10 Cities where boomers ready to retire

Workers on the verge of retirement in Minneapolis and St. Paul the most ready to resign, and those living in Los Angeles, at least, according to a recent survey of Ameriprise financial and Harris Interactive. On-line survey of adult ages 40 10.028-75 in 30 cities took account of financial products, such as savings habits and retirement needs. Personal plans, including specific pension and trust employees feel about achieving retirement also weighed in the ranking.

[See 10 tips for retirement abroad]

Including both financial and personal action has resulted in some surprising ratings. For example Washington, district of Colombia, 23 of 30 80 per cent of residents, cancellation money for retirement, which is second only to the top ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul. However, the lack of confidence residents expressed their ability to retire has resulted in a lower rating in the capital. About 40% of the residents of Washington, district of Colombia expressed pessimistic (or perhaps a realistic) feelings about their ability to retire.

Many of the lower ranked cities more immediate financial difficulties seem taking precedence over retirement planning. In Los Angeles, over a third (36%) the respondents say they have experienced career back or dismissal during the past 18 months. And many Indianapolis inhabitants (31%) say the economy has affected their pension plans.

Here's a look at how older workers are preparing for retirement in top ranked cities.

1. Minneapolis-St. Paul. Most of the inhabitants of the city Twin (83%) are now saved for retirement, compared with 69 per cent of all respondents. Almost half (48 percent) of those surveyed report feeling the retirement and 71 percent plan to stay in the area.

2. ???? - ???. The majority of Raleigh and Durham residents see themselves as retirement savers (79 percent). However, the growth of this metropolitan area, the number two spot is the large number of people (80%) who plan events they wish to continue after retirement. One of the most popular activity is going back to College. About 12 per cent of those surveyed are planning to continue their education at the time of retirement in the many colleges and universities.

[See 10 places to recreate their lives in the pension.]

Nashville. Music City is the third largest mainly from their confidence in their ability to retire. Half of the respondents believe that they are on track to retire comfortably. However, respondents polled planned to live only typical 17 years after retirement, much less, than 30 years, many financial advisors recommend that a healthy retirement plan.

Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto. Over a third (39%) Sacramento area residents identified the amount of income they need to achieve your retirement goals, compared with 25 percent nationwide. Almost all older workers in California State capital district (86%) had the idea of the activities they wish to continue after retirement.

5. Seattle-Tacoma. Emerald City residents are most likely to be in the country have a written plan for retirement. Many residents of Seattle-Tacoma (38%) report that they calculate the amount of income, they will need in retirement and 31 per cent have determined how much they need to save each year to reach for their retirement.

San Diego. Almost three quarters (74 percent) of people in this sunny town of California say they feel optimistic about their ability to retire. Most people in San Diego on the verge of retirement plan (64%) live in the city after their withdrawal from the labour force, but many also are planning to visit (38%).

Hartford-New Haven. Most of the New England say they have allocated money for retirement (77%) and even many people consulted a professional financial advice (35%). However, other cities are ranked above new haven and Hartford because only half of the population have a plan how to spend your time and 45 percent of respondents plan to leave town after retirement.

Denver. Most of the inhabitants of the city's mile-high saving for retirement (77%) and the use of employer-sponsored retirement accounts (64%). Travel is a popular planned retirement activities (35%).

[See 10 historical sites of retirement]

Baltimore. Many residents of Baltimore say economy pushed their retirement date and that they intend to leave town after retirement (46%). However, the majority of survey respondents (83%) had taken steps to prepare for their planned departure.

Boston. Bostonians have set aside is usually at least some money for retirement (76%). Many residents is determined by the amount of income, they will have after retirement (35%) and receive financial advice from a professional (32%).

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10 Last minute, budget Friendly gift

If you are hunting for the perfect gift for your MOM, boyfriend or niece, these fun, but the options available to help you. When you think you have enough time, you don't need to, especially if you buy online. And if you want to estimate free shipping deals, which usually means of land transport, then you are just a few days to ensure timely delivery.

[Pictures: 10 kitchen tools, that will save you money]

Here are ten gift ideas to round out your shopping list:

Slow cooker: best for young people still settling into their first home, this gift will keep on giving throughout the year, saving money on food. The recipient will be less tempted by take-out, meaning a grocery list healthier and cheaper. Don't forget to send some of your favorite recipes with a gift. Cost: $ 30 to $ 100, depending on how you want to get fancy.

2) Justin Bieber dolls: to consider, with children in your life doll 12-inch their idol, Justin Bieber. Amateur versions even sings. Cost: $ 20 to $ 40.

Stocks: also perfect for children, ING Direct Sharebuilder makes it easy to give stock as a means of education. The company offers a package that includes a $ 50 gift card for a new account, investment loans and Motley Fool video series on how to buy stocks. Price: Starts at $ 45.

Garden herbs: this gift works even for people without the yard as they can take care of it inside. More practitioners can create a garden of seedlings and to submit the final product. If you give it to anyone, the evil one, then you can specify all supply and let them do the dirty work. Again you'll be helping them save money throughout the year, since herbs are expensive. Cost: $ 20-$ 30.

Deodorant: this is not the most romantic gift and is probably best to close relative, but it is loving one. Since most deodorants contain potentially dangerous ingredients such as triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, Siobhan o' Connor and Alexandra Spunt, no more dirty looks, recommend alternative healthy deodorizing Lavanila 's. Although one stick it runs $ 18, the authors promise that it is worth every penny and it lasts longer than the average for anti perspirant. Cost: $ 18.

[For more money-saving tips, please visit the United States News Alpha consumer blog.]

Shampoo and conditioner: deodorant, ' Connor and Spunt recommend bypassing traditional shampoos that contain potentially harmful ingredients. The recommended alternative is Alaffia daily shampoo, oil, makes a great stocking stuffer. Cost: $ 10.

Smartphone Samsung prevent during the initial purchase is a big one ($ 250), the monthly cost is where you'll save. With monthly rates starting at $ 25 this phone leads the field in terms of accessibility. For those who have not a Smartphone, this may be the best option. Cost: $ 550 for phone plus one year of service.

Hand blenders: this tool necessary kitchen easier to clean than conventional blender and makes it easy to create a SOUP, cocktails and baby food in minutes. Cost: $ 30.

Cookbooks: latest bestseller Barefoot Contessa, how easy is that?, offers tips about cooking, presentations, and to make things as simple as the title suggests. Ideal for beginning cooks, as well as more advanced. Cost: $ 20-$ 30.

Susan g. Komen gear: when you shop at Susan g. Komen for the cure site, 25 percent of the purchase price goes directly to the fight against cancer. You can get a pink Hoodie for $ 38 or running "skort" for $ 50. Cost: $ 10 and above.

Kimberly Palmer-author of the new book generation make: a guide for young professionals to spend, invest and giving back.

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10 new year's resolutions for your career

We will have a fresh new year. What better time to take stock of our career? Last week a post talking about looking back, how to conduct your own Review at the end of career — so this week we're looking forward.

The resolutions for 2011, try to start with this:

1. stop procrastinating. Across the Board — stop putting things. Start with small things. You'll be surprised at how much easier and more fluid becomes your life. Procrastination is a thief of time. You can't build a life that you will do. "

[See 5 steps to breaking bad habits of work.]

2. join a new group. Large networks is the key to career success and build large networks need to be constantly meeting new people. So this year, join your trade or professional associations, Subscribe to Toastmasters, volunteers for your church choir or get involved in your local authority or your favorite charity. No matter what group you join. Simply join one.

3. learn a new skill. Not only will be brushing up on your experience, do wonders for your job security — or, if you're looking for a job, your employment is also a great psychological boost. Our minds are happy when they grow up.

4. set goals. This is in contrast to put together a comprehensive long-term life or career plan. This is difficult, and many of us never even get started. Instead, simply identify one single naked, then work on it. That seems much more doable?

5. reading. In particular, read about your business or industry. As far as possible seek "outsider". The more you know about your area more interesting it becomes for you and you, as a more valuable. A simple search on Google you get started.

6. get a mentor.We all need somebody to make suggestions, give advice, listen to our ideas and concerns, tell us when we went off track and give us a shot behind when we need it. In fact you can have more than one mentor. There are a handful and encourage their own personal Board of Directors.

7. save money. Nothing is more important for your safety and future than the money put aside. If you already save, save a little more. If you do not save, start today. Seriously. Don't even wait until January 1. Start saving now.

[See 50 ways to improve your finances by 2011]

8. improve your people skills.All jobs include working with people. No matter how amazing you are at your job, if you can't get along with others, you'll have real problems of the future. So this year the vow of a little more to listen, talk a little bit less, and give your coworkers, bosses, clients and customers the benefit of the doubt.

9. volunteer for something.Want to instantly feel better about yourself and your life? Give of your time and energy. Whether or not to organize a blood drive at your workplace or cleaning up the local park, volunteering is good for you, personally and professionally.

[More career opportunities, visit United States News Career or find us Facebook or at Twitter.]

10. proportion of those resolutions with someone. As your mentor. Colleague or family member will work, too. Putting the responsibility for your permissions exponentially increases the likelihood that you'll keep them.

How? Are you one of those people who never make resolutions? In any case consider these ideas. Inspiration often lie in wait when you least expect it.

With the old, in with the new! Happy New Year.

Karen Burns is the author of the book illustrated career tips Amazing Adventures Working girl: real-world Career advice you can actually use issued, start-up. It www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com blogs.

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10 ways managers can relieve pressure job interview

Job interviews are the ultimate pressure cookers — for all participants.

Hiring manager with precious little hole is looking for that perfect recruit and doesn't want to recommend a wrong candidate. For current relationship with a recruiter can depend on its ability to provide relevant talent that is suitable to describe a particular job.

And then there's the nominee. Interviews are a short window to talk to the hiring manager is a unique opportunity in this market. This means if you're a candidate, you probably will feel great knot in your stomach.

All this pressure generates less than stellar environment for putting your best foot forward, meeting new people or making important hiring decisions.

Here are 10 ways to hiring managers can reduce the pressure and allows everyone to make the best decisions:

1. consider business casual.Get people in clothes, they are likely to be at work and you will get to know a candidate. It doesn't work everywhere, of course. Business culture in certain sectors and geography dictates business dress. But when this is not the case, why not let business attire casual interviews? Managers who decide to go this route will want to make clear to the applicant or the interviewee may show up in costume.

[See 15 effective Bosses keep their best employees]

2. assign the Sherpa.Hiring organizations should appoint someone to watch over the interview process, the person who accompanies the candidates from the interview and ensures that they are not forgotten or left wait in. It's easier for candidates to relax when they feel wanted, cared for and hiring companies recruited, the atmosphere can be created with a bit of attention.

3. focus on the first five minutes.The first five minutes of interview talk a lot. Especially in the opening minutes of hiring managers look to see whether candidates demonstrate cultural fit and participate. Therefore, try to remove the pressure immediately, through dialogue, body language or anything that helps everyone in the room feel comfortable. The more you relax, the more you get out of the interview.

4. smile.Smile opens doors. It invites people to take a breath and streamlined. Both candidates and interviewers take this simple act. The only limitation: it must be real. Try not to use this fake smile, we sometimes get back after meeting new people. Let your real smile shine through.

5. go for a walk. As an interviewer, you have the opportunity to help people relax. Consider starting an interview with a walk around the Department or outside the Office to submit a nomination for the company. Walking relieves stress and can create more friendly first impression.

[See don't make these mistakes interview]

6. remove the table.Talking to a candidate — or anyone — from a large table with you creates pressure because it strengthens the role of the interviewer and the candidate. This gives one person who can make other nervous. If the interviewer, consider grabbing a Chair and sat beside or across the street from the candidate, and not an interview because of your table.

7. Enable conversation.Consider inclined to conversational interviews not tightly controlled set of questions and answers, and instead, revolves around a discussion about business issues and possible solutions. It is more advantageous to applicants as they learn more about the company. And it gives the interviewer more opportunity to see the real identity of the candidate.

8. Ask real questions. Enough already with the greatest weakness or greatest challenges. No one would answer them, and it benefits both parties to be more creative. Ask yourself what you really want to know that the questions that will help you decide whether or not the candidate a good fit for you and your company, instead of falling back to common questions.

9. listen to music. Music can soothe a wild beast. It can also help shake loose nervous before the interview because the bones to release the remaining pressure. People on both sides of the table to enjoy power of music during a job search.

[More career opportunities, visit United States News Career or find us Facebook or at Twitter.]

10. be yourself.There are a lot of pressure to be more in the interview, not only for the candidate. Interviewers, too want to strengthen the value of the company, impress and come with a decent enough to fill an hour. In itself rather than to create versions of yourself and the company that you believe candidate wants to see you set yourself up for long-term success. If the candidate accepts your offer, you know, she is happy to work with you and the real company. She knows what she's getting into.

That helps you to relax during the interview? As hiring managers can help candidates shake the jitters?

Tim Tyrell Smith is founder Tim strategy, a site that helps people succeed in career and life strategies, job search. Follow Tim on Twitter, @ TimsStrategy and share his 30 ideas e-book with friends, looking for work.

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10 Totally radical moves money

Life's too short to be like everyone else. Be different. Take a look at these 10 steps are absolutely radical money. They're on top? Or you could see yourself using any of this money is going to radically change your financial life?

[Photo: top 10 cities with the most outstanding]

Stash to buy your House in full. Instead of the big mortgages, avoid thousands of dollars in interest charges, saving up to buy your House in full.Get there faster buying houses. Work your way up to your dream home. Lindsay Binegar green, Ohio bought her first home only 18 years of age, using money she saved from its 4-h win.

Work your way through school. College isn't just for the rich and those who are willing to take on student loans.You can get a Bachelor's degree by paying as you go: you can start to community colleges and expect it will take longer, but it is still possible.Don't believe me? Check both College of the Ozarks, also known as hard At work where your learning covered employment to work on campus.

Save 50% of your income for retirement. If you're in your 50s, and is only now beginning your retirement savings, it may be necessary if you want to resign over time. And if you are young, but plan to retire early, 50% will definitely help you get there faster.Nevertheless, it sounds and is pretty radical thinking about living off only 50% of your take home pay, right? but some people may do so.

Avoid credit card Even if you use them responsibly and to pay every month, you'll get a one day there is no fee or annual fee. Some families prefer to go without using a credit card in full, preferring instead to use a debit card rewards help them earn cash back on your expenses.

[Hits personal finance u.s. news site for more insight and money management tips].

Don't buy anything new for the year. In addition, basic necessities (food, energy, health and safety elements and, of course, underwear), not to buy anything. No problem.For one year. Could you make it? people who started Compact did. They are used like www.freecycle.org barter for things they need.

Become family carIt is not uncommon in the city. But on the outskirts of the sprawling dropped down on one car would mean great sacrifices, especially for those with children and busy schedules. But it is likely to radically change your monthly repayments in auto and it definitely will bring you closer together as a family.

Store products only once per month. One quick ways to cut costs in your budget is to spend less on food, most savvy buyers learn to buy some products in their dollar stretch further. But most of us still end up in the grocery 2 or 3 times a month.Economides Scottsdale, AZ family, also known as America's cheapest family, claims that spend only $ 350 per month to food and cleaning products for seven people going grocery shopping once a month.They will not be able to keep using coupons, shopping around and buying in bulk and in case you're wondering, they freeze their bread and milk to make it last long.

Rent your home and live in the garage.Michel de la Vega in Seattle, Washington did just that.She purchased a full-size House with separate garage and then convert the fully functional home at a price of $ 32.000 garage.At that time, she rented a House to provide a steady income.

Spend your nights and weekends, building a business.Instead of watching hours each night, use this time to create something that can help you earn extra money.A two or three hours with your family the right when you get home from work, then spend the rest of your evening, build your business. who knows, you could turn it into a day of work.

[See: 15 things you don't have to be paid for.]

Pay your luck.Finally, once you build up your wealth, give him the sins of Carl Rabeder, Australian millionaire, giving away his fortune of ￡ 3 million for development of micro lending business in South America, he claims that his money made him miserable people have lost all your money will lead to more happiness?

How do you think? you would be able to do any of them? can you more radical steps? leave your best advice in the comments below.

Phil Taylor is the author of the popular 52 ways to earn extra money. learn how to save more money and get the latest news on best online savings accounts and online stock brokers in his blog, FR money: personal finance.

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10 best gadgets and services for boomers

While some people may decrease of lattes, an increasing number of more spend on a variety of wire (or wireless) high tech gadgets. Last year's consumer electronics group Trade Association reports, Americans spent nearly 170 billion. $ USA electronics ranging from laptops to Smartphones. Although these electronic contraptions can become overwhelming incursions or distraction that you do not need to be. The right gadgets and services that they connect to — in fact, you can free you to some of the common efforts in the past (how to spend the whole evening, balance your checkbook), giving you more time to enjoy life. Here are 10 mini-applications and services boomers may wish to consider:

AppleiMat

IPad terrible e reader and, in many ways, it's just a really great iPhone (without phone). It is also a heavy (1.5 lb) and has been unable to play the majority of Web video.Nevertheless, it may be the perfect living room PC, which is why over 80 days, Apple sold 3 million are sleeker and Sexier than. "laptop, iPad ($ 499-$ 829) is designed to work together.Think of it as a community gateway news, sports and just about any information you can find on the Internet.

For example, you can verify the details during commercials, see pitcher while watching a game, peruse the actor bio online or impromptu game of Scrabble. Apple iPad is generation must have digital coffee-table book, albeit expensive to save money and avoid monthly fees, eschew 3 G model and stick with WiFi only retroactively.

BLOUET A nt S4

Distracted driving is a serious problem, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reported that nearly 6000 people were killed and more than half a million people were injured in 2008 in crashes involving a driver distractions. This is why eight States and the District of Columbia have made unlawful use of handheld cell phone while driving, according to the insurance for roads.Drivers you can buy a simple wireless speakerphone for $ 30 to remain in compliance with local laws.But there is a more convenient solution features: wireless Bluetooth speaker-phone that clips to your car visor and allows you to communicate with both hands on the wheel.

Although you can find some similar models in the market, BlueAnt S4 ($ 100) is unique in being truly hands-free device continually voice of his master. All we need do say "BlueAnt talk to me" and he awakens, ready to respond to oral instructions.To make a call, you can say "call" or "callback" without reaching up and fumbling with buttons and when you forget the correct command, just ask, "what can I say?" and he will tell you what to do.

[Visit retired u.s. news site more planning ideas, analysis and recommendations].

Barnes & Noble nook

E-books and e-book readers catch on quickly because of their impressive potential.Digital texts can cost less than half the price of their hardcover cousins, new books can be downloaded wirelessly in 30 seconds and handheld readers, you can replace e wall shelving storage over a thousand books.Of course, the question becomes: what happens to your electronic library to die for your device or you decide that you want to shop in another store e-books?

Barnes & Noble corner e reader ($ 149-$ 199) tries to alleviate these problems by using the open EPUB e-book format that allows rendering of e-books with friends and is compatible with competing e readers such as Sony and Cobo boundaries thus shall you break your corner or simply want a different model in the future, your e-library, you can come with you.(Unlike Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad try to lock customers into retail stores, using exclusively.)EPUB Format is backed by the likes of Google, which make over a million public domain books available online finally if you don't have your corner with you, Barnes & Noble is a free application to read your eBooks on iPhone, BlackBerry or Smartphone based on Android.

Garminfone

Standalone portable navigation devices, quickly giving free smartphones based GPS mapping and navigation solutions. the problem with most of these smartphones, what direction often ends when you lose your connection, the screens illegible in sunlight and audio directions may be inaudible.

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10 historical sites of retirement

Richard Shortlidge, 68, spends years to his retirement, firing muskets and cannons. It depicts the Spanish soldiers in full form and performs traditional leatherworking at Fort Mose historical State Park in St. Augustine, Fla., the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. "I will explain what was to be a soldier in the middle of the 18th century and a bit about ships that I do," he says. Shortlidge, a retired senior officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also volunteers at Fort Matanzas and Castillo de San Marcos, the old Fort of masonry of the 17th century in North America. "If you are a lover of history and nature, you'll be hard pressed to find a place that combines both of these, and they unite in St. Augustine," says Shortlidge.

[Photo: 10 places for positive history.]

To find a few historical places to retire, u.s. News uses the best places to retire from the built-in database Informatica. We looked at places, museums, libraries and national historic sites, which are also offering a good quality of life and good facilities for seniors.

Charleston, s.c., named King Charles II of England in the 1600s, the Museum of life for civil war buffs. Seaside town has 36 national historic monuments and museums in 42 30 miles away. "Almost anywhere you go here you're in that history, "says Scott Wallinger, 71, retired senior Vice President packaging, which is currently on board the Charleston Museum. "Over the years I have visited most of the historic houses. Simply walking the streets in Charleston and peeking into gardens very past time. "

Several American cities, including Savannah, GA entire neighbourhoods, preserved as a national historic sites.The oldest state capital in the us in Santa Fe, n.m., is the unique architecture of Spain Pueblo, codified into law. And densely populated area of San Francisco 18 national historic monuments, including the Park historic district, Alcatraz Island and cable cars.

[To use our online tool to find a better place.]

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, La., slowly regaining its former inhabitants of the city-wide celebrations., including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest heritage continues to attract locals and guests. "There is a beauty and charm, to be honest, I was very surprised, "says Lillian Bardwell, 65, retired Executive Secretary for the Bank, which moved from Houston to New Orleans in December 2009."He has a European flair."Bardwell volunteers in National Museum of World War II, which is only 10 minutes walk from her condo in the business district.

Where the founding fathers lived and worked is a fascinating part of historical monuments.You can start a new life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a teenager Benjamin Franklin, or visit make John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams at the Adams National Historical Park in the suburbs of Boston, Quincy, Massachusetts, Washington, of course, is awash with presidential history, including 74 national attractions and museums, free and low-cost.

[See 10 Affordable mountain town for retirement.]

Three US Presidents — Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler, attended classes at William and Mary, the second oldest college in the United States can examine campus, retirees, Williamsburg, VA, Virginia residents free of charge at the age of 60 and over can audit to three courses each semester at College. Jerome Trehy, 77, was one of about two dozen senior citizens are currently taking classes using a wavier pensioner fees. "I go into the House Wren, Christopher and I feel like I'm walking through the halls where Jefferson all atmosphere makes you feel, you live in a part of history, "said Trehy that audit classes including anthropology and religion, economics, history for more than a decade."With the exception of children who walk with modern clothes, do you think you were at a time when horses were walking down the street.

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