Americans need to have more than $1 million saved in order to retire comfortably at age 65, according to many estimates. Thats a lot of money. It also underscores the need for people to begin planning for retirement as early as possible in their careers. If youve put off saving for your golden years, though, the good news is that its still possible for late starters to build a comfortable retirement fund. American Consumer Credit Counseling, a national nonprofit, offers the following six tips for consumers who are late to the game: 1. Have a realistic target. One of the reasons consumers are ..read more

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Whether youve been working remotely for years or are new to a work-from-home scenario, there are important strategies for doing it successfully. Many have the misconception that working from home is easy and will automatically lead to increased productivity. In reality, the opposite is usually true. There are often more distractions at home, and not having the office resources you rely on readily available can hamper your ability to do your job. If you want to improve your chances of being productive while working from home, do the following: Create designated space. Dont try to do your job f ..read more

While you may be keeping up with those daily tasks that ensure that your home is organized and tidy, you are likely hiding some dirty secrets. These four cleaning spots in your home should be addressed, because you’re likely overlooking them. Under the Furniture Rid your home of those dust bunnies ASAP by moving your furniture around and vacuuming underneath. Air Vents Prevent allergen-filled air from circulating in your home by giving your vents regular wipe downs. Toothbrush Holder Dried toothpaste and excess moisture accumulation can cause gunk and mold to spawn. Your Ceiling Fans Keep the ..read more

Having good credit is important, even in retirement. If your credit isnt where you would like it to be, try to get it in shape before you retire. If youre already retired and your credit score is lower than youd like, there are several things you can do to boost it. Why Seniors Should Care About Credit Scores If you decide to downsize, having good credit will be important, whether you buy a new house or rent an apartment. If you want to take out a home equity loan to make repairs to your house or borrow money for a new car, youll have a better chance of being approved and getting a competitiv ..read more

If you want to turn your closet into a luxury boutique, here are a few tips to make it happen. Focus on Presentation You can create visual appeal with display cases and glass cabinet doors that make it easy to admire your perfectly folded wardrobe. Decorate With Intention At least one floor-to-ceiling mirror is essential. You can also hang a few paintings or curate objects on the shelves, such as antiques, books and flowers. Immaculate Organization If you want to make your dressing room feel like a boutique, it should be free of clutter and have a designated place for everything. Make It Comf ..read more

Many people eat a diet with too much fat, which can lead to obesity. That can increase the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. High fat intake can also lead to high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Here are some ways to cut back and develop healthier eating habits. Read Nutritional Labels When you go grocery shopping, read the nutritional labels on packages. You might be surprised by the amounts of fat in many foods, even ones labeled low-fat or fat-free. In addition, many low-fat or fat-free foods contain ..read more

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If time is precious to you, and making time for doctor visits is problematic, you may be considering concierge medicine"sometimes called direct primary care"a service for which patients pay an upfront fee, typically an annual or monthly retainer, in order to have their physician at their beck and call. Some 6,500 physicians in the U.S. currently offer the service, up from fewer than 150 a decade or so ago, according to the American Academy of Private Physicians. Because these physicians have fewer patients, they can offer same-day appointments, including house calls, plus more extensive offic ..read more

Isolation can lead to physical and mental health problems for people of all ages, but senior citizens are particularly vulnerable. Teach Them Technology Get on the phone with an older individual and explain how to use unfamiliar technology to open up new avenues to communicate. Keep in Touch Provide much-needed social interaction and mental stimulation with phone and video calls, emails and texts. Share Photos and Videos Send photos and videos of things that are going on in your life now and fun times you have spent together. Plan Quality Time Arrange to play a game virtually as a group or sc ..read more