Reverse Mortgages: The Cons

Let’s talk dollars

By far the biggest downside of reverse mortgages is the high cost imposed on the senior. Front-load fees, closing costs, and mortgage insurance may eat up 7% to 10% of the home’s value. Recent federal law has eased this burden somewhat, capping origination fees at 2% for the first $200,000 and 1% on any amount over that, with a total cap of $6,000. Read More >>

Traveling with Young Adult Children: Is This Insanity?

Five secrets to creating positive memories

Family vacations may have been wonderful when your kiddos were still little and you were in charge. You were definitely the parent, roles were defined, and everyone knew their place. Then, lo and behold, those youngsters grew up! Read More >>

Being a Full-time Housewife Isn’t Woman’s Idea of Retirement

Cleaning and cooking all day long

I have spent more than 50 years in the workforce and have successfully pursued a number of careers. I have a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a doctoral degree. I am recognized widely for my work.

Throughout my adult life and marriage, I have worked hard to balance my family and work responsibilities and to provide a model to my children and other women that this difficult juggling task could be accomplished. Although I have kept a beautiful and neat home and prepared many meals, housekeeping was never my favorite activity. Read More >>

Parenting Questions for Those with Adult Children

Yes, parents, they still need you

Your children are now adults. Does that mean that they don’t need you anymore? Of course not! They still need you, but in a different way than when they were little. So, are you prepared to parent a different way today than when you did in years past?

Here are seven questions to help you balance the letting go and the holding on. Read More >>

I Know Where I Want to Live, but Now What?

Options that feel right for you

Okay, you have narrowed down some of your options for where you want to live. You’ve decided between urban and country, you know the weather you want, and you feel comfortable with your decisions.

Well, here are some more options for you. You are fortunate that you have quite a variety of choices, and you probably have decades of living left, so you want to be sure you think things through. Check these out, and see what feels right for you. Read More >>

Retirement Living: Sounds Great, but Where?

Think before you leap

It’s a big world. Do you know where you want to be? Do you want to stay right where you are or move? Or stay put but purchase a second or even a third home?

All the choices can be very overwhelming. Let’s just break it down into some basic areas, so you don’t get too crazy over all this. Here are some things to consider. . . .

 Read More >>