Communications

Communications between people is a strange thing sometimes. Most of the time we forget that 93% of how we communicate is through non-verbal communications.  Albert Mehrabian's a professor at UCLA quantified how we communicate as follows: words, our tone of voice, and body language respectively account for 7%, 38%, and 55% of personal communications. 

Body language is important, yet we continue to believe that we know or can infer what another person is thinking. The reality is that whatever you think someone else is thinking, they're probably not. 

Many of us think we are very good at reading body language and some of us may have that skill. Even if you are very good at reading body language, you have to realize that body language is communicating about 55% of what the person is trying to say to you. Even experts cannot be right all of the time, given those percentages.

If you want to understand what the other person is saying, or more importantly have the other person understand you, your words, tone and body language have to be in sync.

Confusion often arises because your audience is receiving signals about what you think they're thinking. Of course, they are almost always wrong, just as you are almost always wrong about what they are thinking if they and you are relying only on body language to interpret communication and thinking.

The interesting fact is that your signals about they are thinking, could change what they’re thinking.

Budget categories when you retire

Budgeting is an important skill that all of us who are retired need to practice or learn. Whether you rent or live in your family home there are costs involved although they may differ based on a rental agreement and whether or not your mortgage is paid or still owing.

Life insurance may not be required but could be considered to help your family pay funeral and other final expenses. Your home will be paid in full but you may still have investments that need managing either by yourself or with a financial advisor. Make sure your WILL is up to date and completed by a reputable lawyer.

Your needs will change as should your retirement budget categories so adjust them as you age or as you see fit. Here are some suggested budget categories that you might want to consider:

• Credit Card Debt or other debts
• Charitable Contributions
• Mortgage/Rent
• House or rental insurance
• Property Taxes, Condo Fees etc.
• Groceries
• Entertainment
• Dining out
• Memberships
• Holidays (Birthdays, Christmas, Easter etc.)
• Vehicle maintenance if you still drive (registration, sticker, plates, oil change and other repairs)
• Vehicle Insurance if you still drive
• Transportation costs which may include hired help/companion drivers or community assistance, bus passes, parking passes or taxi etc.
• Telecommunications which may include telephone, cell, internet, cable
• House maintenance which may include anything to do with maintaining your home such as needed repairs or replacement costs, grass and landscape care etc.
• Health and Beauty (any meds or personal care not covered)
• Weekly or Monthly Allowance (discretionary spending including travel)
• Utilities – Gas, Hydro, Water, Water Heater and any insurances

When you are retired and your mortgage is gone you still have quite a bit to take care of financially so having some retirement savings is critical. If you don't have money saved you may have to sell and move into an apartment where costs are lower and fall within your retirement budget.

Discussion: What other considerations have I missed that you would like to add to this post? 

Dreams are made of this

Ever have dreams, that you don't quite remember, well, those are the ones in which you hold sway over the stars, possessing the keys to the entire Universe, and in which all the angels sing your name in praise. The very same dreams in which you summon legions to do your bidding, create worlds to play your games, and unflinchingly orchestrate challenges that are so intense, you completely forget you're even dreaming. 

And you're having one right now. 

Just remember that you are dreaming and that you are perfectly safe and sound, and that rumble in the jungle... is just you living your dream."

Strategies to save money

Retirement means you are living on a fixed income, yet it is a time in life we imagine we will embark on many adventures. We dream of the freedom to set our own schedule, travel, and pursue hobbies and passions. Retirement may mean finding ways to save money and stretch every dollar can help you live the retirement.

Strategies to Stretch Your Retirement Dollar

Credit card rewards points: Using one credit card for everything from gas purchases to grocery shopping can help you earn rewards points to put toward gift cards, travel, and more. Take time to research and choose a credit card with a lucrative rewards program, low-interest rate, and low fees.

Local library resources: As e-books continue to gain popularity, many people have forgotten about the benefits offered by their local library. In addition to being a popular gathering place for groups and activities, libraries can also save you money. You can take out e-books, DVDs, movie projectors, and more. Many libraries also offer movie nights, art classes, lectures, and other programs at nominal fees.

Pay annually: While monthly payments might seem easier on the budget, paying annually can save you money in the long run. This applies to everything from car insurance to annual service fees for maintenance contracts. Take a good look at every item on your budget to see which ones you could save on by paying annually.

(For my US friends) Medicare open enrollment: It might be easy just to continue your current Medicare coverage instead of searching for better values. Without a doubt, Medicare’s open enrollment period can be a little confusing. But there could be an insurance plan out there that can save you money without forcing you to compromise on care.

Programmable thermostat: Utilities can chew away at a senior’s retirement income. Taking a proactive approach to monitoring and managing these costs is important. One helpful step you can take is to install a programmable thermostat. For example, in the winter, you can program the temperature to be lower at night when you are sleeping and to automatically increase when you typically get up every morning. Some even have large screens and displays to make it easier for older eyes to read.

Store brands: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to buy only name-brand food and household products. A higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. Many stores have their own in-house brands that are just as good at much lower prices. Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, for example, is manufactured by name-brand companies ranging from Tyson to Tide, Cascade, Duracell, and even Starbucks.

Cell phone provider: Eighty-five percent of older adults now own a cell phone. This is another area where spending a little time researching options based on your needs may save you money. MyRatePlan.com can help you find the cheapest possible provider based on your need for text messages, data, and cell phone minutes.

Water: Don’t waste money on soda and other pricey sports and energy drinks. Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, drinking water is best. Not only is it healthier, but it can also be kinder on the budget. Add lemons, limes, and berries for an extra dash of flavour.

Senior discounts: Senior discounts can be another great way to save. Create a list of your favourite to shop, eat, and play and call each to inquire about their discount programs. Some grocery stores offer 10 percent off on Tuesdays, which is often one of their slowest days of the week. AARP, The Senior List, and your local branch of AAA are a few good places to begin your research.

Downsizing or moving to an independent living community can be another way to save money.  You’ll say goodbye to property taxes, as well as expenses for home maintenance and repair, lawn care, snow removal, and more which works out to be about on average $1,000 a month.