Monday, March 10, 2008

Free Retirement Speeches

Have you ever wondered if what you know about free retirement speeches is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on free retirement speeches.

People often wonder what to do when the muse fails them and they simply can't come up with an idea for a retirement speech. This is where using a free retirement speech is recommended.

Don't think for a minute that using a free retirement speech is like plagiarizing a speech that someone else wrote. They are more like templates that are in the public domain. When you go searching for a free retirement speech online you will often find that they are more like skeletons of what you would really like to say. There are usually sentences with blanks in them that you can fill in with personal details either about yourself or the person you are planning to toast and roast at a retirement dinner.

These templates are suggestions for your speech structure, not full speeches in their own right. The important thing to remember here, is that a retirement speech is not a piece of writing that can be dashed off quickly like a memo and it is not something that you can get your secretary to do for you. It is an ancient rite of passage that represents your best memories, greatest wishes and fondest wishes for the person bidding your business organization good-bye.

It is a good idea to use these templates as they are much more personal than speeches that have been lifted from somewhere like Bartlett's quotations or a speech writing book. If you hire someone to write a spec hit can also sound stiff and sincere once you are in front of the microphone. That is why it is so important to personalize these speeches as much as you can by gathering anecdote about the retiree

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

If you are the retiree then it s a good idea to sit down and meditate for a bit. Take a trip down memory lane to see if you can remember what the happiest time in your career was and be sure to keep the tone positive and appreciative of even the rough times. Keep your sense of humor and don't be afraid to gently rib your colleagues who might be waiting for a story from you about them in your speech. However be sure to make the audience know how appreciative you have been of the good times and how you have learned lessons as a result of the bad times as that kind of upbeat take is a real crowd-pleasing way to update a free retirement speech.

Nic Duquette has a message for economists considering direct involvement in public policy: Don't do it. Odds are you'll get in trouble like Obama adviser Austan Goolsbee. by Nic Duquette While Barack Obama promised Ohioans he would change NAFTA as president, his main economic adviser, Austan Goolsbee, met with Canadian diplomats about the free-trade treaty. What happened in that Chicago consulate is not clear, but the Canadians decided Obama's anti-NAFTA stand was insincere political posturin

UFC “President” Dana White keeps to true form in a recent interview with the OC register. Dana White on CBS-EliteXC deal: “Nah. See everybody is out there yapping like they know what they are talking about because they think I wanted too much control and all this (expletive) like the HBO deal. We had a couple of issues with the HBO deal, but nothing negative, nothing that … whatever. I’m still talking to HBO.” “The CBS deal didn’t work for us. At the end of the day, listen, when you are t

“He wanted people to know who they were…” Tejinder Sibia (sacbee.com) Known for his web site www.sikhpioneers.org documenting the history and culture of Punjabis and Sikhs in California and the Pacific Northwest, Tejinder Singh “Ted” Sibia, who recently died of leukemia at age 70, also took an active role in promoting the inclusion of Punjabi history in state textbooks and Punjabi language study at UC Davis. While heading UCD’s Shields Library research unit for biology and agriculture until hi

Maxine Allen & John Swanborough own a website which specializes in free retirement speeches to help enhance the confidence and skills required when presenting your retirement speech, as well as funny retirement poems and retirement gifts.

As your knowledge about free retirement speeches continues to grow, you will begin to see how free retirement speeches fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Transition Yourself into Retirement

Golf was a passion he and Maud shared. Their retirement home overlooked a golf course, but they did much more than “overlook.

To be a successful retiree, you must successfully transition yourself into retirement in order to meet your retirement objectives. In addition, you have to plan the amount of money you need and what you want to accomplish with your savings. After all, you'll likely spend 35+ years in retirement so you must start planning now. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways that you can successfully transition yourself into retirement. They are as follows:
Have a plan. The best way to ensure that you will have a comfortable retirement is to plan how much you will need to retire.

1. Debt Reduction - Make sure that you do not carry your debts into retirement. Therefore, commit yourself to paying off as much of your debts as you possibly can. Eliminate car payments, credit card debts, personal loans, etc. Do what you have to do now to squash debt and make sure that you don't obtain any new debts either.

2. Have a Nest Egg of Emergency Funds - Have enough liquid funds in hand to cover at least a few months of expenses, without eating into your investments. Be prepared for the unexpected expenses while you transition into retirement. After all, emergencies will certainly come up but if you have a certain amount of savings, you won't have to worry about them.

3. Adequate Insurance Coverage - Make sure that you have adequate insurance to cover your life, health, homeowners', and auto insurance policies. Reassess your insurance needs on a yearly basis to ensure that they suit your retirement needs. Be open to making changes as needed and check out your employer's retirement coverage. Many of folks have been unpleasantly surprised to learn that their employers will no longer cover their medical expenses after they retire. So, if you find out now, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.
Consider your options– Consider your many available options. Whether you ‘ease' into retirement, take a course at a college, or work some part time job or pursue a volunteer position, do what you want to do and let no one tell you what you need to do while in retirement.

4. Retirement Income Plan - To ensure that you don't outlive your assets, develop a retirement income plan that includes your income and expenses. Keep track of your current expenses and cut back as needed.

5. Social Security Benefits - The rules for benefits are rather complex, so talk to a Social Security representative a year before you plan to retire. By doing this, you'll be able to understand your benefits and how much you're covered. In addition, you should apply for social security three months before you want to start collecting your benefits or three months before your 65th birthday.

6. Contribute to a Savings Plan - If your employer offers a tax-sheltered savings plan (such as a 401K), make sure that you contribute as much as you can. Not only will this substantially lower your taxes but will also make huge difference in your financial security due to the magic of compounded interest.
Evaluate current lifestyle and make necessary changes. Third, evaluate your current lifestyle, financial situation and then decide whether your retirement income will provide you with enough money to support your current needs.

7. Review Wills and Trusts - Make sure that you have a valid will and/or trust. Not only will this protect your assets but will give you peace of mind.

8. Invest in IRA - By putting money in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you'll cleverly delay paying taxes on investment earnings. If you invest $2,000 in IRA at 4% when you are 30, it will grow to $112,170 by the time you are 60. Now that's a lot of moola for simply being smart!

9. Follow Basic Investment Principles - Just remember that how much you have for retirement depends on the type of investments you make now. Learn how to multiply your savings using mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. Consult a financial advisor for additional information.

10. Know About Medicare - Find out when it is appropriate to apply for Medicare and then apply. The Medicare application process and premiums may vary, depending on your age and whether or not you are receiving Social Security by being aware of the type of Medicare you may qualify, you'll be ahead of the game. For instance, the two parts of Medicare are:
Work longer – Social Security retirement benefits are based on your age, how long you work and how much you earn. Many women make the mistake of taking Social Security as soon as they are eligible.

- Hospital insurance, which generally you do not pay. It helps to pay for hospital, hospice, and home health care.

- Medical insurance, which you pay. It helps pay for doctors, outpatient care, and other medical services.

Follow our suggested ten steps and you'll not only improve your mental health but you'll also transition yourself into a happy and financially secure retirement.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Active Adult Retirement Communities

Golf was a passion he and Maud shared. Their retirement home overlooked a golf course, but they did much more than “overlook.

Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will choose to sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial, to downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders are building more retirement communities and discovering what features boomers want making them more appealing, more boomers are considering retirement at active adult retirement communities.

Here are ten things you should know when you begin your research into active adult retirement communities:

1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you would like to live by region, state and then city. A variety of websites now cover this subject thoroughly and are very helpful. My website also gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering what it would be like to live in California, for instance. Find the communities listed under that area or city. The type of community we are talking about here will be categorized as Active Adult and sometimes Independent Living. Make a list of the active adult communities you want to consider further. There are many types of active-adult communities so notice what kind it is. For instance, some communities only have rental apartments. There are some that are manufactured homes only or RV. Some have assisted living available. The most common type is the outright purchase plus homeowners fee.
“Defined contribution plan”. This type of plan outlines the amount that flows to employees and how much should be contributed by an employer each year to the retirement plan.

2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a golfcourse necessary? What are your hobbies and can you pursue them there. What other activities are there that you may wish to try in the future. Do you want a resort-type active adult community. Is having a college nearby important or your favorite medical facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to you. Make a list putting your highest priorities first.

3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase or rent. What is the homeowner's fee and what does it cover. Are there any other fees. Make a list of your total expenses. What is the policy regarding raising fees. Are there other active adult community plans that you find more desirable than outright purchase. There are many types of financial plans, however, the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My fee covers property tax and insurance, utilities, basic cable TV, security services, Clubhouse, and amenities such as fitness center and tennis. My tai chi class is an additional small fee. Usually there is an extra fee for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest security, make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for the rest of your life.
Determine your expenses after retirement. A person should have a fairly good idea what monthly expenses they expect to have after retirement.

4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to contact the community or homebuilder and let them know you are interested. I find the retirement community will then send a generous packet of information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's program offering a tour of the property and sometimes an overnight stay at reasonable rates. Visiting gives you more detailed information.
Since retirement, I don't feel that I'm accomplishing my retirement goals.

5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the seniors appear happy and active and sometimes greeting you. Ask them if they like living there. Notice if the landscaping is well kept and beautiful. What amenities are offered. Where do you put out your trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of these are conveniently right outside my door. My trash shute makes my life a lot easier. The building is cleaned every week. Sometimes, of course, you will have your own machines in your home. Make sure the floorplan makes your life easier. Are there any unique health programs for seniors such as restaurants serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt and sugar. Get the newspaper or activities calendar and ask if there are resales, check out the local real estate office. They can also give you an objective opinion on the community.
Have a plan. The best way to ensure that you will have a comfortable retirement is to plan how much you will need to retire.

6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a shuttle bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car to work and your spouse stays home all day. You may not want the expense of two cars anymore or any car at all. You don't want to be stuck in your home and no way to get around. How far is the shopping center. Can you walk?

7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: Is there a shopping center located nearby and where is the major shopping mall. Ours is conveniently next to the community and we can walk if we want to.

8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, most active adult communities are located near these facilities since adult community homebuilders know it is important. However, some that are in more remote areas may not be near enough and you may have to weigh this in your decision.

9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it an electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or manned gate and patrol. The manned gate plus 24-hour patrol is best. Our security service also handles just about anything that may come up that we need assistance with or are concerned about. It is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind.
Join a Cause – After retirement, you may decide to join a worthwhile cause. Not only will this improve your self esteem but you will also make the world a better place and enrich a lot of lives, including your own.

10) Now choose which communities you like best: Once you are in a community, you will only then know how important having all these conveniences will be to you. Get the names of persons you came in contact with for any questions you may have later. Narrow your list down to only one or two. Get more details on the community and maybe try to rent there first to try it out. Retirement communities usually have short-term rentals available. You may wish to do a follow-up visit.

Choosing which adult community you will reside in will be easier than you think. The people you come in contact with at retirement communities are very gracious and helpful. Soon you will enjoy the new sense of freedom and pleasure that only a great active adult retirement community can offer.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Florida Retirement Communities

Florida boasts of the best retirement communities in the nation. Florida retirement communities are most sought after for their location, facilities and price. Active adult prefer to retire in Florida for the range of options it offers. They can pursue the lifestyle of their dreams in a Florida retirement community.Ideal retirement destination: Florida is the preferred destination for retirement. Its pristine surroundings - beautiful lakes, rolling meadows, winding rivers, charming towns, cosmopolitan cities and sugar white beaches has made it a haven for retirees seeking the best life has to offer in their golden years. The right choice of place to retire is a major lifetime decision that could deliver years of contentment and security. Many active adults who have chosen to set down roots in a Florida retirement community in their golden years can look forward to a well-planned retirement amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of the region. There are more and more senior citizens who are choosing to retire in Florida today. They prefer it not least for its warm and sunny climate that offers a fabulous outdoors lifestyle.

Superb retirement communities: Be it Central Florida, North or South Florida, senior citizens looking forward to spending their golden years here can expect top of the line facilities in a Florida retirement community. All modern amenities are provided such as indoor and outdoor pools. Most Florida retirement communities offer low association fees, winding roads, only single family homes, full amenities and recreation facilities. The active adult community here is growing by the day with builders drawing up expansion plans to existing facilities.

All around these Florida retirement communities are busy cities and quaint towns and villages. Of course, the finest golf courses, parks and dozens of marinas and fish camps make the Sunshine Sate the haven that it is. Many lifestyle options: Retirees have the option of choosing the lifestyle they wish to lead in a Florida retirement community. Those senior citizens still able to lead an active life can opt for an active adult retirement community. Those retirees who need help with their daily chores as well as personal care from time to time can opt for assisted living retirement communities.

And for those who are invalid and require full time nursing there are continuing care retirement communities. Within these categories, senior citizens can choose from a range of retirement communities in Florida that suit their lifestyle and budget. Most retirees opting to relocate to Florida hope to be able to spend their time putting away on some of the best golf courses in the world. Indeed, they can choose to live in an active adult golf community.

Attractive college towns: For many retirees living in a college town is also appealing because of a variety of facilities like educational opportunities, cultural activities, medical and sport. The environment is invigorating and attractive. In recent times, colleges and universities are more involved in the development of retirement communities on or nearby their campuses. Further, the retirement communities have associated with the educational institutions to allow residents to take advantage of a dynamic environment for life long learning and are a part of the campus cultural, entertainment and sporting activities.

Florida has plenty of these college towns like Sarasota, Winter Park, Clearwater and Ocala. Rural by choice: Top Florida retirement communities are developing in a big way in the rural areas of Central, North and South Florida. Most of the senior citizens who have chosen to retire in the region are of the opinion that although these places are rural, they are accessible.

The major attractions are the bucolic landscapes and secure environment. Retirees can enjoy living amidst rolling hills, lush greenery and scenic waterways. They can also avail of excellent golf courses and horse riding facilities. A further attraction is the essential services and basic infrastructure that is in place. These include shopping malls, banks; road networks and transport that provide easy access to area's main urban magnets. The once isolated interior of Florida is no longer the same.

Decision Guide: Those who need help in choosing the right retirement destination can avail of a Decision Guide. The Decision Guide helps you through the decision making process. It does this in a structured way through a series of questions and depending on your answers filters out what won't work for you. Flexible plans are thrown up to make the decision of which Florida retirement community to retire in easier.

Over the past 25 years, CRF has developed and built over 30 retirement communities serving the needs for Active Adult Communities over 30,000 residents. CRF Communities' comprehensive website, http://retirement-speeches.wikidot.com has extensive information to help anyone who is considering buying a home in one of the company's retirement communities in Florida