BOOMERS TIPS

Boomers Thought - You Too, Can Be Great

2011-06-12T15:12:00.001-07:00

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

~ Mark Twain ~

Who Is Packing Your Parachute?

2011-03-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

WHO IS PACKING YOUR PARACHUTE?

A stone-age hunter tracked a set of paw prints through the grass
lands. He eventually came upon the largest and most ferocious
looking saber-toothed tiger he had ever seen. The animal was
recently killed and a small man stood beside it.

Amazed, he asked: "Did you kill that?"

"Yes."

"How could a little guy like you put down a huge beast like that?"

"I killed it with my club," the man replied.

"Wow!" the astonished hunter exclaimed. "How big is your club?"

The man thought for a moment. "I guess there are about 30 of us."

We may not be hunting saber-toothed tiger, but we all need some help
to get through this life. We need people who are ready to assist.
People who will encourage, teach, challenge, support and watch out
for us. One of the best metaphors I know for such people comes from
Charlie Plumb, a public speaker and retired naval officer.

After Plumb graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, he flew jets in
Vietnam. He was shot down by a surface-to-air missile after 75
combat missions. He ejected and parachuted into the jungle. The
Vietcong captured him and held him prisoner for six years in North
Vietnam. Today, Plumb lectures on lessons learned from that
experience.

He likes to tell the story of a day when he and his wife were
sitting in a restaurant and a man at another table approached them.
"You're Plumb!" the man said. "You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from
the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked the former pilot.

"I packed your parachute!" he said. Plumb gasped in surprise. The
man pumped his hand and continued, "I guess it worked!"

Plumb assured him it did. "If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't
be here today."

The pilot couldn't sleep that night, thinking about the stranger. He
wondered how many times he might have seen him on the ship and not
spoken because he was a fighter pilot and the man who packed his
chute was "just a sailor." He thought of the many hours the sailor
had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the carrier,
carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute,
holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

When Plumb lectures, he often asks his audience, "Who's packing your
parachute?" He is asking: who is watching out for you? Can you
identify the people who have packed your parachute over the years
and those who are packing it today?

I think of a music teacher who taught me that it was not enough for
me to learn the instrument. I must also have fun with it. Ever
since, music has been a source of supreme joy for me.

I think of a school teacher who, after listening to a reading of a
short story I performed before the class, described the impact of
that story on him. That day I fell in love with story-telling and
understood the important role stories can play in a person's life.

I think of a young woman who believed in me and instilled within me
a life-long belief in myself.

I can think of many people who have packed my parachute. In their
own way, each helped me land a little more safely. Some have been
true teachers for me, some have been compassionate healers, and some
have put me in touch with deep, spiritual values. They influenced me
more than they ever knew.

Who is packing your parachute? And just as important, whose
parachutes are you packing? Who looks up to you? Who may depend on
you for courage or encouragement? For understanding or guidance?

To those who have packed my parachute over the years, I am indebted.

For those who are packing it yet today, I give thanks.

And to those whose parachutes I am packing, I promise to do my best.

~ Steve Goodier ~

Boomers Thought - Creativity

2008-11-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

"Creativity makes you unique...uniqueness makes you
indispensable...indispensable people have no competition."

~ Jim Edwards ~
Internet Marketer / Entrepreneur

Boomers Thought - Potential

2008-10-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

"More important than achieving your goals is pursuing your potential."

~ Mark Sanborn, Motivational Speaker ~

Boomers Thought - Dreams & Age

2008-08-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

"Don't put an age limit on your dreams."

~ Dara Torres ~
American Swimmer / 5-Time Olympian

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Boomers Thought - Wind & Sails

2008-07-10T21:17:00.001-07:00

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

~ Bertha Calloway ~

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Boomers Thought - Accept

2008-07-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

"When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you."

~ Lao Tzu ~
Ancient Chinese Philosopher

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Boomers Thought - Life

2008-06-16T19:50:00.001-07:00

"Life is adventure, not predicament."

~ James Broughton, 1913-1999 ~
American Poet, Filmmaker and Teacher

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Boomers Thought - Tomorrow

2008-04-28T20:30:00.001-07:00

"You can't have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about
yesterday all the time."

~ Charles F. Kettering ~

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Boomers Thought - First a Dream

2008-02-09T22:27:00.001-08:00

"Nothing happens unless first a dream."

~ Carl Sandburg ~

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Boomers Thought - The Best Gifts

2007-12-17T20:19:00.001-08:00

"Deep down inside we know
that the best gifts
don't come from catalogs
or shopping malls.

They don't come in brightly-colored packages
or fancy envelopes
and they're not sitting under a tree somewhere...
The best gifts come from the heart.

They come when we look at each other
REALLY look at each other
and say 'You mean a lot to me'
or 'I'm so glad you're a part of my life.'

A gift like that
will never go out of style
or be forgotten
or be returned for a different size.

A gift like that can change the world."

~ Ron Atchison ~

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Boomers Thought - If You Just Look

2007-11-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

"If you just look at all that already exists in your life, all that you already have: unlimited air to breathe, ample lighting to see, music to hear, books to read, stars to dream by, trees to gaze at, floors to dance on, friends to cavort with, enemies to befriend, strangers to meet, woods to walk through, beaches to comb, rocks to scale, rains to
cleanse you, rivers to float you, animals to comfort you, you do have to admit, there's more of it than you could ever, ever, ever spend."

(But try anyway)

~ Mike Dooley, a.k.a 'The Universe' ~
Inspirational Speaker, Author and Friend

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Boomers Thought - Strength

2007-11-10T07:14:00.001-08:00

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop
your strength. When you go through hardship and decide not to
surrender, that is strength."

~ Arnold Schwarzenegger ~

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Boomers Thought - "I Will"

2007-08-23T20:45:00.001-07:00

"The most important thing in life is to stop saying 'I wish' and start
saying 'I will.' Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as
probabilities."

~ David Coperfield ~

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Boomers Thought - Live Your Dreams

2007-07-14T07:18:00.001-07:00

"Always, always, always, live your dreams!"

~ Jim Donovan, author ~

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Boomers Thought - Inner Spirit

2007-07-14T07:16:00.001-07:00

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

~ Albert Schweitzer ~

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Boomers Thought - Learning

2007-04-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.
Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."

~ Henry Ford ~

BoomersTips

Boomers Thought - The Best Gifts

2006-12-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

Baby Boomer Option: Become an Online Entrepreneur

2006-11-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, Boomer...maybe it's time to put your professional skills, life experience and passionate interests to use as an online entrepreneur...just like these everyday people did! Each one started with no internet marketing experience...and no "tech" knowledge...yet their highly successful web sites now rank in the top 1% to 3% of all internet searches:

17-year old Canadian student Nori Evoy now earns thousands of dollars each month as a result of an idea she got from a family vacation to the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
Dentist John Burch of Mountain View, California found a way to attract thousands of potential patients & product customers after becoming frustrated with traditional newspaper ads and yellow page listings.
Michelle Schill, an Alberta hair stylist, is now a very successful work-at-home mom who markets her hair styling tips globally to 1,500 website visitors daily.
Jim Nelson of the U.S.A. turned his juggling hobby into a lucrative online product and information business.
Scots Fiona McCardle & Jim Andrew transformed themselves from struggling knitwear designers to acclaimed rental agents for dream properties all over the world.
Canadian Judd Burdon greatly expanded his limited seasonal asphalt business into a much-in-demand year-round consulting / sales activity, with hundreds of new clients...including the U.S. Army.
Shaun Fawcett, a former government bureaucrat, now uses his administrative skills to create & publish writing-help ebooks, while earning a very handsome online income.

Here are several online success stories...see how these individuals changed their lives within a matter of months.

Boomers Tips

Top 10 U.S. Travel Destinations for 2007

2006-11-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Travel web site TripAdvisor has announced Anna Maria, Florida as its number 1 U.S. travel destination for 2007. The list of Top 10 Destinations was based upon analysis of several criteria, including user search activity and individual message postings.

Windward Oahu's Kailua was ranked number 2 in the study.

TripAdvisor's "TravelCast" Top 10 Destinations for 2007:

1. Anna Maria, Florida.
2. Kailua, Oahu
3. Siesta Key, Florida
4. Macon, Georgia
5. Breckinridge, Colorado
6. Millinocket, Maine
7. Vail, Colorado
8. Bishop, California
9. Franklin, Tennessee
10. Eureka, California

Boomers Tips

Boomers Thought - Attitude

2006-10-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ...a church ...a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.

We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ...I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."

~ Charles Swindoll ~

Boomers Tips

Boomer Bosses: 10 Reasons to Hire Veterans

2006-10-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Would you like to upgrade your workforce with proven thinkers and doers who work well under pressure and consistently "go the extra mile?" If so, here are 10 great reasons to hire veterans:

Quick Learning Curve - Veterans are proven when it comes to learning new skills and concepts. They also bring an array of identifiable and transferable skills to your civilian workforce.
Strong Leadership - Military personnel are trained to lead by example. They are very adept at operating efficiently within any organization's chain-of-command -- utilizing proper direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration.
Outstanding Teamwork - Veterans truly understand the importance of individual and group efforts in achieving common goals and objectives. Many have functioned in environments where lives depended upon close teamwork.
Action and Diversity Inclusion - Veterans are used to achieving outstanding results while working effectively with men and women of all ethnic, religious, economic and geographic backgrounds.
Top Performance Under Pressure - Former officers and enlisted personnel are very experienced in working with tight schedules and maximizing limited resources. They are masters at prioritizing tasks and producing results on time, especially under stressful conditions.
Adherence to Policies and Procedures - Persons with military backgrounds have a unique respect for the policies, procedures and rules governing any organization. They readily accept and promote existing standards.
Adaptation to New Technologies - Veterans have adjusted to ever-changing technologies while in the service, making them very adaptable to changes in the civilian sector.
Honesty and Integrity - Veterans have a track record of proven integrity. Most of them have also been afforded security clearances, requiring stringent background checks.
Health and Safety Conscious - Having had extensive training, veterans are very aware of health and safety protocols for themselves and others. Such a background significantly protects employees, property and materials. Many of them also participate in personal physical fitness programs on a daily basis.
Success Over Adversity - Most veterans have proven themselves time and again in mission-critical situations, often under very trying conditions -- requiring superb discipline, endurance, stamina and flexibility.

Along these same lines, a recent study by recruiting firm Korn/Ferry International indicated that top executives with prior military experience performed better and lasted longer in their subsequent civilian positions.

Two great resources for both employers and veterans are Military.com's Veteran Career Network and HireVetsFirst.

~ Boomers Tips ~

Boomers Thought - Happiness

2006-09-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude."

~ Denis Waitley ~
Motivational Speaker

Boomers Tips

Boomers Thought - Predict Your Future

2006-09-04T00:13:00.000-07:00

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

~ Unknown ~

BoomersTips

Real Estate: 10 Best Cities for 2006

2006-08-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

According to real estate author Mark Nash ( "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home"), investors and home buyers should consider the following cities in 2006:

Atlanta, Georgia
Austin, Texas
Boise, Idaho
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Phoenix, Arizona
San Antonio, Texas
Seattle, Washington
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Baby Boomer Facts and Trends

2006-07-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

America's Baby Boomer generation is nearly twice the size of any before it. Boomers have been everyday heroes in remaking our society. Doing things their way, they have been the driving force for gradual change from accepted norms. "Leading Edge" Boomers are now turning 60. Don't expect them to simply "retire" as did their parents and grandparents.

Boomer Data from Various Studies

There are 77 million U.S. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964
Every 7 seconds another Boomer will be turning 60 for the next 18 years
Boomers tend to feel 10 to 15 years younger than their actual age
They define themselves by feelings of youthfulness & optimism
Most do not view retirement as a time to suddenly withdraw from working life
70 is the average age most plan to stop working
Retirement is seen as a chance to redefine work on their terms
Most expect to live at least two decades after turning 60
66 percent ages 51-59 plan to stay "mentally active" by working into retirement
49 percent will work to earn money
1 in 4 ages 51-59 have already attended next-career training sessions
60 percent ages 51-70 have taken steps toward a new line of work in retirement
Boomers excelled for 5 decades without the internet, yet have quickly embraced it
Many plan to create new careers based upon their interests

Here's one way to start that new career and turn your knowledge into profits...and check out these success stories...

~ Boomers Tips ~

Employers Bending to Keep Boomers Working

2006-07-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

A significant trend is emerging as one of America's 77 million Baby Boomers will be turning 60 every 7 seconds for the next 18 years: employers are finding ways to keep them on the job longer -- effectively countering thoughts of retirement. In many cases, this is a win-win scenario for both parties.

The Baby Boomer generation is twice the size of any before it. Quite simply, many companies cannot afford a mass exodus of their most talented and productive workers in the next few years. Here, lost time in hiring replacements, high training costs and long learning curves are key bottom-line factors. One Atlanta-based accounting firm, Callaway Partners, employs 450 workers -- 90 percent of whom are Baby Boomers. Co-founding Partner Bruce Cox noted that Boomers are distinguished by their strong work ethic and solid integrity, priceless qualities for any organization. He also said, "they're the best workers we feel like we could imagine to put on our accounting projects."

Born between 1946 and 1964, a high proportion of Boomers are not ready to completely "hang it up," either. Surveys have shown that they expect to live at least two decades after turning 60. Approaching that milestone, many have no plans to suddenly retire to lives of pure leisure, as did their parents. Often, the desire is to phase into full retirement over several years. Research director Todd Harris of PI Worldwide fully supports flexible work schedules as a retention enticement for Boomers:

"Realizing that -- hey, maybe a Baby Boomer only wants to work 20 or 25 hours a week or wants to work every other day or only wants to work on certain projects -- having that flexibility is very important."

Not surpirsingly, many employers are now accommodating Boomers with flexible schedules and benefit packages. For example, one company lets its Boomers have Wednesday afternoons off to play golf. Others provide time for workers to assist their elderly parents.

At any rate, organizations desire to retain proven performers by keeping their work environments enjoyable, imaginative -- and even convenient.

~ BoomersTips ~

Boomers Thought - Cherish Each Hour

2006-07-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

"Cherish each hour of this day for it can never return."

~ Og Mandino ~

www.BoomersTips.com

Baby Boomer Moms: Free Work At Home Guide

2006-06-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

A Free Work-At-Home Guide is now available to all moms looking for the perfect mix: staying at home with their children, while still being able to start and run their own profitable home-based business.

The Guide provides all the info a mother would need to know about starting a successful business at home. The four WAHMs (Work-At-Home Moms) who wrote it assume a zero-knowledge starting point. They go from reviewing all the work-at-home options for moms and organizational tips, to the nitty-gritty how-to's of actually building a substantial income online. Pertinent, well-explained case studies are also included.

The new WHAM-IT! Masters Course is available from SiteSell, the folks who consistently help start-up entrepreneurs develop websites that rank in the top 1-3% of all internet search results. This easy-to-follow guide is perfect for:

Moms with kids in school
Moms with babies & toddlers at home
Pregnant, soon-to-be moms
Near empty-nesters, with teenagers bound for college
Single Parents
Military wives

To download the Free Work-At-Home Guide, Click Here.

www.BoomersTips.com

Boomers Want Cruise Ships & Adventure Travel

2006-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Cruise ships and adventure trips rank at the top of Baby Boomer travel plans according to several recent surveys.

As such, some cruise ships are now equipped with surfboard pools, rock-climbing walls, basketball courts, boxing rings, fitness centers...even ice rinks. And, of course, wireless phone and computer connections are standard elements.

Baby Boomers view travel quite differently than did their parents. A study conducted by the Association of Travel Marketing Executives provided the following Boomer marketing tips for the travel industry:

Travel is considered a necessity, not a luxury. Boomers were involved in 268.9 million trips in 2003, more than any other group. This encompassed 43 percent of all domestic travel. A child also accompanied one-third of these travelers.
Instant Gratification is preferred. Boomers want more things to do, with less time spent traveling from place to place. Therefore, internet access and connectivity are essential.
Comforts are a plus. A wide array of trendy choices are appreciated, and may even be expected.
Activity, flexibility and fun are key elements for Boomers. Educational travel is okay, if it is not packed with lectures.

Preferred travel includes adventure without great risk.

More...

www.BoomersTips.com

Second Career Test for Baby Boomers

2006-06-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

The current edition of Newsweek Magazine provides a quick and handy test for Baby Boomers thinking of beginning new careers.

It's an easy two-part test. Part 1 consists of 10 simple "yes" or "no" questions. For example, the first one asks: "Are you thinking in terms of what you want to do in a new career and not simply in terms of what you want to leave in your current career?"

After hitting the "submit" button and receiving an indication of your readiness for a new career, Part 2 displays 10 additional questions for you to consider. The objective here is to spend some time thinking, so as to develop a list of priorities for your next job. It is then suggested that you establish three categories: Must Have, Nice to Have and Can't Have.

For those persons who may interview for new jobs, this checklist can help determine which potential job opportunity might be best for you. It can also be a valuable tool for those entrepreneurial-minded Boomers who want to start their own home-based businesses.

Test: Is It Time for a New Job?

Turn Your Knowledge into Revenue
www.BoomersTips.com

Baby Boomers Help Drive Condo Market

2006-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

More and more empty-nest Baby Boomers are opting for condos these days. Here, many of them are selling the big, two-story houses they raised their children in, and buying smaller homes that meet their needs quite comfortably.

Well-equipped, plush condos are the answer for many.

Since condos generally belong to homeowners' associations with maintenance agreements, they make it easy for owners to "lock and leave" at a moment's notice. No need to worry about upkeep or yard chores.

After cashing-out the big home, these buyers often desire features they didn't have before -- things like cathedral ceilings, skylights, plant shelves and walk-in showers. Then too, many boomers prefer units with everything they want on the main level -- and a lower level finished with a bedroom, bath and rec room -- just perfect for the kids when they come to visit.

Housing industry experts expect this trend to continue for many years.

More...

www.BoomersTips.com

Free, Easy Home Valuation Tool Online

2006-05-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what that nice house down the street is worth? How about your co-workers place? Or, maybe you would just like a quick 30-second estimate on the value of your own home.

Zillow.com, a new website, provides free instant valuations on 65 million homes in the United States. Using public records, tax assessments and comparables from recent sales, it comes up with a "zestimate." The site was originally designed to assist home buyers and sellers. However, more and more people are using it for kicks.

Using satellite imagery, visitors can get an up-close, birds-eye view of the house, block and neighborhood in which they are interested. Values for all houses are displayed on your monitor.

All you have to do is type-in the address and zip code of a particular property. It's as simple as that.

In addition to the value of the house, other details are also available -- number of bedrooms & bathrooms, square footage, lot size, year built, heating & cooling, etc. The data even includes 1, 5 and 10-year appreciation graphs for the property.

Zillow is also handy for listing recent sales data ("comps") within the area, for comparison purposes.

Adding to the fun, a new element provides a birds-eye view and data on famous homes such as the Beverly Hillbillies Mansion, the Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills 90210 Home, Happy Days House and Friends Apartment Building.

www.BoomersTips.com

Tip: Naming Your Business

2006-05-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking of starting your own business?

If so, one of the things you'll need to do is come up with a name for it...one that's catchy, marketable...and available.

Start-ups today must be careful not to get caught up in trademark disputes. Recent years have seen an upsurge in trademark registrations, from about 1 million in 2001, to 1.3 million currently on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The proliferation of online businesses has played a key role in this increase.

Says Christopher Nikides, general counsel for Brand Institute, Inc.: "Pretty much any real word is taken by somebody."

As a safeguard, businesses sometimes make up words or replace some letters in a common word to to avoid trademark infringements. It's also important to choose words that are not registered by another product, service or business within your industry.

In trademark disputes, the courts often make a judgement based upon the "likelihood of confusion" with an existing product or company. Violations are less likely when the business is in a different industry and not a household name.

Mark Skoultchi, a partner in brand-development firm Catchword, suggests you brainstorm at least 100 potential business names. Of those, he says about fifty percent will "likely fall out during legal screening."

Each name / word under consideration can be checked on the Trademark Electronic Search System at uspto.gov, a resource that includes pending trademarks to avoid. Also, check the internet carefully to identify active domain names that might cause confusion for customers looking for you.

Also, be advised that in the U.S., a business may have legal rights to an unregistered trademark if it was the first to use it.

Ultimately, your best bet may be to hire an intellectual property attorney to conduct a more thorough common-law search for you...just to be on the safe side. If so, expect to pay a couple thousand dollars.

More...

www.BoomersTips.com

Boomers Eye Next Career, Not Retirement

2006-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

A new study by Merrill Lynch shows that most Baby Boomers plan on working during retirement -- either to stay "mentally active" or to earn extra income.

The 2006 data also indicated that boomers no longer view retirement as a time to withdraw from working life. Indeed, many see it as a chance to redefine work on their own terms. Retiring completely to lives of leisure like their parents did would simply leave them feeling meaningless, unproductive and unsatisfied.

Many boomers are already thinking about their next step in life -- creating new careers based upon their interests.

Leading universities such as Duke, Harvard and Clemson have established lifelong learning centers targeting boomers. Local schools like Central Piedmont Community College have done the same.

Key findings from the 2006 Merrill Lynch study were:

66 percent of adults ages 51-59 plan to stay "mentally active" by working into retirement
49 percent will work to earn money
one in four adults ages 51-59 have already attended next-career training sessions
one in three have checked-out specific options for new careers
60 percent of adults ages 51-70 have taken steps toward a new line of work in retirement
Of those who will eventually stop working, the envisioned average age is 70

Boomers' Opportunity: "Virtual Assistants"

2006-05-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today's changing business landscape provides a unique opportunity for Baby Boomers to reinvent themselves as "Virtual Assistants."

VA's, as they are called, are self-employed individuals who perform an array of administrative tasks for other businesses -- from their home computers. These independent contractors are in great need by many small businesses seeking to cut overhead. Outsourcing administrative work and special projects is often an ideal solution.

Some VA's function as generalists, handling a broad range of administrative tasks. Others apply their skills to more specialized areas, such as web design. Hourly fees range from $25 to $70.

Most VA's live in the U.S., where only a few hundred existed in the mid-1990's. Today, several thousand individuals have carved-out roles in this profession. Many VA's quickly develop a full workload within a year -- often handing off job offers to other VA's.

Baby Boomers, especially those heading into retirement and looking for new careers, should give this opportunity serious consideration. After all, the Boomer generation has always been creative, innovative and productive. This field is wide open...go ahead and establish your niche!

Read more here...

www.BoomersTips.com

"Surf City USA" Goes to Huntington Beach, CA

2006-05-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Southern California's Huntington Beach has been officially designated "Surf City USA" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The recent ruling comes after a multi-year struggle with Northern California surfing rival Santa Cruz.

For decades, each town had billed itself as Surf City, following Jan and Dean's 1963 hit song bearing the same title. Huntington Beach resident Dean Torrance, co-writer of the song, backs the claim of his hometown.

The USPTO's ruling also awarded Huntington Beach three official registration numbers -- permitting the use of "Surf City USA" in ads and on beach clothing and gear.

However, the name "Surf City" minus the "USA" is not trademarked. Cities in New Jersey and North Carolina bear that name, and it is also used by businesses in various cities on both the west and east coasts.

Immediately following the ruling, the Huntington Beach City Council proclaimed the woodie station wagon to be Surf City USA's official car.

Many Baby Boomers fondly recall Jan and Dean's lyrics in "Surf City:"

"I bought a '30 Ford wagon and we call it a woodie (Surf City, here we come)

You know it's not very cherry, it's an oldie but a goodie (Surf City, here we come)..."

And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one

You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun...

Two girls for every boy."

More...

www.BoomersTips.com

Baby Boomers: Action, Goals and Passion

2006-05-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

"Choosing to take consistent ACTION makes the difference between a wish and a goal! A wish would be nice to have -- if it isn't too difficult. A 'goal' is something you choose to act upon daily with a plan and commitment -- no matter what!

~ Jim Edwards ~
Internet Marketer / Entrepreneur

Twice the size of any previous generation, America's 77 million Baby Boomers have been everyday heroes for the last several decades. Highly focused upon goals and consistent action, they have been the driving force for change in our society. Boomers have always done it differently than their parents. As the first wave of Baby Boomers reaches retirement age, look for many to reinvent themselves, rather than simply "retire." Indeed, many Boomers will begin second or even third careers...choosing to follow their passion...

New Study Torpedoes Australian Baby Boomer Myths

2006-05-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

A recent study, titled "Australian Made," has exposed several myths about Australia's 45-64 year-old Baby Boomer generation.

At the same time, a number of truths emerged -- including evidence that Aussie Boomers are composed of two distinct groups: Life Jugglers and Life Surfers. The findings also indicate these groups are distinguished by their mindsets, rather than traditional demographic definitions.

Life Jugglers are defined as those seeking a balance between work and life. They are more short-term rather than long-term focused. They value relationships with their children, and have strong family ties...while oriented toward building wealth and reducing debt. Retirement is still seen as a long way off.

Life Surfers are described as those who have reached the zenith of life...still riding the crest of the wave. Experience has provided them with a strong set of values. They strive to prolong their lifestyles before growing "old," and enjoy focusing on themselves.

Specifically, the Nielsen study revealed the following myths and truths:

Myth # 1 - Australia's Baby Boomers comprise one homogeneous population.
The Truth - They fall into two distinct groups, Life Jugglers and Life Surfers.

Myth # 2 - Younger consumers represent a more lucrative target group for marketers.
The Truth - With higher average incomes, Life Jugglers and Life Surfers spend more on nearly everything.

Myth # 3 - Life Jugglers and Life Surfers are loyal to their existing brands, and will not try new things.
The Truth - Actually, each group is just as likely to switch brands as any other group.

Myth # 4 - Life Jugglers and Life Surfers are not attracted to new technologies.
The Truth - Jugglers and Surfers are driving the increased use of many new technologies.

Read more here...

America's Best Golf Cities

2006-05-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

The June issue of Golf Magazine rates 244 counties and lists the 10 best communities for golfers in the nation.

Overall, Myrtle Beach, S.C. came out on top. Scottsdale, AZ ranked #1 in the west, followed by (2) Las Vegas, NV, (3) Palm Springs, CA, (4) Maui and (5) San Diego, CA.

Ratings were based on the number of quality courses, golf days per year, course congestion, airport access, off-course amenities, crime rate and cost of living.

According to estimates by the National Association of Realtors, Americans bought more than 1 million vacation homes in 2005...with golf playing a deciding role in a third of those purchases.

By Region, the top 8 golf-home markets were:

1. West: Scottsdale, AZ
2. Southwest: Austin, TX
3. Mountain West: Denver, CO
4. Midwest: Sheboygan, WI.
5. Northeast: Eastern Long Island, NY
6. Southeast: Myrtle Beach, SC
7. South: North Atlanta, GA
8. Florida: North of Tampa, FL

More...

Tips for Boomers: Finding Your Second Career

2006-05-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

A recent U.S. News & World Report article outlines five tips for older workers seeking second careers.

Often, these individuals fall into two groups: (1) Those who can't afford to retire; and, (2) People who want to stay active, creative and engaged in society and the workplace. Either way, the concept of working at retirement age is here to stay...and that's just how many baby boomers want it.

This time though, a large segment of boomers want to work on their own terms. Here are five tips for finding your next career:

1. Tailor your search. Seek out employers who respect and value workers 50 and over. Here, AARP provides a handy list of Best Employers.

2. Look for flexibility. Find jobs where you can decide when and how you want to work. Ask potential employers about flexible work schedules, working part-time, consulting, telecommuting or job sharing.

3. Conquer your fears. There's no need to feel "out of the loop" working for a younger supervisor or in a multigenerational setting. As a mature worker, your experience and skills can be of immense value to an organization.

4. Follow the money. Many baby boomers will realize the need to keep working as their financial assets dwindle. Therefore, find a company that will fairly compensate you with pay and benefits, based upon what you have to offer.

5. Do what you enjoy. This is an extremely important element in choosing your next career! In that regard, many boomers may prefer to be their own boss and work from home.

More...

www.BoomersTips.com

Thought - Goals

2006-05-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

"The reason most people never reach their goals is that they
don't define them, learn about them, or even seriously
consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell
you where they are going, what they plan to do along the
way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them."

~ Denis Waitley, author and speaker ~

Virtual Office Just Around the Corner

2006-04-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

According to CFO.com, the high-tech virtual office may replace the traditional office during the early 21st Century. It will be "housed" on the internet. You will enter your office via a special access code from anywhere on earth.

All you will need is a thin notebook PC...basically consisting of a screen and a battery. You'll then project a holographic keyboard onto any flat surface...almost like typing on air.

As in the past, watch for Boomers to lead the charge in finding creative ways to put this concept to use.

Let's just hope it happens sooner rather than later... :-)

Work from Home, A Great Option!

2005-12-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

72% of American households are thinking about starting a home-based business, according to a recent Harris poll. This is a great option for soon-to-be-retired or retired individuals, as well as stay-at-home spouses, in urban, suburban or rural areas.

If you are currently working a regular job, you can start part-time, and build your home business...until you drop the "day job."

To see some real-life examples of successful home business entrepreneurs, click here.

www.BoomersTips.com

Oahu Home Sales Hit Record $5 Billion

2005-11-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, the Oahu homes market has posted sales exceeding $5 billion (through October). This year's ten-month figure of $5.051 billion was $1.13 billion above the same measure in 2004, a dollar volume increase of 28.9 percent. Such staggering figures have created a real boon for sellers, brokers, appraisers, lenders and others associated with Hawaii's real estate industry.

Condominium sales reached a record median price of $290,000 in October, up $3,000 from September's previous record of $287,000. Total condo sales for the first 10-months of 2005 were 6,831. This represented a 4.1 increase over last year. Likewise, single-family home sales were bumped up 0.7 percent, with 3,936 transactions.

One local real estate agent, Gary McCarty, outlined various factors that point toward continued growth in Hawaii's housing market: aging baby boomers investing in real estate, strong local job and income growth, and record tourism. He also mentioned an open house he held on November 2nd for other agents to see two Waikiki condo units. 14 people showed up, including two tourists. McCarty stated, "They were serious buyers. Business is just hot."

Another island real estate expert, Helen On, commented, "Every year it's been busier and busier since 1997."

Hawaii: 7,100 Jobs Added in September

2005-10-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

For the seventh consecutive month, Hawaii's jobless rate remained the lowest in the nation at 2.7 percent. Also, an additional 7,100 jobs were created in September, 2005, bringing the total number of new jobs since September, 2004 to 29,150.

For the last several months, Hawaii's economy has been cruising along at an increasingly healthy clip. Key factors in this upswing have been the very strong real estate and tourism sectors. More...

Oahu Homes & Condos: More New Price Records

2005-09-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Oahu home sales bounced back sharply in August, after experiencing a slight dip during June and July. Median prices for single-family homes and condominiums soared to $625,000 and $282,000, respectively. These were new records for Oahu real estate.

The median price for a single-family home jumped 38.9 percent over August, 2004's $450,000 figure. Condos escalated 35.7 percent over the $207,800 mark set 12 months earlier.

Judith Kalbrener, President of the Honolulu Board of Realtors said: "We're back on track for another record year."

Prices continue to rise, given the high demand and short supply of island homes on the market. Those that are reasonably priced are quickly sold, shortly after being listed. August's sales garnered strong attention from first-time buyers, Mainland investors, and families utilizing low-interest rate loans.

One long-time renter, Kapiolani Community College Professor David Behlke, decided it was time to buy after his landlord informed him of a pending 25% rent increase. He purchased a three-bedroom townhouse at West Loch in August.

Improved Laptops Gain Market Popularity

2005-08-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Laptops, also known as notebook PCs, have gained great popularity among computer users. Key factors in the upsurge are lower prices and an array of attractive new features.

During the first week of August, U.S. retailers sold 54 percent more notebook PCs than they did in the corresponding week of 2004. These figures are very favorable to the computer industry, since laptops are generally more profitable than desktop computers.

Consumers are pleased with the bargain prices of laptops -- prices that have even resulted in discounts on desktop models.

Other reasons users are embracing laptops include the convenience of wireless internet technology, lighter weights and longer battery lives.

Greater Phoenix Home Prices Up 47% in Year

2005-08-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Greater Phoenix area led the nation in home price increases over the last 12 months, at a pace nearly triple that of the rest of the country. Equally significant, was the 47 percent median price hike for existing Valley homes. By the end of July that price had reached $255,000, according to the Arizona Real Estate Center.

During this same period, the typical U.S. home price rose only 13.6 percent.

Out-of-state investors have been one of the driving forces behind the Valley's home-buying frenzy over the last several months. Here, Californians and baby boomers accounted for a large portion of the sales.

A breakdown of median price increases for key Valley communities from July, 2004 to July, 2005:

Phoenix - $144,900 to $197,00
Scottsdale - $389,000 to $560,000
Mesa - $159,220 to $230,000
Tempe - $186,900 to $270,000
Gilbert - $212,000 to $315,000
Chandler - $184,895 to $282,000
Glendale - $162,000 to $225,000
Avondale - $163,125 to $250,000
Goodyear - $172,330 to $274,950
Surprise - $165,000 to $250,000

Numbers of sales have also risen sharply in 2005, totalling 68,235 through July. In 2004, the figure was 56,745 for the same period.

Earlier in 2005, Las Vegas was the national leader for home price increases.

Boomers Prefer Lifestyle Incentives Over Cash

2005-08-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

An emerging trend among baby boomers is their preference for lifestyle enhancing incentives over cold, hard cash. These findings were compiled in a recent survey of 731 top sales employees by Anderson Performance Improvement Co. of Hastings, Minnesota.

Among the more desired incentives were family/adventure travel, cosmetic surgery and home improvement items...such as appliances, landscaping, swimming pools, house painting, carpeting and outdoor decks.

A recurring theme underlined the preference of lifestyle incentives: lack of time. Simply put, today's aging boomers are facing ever-increasing demands on their time. Tasks that were once routine, such as home improvement, have been put on the back burner.

The MeetingsNet article also states that boomers are clearly motivated by their desire for more family time. Hence, incentives that provide trips for them and their children are highly valued.

Quick Tip - Marketing Your Website

2005-08-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

As more and more baby boomers enter the entrepreneurial ranks, here are a few tips for marketing your website:

Your Website should be a primary element in your overall marketing plan. Think Strategically, rather than tactically.
Choose a domain name that is easy to remember, and easy to spell (especially if heard on the radio). Generally, shorter domain names are better, as is the standard dot-com ending. Avoid the use of hyphens and numerals in the name. Use either the name of your company (if short) or your main product in composing the domain name. GoDaddy, Dotster and NameBargain are among the more popular domain name registration services.
Your website address (URL) should be listed on all your marketing materials, such as letterhead, business cards, press releases, invoices, flyers, display ads, etc. Include it in all of your advertising.
If you have little or no experience in building or marketing a website, consider using a powerful all-in-one software program like SiteBuildIt to develop a professional, content-based site that will generate high traffic volumes via the search engines.
Offline media and traditional publicity methods are also important. Promotional press releases should be sent to newspapers, broadcasters, etc.
Write informative articles for online and offline publications. Include your website address. This is usually done at the end of the article, where author information is mentioned. Make your articles available to webmasters and newsletter publishers at online article banks such as SubmitYourArticle, GoArticles, ArticleCity and EzineArticles.
Consider starting a blog in conjunction with your website / business. Frequent postings will help develop regular readers and a sense of credibility for you and your business. Also, search engines are quick to index blog postings.

www.BoomersTips.com

Legal Guide for Bloggers

2005-08-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

If you publish a blog (business or personal), you might want to check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation's handy Legal Guide for Bloggers.

The EFF guide is for all U.S. Bloggers, from novice publishers to the more experienced. It focuses on three major areas:

Blogger Legal Liability Issues
Bloggers as Journalists
Other Legal Issues for Bloggers

Each of the above sections features an excellent array of helpful FAQs and other information.

There is also a quick index with corresponding links to all FAQs.

Kailua: "A Lot Better Than Malibu"

2005-08-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

Commenting on Oahu's quiet and beautiful beach town of Kailua, Coldwell Banker Pacific's Vice President Mary Beddow recently said:

"I think Kailua is a lot better than Malibu (CA)...they just have the movie stars."

Situated on the southeast shore of Oahu (Windward Oahu), Kailua's real estate market is one of the hottest in Hawaii. Median home prices have quickly skyrocked to $885,000. In addition to its beach proximity, the easy commute from Kailua to downtown Honolulu is a major selling point.

Indeed, several years ago, Malibu's Mayor Ken Kearsley predicted such a bright future for little Kailua. Beddow now praises him for his forward thinking.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin recently published a letter (below) from another astute thinker, real estate investor Gary Castner of Los Angeles, CA. In that correspondence, Gary discussed his strategy to buy Kailua real estate in 2000. That single-family home has now appreciated approximately 200%.

Spike in Hawaii housing prices was predictable, will continue

I bought my home in Kailua in 2000, anticipating that this was going to happen. It took four trips to find something reasonable.

Three major factors are all coming together at the same time here in Hawaii. First, interest rates dropped from 8.5 percent to a record low of 5 percent, and people ultimately buy on monthly payments, not on price. Two, the baby boomers are using this as an opportunity to get out of the rat race in mainland cites, either by refinancing or selling their homes that they live in. Three, the economy in Hawaii has corrected, and then some.

All three of these impending and foreseeable circumstances led me to fly to Hawaii four times from 1998 to 2000, to purchase a home on Oahu, and on the Big Island as my future retirement home. This is just the beginning. There are 75 million baby boomers ready to retire, and looking to leave places like Los Angeles and other cities that have demographic problems with infrastructure, housing costs, traffic, etc.

I love Hawaii and everything about it. The challenges are there, to be sure. We just have to remember who we are and help each other whenever possible.

The Legislature also has to perform and think "outside the box," and that is a really tough thing to do. I give them a lot of credit for their efforts so far! Aloha.

Gary Castner
Los Angeles
http://www.RetireToHawaii.com

Top 10 Relocation States for Retirees

2005-08-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study by Dr. Mark Fagan of Jacksonville State University in Alabama, the Top 10 Relocation States for retirees age 60+ are:

State - Number

Florida - 394,254
Arizona - 134,583
California - 127, 757
Texas - 100,700
North Carolina - 74,937
Nevada - 61,627
Pennsylvania - 60,430
Virginia - 59,976
Georgia - 57,992
New Jersey - 54,657

In addition, he noted that a larger percentage of baby boomers are planning to relocate than did invdividuals of previous generations.

Dr. Fagan also commented that states view affluent retirees as permanent tourists, whose presence upgrades health care standards while enriching their communities.

Another survey, by Bloomberg Wealth Manager (June, 2005), found the best states for retirees pocketbooks to be Hawaii, Wyoming, Delaware, Alabama and Louisiana.

States Actively Seeking Boomers

2005-08-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

States throughout the U.S. are eager for an influx of baby boomers and their money. Indeed, many have implemented sophisticated marketing programs, targeting retirees with "affordable paradise" promises, tax exemptions and other financial benefits.

As of this month, the oldest members of the post-World War II generation (1946-1964) can finally make penalty-free withdrawals from retirement savings accounts. States such as Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, West Virginia , Wyoming and Louisiana have prepared special web sites, guidebooks and tax breaks to lure well-off retirees.

Retiring boomers are coveted by states, since they pay more in taxes than the cost of services to them. In 2004, over 50 percent of relocating retirees had incomes over $60,000. 25 percent enjoyed incomes over $100,000.

U.S. Baby Boomers a Powerful Force

2005-08-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Stating that, "Many fortunes have been made by following the 'Baby Boomer generation,'" The Mature Market reports that American companies are now faced with a massive demographic shift as many boomers are now in their 50s. It was this 76-million strong contingent that rushed to buy hula hoops and Frisbees in the 1950s, jammed college admissions in the 1960s, and sent real estate prices soaring in the 1970s and 1980s. By 2010, fully one-third of the U.S. population will be 50 years of age or older.

Prudent, forward-thinking businesses in all sectors must carefully meet the needs of this influential, affuluent niche to maintain their success.

Boomers, Californians Buying Up Arizona Homes

2005-08-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

According to a new survey, Californians make up a significant portion of home buyers in the Metropolitan Phoenix area. The study, conducted by Marketing Solutions (Las Vegas), also produced data showing that 68 percent of those who bought homes over $300,000 are baby boomers.

Here, baby boomers are defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, along with others born between 1939 and 1945 ("war baby" generation).

The survey also showed that:

24 percent of all buyers were from California
50 percent of investor sales went to Californians
Median age of buyers was 47, up from the median age of 41 in a similar survey 6 months earlier
Median price of a new home was $230,000, up from $192,786 in the earlier survey

Another finding indicated that baby boomers preferred slightly larger homes: 2,161 square feet to 2,098 square feet of non-boomers.

Southwest of Phoenix, in Yuma County, a population increase is on the fast track, evidenced by a large influx of Californians taking advantage of Arizona's affordable housing. This corresponds to a statewide trend, where traditionally rural areas are growing more rapidly than metropolitan sectors. As such, prices are rising: in November, 2004, a 7,000 square-foot lot sold for $25,000. Seven months later, in June, 2005, that price had become $45,000.

Boomers Expected to Become Entrepreneurs

2005-08-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Experts are predicting an explosion of entrepreneurial activity in the next 20 years as nearly 80 million baby boomers reach retirement age. These individuals will not simply "retire" as their parents did.

Retirement consultant Nancy Schlossberg believes boomers will not spend their 24/7 time purely in leisure activities:

"Many will not be willing to give up the money, the power and the prestige," she says. "Baby boomers don't like to see themselves as retired. They want to see themselves as involved, as very energetic and very engaged in life."

The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel article also outlines comments from Ellen Freudenheim, author of "Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement." She believes boomers will apply the same intensity to retirement as they do to the workplace, bringing about a focused flurry of growth in the entreprenurial ranks. And, because a large sector of this generation has not done physical labor, they will still be able to live and function very intensely for many years.