midlifejourney.com

If you are a Baby Boomer who is searching for true love, you need to be smart about the “who, where and how,” but the search for your perfect soul mate is not a lost cause. In this article, guest author, Samantha Jayne offers some great strategies for Building a Lasting Relationship after you hit that midlife mark of 50!

. . . . .

Over 50 Dating – Baby Boomers Finding Love – It’s Easier Than You Think!

Guest Author:  Samantha Jayne

Meeting someone special for the second time round is easier than you think! The biggest difference between finding love in your 20’s and 30’s is experience! You are now in a great position, your adult tasks have been accomplished, career established, children have grown up and in many cases you have more time and disposable money for you! It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

If you are serious about finding love you need to take a strategic approach. Just as you would have a plan for any goal in life such as buying a house, career, weight loss or holiday. Take fate into your own hands and open the door, challenge yourself to find love by a given date.

Let me share with you top 10 strategies to finding love in your 50’s:

1. Get out and about! Break out of your comfort zone. You have wonderful friends, family, and career, it’s time to get out there! Meet new people, try new things, a new course, cooking classes and dancing are and excellent way to meet singles. Take some golf lessons or simply enjoy a coffee in a new cafe whilst reading the paper, you never know who’s path you may cross!

2. Network! Expand your wings. Let your friends and family know that you are dating. Have them introduce you to anyone that may be suitable.

3. Get back in touch! Look up an old friend you have lost touch with. A large portion of people in their 50’s rekindle romances and find love from their past.

4. Hire a professional! Professional matchmakers meet single men and women daily who are in the search for finding love for the second time round. A professional will do the work for you, find out what it is you are searching for in a person, run through compatibility tests based on values and lifestyles and most importantly offer you the advice and support you need.

5. Make new single friends! Having single friends in the same situation will give you healthy support. Host dinner parties and invite new people to join your group.

6. Be positive! Listen to your words, are you negative? Complaining that no one is good enough, and that everyone wants a younger man or woman will get you nowhere! Loose the cynicism, it is a huge turn off, you will be more attractive with a positive attitude.

7. Engage in light conversation. The intention of your date should be purely to having a nice time while getting to know a new person.

8. Prepare conversation starters. I always recommend 3 – 5 open ended questions about food, travel, favourite weekend escapes, and favourite outdoor activities. It is a great opportunity for you to establish whether there is intrigue or an interest in a second date.

9. The topic of children. Mention you children however don’t dwell on the subject, your date will lose interest. Remember your date is here getting to know you not your children.

10. The ex! Embrace the past relationship and move on, your second relationship will never compete with the first. Once you acknowledge the past have confidence in yourself in finding a new will happen sooner rather than later.

Most importantly have fun! You are in a great time in your life! Have balance between friends, family, time for you and of course finding new love! Learn to live in the moment. Be fulfilled by who you are now and remember, not everyone will be the love of your life, but it is likely you will make many wonderful friends along the way for your search for your companion. My most valuable advice is to never give up!

Samantha Jayne is dating Expert, Presenter and Matchmaker for exclusive matchmaking company for professional singles Blue Label Life. She has matched thousands of couples who have walked down the isle, is a guest speaker and presenter at seminars and events. To find the one you are looking for or to simply meet like-minded professionals visit http://www.bluelabellife.com.au

Article Source

Guest Author: Taren Coleman

Every Baby Boomer should be preparing for retirement, even if it’s decades away. Especially if it’s decades away!!! Socking away a little each month in a 401K, a Roth IRA, even an emergency savings account should be an essential part of your plan. But with today’s economic situation it may not be as easy as it was to keep up those payments. If you are faced with a depletion or resources and a sudden emergency lands on your doorstep, you may be tempted to actually tap into those savings. It’s not the best idea, but if you are forced to do so, there are ways to do it that won’t leave you stranded.

. . . .

Tips on Tapping Into Your Retirement Funds

By Taren Coleman

Is tapping into your retirement savings a good option to get you through a financial crunch? The short answer is…no. Although it is your money, the tax consequences and impact to your long-term savings are very serious. If your need is so pressing that no other option will suffice, proceed with caution and know the rules.

The Loan: A loan from your 401(k) allows you to borrow against your savings. The loan must be repaid – with interest! – usually within five years. But, if you lose your job or leave the company and still have an outstanding loan, you are required to pay it back (typically) within one to two months. Failure to repay the loan accordingly is considered a default and the outstanding loan amount is fully taxable. Other restrictions may apply so be sure to talk with your 401(k) administrator before making this choice.

The Hardship Withdrawal: This option provides you with access to your savings under certain financial conditions, i.e. circumstances that present an immediate and severe need. Examples of hardships include medical care, the purchase of a principal residence, tuition payments, to prevent eviction or foreclosure, and funeral expenses. The two biggest drawbacks? You are permanently reducing your retirement savings and the withdrawal is treated as taxable income. Also, if you take the withdrawal prior to your age 59 ½, there is a 10% penalty added to the withdrawal amount.

If you are changing jobs or kissing the work world good-bye, your retirement accounts need special attention. To make your transition easier, keep in mind the following three options for managing your 401(k) or other qualified plans:

1. Leave the money in your current plan. You may have the option to leave your money in the account where it is. You will want to review the plan’s summary description for any restrictions that may apply.

2. Withdraw the money in a lump sum. As mentioned above, withdrawals are not recommended because they are fully taxable, and if you are under age 59 ½, there is an additional 10% penalty applied to the withdrawal amount.

3. Rollover the money into an IRA or new employer’s plan. Moving your money allows you to maintain control over your investment options. And, if you have changed jobs before, it allows you to consolidate multiple accounts. You can avoid paying taxes and penalties if you transfer the assets directly to the new custodian as a trustee-to-trustee transfer. One caveat to consider – if you own company stock in your plan, you may want to review an additional option before you initiate the rollover of that stock. Distributions of company stock from a qualified plan are eligible for favorable tax treatment. A calculation of potential Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) will help you determine what’s right for your situation.

Taren Coleman is the founder of Coleman Financial Group. She specializes in retirement income planning and is dedicated to helping her clients Build Confidence in Their Financial Futures. For more information visit http://www.colemanfinancialgroup.com

Coleman Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through H. Beck, Iinc. Member FINRA/SIPC. H.Beck, Inc. and Coleman Financial Group are not affiliated.

Article Source

Guest Author: Geian Gardi

Flexibility is a key ingredient in a healthy regimen. As we age, it is only natural that our joints get a little stiff, our bones get a little more fragile. But as long as we remain flexible by stretching and exercising regularly, injuries will be far fewer.

. . . . .

Why You Need to Stretch and Improve Your Flexibility

By Geian Gardi

Most of today’s society is plagued with muscular imbalances due to repetitive patterns of movement which place undue stress on the body. That includes sitting or standing for long periods, and repeating the same movements overtime.

Muscular imbalance are a result of poor movement of the joints, inappropriate muscles taking over the function of the primary muscles, and decreased nueromuscular control. People of all ages and all fitness levels can benefit from stretching.

Stretching improves joint range of motion, improves the function of your muscles and improves neuromuscular control or efficiency.

Flexibility is the range of motion around a specific joint or a set of joints. Every movement you make including daily activities in general, exercise as well as all sports require your joints to move through a full range of motion. Therefore a lack of flexiblity will lead to muscular imbalances and eventually injury.

Stretching exercises don’t require any special equipment so they can be performed anywhere, at your desk, at home or in the gym.

Flexibility and stretching exercises should be performed during warm up and cool down. Stretching during warm up prepares your muscles prior to exercise and prevents injury. Stretching after a workout improves joint range of motion and helps your muscles recover after a workout which also prevents excessive muscle soreness.

And if you don’t exercise and lead a sedentary lifestyle it’s even more crucial you perform some form of stretching and flexibility exercises. Just remember to only stretch to the point of slight tension and hold for at least 30 seconds. Never bounce while stretching.

Its best to stretch every major muscle group. That includes the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and buttocks, back, chest, shoulders and neck. Stretches must be held for at least 30 seconds to improve flexibility.

There are different forms of flexibility training, including static, active, dynamic and self myofacial release with a foam roller.

Static stretching is the most common type of stretching seen in fitness today. It involves taking a muscle to a low point of tension and holding that stretch for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds. This allows lengthening of the muscle being stretched by contracting the opposite muscle. This type of stretching is a great way to correct muscle imbalances.

Self myofacial release is also a form of corrective stretching. By applying pressure to “knots” or sensitive areas of a muscle, this technique allows bundled muscle fibers to be straightened and inline with the direction of the muscle, This in turn leads to lengthening of the muscles. It’s a great way to restore your body to it’s optimal level of functioning. This can be done by rolling specific muscles on a foam roll.

Active stretching and dynamic stretching are another form of stretching. They should be performed only as a warm up prior to exercise and stretches are held for very short durations with several repetitions. They should only be performed if you have no muscle imbalances.

Improve you flexibility and not only will you feel great but you’ll improve your posture, reduce your risk of injury, relieve pain, counteract aging, improve muscle recovery after workouts and reduce stress.

About The Author: Geian Gardi is a NASM certified personal trainer and owner and operator of a Strength Training Website which offers sample workouts and fitness information.

Get sample Stretching Flexibility Exercises that include static, foam roll and active stretching, complete with images and instructions.

Article Source