Customers who move from the standing offer to DMO will see a decrease in their annual bill, but they don’t offer the best savings available.

Energy retailer ReAmped Energy offered a rate 32% lower than the reference price, making their services $439 cheaper per year. With a deal like that, SA Power’s offering looks cheap by comparison, and they don’t even offer the best price.

If you live in South Australia (SA), Elysian Energy seems to offer the best bang for your buck. Although they offer a rate that’s 1% lower than ReAmped Energy, the DMO in South Australia is $323 higher than in New South Wales. In the end, SA customers are saving $536 a year compared to the Default Market Offer. On average, Australian customers will save $350.

After many weeks of quarantine, the majority of the population has realized the importance of being able to go out to get some physical activity and mental stimulation. The forced sedentary lifestyle, although relatively short-lived, has had effects such as:

• Added Stress
• Confusion
• Anger
• Boredom
• Fear
• Trouble Sleeping
• PTSD

And looking at life in the urban areas, air pollution and poorly ventilated rooms have even worsened respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma). For some, the relaxation of quarantine meant going to the gym or outdoor pubs again, but for many, it meant a reconnection with nature and green spaces. And for a good reason, as the many benefits of being in nature have been proven and are our main topic for this article.

The reason for the feel-good sensation most of us experience while in nature (or green spaces) has been explained by Edward O. Wilson in 1984. The biologist explained the phenomenon as with the hyphotesis of „biophilia“. What that means is that since the very beginning, humans have continuously evolved in nature, as opposed to big, gray cities, and that their brains have been ‚programmed‘ to keep them close to indicators of survival. Those indicators referred to greenery and bodies of water (trees, fields, lakes, rivers, etc.), and so, it is the reason why we instinctually feel connected to nature.

As mentioned, this is only a hypothesis, and it might not apply 100%, however, research has proven time and time again that nature has a great effect not only on the physical but also on mental health. And both are extremely important to a person’s quality of life, since poor mental health is confirmed as being equal to physical disability, or having the same damaging effects of CVDs and circulatory disorders.
 
Regular exercises, especially when done outdoors, weigh a lot too. The combination of working out at least 30 minutes per day and breathing in the fresh air while doing it is the perfect mix for a healthy mind in a healthy body. Fitness experts at Winsor Pilates encourage practicing yoga and Pilates outdoors for this reason. These two practices help relieve stress while activating muscles during the movements needed for the poses. Practice in nature, and you will be surprised how big your change in mood, mindset, and fitness level will be.

As more and more studies have brought to light the importance of having a green space near every neighborhood, a growing number of cities have already started working on bettering their land by:

• Expanding small recreational parks
• Planting trees in alleyways and streets
• Implementing strict regulations regarding emissions from factories and cars
• Improving street cleaning and recycling
• Using renewable energy
• Upgrading public transport
• And much more

Some examples include New York, where there has been a 27% increase in green spaces, and Paris, where more sustainable farms have started showing up in urban areas.

If greenifying isn’t something that’s going to happen in your city any time soon, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do something about your living condition yourself. If you have a backyard, plant trees, flowers, or bushes, and maybe add a misting feature to turn it into your little refreshing oasis whenever you feel like the city life is too much. And, if you live in an apartment building, potted plants are still an option. Aloe vera and snake plants are some of the cheaper options which can help you reduce air pollution, and the former can also be used in many other ways (drinking, moisturizing, healing, etc). For those with chronic respiratory issues, plants might help but they can’t clear the air of particles the same way an air purifier for asthma could (you’d need way too many plants). More often than not, these devices use HEPA filters, which have been proven to be the best for relieving symptoms and can also come with many other features, like carbon filters that remove odors, and ionizers that amplify their efficiency. Pair them with a room full of greenery, you’ll feel as if you’re on a mountain path with the crispest air that you can take in.

The main excuse that many representatives give when explaining why greenifying isn’t a viable option usually has to do with the costs. But those costs mean nothing compared to the benefits that citizens experience from having a city that is redesigned to be environmentally friendly. Research and analysis involving more than 7 countries and 8 million people have shown that having a preponderantly green city adds to its citizens‘ quality of life and lessens the chances of them dying earlier than expected, this regarding each individual group. And it all applies globally. For an easier understanding, we’ll be separating the benefits into 3 different paragraphs that have to do with the impact greenery has on the city, on the citizens‘ physical health, and on their mental health.

​Think about the last time you’ve been in a forest. Have you noticed any loud, bothering noises, even if the forest was near the main road? Probably not, and that’s because vegetation tends to absorb noise pollution, keeping everything more quiet and relaxing, especially helpful during the nighttime. Another harmful human-made byproduct that it can absorb is air pollution, specifically harmful particles (and not only) that can affect the human nervous system and also trigger mental health issues. And if all this isn’t enough, harsh temperatures and weather phenomena can also be toned down with the help of the right trees and plants. Therefore, even a simple line of trees planted between a busy street and an apartment complex can make a big difference.

Continuing off from the initial point (the one introducing the benefits) in a more specific way, living near plenty of vegetation around has been linked to 12% lower mortality in 2016, in a study on US women residents. Links were also made to smaller death counts related to:

• Respiratory Issues
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Kidney Disease
• There was also a 13% lower risk of cancer-related deaths, all thanks to the presence of greenery. 

Physical activity is also known for doing wonders for your health, and at least 2 hours of activity in a week done in nature or a green space prompted more positive reports related to health and a sensation of feeling better overall, as opposed to those who choose to skip the green areas.

​The last aspect that benefits from exposure to green spaces is your mental health. The reasons for this are varied, but we will go through with an explanation for all of them. Also, as a note, these all apply to both people who suffer from certain psychological conditions, and people who don’t. The possible reasons behind the positive association between nature and psychological effects are:

• The feeling of being free and getting away from the busy city life: This allows you to release any tension and relax, knowing that you’re in the middle of a break and that you have time to yourself to think about things other than work, bills, and other responsibilities. Such a situation can help with improving attention (as there are many details to look at in nature), memory (everything can look the same if you’re not actively looking), and creativity (a relaxed mind can wander). After prolonged exposure, some people even feel as if their life purpose is clearer than before.
• Physical activity also helps the mind: While it’s no debate that exercise helps your body, your mind can also profit off of this activity, since your body releases endorphins during workouts, making you feel happier. And it has been shown that those who live near parks tend to go on a run more often.
• Social Gatherings: Quiet locations filled with vegetation usually tend to beckon people who like leisurely activities, like picnicking, cloud-gazing, barbecuing, and so on. This way, social gatherings are more frequent if these kinds of locations are available to the residents of a city, and, to put it simply, more positive social interaction leads to an increase in happiness and a decrease in negative emotions.
• Better Sleep: As previously mentioned, vegetation has a say in noise reduction, adding a feel-good sensation, and air pollution absorption. All those factors combined lead to high-quality sleep and less stress during both day and nighttime.
• No more Mental Exhaustion: When you’re constantly keeping your mind occupied with specific tasks and thoughts, you can quickly achieve burnout, leaving you with a sour mood. A quick solution for this is, as we’re sure you know by now, a trip into nature. The explanation for this is that your mind stops thinking of stressful things and, instead, it can focus on plenty of stimuli (birds, trees rustling, water flowing) that help it cancel out the feeling of exhaustion. One name for this is the Attention Restoration theory.

​The conclusion we can draw from all this information is that not only are green spaces good for you for a wide range of reasons, but you should also strive to bring more of nature’s helpful qualities into your own home so that you can always have a space of your own to escape to.

​Online card games are not only great fun to play. They can also benefit your brain. Here are four of the best card games you can play to keep your mind sharp.

The card game solitaire can keep your mind sharp because it enables you to develop strategic and decision-making skills. Playing solitaire can also have a calming effect on your mind. There are lots of different types of solitaire, each of which is beneficial for your brain. One of the most popular and challenging variants of solitaire is Freecell. 

Also known as Baker’s Game, Freecell Solitaire is played with a standard fifty-two-card deck of playing cards. The aim of the game is to build four home cells in ascending order, starting with the Ace at the Bottom and leading to the King at the top. When you complete all four sequences, you win the game. Ready to start playing? If so, here is a fantastic site for playing Freecell online.

The best card games to keep your mind sharp are those that require attentiveness, strategy, and memory skills. Bridge, which is also known as Contact Bridge, is one card game in which all of the above are used. You will learn reasoning, logic, patience, concentration, and quick-thinking skills. 

While the game requires four players of two partnerships, there are plenty of online Bridge games in which you can play against the computer. The game consists of a number of deals that progress through four phases. After the cards have been dealt, players can call in an auction in an attempt to take what is known as the contract; specifying how many tricks your partnership needs to take to receive points from the deal. During the auction process, the players exchange information about their hands. After the auction, the cards are played. The declaring partnership tries to fulfill the contract and the defending partnership attempts to stop the declaring partnership from achieving its goal. It may sound a little complicated, but once you get into it, you are sure to have great fun playing online Bridge.

If you want to improve your memory, there are many card games that require you to remember information. One of the best online card games for helping you to improve your memory is Matching Pairs. There are lots of variations of this game. The simplest form involves all of the playing cards from a single deck lying face down. 

You then select two cards to be shown face-up at a time. When two cards match in number, the cards are put aside in a pile. So, you could match the five of hearts with the five of clubs or the five of spades. If the two cards do not match, they return to being face-down. The aim of the game is to remember which cards you have turned over and what their values are. When you match all pairs, you win the game.

​Gin rummy, also known as just gin, is a variation of the card game rummy. It is good for keeping your mind sharp and improving your memory because the game requires careful attention to track which cards have been picked up and which have been discarded. Gin Rummy is played with a standard fifty-two deck of cards. The objective is to score points and reach a number of previously determined points before your opponent does. 

The number is usually one hundred or more. The basic strategy of Gin Rummy is to improve your hand by getting rid of deadwood and forming melds. There are two types of melds: a set of three or four cards that share the same value and runs of three or more sequential cards for the same suit. Deadwood cards are the ones that are not in any meld.

Klondike Solitaire is more than just a game - it can actually have benefits for your mental health. Studies have shown that playing Solitaire can help improve your brain function. Solitaire can also help relieve stress and anxiety and can even help improve your mood. So next time you're feeling down, try playing a game of Solitaire - it just might help you feel better.

​At first, it’s jarring, then maybe you become sad, or even angry. It’s a bill collector and they’re calling about your late kin’s outstanding debt. Here’s what you need to know when dealing with the debts of deceased relatives.

Would that that were the case. Debts hang around, even when the debtor is gone. But legally, the family is not on the hook – most times. More on that in a minute. The debts are usually to be paid from the deceased individual’s estate. If there’s no money to pay the debt, well, that’s usually it for that.

Note that there are situations in which the family IS liable: if you or a family member co-signed a loan or similar, or if you were married to the deceased individual and reside in a community property state.

Also, you may be responsible if the deceased debtor was your spouse, and your state of residence mandates that you satisfy specific types of debt, such as medical bills. Or, if it was your job – legally – to handle the estate and you flouted, or just didn’t follow, some laws.

Discuss the situation with an attorney if you’re confused or unsure about responsibility here. And if you do find that you’re personally liable and can’t afford to pay due to credit card obligations, check out credit card debt relief programs.

​The person named in the will as executor is responsible for acting on the deceased person’s stated wishes. Absent a will, the court may appoint a person to handle the estate. Sometimes, state law will dictate the process by which someone can represent the estate.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states that collectors can reach out to and go over delinquencies with the deceased individual’s husband or wife; parents, if the deceased was under age 18; or administrator, executor, or guardian. If there’s someone else who is empowered to pay the deceased person’s debts, the collector may legally contact him or her. But that’s it. There’s no one else the collector can discuss the deceased person’s financial affairs with.

​Debt collectors are allowed to contact other kin or individuals linked to the deceased loved one but who don’t have the authority to pay estate debts. However, they can only do so one time, and that is to get contact information for the deceased person’s spouse, executor or other person who has the power to pay. Also, collectors may not discuss debt details.

​The law says you can, absolutely. But you need to put it in writing and send the letter via certified mail, keeping a copy for your records. After that, the collection agency is only permitted to contact you to confirm request receipt, or to tell you it plans to sue you or some such.

Note that the debt does not disappear, and the collector may still attempt to collect the debt from the estate or someone else as described earlier.

So, that’s what you need to know about dealing the debts of deceased relatives. Peace of mind is priceless, particularly during a period of bereavement. You may want to keep this info handy for if, and when, the time comes.

There are so many ways in which you can show your personality in all that you are and all that you surround yourself with. To make us all happy and feel comfortable with ourselves, we have to make our surroundings ours. We can do this with color schemes, furnishings, clothes, and accessories.

Trying to fit into a box or a certain kind of category does nobody any good at all. We are all individuals, and we should be able to show it wherever we can. 

​It is important for your happiness to surround yourself with the items that you love. These items not only will make you happy but will show your personality, make you and your friends and family feel welcomed and comfortable within your space.

These items are not just your household contents but also stretch as far as your car. Having the correct car for your personality is a must for your happiness. We travel so much due to work and family commitments, so if you have the wrong car for you or you are frustrated with it, it is probably time to look at finding yourself a new one.

Many makes and models are available on the second-hand car market, and finding the perfect one for you may not be as hard as you think. Many garages offer extra services such as home delivery or even remote viewing by way of videos or extra photos of the cars they have on offer.  Obtaining finance for your next car need not be a bother either as you can quite easily use a finance broker to apply for 2nd hand car finance Buckinghamshire in order to gain the funds you will need.

In order to be able to show your personality in all that you are, you need to enjoy all that you do. If you are feeling that you are struggling to get up for work and make it on time, then perhaps it is time for a change of career path.
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Finding yourself a job within a sector or profession that you enjoy can really lift your mental state. If you have a hobby or favorite pastime, then perhaps looking to see how you can make money out of this or if there is a job within that area which you could turn your hand to will give you a new lease of life and not only because you will be doing something you really enjoy but because you will meet like-minded people who you will already have lots in common with, therefore enhancing your social life.

​In showing your personality in all that you are, you will be encouraging others to do the same and lead by example. Anyone close to you will be able to see a marked difference not only in your attitude, but also within your energy levels, stance,  happiness and wellbeing. This will, in turn, improve your mental health as well as your physical health too.

Playing games has become a popular hobby and even a unique lifestyle for millions of gamers around the world. As the gaming market continues to rise, players have even more choices and can easily pick a game that suit their preferences.
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So, you don't have to own the latest gadgets in order to play some high-quality video games or mobile games. Actually, there are plenty of benefits of gaming for seniors and fortunately there is a great range of games available on both mobile and desktop devices.

Not many would believe that gaming can be a social activity. But, contrary to popular belief, gaming nowadays has many opportunities, mainly because the internet connects gamers in the local area or across the globe, and gamers have a chance to compete against their friends, chat in the gaming lobby, or even share some gaming experiences. Gaming can be a chance to make new friendships to enjoy your free time gaming together with your friends and have fun.

​As we mentioned earlier, the number of video and mobile games is growing exponentially but also the technology behind video games has improved significantly in the last few years. So, the games feature captivating storylines, high-quality graphics, and crisp sound effects.

Furthermore, the latest trend in this sector is associated with casino games. More specifically, there are online casino games that will create an immersive gambling atmosphere in the comfort of your own home. Actually, live casino games on reliable casinos like NetBet Live offer an authentic gambling experience with human dealers in real time. So, you will be able to interact with other participants in the game, as you would in a traditional casino.
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Plus, there is an abundance of other casino games in many variations. In other words, you can try your luck with blackjack games, or explore the collection of slots, among many other options on the online casino.

Playing games is all about coordination and moving in the right direction to reach the final goal. While games definitely activate hand-eye coordination, the benefits of playing games in terms of coordination are much more complex. The knowledge players gain while gaming is something they can transfer in everyday activities, especially those that help in the reorganization of the brain and help the brain organize information better when it comes to more complex tasks.
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Online games became the most popular games thanks to the internet. They can be accessed from any device and all you need is a reliable network connection to connect you with the rest of the gamers who play the game. What follows are some benefits of gaming in your free time and how to use your time wisely playing games.

Gaming requires fast decisions and making the right moves. Strategy games are known for improving the decision-making process because the games are all about making the right decisions. They improve the player’s flexibility, cognition, and the ability to make decisions faster.
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The games are usually time limited, and players need to make a decision as soon as they can. They also help you master making decisions in real life, especially at the workplace when you need to make things work at the last minute.

Unfortunately, as we get older, we can develop more health problems. That can include skin conditions like rosacea. While there is no actual cure for rosacea, the good news is there are some excellent treatments available for easing the symptoms. But what exactly is rosacea and what causes it?

The skin condition rosacea is very common. It causes the flushing or blushing of your face. Blood vessels can become visible and sometimes small pus-filled bumps can occur. Most people with rosacea see their symptoms flare up for a few weeks or months before disappearing for some time.

The treatments that are available for rosacea focus on controlling the signs and symptoms. The most common treatment is a combination of good skincare and medication. However, it can take time to find the right skincare products to help treat your rosacea, so it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional dermatologist. For example, the treatments from Nava MD are formulated by dermatologists and personalized with your unique skin complexion in mind.

​While rosacea can affect anyone of any age, it is actually most common in middle-aged white women; and it can get worse the older you get. What causes rosacea as you get older is unknown. In fact, what causes rosacea in anyone is not known for sure. However, after many studies, many experts agree that rosacea could be due to factors that include an overactive immune system, environmental factors, and heredity.

A little more is known about the causes of flare-ups, although the causes do not apply to everyone. If you have rosacea, you should make note of when your flare-ups happen to identify if any of the following things affect it:

• Spicy foods.
• Hot drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages. 
• Exercise.
• Feeling emotional.
• Sun or wind exposure.
• Temperature extremes.
• Medications.

​Furthermore, you are more likely to develop rosacea if you are female, over the age of thirty, have light skin, have a family history of rosacea, or smoke.

Medical experts agree that rosacea can become progressively more severe without treatment, and it can become particularly intrusive in older patients who have delayed diagnosis and treatment. According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, which involved 2,000 patients with rosacea, 44% said their symptoms first developed when they were in their thirties or forties and 43% said they first noticed symptoms after the age of fifty. Only 13% said they first developed rosacea symptoms before they reached the age of thirty.

​The first thing you should do upon noticing rosacea symptoms is to make sure that it actually is rosacea. Sometimes things like acne can be mistaken for rosacea. Visit your doctor for a diagnosis. Then get advice on the best skin care treatment from a dermatologist. If you feel self-conscious, you could use cosmetics to make your skin’s appearance less blemished and red. Having rosacea can be distressing, but that is perfectly normal. If you are feeling distressed and alone with rosacea, consider talking with a counselor about your feelings or joining an online or offline support group.

Times are challenging for all consumers, especially for small business owners. Nowadays, people have cut their spending to necessities while many consumers have been laid off with small businesses being shut. The new economic crisis made thousands of entrepreneurs seek additional financial assistance to help their ventures remain monetary afloat in such tough times.
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Small enterprises are the ones being affected the most by the current pandemic. While consumption habits have already changed, below are some available funding options and grants from the government and the private sector.

​Thousands of small ventures have been negatively affected by the current pandemic. People are trying to lower their expenses so that entertainment, going out, and traveling costs aren’t on their spending list anymore.
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While people are learning to become more frugal, it has impacted small business owners who don’t have profit now. Many businesses have already been closed but the majority of them are still trying to survive. Regular consumers have also lost their jobs with women being the most vulnerable stratum of the population.

It’s not easy to keep on paying salaries to your employees, pay the monthly bills, or cover the rent payments when you have no income. Many entrepreneurs need to renew their business model and rethink new ways of building their companies.

There are many grants available to consumers today which may assist your business and help it stay afloat until the situation becomes more stable again. There is a variety of grants, so you may have a closer look and select the most suitable option. We are going to tell you about the best offers and assistance programs.

You can find information about COVID-19 relief options offered by the US Small Business Administration. There are several grants available for consumers and small business owners for the period of the pandemic. Also, you may look through the American Rescue plan Act signed into law by President Biden.

It was signed in March 2021 allowing entrepreneurs to obtain additional funds from the government including $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program. Industry-oriented grants allow restaurant owners to qualify for $28.6 billion from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Such pandemic relief grants and assistance programs are designed to help small business owners survive during the quarantine.

The only drawback of such government-issued programs and grants is that they require lots of paperwork. So, they are quite time-consuming for the borrowers. If you value your time and don’t want to waste it on submitting multiple documents and applications, you may opt for alternative assistance programs and small business loans from online creditors.

Alternative lending solutions are also popular today as they let common consumers and even unemployed people obtain urgent monetary aid. For instance, 2500 loan bad credit is widespread among those who have lost their jobs or simply need urgent money.

While entrepreneurs may apply for special grants and programs from the government, unemployed mothers and parents may also qualify for financial assistance from alternative lending services. Such small loans are meant to support their needs during challenging times and help them fund their daily needs until they find a suitable job again.

The above-mentioned government website offers a wide choice of grants and assistance programs for small businesses in different industries. The money flows straight from the federal government to ventures.

Certain funding is divided between local and state governments, not-for-profit organizations, etc. So, you may choose between various options and apply on the state or local level. Here are some of the most popular grants available today:

• Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). If your venture is eager to take part in federal research and expand further in this sphere, you may qualify for this program. This grant is very competitive and is designed to assist small businesses in reaching their research and scientific goals. Make sure your venture is profitable and meets additional demands and requirements before you apply. There is some paperwork required to apply for this grant so you should learn about the necessary papers beforehand.
• USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. This grant is available for those located in the rural areas of the country. It offers training and assistance to ventures with less than 50 employees and up to $1 million in gross revenue. This is a great support program for projects in small towns, higher education institutions, nonprofits, etc.
• US Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). If you want to grow your company and export your goods abroad, it may be a great option for you. This grant allows small business owners to develop their ventures and export various products. The funding is divided between state entities. You should ensure your business meets the demands and eligibility criteria to obtain extra cash. This way, you will be able to develop your company, enter foreign markets, take part in trade shows abroad, and create international campaigns.
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program. This grant is available for women-owned small companies. You may obtain additional financial support through this program and fund your business needs. This program also offers funds for counseling, training, and access to extra capital so that women have equal opportunities in small businesses. So, if you’ve been laid off and seek extra financing, you may either obtain a small personal loan for the unemployed women mentioned above or qualify for this assistance program.

All in all, there are many funding grants and assistance programs available today for small business owners. Take some time to review the most popular funding options and select the one that meets your current financial needs.

Depending on several qualifying factors, you may either get approved for one of these government-issued grants or apply for a small business loan from alternative creditors. Such funding options are designed to help entrepreneurs support their business needs during an economic crisis.

Going through a divorce can be very difficult at any stage in life but once you are retired, being divorced has a different set of challenges compared to in earlier stages of life. Divorce impacts people in many different ways but for retired divorcees, these are some of the biggest difficulties:

Even though you may look forward to the day you can retire so that you do not have to go to work, the time you spend at work can be a good distraction from going through divorce. Most people spend a large amount of their life at work and they have relationships with co-workers where they can feel supported when they are going through personal problems such as divorce. Once you retire, without the need to go into work every day, you have more time to think and worry about the divorce.

When you divorce during retirement, it can affect you more from a financial perspective. If you do not have an income to rely on, you may have been depending on your spouse’s pension to help pay for bills during retirement. Even if your pension entitlement is not affected by the divorce, separating can mean that you have more living expenses to pay as an individual, rather than as a couple living together. Instead of splitting bills, you may now be living alone and therefore paying the same amount of bills by yourself.

If you are considering starting divorce proceedings and need some advice about how it could financially impact you, you should speak to a family solicitor such as www.brookman.co.uk.

​Retirement usually provides a lot of time for hobbies and following interests but if you had planned to do things together as a couple, you may find that living on your own is very lonely. If you have children who have moved out of home, you do not have the company that you would have had if you divorce earlier in life while the children still lived at home.

​Many retired divorcees consider taking on a small part-time job, either paid or on a voluntary basis if they do not really need the extra money. This helps them to feel more involved in the community and to spend their time doing something really worthwhile. It can provide company through regular interactions with people and can also be a good distraction from worrying about the divorce.

​To try and avoid being lonely or bored, you should try and discover some new hobbies​ and interests. There are so many different types of groups and activities that you could get involved in, from joining a walking group, going to coffee mornings or taking up an art class, for example. It might be a bit scary to go outside of your comfort zone to start with but once you have met some new people you will probably find that there are a lot of people in the same situation as you.

If you have a local community centre, library or church, they may have some events that you could get involved in. Alternatively, if you are interested in joining a specific group such as a choir, book club, dance class etc. you should be able to find local groups by searching on the internet. Hobbies that get you outside of the house and socialising will be really beneficial to take your mind off your divorce and will help you to look to the future, starting a new chapter in your life.

Some people feel embarrassed to admit to their friends and family that they are feeling lonely after a divorce but you need your support network to help you to cope with your emotional journey through divorce. Family members might not realise that you are lonely unless you tell them and then they will hopefully make more effort to spend time with you or help you to find some new hobbies.

By talking to the people close to you, it can also help you to deal with some of the emotions you are going through and help you to make some decisions that will enable you move onto the next stage of your life. If you do not feel you can talk to anyone about your situation, there are other ways you can get support. Organisations such as The Samaritans or Age UK provide support to people going through difficult times, or for older people who may need some companionship if they are feeling lonely.

Getting divorced once you are retired is not always a negative outcome, it could be the second lease of life you need to pursue a hobby you enjoy, meet new friends and maybe even find love again.

​Have you been searching for ways to invest in things like stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, and precious metals but are afraid that there's just not enough money in your budget to do so? Fortunately, in the modern trading environment, just about anyone, in any income level, can get involved quickly and easily with potentially profitable investments of all kinds. The trick is to figure out which areas lend themselves to budget investing. 
For example, there is one precious metal that works well for those who have modest amounts of disposable income. Likewise, there are ways to take part in the stock market with small sums of capital. Finally, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin offer fractional ownership so that you only need a few dollars to buy a stake. Here are several of the most suitable ways to start putting your money to work for you, even if you live on a limited budget.

​Compared to gold, silver offers an ideal way for new and investors on a budget to acquire significant amounts of one of the most popular precious metals. Consider the fact that gold usually costs about 70 times what silver does, and that you can purchase an ounce of silver for between $20 and $30. Those two facts mean that just about anyone can set aside enough capital to build up a nice stash of silver over the course of a single year.

​Penny stocks have been around for decades and continue to attract investors of all stripes. If you have limited capital right now, you can invest small amounts of money and buy hundreds of shares of penny stocks. The best way to get started is to review a guide that explains to beginners the basics of buying and selling these low-cost shares. In fact, it's possible to build up a diverse portfolio of corporations in multiple sectors by investing a modest amount of money into various low-cost issues.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies offer people with limited amounts of capital an excellent way to acquire a stake in one of the fastest growing, and most volatile, segments of the economy. As with all other kinds of investing, there is risk involved, but crypto, as a category, represent an asset class with virtually unlimited upside potential. Plus, some of the most popular and stable alt coins sell for less than a dollar per unit, which means you can acquire a diverse portfolio of crypto on a limited income.​

​Even if you're a traditionalist who values the idea of sticking with blue chip companies, you don't need to have unlimited wealth to buy a stake in these highly prized companies. The way to get involved is to select an online broker that offers fractional share ownership. Not all do, but there are enough of them that you can easily find one and open an account. Then, you'll be able to purchase a stake in some of the biggest, most formidable corporations listed on the exchange. Be sure to ask about fractional ownership when you explore brokerages online.

So you have just retired, now what? You’ve decided to spend your golden years in a foreign country. We don’t hold it against you! Retirement abroad for U.S. citizens is all about enjoying life to the fullest. Many Americans spend years daydreaming of a picturesque expat retirement, sipping champagne in the Italian countryside, or taking daily strolls along a picture-perfect tropical coastline.

For many people, planning for all the exciting aspects of retirement abroad can take precedence over thinking about the more fundamental elements of retirement abroad, such as taxes. This is one of the most common retirement pitfalls. Whether you’ve only recently conceived the notion of spending your golden years abroad or are a seasoned expat, it’s critical to understand that even expats who live and work in the United States must pay U.S. taxes.

Yes, you read that correctly: even if you are an expat enjoying retirement in a foreign country, you may still be subject to United States taxation. If you are still a citizen of the United States, regardless of where you live in the world, you are still accountable for your U.S. tax obligations. We’ve outlined the essentials of what you need to know about taxes in an expat retirement in the sections below.

Do I need to file taxes after retirement? If you retire outside of the United States, you will leave the country, but not the tax system, because the United States taxes income based on citizenship rather than residence. The IRS minimum thresholds, which usually begin at around $12,000 per person (although these thresholds can be lower, for example, just $400 of self-employment income), mean that American citizens living abroad must still file a federal tax return every year if their global income exceeds certain thresholds.

To qualify for this exemption, all worldwide income must be included in the calculation. This includes social security payments, pension distributions, dividends, bank interest, and rental income, as well as any post-retirement employment or self-employment earnings.

Individuals who retire abroad may also be required to file a state tax return in the state where they last resided, depending on the tax regulations in that state, which are frequently dependent on whether or not they have ties to the state in the form of property, dependents, financial accounts, or other means of support.

The combined total balances of their foreign financial accounts (including bank and investment accounts) may exceed $10,000 at any point during the year, in which case Americans who retire and have financial accounts abroad may be required to disclose those accounts by filing a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR).

American citizens who pay foreign income taxes in the nation where they retire can claim the U.S. Foreign Tax Credit when they file their federal income tax return by completing IRS Form 1116 and submitting it to the Internal Revenue Service. The Foreign Tax Credit allows them to claim tax credits in the United States based on the amount of foreign taxes they have paid. For Americans who choose to retire in a country with a greater income tax rate than the United States, this will eliminate their U.S. income tax liability. Those who pay less or no foreign tax than their theoretical U.S. tax bill, on the other hand, are frequently required to pay some amount of U.S. tax.

Pensioners who still earn some income, such as through freelance work or consultancy services, can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion on Form 2555, which allows them to exclude their earned income from their taxable income. The FEIE will enable them to deduct up to just over $100,000 of their earned income from their U.S. tax liability each year under certain conditions.

A provision in some of the international tax treaties that the United States has signed provides for the prevention of double taxation on retirement income, such as social security income and pension distributions. On the other hand, the terms differ from case to case, and such provisions, when advantageous, must be claimed on Form 8833.

​Filing U.S. taxes from abroad is more complicated. It is always advisable to seek advice from a U.S. expat tax professional like TFX, who will be intimately acquainted with all of the forms and circumstances that Americans who retire abroad may encounter, and who will guarantee that they file most efficiently and beneficially possible to maximize their benefits.