Spending your money during your latter years

“Spend your money while you can.”

That is the message of New Zealand Financial Advisor Mary Holm who has recently published another book.

This message was aimed at retirees. Ms Holm says you should not just leave your money to your children.

She says that she has received letters from people in their eighties and nineties who have said they wished they had done more travelling when they were able to. They were of course referring to when they were in their sixties and seventies.

Holm does have a point but it all depends on how responsible your children are with their money. If they have a house and a retirement plan then you can stipulate that the money can go toward these things.

Doing stuff while you are able to is probably the best way to live for those who have reached the retirement age and that all takes money.

What Mary says makes sense; helping your children get their foot on the property ladder or through university is one thing but if they are irresponsible with their money then that is another thing altogether.

This all highlights the importance of teaching your children financial literacy.

Teaching your children how to invest is just as important as teaching them how to save. Most people are able to save money but most are saving to spend rather than saving to invest.

It is investing which will make life easier in the long-term.

Your priorities will determine how you are going to spend your latter years and there is no law to say that you have to retire at a certain age; a lady in her eighties was still working at our local supermarket. Everyone is to their own I suppose but I don’t see the point of that since our country (New Zealand) is very generous to its retirees. It was only ill health which caused her to stop working and then she succumbed to her illness not long after.

Deciding what is important to you is all about setting goals; Anthony Robbins book, “Awaken the GIant within,” is certainly worth reading.

In the chapter on “Goal Setting,” he talks about taking the rocking chair test. If you were to sit in your rocking chair at the age of ninety what would you regret about your life?”

“Don’t die wondering,” is a saying worth remembering. It is important to enjoy the stage of life you are at because there may come a day when you regret not having made the most of that particular stage of life.

Planning for the future is just as important; it’s getting that balance right which is the key. There is no point in blowing your retirement fund during your first year of retirement if it is going to leave you in poverty for your remaining years.SUMMARY

A work colleague said to us once, “I can’t understand these old people who live frugal lives only to leave their money to someone else.” Making sacrifices in order to save money is understandable when you are younger but not when you are past the retirement age. (unless you are living from paycheck to paycheck). Live your best life now while you can and not just hoard your money for the younger generation to fritter away.

Source by Robert Alan Stewart

Weird sex positions can be good for a bit of fun or for those who love to be particularly zealous. Here we look at six creative sex positions to get you thinking about something a little naughty, or out of the ordinary.

1. Cowboy Sex Position

If you like to spice things up in the bedroom with a little role reversal then the cowboy is one of those positions for love making that will appeal to those who like to do things a little different. This position is where the woman lays on her back and the man sits on top. It’s for men who like the feeling of trapping their lady underneath to maintain control. It should be noted though that it can be difficult for your guy to dock… and when he does, it will only permit for shallow penetration. However, the vaginal tightness created by your closed legs will please him but some clitoral stimulation for you may be required.

2. The Ambush

The ambush is one of those making love positions that can feel a bit like a drunken romp but some will find it hot, if not a little amusing. Laying flat on your back with your legs over your head, he penetrates you while laying across your lower body in the opposite direction. It’s one of those weird sex positions that for the right couple can either be a big hit or a definite miss.

3. The Hungman

If you’re wondering what are good sex positions to create a bit of swinging motion, then The Hungman is a good place to start. It’s where he hangs from a rail above and supports his legs on a chair. You straddle over his legs and slide down on to his cock. If he then has good upper body strength you can attempt to swing back and forth.

4. The Motion of the Ocean

This is another one of those weird sex positions that will require a bit of creative flair and a touch on finesse. He sits on a rocking chair and you sit on him with your back to him. Holding hands you lean forward, your face almost to the ground, and you begin to rock.

5. The Rickshaw

The Rickshaw is certainly one of the most creative sex positions. It requires him to lay back on the end of the bed with his hips over hanging over the edge with his legs bent up. You stand with your back to him then lower yourself down on his cock while holding on to his feet.

6. I Want My Mummy

A reverse gender role and only for those ladies strong enough to hold their man like a child whilst leaning back up against a wall. Not for most this one definitely tops the weird sex positions guide!

Source by Jane L

Nestled on the tip of Captiva Island in Southwest Florida, the South Seas Island Resort has handily endured hurricanes, an influx of vacationers, and a recent renovation to preserve its well-earned reputation as an exclusive island destination. 

The 330-acre resort is the former site of a copra and key lime plantation started by Clarence Chadwick,  an inventor and itinerant farmer. By 1924, Chadwick owned 400 acres on the northern tip of Captiva and built a number of homes as quarters for his workers.  At one time, his plantation was the largest key lime producer in the world.  In 1930, Chadwick grew tired of the business and worked with his wife and brother to turn the settlement of worker cottages into a viable resort. Today, many of his towering coconut palms still stand, framing the resort and providing a lush, tropical welcome to visitors.  Accommodations are spread throughout the grounds in low-rise buildings featuring hotel rooms, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites and private homes.  Because the resort takes up the entire northern tip of Captiva, a free trolley shuttles back and forth through the mangrove forests dotting the property as well as into town at designated times.

The 2 1/2 miles of sugary beach — steps away from homes and condominiums within the resort — is South Seas’ defining feature.  Strolling the shell-strewn beach is a tranquil escape for even the weariest of travelers.  The beach was refreshed following the devastation of Hurricane Charlie in 2005.  In fact, the entire resort recently underwent a $140 million renovation.  Rooms — from standard hotel rooms to one,-two, and three bedroom beach villas and private homes — were newly decorated with a West Indies feel with bamboo and teak furniture, lavish bedding and spacious bathrooms.  The pool area now feature two new lagoon-style pools with cabana complex and an expansive sun deck, fountains and Jacuzzi/spa.  The resort includes 18 heated outdoor pools in total, scattered throughout the different accommodation villages as well as the Beach Villas.

Manatees are a common sight frolicking near the elegant marina fronting South Seas.  The Yacht Harbour serves as a launching point for scenic day cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa as well as shelling, dolphin watching and other boating excursions.  Boating enthusiasts can arrive at the resort by water as the marina accommodates vessels up to 120 feet.

Perhaps South Seas’ best kept secret is its superb tennis facilities.  Services include daily clinics for all levels, individual private lessons with an accomplished pro, endurance workshops, and clinics providing instruction on how to play doubles.  The resort boasts 19 courts in all, four of which are flood-lit for evening play.  The carefully crafted golf course completes the country club experience, yet preserves the secluded, tranquil feel of the island.  A recent New York Times travel and leisure piece dubbed the South Seas golf course “one of the most picturesque 9-holers” anywhere.  After a vigorous round of golf, guests can eat at one of three restaurants on the premises, including room service delivered to condos, or take advantage of the many offerings in town and nearby Sanibel.

While South Seas has always catered to families, its recent upgrade included an expansion to its children’s programs and facilities.  Kids club theme parties and other educational camps are broken out into programs for teens and children ages 4-12.  Past programs have included shell walks, water games, pirate hunts, and kayak programs, among others.

While Captiva is famous for its beaches and shelling, its unspoiled wildlife has provided enduring comfort to a number of visitors.  Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea,” while vacationing on Captiva.  Captiva is one of the few regions left where you can observe rare birds such as opsrey, bald eagle, and blue herons in their natural habitat. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 30 types of animals — species that a visitor might not ordinarily get to see in such an intimate setting.  The miles of winding bike and jogging paths allow visitors to experience Captiva’s raw beauty at a languid pace.

While many charmed guests have described South Seas as seemingly “the end of the world,” the newly restyled resort has preserved its status as an unspoiled haven while offering new levels of amenities and services for families of all ages.

Source by Mark M Washburn

Recently, I had the opportunity of visiting a friend’s house who had bought a Carter Grandle patio furniture. I must admit I was taken aback with the quality of the materials and workmanship, so I decided to take a closer look at Carter Grandle furniture.

Based out of Florida, Carter Grandle has been making fine home furnishings such as patio furniture, daybeds, chairs, umbrellas and much more, for several years now.

As some people may be aware, the company has come out of a rough financial time recently. In November 2006 they had to close their plant temporarily due to 3 major customers of theirs filing bankruptcy. However, Carter Grandle was able to secure additional funding and started production back up a month later in December 2006.

The company originally got its start in 1988. They sell their furnishings through their store in Sarasota, FL as well as have an incredible mail order business and internet presence.

You can order anything that they produce through the Internet. This makes shopping a breeze for anyone around the country. Their website features a full product line along with pictures and full details on every product they carry.

As an example, the Carter Grandle patio furniture line is available in so many different styles, colors and materials. My friend had beautiful dark brown wicker chairs that came with nicely padded seat cushions that were extremely comfortable.

The quality of the patio table and chairs were what really grabbed my attention. They were built rock solid. You can just see and feel the difference in workmanship. It wasn’t like some of the cheap, wobbly type of outdoor furniture you so often find at discount stores.

If you are looking for quality and comfort in outdoor furniture and supplies, then you may want to take a serious look at Carter Gradle patio furniture.

Source by Terry Edwards

Different parts of your house require furniture of different styles and types to make the best use of both the area and the furniture. This is because each furniture piece plays a different role in your house, with the common feature being that each item should be comfortable and should go well with the surrounding structure and color scheme.

That said furniture in your living room needs to be different from what you will put up in your bedroom and vice versa. Apart from being comfortable, furniture needs to be decorative and stylish. You don’t want to invite friends and family over to a shabbily furnished house now would you? Some of your first time visiting friends might even want to take a little tour of the house, and a rightly chosen furniture will definitely save you a lot of embarrassment.

Before you go ahead and invest money in furniture, there are three things you must take into consideration. After all, you don’t buy home furniture every now and then. Here are the 3 things you need to keep in mind while buying furniture:

1. Quality should be your top priority. You need not spend your money on super expensive designer furniture available in the market. If you are on a limited budget, go for a more basic, simple design, but make sure you do not compromise on the quality of the piece you want to buy. As far as possible, try buying wooden furniture. These pieces are strong, can be crafted to suit numerous design choices, and they add a homely, warm ambience to your house.
2. Comfort is another important characteristic which defines good furniture. Your furniture needs to have a design that provides physical comfort. At the end of a tiring day, won’t it be great to come home and just drop on your favorite couch to help you relax after a long day at work? Remember that badly designed furniture is often the cause of many health issues like back pain, muscle pain and even headache.
3. The design and color of your furniture need to be such that they blend in with the look, feel and the color scheme of your house or room. They must also make the most appropriate use of the available space, without making the room look overcrowded. Also, the members of the house should not face any discomfort while moving about in the house because of the furniture. You should even get specially designed pieces of furniture to allow you to utilize the spaces in the corners of rooms, which otherwise would go unused.

Of course, you need to keep your budget in mind. Be a smart buyer and visit a couple of stores to check the prices and various available designs. The Internet comes to your rescue, as always. Do your homework before stepping out to buy what you need. You would not regret having spent the time in going through the variety of furniture available and its prices, before you make your pick.

Source by Karina Popa

Home bar stools are quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of furniture in the modern home. They are perfect for dressing up a kitchen or dressing one down. They come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes and you can often get them for very cheap with a huge discount. Most people mistakenly assume that because of their relative size they can be more expensive, but this isn’t necessarily the case. You have to keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll surely be able to find the type that you want.

If you’re after a more contemporary look, I would recommend you stay away from the backless counter types. These are the kinds that have been around forever and give off a more traditional feel. Of course, if you get a leather one that can swivel, then you’re just inches away from having a barber chair. On the other hand, for the most modern type you can get, think about getting an extra tall stool. These are ones that are over 30 inches, usually 36 inches. This is as opposed to those that are around 24 inches.

For the material, think about how the color will match the rest of your kitchen. If you want it to match, I suggest thinking about how your cabinets look. It’s better to match your cabinets than it is your kitchen counter. Rather, try to offset the breakfast counters with a complimentary color. If your idea is to set these up in the living room, think how they will fit in with the other furniture. For example, only get leather if you have other leather pieces. Wooden chairs go with pretty much everything, so if you’re ever in doubt, think about getting that type. As for wicker, get a nice set of upholstered pieces and put them outdoors in the patio. This is a great use for the material.

As for those that are constantly on the move, you have no choice but to check out the folding bar stools. These are great because of how lightweight they are, so they’re really portable. Whatever you do, though, don’t set them up in the kitchen or in any other part of your house unless you absolutely need more seats. It’s just not a very classy thing to do.

Source by Mark J Sinclair

Can you imagine a life without the existence of clocks? Probably not, as every single activity in a human’s life is counting on the direction of time. Not only as a keeper of time, but wall clocks might also be an affordable way to increase the architectural esthetic of your home decor.

From antique wall clock to modern timepieces, various designs with stylish frames, unique layouts, sizes, and colours are available that will attract your eyes. Here are a few stunning designs of wall clock online that will glam up the walls of the rooms.

Wall Clocks with Wooden Accent Emanate a Timeless Impression

Nothing comes in comparison to the wooden design crafts that bring an unparalleled charm and warmth to the house. With other home decorative items, an oversized and classic wooden clock can be a striking centrepiece in your house.

The first impression is always the ultimate. Decorating your drawing room with modern hanging wall watches crafted with a wooden framework adds a timeless impression and spices up your boring wall. Choose the illustrative wall watches design and enhance the living room decor to reflect your personality.

Wall Watches Framing with Family Pictures

Let’s try something out of the box. You can decorate a wall with wallpapers, stylish wall clock online that match with the family photo frames. You can create it expressively by collaborating your family pictures chronologically; depicting the stages of family growth and role structure can be a magnificent idea.

If you are always ready to explore something new and experimental, this can be fun. Buy wall clock online that goes well with the interiors of the room to make it more meaningful and give a dynamic touch to your walls.

Incorporating Ethnic Designs with modern Wall Watches

Treat your wall clocks as an architectural piece and incorporate your modern timepieces with ethnic home decor. If your house is full of ethnic hand-embroidered decorative items such as cushions, lampshades, and wall arts, pairing it with modern wall watches can be an innovative idea to make your living space attractive.

If you need a unique look for your home decor, definitely rustic metal wall clocks with open gear and mechanical details can be an extraordinary piece of art. You can shop these clocks online in India at an affordable range that gives a perfect ethnic touch to your living room decoration.

Illustrate A Vintage Look with Antique Clock

Styling your contemporary living room with a round shape antique wall clock decorated with large sized Roman numerals gives a vintage touch. The best is not to cover every portion of the wall, large wall watches will complete the allover look of your living space.

In case you want to keep it subtle and simple, place antique or big size vintage wall watches in your living room and add some modern furniture to complete the rest of the decor. Square or round, large or small, you can get varieties of antique wall clock online.

A Wall Dedicated to Just Clocks

You can dedicate a wall to clocks by creating a clock with various types, designs, and shapes of watches in one place. A textured or laminated wall decorated with a modern wall watches design can amplify the attractiveness of the wall.

Choosing a timepiece has become easier for online watches designs available on the web. A wall showing different designs of wall clock gives a chic look that is perfect for a contemporary living room.

Source by Suman S

There is a growing wedding trend lately: the “mini-moon”. Are you wondering what a mini-moon is? As the name suggests, a mini-moon is a mini honeymoon, a short vacation usually lasting 1 – 4 days, which is followed by a longer honeymoon at a later date, usually within 6 months. For some great suggestions on planning a mini-moon of your own, read on.

Why a mini-moon instead of a traditional honeymoon immediately following the wedding? There can be several reasons. A big one is financial. When the bride and groom are paying for their own wedding, by the time they have purchased everything from the food and liquor to the wedding jewelry gifts, funds for a trip may be very limited. Most couples believe that it is better to allocate more to the wedding itself (you want to treat your bridesmaids like royalty by giving them fabulous wedding jewelry gifts, after all!), than to skimp on the main event to put more of their budget towards a honeymoon trip. Therefore, a mini-moon! A romantic getaway to enjoy while the newlywed glow is at its fullest, followed by a dream vacation after they have had time to save up more money for a longer honeymoon.

Another reason for having a mini-moon is timing. In any profession, there are certain times of the year when it is difficult to get away for any length of time. Not only that, but most brides and grooms end up missing work during the week leading up to their wedding, so vacation days may be in short supply, making a brief trip the best option. There can also be seasonal issues surrounding your dream honeymoon trip. Perhaps you have planned a June wedding, but are dying to go to Oktoberfest for your wedding. Or maybe you and your fiance are having a fall wedding, but love the idea of going to a tropical island in the dead of winter when you could really use a getaway. Having a short mini-moon right after the wedding is a great way to have a little alone time as newlyweds before diving right back into mundane everyday stuff, yet allows you to have the vacation you really want at a later time.

Because mini-moons are short by their very nature, choosing a nearby destination makes a lot of sense. You don’t want to waste any more of your precious time on travel than necessary. There will always be a romantic destination within driving distance of any wedding. Let’s say that you are planning a chic urban wedding in New York City. A terrific mini-moon would be a few days spent at the Mohonk Mountain Resort, a relaxing Victorian retreat in the Hudson Valley only 90 miles north of the city. Take a walk in the gorgeous scenery, relax in the rocking chairs on the front porch of the grand hotel, or melt away the wedding stress in the spa. Another idea would be to visit a cozy bed and breakfast in your part of the country.

Festivals and events also make terrific mini-moons. Maybe you have always wanted to go to the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island or the hot air balloon show in Alburquerque. This type of targeted long weekend adventure would be perfect for a mini-moon. If your time is really short, skip travel altogether, and book two nights in the most luxurious hotel in your town. Enjoy your first few nights as husband and wife reveling in a glorious hotel and eating at fancy restaurants. It is a great way to spend some quality alone time together after the hustle and bustle of a wedding, and every couple deserves the star treatment when they are newlyweds!

Source by Guy Antonelli