Archive for Lifestyle
10 Tips to Handling Credit Card Debt
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s almost impossible to not have a credit card today. If you want to make online purchases, book a hotel room, or a vacation you really need to have a credit card. Credit card debt can soon become a real problem and end up controlling your life. It’s easy to get into the debt but often seems impossible to get out of it.
The real problem begins when you start to use your credit cards for everyday living expenses, or get carried away with shopping sprees and don’t pay off the balance within the month, so you start getting hit with high interest rates. These interest rates can be astronomical and before you know it debt gets out of control.
One credit card maxed out often leads to getting another card and then another, and before you know where you are things have totally spiraled out of control and your drowning in debt. It is not uncommonfor many Americans to have as many as 9 credit cards.
Credit Card Debt
So what can you do to help your situation if this happens to you? Well first of all you have to acknowledge that this is a problem that needs a solution that you will take action on. Here are some of the most important things that you have to do in order to get your finances under control.
1. Cut up all your credit cards bar one. As already mentioned you do need a credit card for certain things but you must put this one credit card away and use for emergencies only.
2. Add up the total of all of your debts – you need to know what you are working with. Knowing things have got out of control and feeling doomed a lot of people don’t even open their bills because they know they can’t do anything about it. You have to know what you owe.
3. If you have more than one credit card list them all and how much you owe on each one and what the interest rate is charged on each card. Once you have done that you are going to contact the credit card companies and request a lower interest rate. If you find one with the lowest rate see about transferring the total amount to this one credit card company. Don’t be afraid to ask as all these credit card companies are in competition with each other for your business and are used to offering incentives to get business.
4. What you are trying to do here is to consolidate your debt so that you have the lowest interest rate you can get and have only one payment rather than multiple payments. When you are paying the very minimal amounts on your credit cards you will take forever to pay off the debt. If you don’t get satisfaction with the credit card companies or this method doesn’t really help your situation make an appointment to speak with someone at your bank about debt consolidation. In the long run having one payment will end up costing less than multiple payments. Read More→
What Concerns Women Over 50 Most
Posted by: | CommentsWhen you are young you never think what life will be like at age 50 – 60 or older. It seems such a long way off that middle age and beyond don’t even enter your head. And then suddenly one day you look in the mirror and here it is your 50th birthday or even maybe a 60th. The things we worry about change at different ages but most women over 50 find that they are facing real concerns that at one time were never even on their radar screen.
We don’t want to put a downer on living life over 50. We want it to be a great and special time in life but we also have to be realistic and look at what is on the mind of many women over 50 that are one day hoping to retire.
There’s no one particular concern that fits all over 50s women. There are numerous concerns depending upon your personal circumstances. Regardless of being single or married, financially secure or poor the one thing that most women over 50 do worry about is their health. And for those that are not financially secure, they worry whether they will they have enough money to see them through.
Besides the prospect of ill health itself many women are stressed out about the ever increasing bills, and worry if one day they could become one of the homeless statistics, which they fear could happen if they get sick and can’t pay their bills. There are genuine concerns that if something happened that prevented them from making an income they could end up living in their car. It’s a fact that the older you get the greater the risk of health problems, so finding ways to get and stay healthy is essential
If you are a woman over 50 married to someone that is successful and financially independent you are going to have different concerns than a single woman that is struggling to make ends meet. I’ve heard women jokingly say that they can’t afford to get old because they just won’t have enough money to see them through to old age. It’s sad to say that although this is said in a joking manner there is definitely some truth and fear behind their words Read More→
Your New Life Can Begin Over 50
Posted by: | CommentsIf you are concerned about getting older and know that you need to make some changes in your life, it’s time to stop thinking and start doing. It’s time for your new life over 50 to begin. So don’t waste your time feeling bad about getting older because it’s not a bad thing. Now that you are over 50 and have more life experience you’re probably a good bit smarter and wiser too. Put this wisdom into action and look at this as an exciting opportunity to create a new chapter for you. It’s true that your new life can begin over 50. In fact even if you’re over 60 or 70 it’s not too late for change either.
You may be thinking that you’ve made some mistakes, maybe that you haven’t always taken the right path in life when you had choices to make. You are not alone most of us would have done at least some things differently given the chance again. Often when we have to make choices we are not sure which one is going to be the best for us in the long run. At the time we make our decision it’s based on the best knowledge we have right then. Everything changes, we change, our needs change and situations change. You have a far better chance of getting what you want in your life over 50 when you take control, make a plan and have direction.
If you seriously want to make some changes you need to set some SMART goals which means they need to be:
Specific – You need to know exactly what you want. Be specific with what you want and not wishy washy.If you decide that you want to have better health for life over 50, well you need to know what that means. Do you need to lose some weight, lower your blood pressure, increase your energy level, need more stamina, or stop smoking? Better health can mean a number of things and be different for each one of you.
If you think that you need a make-over what needs making over? Do you look way older than your 50s when there is no need to? Is it your wardrobe, do you need a different hair cut and style, make-up, skin care or all of the above. Do you need to be more organized? What needs to be organized?
If you need an exercise plan to keep you fit over 50 what type of exercise plan is it to be? Do you prefer to work out alone or with a group, at home or at a gym? How many times a week will you exercise and for how long? Are you going to be training for a specific event like a charity run, a half marathon or are you planning on taking a cycling or hiking holiday? These are all factors in making the type of changes you need.
You get the idea of being specific
Measurable – While you are working on making your life over 50 changes you need a way to measure your success, where you are in the process of your goals of making change. If it’s not measurable how will you know when you achieve it? If your goal is losing weight you can set a number of lbs you want to lose or you may have a specific pair of jeans or a dress that you want to wear. This is measurable. You will know that you’ve reached your goal when you can wear the item or reach the weight that you’ve set for yourself. Finding a way to measure your success will help to keep you motivated and on track. It’s easy to get discouraged if you think nothing is changing and it actually may be but you are not measuring so probably not noticing yet.
Accountable – Be accountable and take responsibility for your actions. If you’ve said that you are going to do something and you don’t do it don’t make excuses or blame others. Whether your over 50 or any other age when you are accountable you will be able to pick up the pieces and get back to your original plan. We all suffer setbacks the key is to not use them as an excuse to whimp out. You will be glad that you kept going when you get the success that you want and deserve.
Realistic – Be realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unattainable unrealistic goals. Give yourself a chance of success. Sometimes we get carried away and set goals so high we haven’t a hope of achieving them. This is your life over 50 now and you are not 20 so things will be a different in a number of aspects and so should your expectations of what you may be able to do. If you want to lose 30 lbs in a month, honestly what are the chances of that happening? It’s possible to have a good chance of success if you say to lose 5 lbs in a month and a 30 lbs loss over 6-8 months. It’s still going to take effort and commitment on your part but at least that’s doable. So being realistic is required when making change. Read More→
How To Change Your Life At Any Age
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Author Shirley Price
There are the many different phases of our life that we have gone through, times that we don’t usually even think too much about until we get older. We flow from one period to another, most of the time the changes happening whether we are ready for it or not. The initial stages of a new life chapter usually starts with at least some apprehension and doubt, as well as some degree of stress but somehow we learn to adapt to our new circumstances.
Stop for a minute and take a trip down memory lane, just look back at what you’ve done with our life to date. How have you changed, who has touched your life, who’s life have you touched and made a difference to?
Feeling great!
Where have you been what changes have you seen? Are you satisfied with the life you have lead so far or is it time to change your life?
It’s a long line of changes from childhood, from the first day stepping into the big world of school. Going through the different learning experiences, grades and teachers, then maybe on to college/university and into a career, relationships, financial responsibility, and on it goes. Plus there are all the personal and emotional changes that we go through that are a given.
Even for those that are generally happy with their lot experience times when life can become humdrum leaving you feeling there has to be more and that it’s time to change your life.
There are certain times in life when things go along quite smoothly, times when you may feel happy and fulfilled, but unexpected and sometimes bad things happen to the best of us. Changes that we never saw coming can completely change our view of the world and the way we feel about ourselves. For some people it’s losing a loved one that can change your life forever. The loss of a loved one can take a lot of coming to terms with. It takes time, a lot of time especially when it’s your child or spouse. You have to be prepared that life will be different but it’s important to also remember that you still have a life that only you can live. A life that needs to be used responsibly and enjoyed as much as possible!
There are other things that present themselves to change your life, circumstances that at the time may seem like it’s the end of the world but given time it can end up being for the best. It’s usually not until sometime down the road after the event that you actually realize and can admit that something that seemed so unfair at the time could actually turn out to be positive. Read More→
Life Over 50 The Upside And Downside
Posted by: | CommentsLife over 50 can be some of your best years. Sometimes it just depends where you are, nearer 50 or 30 years beyond turning 50. At 50 many people have aged well, they are taking better care of themselves than they ever have., and are more financially secure than they have ever been. They have had time to cultivate their career and many have reached the top of the ladder in their industry. Confidence comes with success to so many 50 years old and over are much more confident and self assured.
We all know people that look better in their 50s than they did in their 30s. They have grown into themselves, they are more relaxed they don’t sweat the small stuff so much, when it comes to their appearance they know what they like, what suits them and what they feel comfortable in.
We only have to look at some of the celebrities that have been around for a number of years to see how good it is possible to look and feel when you make the effort. There are a number of beautiful women over 60 never mind over 50. What a great achievement for Helen Mirren who was recently voted best body of the year at 67 years old. She certainly does look amazing and a great motivator for the life over 50 generation, it’s a reminder that it’s possible to look fabulous over 50. I don’t think she set out to win this type of recognition at this age but it’s wonderful to see that others have chosen her even over some celebrities years younger.
There’s many other celebrities that look amazing consider Madona and Sharon Stone both 53, Olivia Newton John 63, Jaclyn Smith 64, Suzanne Sommers 65, Susan Saranden and Susan Lucci both age 66, and Raquel Welch 71, the list could go on you can’t deny that these women still look fantastic. It’s not just the women either there are some sexy, good looking senior men out there too. Some of my favorites that are living life over 50 are George Clooney, Antonio Banderas, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth you can’t deny that the big 50 looks great on these guys. Simon Cowell 51, Andy Garcia 55, Denzel Washington 56, Richard Geere 61, and Robert Redford 74 and there are a lot more that could join this list.
I know what you are thinking, but these people are celebrities, they can afford personal trainers, treatments, plastic surgery etc, but they still have to put in their own effort too. No one can do it all for you no matter how much money you have. We have seen that even with celebrities, some of the richest people in the world struggle with weight and other issues.
There are lots of everyday people living their life over 50 that can and do have treatments and personal trainers too. There are lots of non celebrities in the over 50s group that are fabulous. When you are healthy, fit and active, looking and feeling great and enjoying your life, age really doesn’t matter. Read More→
Don’t Cut Up Your Credit Card Yet
Posted by: | CommentsSo many people are drowning in debt and much of it is caused by credit being too accessible and tempting. You may have received all those mail outs from various companies telling you that you are already approved for yet another credit card. Then there are those annoying automated phone calls with an important message telling you that this is your last chance to lower your interest rates, yet another ploy to get you to sign up for a another better card. No matter how annoying it all is don’t cut up your credit cards yet!
You would think that if you want to get out of debt and not accumulate more debt that the best thing to do is to cut up all those credit cards so that you won’t be tempted to use them. Well, wait just a
Don't cut up yur credit card
minute before you do. I would be the last person to encourage anyone to get into debt as I know several people that have got in over their heads and are still paying the price even years later. I do not advocate having a number of credit cards either.
If you can’t trust yourself to curb spending and want to cut up all your credit cards good for you. However, I would strongly suggest that you keep one. Why? Have you ever tried to order anything online, tried to book a vacation or a room in a hotel where you plan to be next week? To get a PayPal account or buy music or books on line you need a credit card.
I got an Ipod for Xmas and one of the expectations is to give your credit card number in the event that you want to purchase music from Itunes. Everyone wants the number of your visa, master card or whatever card you have! The list is endless and for those that have gotten themselves into debt and have bad credit it’s more than probable that they cannot get a credit card and yet so many things are difficult to do without one.
I know a lot of people use their credit card and pay it off by the end of the month in order save paying interest and this is the ideal situation but it’s so easy to go over your budget be tempted to get more than you really need and end up with more on your credit card than you are able to pay off and it starts to mount up.
There are a lot of couples that have a joint credit card so if you have gone through a divorce or for some reason you don’t have a credit card it’s a good idea to get one in your name if you can.
If you do have a credit card treat it with great respect! Try your very best to use your credit card for emergencies only and for when you have no other means of ordering your contact lenses online, books, music, booking a hotel room and so much more. Keep things under your control don’t let bad debt take over your life.
Seniors: Now You Can Have More Security With Less Effort
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If you have thought about or are currently paying for a safe deposit box at a bank to store your important documents, cash, jewels or collectables, you should know this isn’t your best option. In 2010 alone, 157 banks in the United States failed or were seized by the United States government. What’s more disturbing is that there are currently 860 banks on the FDIC’s problem list, 442 of which are in immediate danger.
While you can hope that your bank isn’t one, the truth is, they are scattered in nearly every state. Can you really feel safe knowing your valuables are in a bank? Not to mention, there has been between 6,000 and 7,000 bank robberies per year in the past decade, a number that surprisingly decreased from an 8,800 average in the 1990s. Still feel like your valuables are safe?
Why Pay the Bank?
An average cost for the very smallest safe deposit box at a bank that will hold minimal documents is $25 per year. Now, larger boxes that you can actually store jewels, coins and other valuables can run up to $500 per year depending on the size, bank and location. Do you know you can have a Gardall safe installed in your home for a fraction of that cost? This is a fee you pay once, not every year! Why would you pay a yearly fee to a bank that really cannot offer you a solid peace of mind when you can buy yourself a safe and save that expense?
Are Home Safes Trustworthy?
If you haven’t shopped around for a home safe lately, you will be pleasantly surprised to find just how reliable some of these models really are. They are designed to keep out burglars and many are fireproof. This means that depending on the material, your particular safe is made with it will keep your contents unharmed for anywhere from a half hour up to two hours or more which is more than enough time for the fire department to do their job.
You will also find that there are safes that are waterproof which is essential with all the natural disasters happening everywhere lately. Most are completely indestructible which means that no matter if they are dropped from a high building or if several floors collapse on them, nothing inside will be damaged.
Save Money On Insurance
If you are looking for ways to cut your expenses like most people are you should take a look at your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy. Most companies will offer a significant discount if a home safe is being utilized because they know if there is a disaster, your most valuable items are tucked away safely which means the insurance company won’t be having to cover such belongings.
Adding a safe to your home just makes sense. It’s a one time expense that isn’t nearly as much as you may think and then you’ll save money in insurance and bank fees. Not to mention, wouldn’t it be nice to know your valuables are within reach and not somewhere across town?
About the Author
Richard Hoppers is married, living in North Texas and spending as much time as he can in the Weminuche Wilderness area in Colorado where he loves backpacking. He understands the concern with banks becoming unreliable and individuals looking for ways to cut expenses yet maintain an increased level of security. Richard is very knowledgeable in residential and business safes so he concentrates on helping consumers with their Gardall or FireKing safe purchases.
Leading A Positive Life Over 50 Has Many Benefits
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Shirley Price
Are you someone that tends to spend more time focusing on what’s negative in your life than what’s positive? If this sounds like you; then it’s time to change your focus because a positive life over 50 has many benefits to enhancing the quality of your life as you age.
We all need to be aware and compassionate of our environment and what happens around us and there are some pretty disturbing and 
upsetting things at times. However, many of those that do tend to focus on the negative will even get bent out of shape over issues that are not remotely related to them and are not particularly important or newsworthy. .Some people seem to be born pessimists, they worry about everything and when there is nothing for them to really worry about in their own life they will go searching until they find something.
It pays to be positive the benefits are not to be ignored! Besides positivity being a good way to live your life, there are numerous other benefits to living a positive life over 50: Read More→
How to Get Life Insurance Plans for Over 50
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Seniors life insurance
Are over 50 and having a hard time getting a life insurance plan? I can imagine the difficulties you experience in securing one for yourself. A lot of insurance companies are very particular about the current state of your health and will ask you to go through a medical check up before anything else. This is because of the fact the people’s health tend to start deteriorating once they reach the age of 50, which is a huge factor that insurance companies consider when you apply for a conventional life insurance plan.
Don’t fret because there is actually a solution to this problem. You can apply for an over 50 life insurance plan and even get a guarantee that you will be accepted. This insurance plan is especially available for retirees or seniors and is designed to meet their needs. Why do you need to get a life insurance plan in the first place? If you have a life insurance policy, you will be taking care of the finances of your family when you are no longer with them. You take away the cost of funeral expenses from your children or grandchildren as well as clear your debts.
First thing to do when looking for you over 50 life insurance plan is to go online and make a quick search. Make a shortlist of about two to three companies and ask them for quotes. The life insurance quotes usually come for free and you only need to provide them with very little information. It may not always be the most accurate quotes but you will get an idea of the market rates. It may be worth talking to an insurance agent too since they know the best plans for you, but their rates may be a little higher. Once you have all information from your online research and insurance agent, you will have the ability to identify which life insurance plan will work best with your budget. Read More→
10 Tips to Overcoming Loneliness
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Lonely Lady
Have you found yourself sitting at home – alone – and feeling sorry for yourself? Are there weeks when you felt bad, hopeless and anxious? There are many reasons why you may feel lonely but whatever they are you do need to address the problem in order to make changes in your life.
There are times when we don’t have the energy for anything and sometimes staying in bed all day feels like the best thing to do. Oversleeping is the better description for those days. There are also instances when you are not interested in the things you usually enjoy.
Next to love, loneliness is probably the second most common feeling that has inspired a million writers, artists and songwriters. Such emotional disposition may be most complained by those who are over 50, as senior years limit physical activities and gives way to brooding episodes. However, this is not exclusive only for the retirement stage- loneliness happens to everyone.
It can be a seasonal depression, or prolonged melancholy. It can slowly sneak into our being or it can suddenly hit you when you look into a mirror. Some may know the reasons while others don’t. Some may admit to those reasons while others refuse to. Read More→
