Tag: retirement

Lake Living on Old Hickory Lake, TN

Posted on Staff

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

There’s more to the music city than just music. If you take a 35-minute drive outside of Nashville, you will find Old Hickory Lake. Located 25 miles upstream from Nashville in north-central Tennessee on the Cumberland River, it sits on a body of water with much to offer someone looking for a lake home close to the city but not quite in the city. Old Hickory Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The lake spans five counties: Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale, and Smith, and was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.” He lived in the vicinity of the lake at his home, The Hermitage, where it served as his final resting place.

Big City, Small Towns

Nashville was named one of the Top 15 Cities in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. (July 2019). Image by Garrett Hill from Pixabay

The Old Hickory Lake area provides all the convenience of being located near Nashville, with the perks of living in a big city while living in a small town. Nashville always has something to do. Local concerts range in genres, professional sports are popular, and many community-based events keep the city lively.

Old Hickory Lake is also only a 40-minute drive from Nashville’s International Airport, allowing easy access to national and international travel.

Hendersonville is located along the shores of Old Hickory. Known as the “city by the lake,” many celebrities have called Hendersonville home. Johnny and June Cash called this area home for over 35 years. Another country music great, Conway Twitty, and his house, “Twitty City,” were also located in Hendersonville. Trinity Broadcasting Network now owns the home and has changed the name to Trinity Music City.

Landlocked Lakelife

Photo by Tomasz Filipek via Pexels

Although Tennessee is a landlocked state, it is in no short supply of bodies of water. Among the many lakes in the state, Old Hickory Lake is often overlooked due to the popularity of J. Percy Priest Lake, which has more visibility in the Nashville market. That makes Old Hickory a hidden gem for families and those who love adventure.

Outdoor Recreation

Old Hickory Lake is known for fishing, boating, and camping. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming satisfy the healthy activity set. There are many places to rent equipment for participating in all these activities. Higher Pursuits offers kayaking and canoeing classes for various skill levels. You are paired with an American Canoe Association-certified instructor; the sessions are three hours long, and you will learn how to navigate the boat and discover which type of kayak fits you best.

If you are into a peaceful and Zen way of life, Nashville SUP & Yoga offers stand-up paddleboard yoga. You can book classes, and they encourage you to use their rentals, but you can bring your personal board. The classes take place rain or shine unless the conditions are not favorable to the safety of all. You must be able to swim, and children can tag along. Kids under the age of 13 must wear a life vest, and those who are under the age of 9 can share a board with a parent.

Two boys canoeing

At Shady Cove Resort and Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals, you can rent canoes, Jon Boats, and Pontoons. There are also many full-service marinas located on Old Hickory Lake. They offer services like annual dockage, covered wet slips, and dry storage. Many of the marinas have restaurants, ship stores, boat ramps, gas docks, and various hookups. There are 41 access points for boats, which makes it easy to enjoy the lake with friends and family.

Dining for Every Occasion

While on the lake, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The Rudder is located in Hendersonville and offers a menu featuring American Eats, a tiki bar, and weekly live music. Moby Dicky’s is a relaxed seafood restaurant and sports bar. This restaurant provides lots of TVs to enjoy various sporting events and patio seating so you can enjoy the vista. Sam’s Sports Grill at Blue Turtle Bay offers multiple TVs for your viewing pleasure and is never in short supply of a beautiful view of Old Hickory Lake. Their made-from-scratch menu features hand-battered chicken tenders, various pizzas, Angus burgers, slow-cooked ribs, and the best wings in town.

Classical Music with a Twist

Historic Rock Castle, Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Historic Rock Castle.

Not only is Old Hickory Lake a great place to spend time on the lake, but Old Hickory offers many events that are either on the lake or take place in local towns. You can discover the nearby history, hear local artists, and shop and eat locally.

During the summer months, the Nashville Symphony hosts a concert on the banks of Old Hickory Lake at the Historic Rock Castle. Rock Castle is a stately home completed in 1796, which was also the same year that Tennessee became a state. The concert is part of the Symphony’s Free Community Concert Series. Vendors sell food and beverages, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. The family dog can also attend! Local boaters enjoy this event as well! Large speakers are placed on the bank so attendees can enjoy the show from their boats! There is also a petting zoo set up for all to enjoy. Several local musicians and singers perform as warm-up acts to the main stage show by the Symphony.

Retirement Benefits

Retirees paddle boarding

Tennessee’s Department of Revenue does not collect property or state personal income tax, which is a significant draw for retirees. However, residents are still liable for paying local property taxes. The average age of those shopping for a home in Tennessee ranges from 55-64, which correlates well with Tennessee’s affordable living standards.

In Sumner County, located along Old Hickory, you can experience the old and the new. Sumner County is located only minutes away from Nashville and offers many appealing aspects for retirees. The county experiences all four seasons; the summer months of July and August are usually the warmest, while the winter months have an average low temperature of 46 °F. Spring offers many blooming flowers and trees that provide colorful vistas that those who love the outdoors will appreciate.

Sumner County offers the convenience of being near TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, which is only 15 minutes outside of Nashville. The hospital is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County, a certified Primary Stroke Center, and one of the only community hospitals in the area with an accredited Joint Center. Also located close to Old Hickory Lake is Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, which offers a wide range of services to the community.

Woman standing on deck

Wondering who is looking for homes in Tennessee? It might surprise you to learn that 72% of potential buyers come from outside the state. Chicago is the number one metro area for those searching for homes in the Tennessee market, followed by Atlanta.

If you’re looking for more than the average lake home, Old Hickory Lake has it all! 

Tellico Village: A Retirement Paradise in Tennessee

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Lakeside Realty via Tellico Village – VisitLoudonCounty.com.

If you’re looking to retire on the lake, there’s likely a thousand questions running through your mind. Is this lake close enough to a hospital? Is the community close-knit? On many lakes, you may have to compromise one value for another. However, Tellico Village, a 5,000-acre resort for seniors on Tellico Lake, might have it all. 

With several high-quality amenities, including its status as a top waterfront and golfing community in the southeast, it’s a fantastic place to live. The thriving community with three recreation centers, peaceful landscape, and proximity to Knoxville make it especially ideal for retirees. To learn more about what makes Tellico Village special, we talked with Lake Homes Realty agent Karen Packett and retirees currently living in the neighborhood. According to these lake residents, here’s what makes Tellico Village a retirement paradise. 

Relaxing Environment

Smoky Mountains – TellicoVillage.org.

Situated at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Village is surrounded by stunning views. The adjacent forests are largely uninterrupted, leaving tranquil hiking paths for residents. Dave Morse, Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says a peaceful location was his top priority in picking a lake. “It’s an absolutely beautiful area, and sitting here and looking at the lake is wonderful. I have my boat that I’ll be parking right here and go for a ride anytime I want.” Besides natural beauty, the laid-back golfing lifestyle draws lots of residents to the community. With three premium golf courses and fun golf leagues for residents to join, this sport is a crucial part of the relaxed lifestyle at Tellico Village.

Inexpensive Costs

Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza Knoxville.

Mark Richer, another Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says that a primary selling point for him is Tennessee’s lack of state income tax. Further, property taxes are 50% lower than his previous home state. These factors provide him with financial security so he can focus energy on golfing and boating. Karen Packett adds that within Tennessee, “Loudon and Monroe counties have some of the lowest property taxes in the eastern area.” These stunningly low costs make Tellico Village highly affordable.

Warm Weather

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

East Tennessee has a mild, four seasons climate. Specifically, around the upcoming fall season, Tellico Village residents can enjoy the foliage while enjoying the crisp air. Winters are short, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Mark Richer says that he moved to Tennessee from the Lake Michigan area for warmer weather and less snow. In retirement, he has more time to enjoy the mild climate and explore the lake. “Here, the lake is so big that you’d have to work hard to see the same thing twice,” he says, “I’m looking forward to driving my boat to Tennessee football games.” Mark and other Tellico Village residents have more months out of the year for quality lake time with the local warmer weather.

Social Life

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

There are about a thousand ways to get involved at Tellico Village. Residents can choose from over 200 clubs, ranging from quilting to motorcycle riding, and get to know other retirees. If you’ve just moved in, the “New Villagers Club” facilitates social connections between new residents. Given the village’s active lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Ideal Living Magazine gave Tellico Village the award of 2016’s “Best Social Calendars.” 

Not only do residents rave about the myriad of clubs, but also about the friendships they’ve made. “The residents are truly some of the friendliest, nicest, and caring people I know,” says Karen Packett. “There is a wonderful diversity of income and race in Tellico Village. No one pays much attention to what you did before retirement; they just want to know how you want to have fun!” 

Urban Proximity

World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN – TNVacation.com.

Tellico Village is truly the best of both worlds — remote enough for natural landscapes, but close enough to an urban area for city amenities. The village is less than a 45-minute drive from the Knoxville Airport, Downtown Metro Knoxville, and Turkey Creek, an upscale shopping area. The area is also home to the University of Tennessee. Football fans living at Tellico Village can easily travel to college sporting events. The proximity of the university provides superior healthcare as well. Residents who need ongoing medical care can find providers at UT Medical Center; a top-ranked hospital. Overall, Knoxville has a fun downtown scene with restaurants, antique shopping, and an art museum. What’s not to love? 

At Lake Homes Realty, you’ll find agents with local expertise and national connections. Talk with one of our knowledgeable local agents like Karen Packett, to find your dream retirement location on the lake! 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Lake for Retirement

Posted on Camille Smith

As we’ve said before, there are countless benefits to retiring on the lake. We won’t rehash that. But how do you know which lake to pick? Last year’s list of best retirement lakes is an excellent place to start, but there’s more to the puzzle. It’s not about specific lake areas, but rather criteria that’s important to you. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled five factors that many retirees find essential in a lake for retirement. We hope this helps your search process!

Peaceful Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Getty Images via wealthmanagement.com.

After 40 plus years of working, you’re no stranger to stress, but retirement should minimize your stress. The lake lifestyle is all about a slower pace, enjoying the outdoors, and stopping to smell the roses. For Lake of the Ozarks retiree Ray Bixler, the sense of lakeside peace is crucial in choosing a lake for retirement. Growing up on the lake, he told Boatus.com, “I left the lake several times, boating on the Mississippi, then the Florida Keys, but as I approached 60, I knew where my heart wanted me to be.” This sense of serenity is even backed by science — studies suggest that even 20-30 minutes outdoors reduces cortisol levels. Especially as an older adult, protecting your mental health and lowering your stress levels is paramount to good overall health. 

Affordability

Photo courtesy of kiplinger.com.

It’s important to financially prepare for retirement. By being frugal and preparing for future expenses, you can maximize your retirement lifestyle. For instance, many retirees choose states like Tennessee or Texas with no state income tax to save money on their home. Instead, they may spend that money on retirement experiences like traveling or adopting new hobbies. If you’re adventurous, you may take after Joe and Karen Stermitz who sold their house to travel the world and pursue an affordable, exciting retirement. Retirement should be as stress-free as possible, and picking a lake home that won’t drain your savings will reduce your worries. Check out these affordable lake areas to start.

Access to Healthcare

Photo courtesy of Julia Kuo via The New York Times.

Access to good-quality healthcare is a concern for all retirees, but especially those living in rural areas. If you’re retiring on the lake, it’s essential to plan for potential health concerns. Dave Morse, a resident of Tellico Lake, enjoys owning a rural lake home close to the urban Knoxville, Tennessee. When he had cancer four years ago, he received high-quality treatment at the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute while maintaining his lake lifestyle. As for emergency services, it’s necessary for those who live on the lake to plan ahead. To prepare for events that require a fast response like cardiac arrests, Dr. Charlotte Yeh told the New York Times that those planning to retire in a remote location, like a lake home, should take first aid and CPR classes. 

Enjoyable Climate

Before retirement, you probably spent more time indoors than outdoors. Now that you’ve got time to enjoy your backyard, choose a destination where the climate is appealing. It’s all up to your personal preference. Some retirees love looking out on a frozen pond, watching the snow falling outside. Others feel the opposite. Paulette and Herve Chassin, retirees and residents of Lake Keowee, love that the local climate allows them to pursue their love of sailing. Considering that AARP’s list of best sunny places to retire includes Asheville NC, Sarasota FL, and San Diego, CA, the Chassins are not alone in seeking a warm-weather lake for retirement! 

Nearby Community

Photo courtesy of Twin Lakes Community.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, loneliness is prevalent among older adults. Although lake homes are great for privacy and natural beauty, they can add to this isolation. To remedy this, look for a retirement lake with social opportunities. “We have made numerous friends while here, as there are many entertainment options from spectacular downtown Greenville to the Brooks Center at Clemson University,” the Chassins say of their community. For a built-in social group, you can select a lake home in a retirement community like Tellico Village on Tellico Lake or White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney. These two neighborhoods have plenty of social groups for retired residents, making them feel right at home. 

Covering over 3,000 in the United States, LakeHomes.com makes finding your lake for retirement easy! 

Most Affordable Lake Areas to Call Home

Posted on Camille Smith

As any lake lover would agree, owning a lake home is a dream come true. Surrounded by serene nature, a plethora of outdoor activities and a carefree atmosphere, a lake environment is certainly an ideal place to call home. However, many people who dream of owning a lake house might write it off as an impossible fantasy– one that’s only possible once you’ve achieved a certain level of wealth. While this may be true in an expensive lake area, there are several lake regions in the U.S. that are both thriving and affordable. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country.

Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo)

Table Rock Lake, MO
Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com.

Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. If you choose to settle in at Table Rock Lake, you can enjoy water skiing and paddle boarding along this large lake with 750 miles of shoreline. If you enjoy trout fishing, you might make Lake Taneycomo your home, as this lake is known for large trout populations in its clear waters. In the general region, Branson is known for the Silver Dollar Theme Park, where you can enjoy both roller coaster rides and bluegrass music.

Mountain Home, AR (Lake Norfolk & Bull Shoals Lake)

Mountain Home, AR
Photo courtesy of nearsay.com.

If you’re less interested in theme parks and instead, you’re seeking a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you’ll want to look at Lake Norfolk or Bull Shoals Lake in  Mountain Home, AR, where the median home price is $174,900. At both of these man-made bodies of water, lakeside dwellers can enjoy scuba diving, fishing, and boating. There’s also plenty of opportunities to go camping nearby. With the open space and smaller crowds, you’ll be able to enjoy nature in an undisturbed way. 

Jamestown, NY (Chautauqua Lake)

Photo courtesy of townofbusti.com.

Chautauqua Lake is included in Lake Home Realty’s top 10 real estate areas in the state of New York– and with good reason. Near Lake Erie, it’s recognized for its swimming beaches, boating, and fishing opportunities. There’s also an attractive comedy scene in Jamestown, NY. This town hosts the Annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Jamestown is Lucille Ball’s hometown) and claims the interactive humor museum called the National Comedy Center. For both a good swim and a good laugh, look no further than Chautauqua Lake, where the median home price is $59,900.

Sevierville, TN (Douglas Lake)

Photo courtesy of slubne-suknie.info.

Lucille Ball isn’t the only famous name that’s represented among these affordable lakes — Sevierville, TN is the hometown of Dolly Parton, the irreplicable country music legend. This area is also known for Douglas Lake, which has a reputation for good largemouth bass and crappie fishing. This lake also neighbors the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee — an area with mountain views and pancake shops that draw many tourists each year. Here, the median listing price is $252,500.

Each of these lake areas truly offers the best of both worlds — a combination of exciting lakeside activities and affordable prices. If you’re looking for a bargain price, we hope you check out one of these markets!

Life After Retirement: What Should You Expect?

Posted on Staff

Our blog is no stranger to the subjects of aging and retirement.

We’ve written about the benefits of retiring at the lake, how to stay youthful regardless of age and how to financially prepare for when you leave the world of work.

This isn’t by accident. The majority of lake homeowners are aged 55-64 and beyond, or in other words, prime retirement age.

Leaving your 9-5’s behind and retiring to a brand new lake home full time is a major aspect of the American dream. But what should older adults expect after they pack up their working boots for good?

It’s important to prepare for the common pitfalls that often take many off guard post-retirement.

The Shock of a Brand New Life

According to the Institute of Economic Affairs, 40 percent of retirees struggle with clinical depression. Additionally, retirement increases the probability of being diagnosed with a physical illness by 60 percent.

For older adults, suddenly leaving one life to start another after years of routine can be rather traumatic. Even when you think you’re prepared, it’s wise to not underestimate the shock of a brand new life.

One of the most common results of retirement is loss of identity. Many working adults have grown to equate what they do to who they are. Jobs also provide several mental health benefits, including:

  • access to relationships with co-workers
  • mental stimulation from constantly learning new things
  • satisfaction from contributing to society and feeling appreciated

From as early as preschool, the meaning of our lives revolve around achievement. First it’s good grades, then rewards in sports and the arts, then making money and getting promotions. Recent retirees report struggling to find a suitable outlet for achievement and reward.

Without these consistent means of fulfillment, despair often sets in as they adjust to a new way of life. The key to a successful retirement, though, is to find different avenues for fulfillment and satisfaction to make up for the loss.

Set Realistic Expectations

Adaptation and newfound happiness are more than possible, but it’s also important to remain realistic.

Retirees often assume they’ll suddenly develop a million new hobbies to fill all that free time. This is a common misconception that often leads to disappointment.

A word to the wise: if you’ve never gardened a day in your life, don’t expect to develop a green thumb as soon as your 401k kicks in.

A smart way to gauge what your retirement will look like is to look at how you utilize your free time before you get there.

Do you spend your weekends sleeping the days away, or catching up on your latest creative project? Do you have an active social life, or love to go on vacations every holiday?

Most of the time (unless you’re particularly ambitious) retirement doesn’t mean recreating your life so much as expanding the one you already have.

Keep this in mind when setting expectations about the other side.

How to Be a Successful Retiree

First, consider what type of person you are. Are you the working type, or the creative leisure type?

If you identify with the latter, you might be perfectly content with going on relaxing vacations, painting landscapes and trying out new recipes for the rest of your days. But if you’re the working type, this’ll likely bore you out of your mind.

In that case, you’ll want to find some outlet of production to keep busy. Keep in mind, working doesn’t always mean labor in exchange for money.

Volunteering your time to a cause you believe in is a great way to contribute to something bigger than yourself. Having a sense of purpose is important at any stage in life.

Also, the retirement rules aren’t set in stone. Who’s to say that, after leaving your 9-5, you can’t embark on that start-up business venture you’ve been dreaming about for years? The opportunities are endless.

Think of it as being 18 again and leaving your parents’ house for the first time, except with more money and more common sense.

The world is your oyster. This is a great time to try new foods, visit new cities and even switch up your wardrobe. Just because your body’s getting older doesn’t mean you have to.

Older adults face existential crises immediately following retirement because most, if not all, of their identity is tied up in their jobs.

Avoid this pitfall by creating a well-rounded life outside of work before you even reach retirement. That way, the transition is easy and more enjoyable.

The Golden Years: 5 Reasons to Retire at the Lake

Posted on Staff

Work a job you love for about 40 years, cash in on a healthy 401K and retire. It’s the final step of the American dream.

Social security, budgeting, health insurance: there’s a lot that goes into it. Ultimately, though, the goal is to comfortably spend one’s golden years in pure, labor-less bliss.

That means relaxation and peace, so what better place to spend it than at the lake?

We’ve come up with five solid reasons to consider making a lake home your permanent residence for life after retirement.

The “Blue Mind” Effect

silhouette of woman doing yoga by the lakeIt’s the reason so many people think of their lake home as an “escape” from normal life. The blue mind effect is responsible for the almost immediate feeling of zen people experience when near the lake or ocean.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols describes it as “a mildly meditative, relaxed state that we find ourselves in when we are in, on or under water.”

Physiologically, our brains and bodies undergo a shift when we step away from high-stress, fast-paced environments and step into nature.

The blue mind effect is known to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety.

Not only does it help us relax, but the very quality of our thoughts changes, producing more “introspective and self-referential” thought processes.

Stress is one of the biggest enemies to any immune system. However, being surrounded by nature such as the lake greatly reduces the chances you’ll fall victim to any number of the health problems stress causes.

Entertainment for the Whole Family

For many, the grandparents’ house is the go-to place for family gatherings. Put that house on a lake, and the kids and grandkids have just one more reason to come visit.

Whether it be for some summertime fun in the sun, or sipping warm drinks around the fireplace at Christmas, entertainment opportunities are endless.

The lake house is great for hosting bonfires, birthday parties and cookouts. And don’t forget fishing, swimming, sailing, kayaking and water skiing.

The Great Outdoors

Retirement is a great time to discover a new hobby. Consider trying your hand at hiking, canoeing or golfing.

If you’re an angler at heart, there’s more than enough game to go around. Bass, crappie and perch thrive in freshwater environments all around the country.

Many lake communities are surrounded by breathtaking wilderness like mountains, waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. So if you’d rather hold a camera than a fishing pole, photography is a great choice.

Take advantage of those scenic views, and your portfolio and Facebook wall will be filled in no time.

In a Land Far, Far Away

Privacy. Seclusion. Sanity.

Whatever you want to call it, being far enough away from the chaos of the outside world can serve you in more ways than one.

Unlike living within city limits, you don’t have to worry about falling asleep to the sound of car horns, and five o’clock traffic is non-existent.

There’s nothing more relaxing than waking up to the sound of birds chirping in the morning, or watching the sun set over the water. Rest easy under a night sky full of stars and feel confident that you’re a good distance away from big city mayhem.

You Deserve It

elderly couple hugging next to lake-sm

Last but not least, the final reason to retire at the lake is simple: you just…can.

The thousands of hours you’ve clocked, the kids you’ve raised, the bosses you’ve endured and the millions of times you’ve been stuck in traffic all say you’ve earned it.

Now is a great time to kick your feet up and just enjoy life.

Lake living is easy.

Its calming effect is priceless, there’s tons to do, and the privacy of it all is too good an opportunity to pass up.

At the end of the day, the number one reason to retire at the lake is you simply owe it to yourself to enjoy this part of your life.

Golf For Beginners: The Swing

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Golf can be a relaxing past time or extremely competitive. However, no matter how you look at it, golf offers an opportunity for bonding time for fathers and sons, and even networking among groups of friends.

There is nothing like hitting the green with an ice-cold beer and being surrounded by good friends.

Though it is an extremely complex and complicated sport, here are some tips to get you on the right path enjoying “the greatest game ever played.”

Your Golf Club Grip Matters

Those who have never golfed a day in their lives will have a tendency to grab the club and grip it just like a baseball bat.

While it may seem like it is unnatural in the beginning, it is important to become accustomed to using the grip properly.

man demonstrating how to properly grip a golf club

Take your club in the palm of the lead hand. The lead hand is the one that is at the end of the club.

You will need your thumb to run up the top of the grip that goes down. Slide the back hand below the other hand.

Then, interlock the back hand’s small finger with the lead hand’s pointer finger. The back hand’s thumb should run down the front of the club grip.

Approach and Posture

Proper back posture is also referred to as “the approach” in golf.

The basics include bending your knees slightly, leaning your upper body over your ball and placing your arms in front of you.

Your feet will need to be shoulder width apart. For the beginning golfer, your ball should be positioned so it is equal distance between the front and the back foot.

In order to figure out if it lines up right, take your 7 iron and run the shaft from the lead foot toe to the back foot toe. The club will point to where you will be hitting your ball.

Take the club, and then put the club head behind your ball. It should be at a 45-degree angle, and it should naturally fit in your hands.

Golf Swing’s Have Steps

There are three essential steps to a golf swing:  the take away, the impact and the follow through. Each one of the steps is vital to making solid contact with your ball.

With the grip and “the approach” taken care of, then it is all about hitting your ball.

For a beginning golfer, it is best to keep your feet planted throughout your swing and impact with the ball. Your head and your upper body should stay relatively still.

You should look at where your ball is through the entire process. As you bring back the club, try to keep the lead arm straight, rotate your hips, and then transition your weight to the back foot.

As you come down to make contact, your hips should begin to rotate forward while your weight should shift to the lead foot.

Keep your eye on your ball as you make contact. Allow your hips to keep rotating. At the end of the swing, your upper torso should face the hole.

 

While these instructions are very elementary, they make for a great starting point for you to get out there, and hit the greens!

 

What is a Reverse Mortgage and Who Should Consider One?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Reverse mortgages have begun to gain in popularity. It was introduced in the year 1989, and such loans began to enable seniors of the age 62 or high to access a certain portion of the home equity without being forced to move.

The bank offers payments to the borrower throughout their lifetime, which is based on the percentage of the home equity. The loan balance will not have to be paid back until the borrower is deceased, sells the property, or moves out of the dwelling permanently.

Reverse Mortgage Breakdown Points:

  • The bank will make payments to the borrower, which is based on the accumulated equity of the home.
  • Once the borrower dies, sells the property, or moves out; the loan is then repaid.
  • Those of the age 62 or higher who own their homes with no balance or have small mortgages can apply for the reverse mortgage.
  • The money can be used for any purpose. Typically those who have retired use the money to survive.

How much money are you able to receive?

Retired CoupleStated by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, also referred to as the NRMLA, there are several factors that can determine the amount of money you are eligible for through a reverse mortgage. These factors include:

  • Age
  • Value of the Property
  • Interest Rate
  • Lending Limit

In order to be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you will need to either own the home outright or have a very low mortgage balance that is able to be paid in full at the closing during the proceeds of obtaining the reverse loan.

You will also need to use the home as your primary residence. Typically, the older that you are, the more valuable the home is, which means the more money you are able to receive.

There are no restrictions on the borrower can use the money when obtaining the reverse mortgage. This means those with medical bills, those that have retired, or those who have lost their jobs are able to use the money any way they see fit.

Things to Consider

You will need to keep in mind that reverse mortgages can be costly at times. This is a wonderful tool to have at your disposal should you need extra funds, but it is crucial to be aware that the funds can make an impact on your Medicaid and your Supplemental Security Income Benefits.

Due to this factor alone, those who look to take out a reverse mortgage are required to take a counseling class that is free. It is conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or another national counseling agency like AARP.

The potential borrower will be able to learn the insides and the out to receive all necessary information that may not be clear before they decide to go this route. They will be shown other routes of opportunities to help aid them in the issue that has led them to wanting a reverse mortgage.

 

Lake Living and Retirement

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Most people do not have a clue what to expect when they retire. They work most of their lives and then, well, there’s nothing to do. That isn’t necessarily the case. You must first prepare yourself mentally for retirement.

It is important to stay busy and take the time to do what you love the most, no matter what that is. Retirement is the time to do the things you simply did not have time for when you were working. It is time to get mentally prepared and enjoy life!

Stay Active

staying active during retirementNow is not the time to get lazy, stay active! Get outside and do what you love to do. Some people spend more time on the lake while others work on their golf game. Now is the time to really dive into the things you love doing most.

But the most important thing to do is keep moving. Studies have shown that people who stay active during retirement live longer and healthier lives. Don’t be a couch potato, get out there!

Volunteer or Get a Part-time Job

A lot of people find it hard to not be working. This is understandable because most people spend a very large chunk of their lives working. If you are one of these types of people, you are in luck. Many retirees take up volunteer work.

Depending on what you did for a living previously, you may be able to put those professional skills to work for a local charity. You could volunteer at a homeless shelter or an animal rescue center. These organizations are almost always looking for people to help out and it can be very rewarding.

If you are looking for extra spending cash and just can’t get out of the habit of working, you can always get a part-time job. Maybe you have always wanted to work at a library or a coffee shop, there is no time like retirement to discover something else that you might love.

Hobbies

readingOkay, you don’t have to be on the go. Some hobbies don’t require a whole lot of physical activity, but will help prepare you on a mental level. Hobbies such as reading, writing, knitting, painting, fishing, and a number of others are all things you can do from home or in a group setting.

Check your local libraries and see if there is a reading group you can join or even a group of knitters to work with.

Retirement Should Be A Blast

Retirement can be so much fun, but most people are not mentally prepared for it. Staying active and doing what you love can help you in living a long and happy life. Set goals for yourself and do some things you have never had the opportunity to do before. There is no time like the present!