“With a very slow growing economy, we have heard from many baby boomers who are a little nervous about retiring and living out the rest of their life on a fixed income,” explains Brad Glickman, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and President of Bernard R. Wolfe & Associates, Inc., a company specializing in offering wealth management strategies. “The good news is that there are a lot of steps that can still be taken to help make the most out of their financial situation during their retirement years.”

Here are 5 financial tips every baby boomer should know:

1. It’s never too late. Just because someone has reached retirement age, or is nearing it, doesn’t mean that it is too late to make sound financial plans. It’s never too late to create a plan to successfully navigate the rough financial waters.
2. Re-examine your investment strategy.  As the focus shifts from growth to income, one may need to reevaluate their current investment strategy to one that may be more appropriate for retirement.
3. Review your risk management plan. It’s important to have proper insurance and legal allocations in place to help protect any assets that have been acquired. While life insurance may have been a primary focus during peak earning years for income replacement purposes, long-term care insurance during retirement may start to become more important to protect the assets.
4. Review your budget. The budgets we have while we are working may be very different from the budgets we have during retirement. While many save on work related expenses, medical costs and travel expenses may rise after retirement. It’s important to have a handle on the types of adjustments, as you may need to make changes in your cash flow to remain comfortable.
5. Get professional help. Working with a financial planner can help make the difference in having a financial plan that leaves one feeling confident. A financial planner can assess your current situations, make sound recommendations, and help you create an educated and well thought out plan designed to help you achieve your retirement goals.

Roughly 80 million baby boomers have already reached, or are nearing, retirement age. Yet research shows that only 55 percent of them are satisfied with their retirement savings, and another 36 percent worry that they won’t be able to retire at all. Yet it is not too late to make a realistic plan to live by.

“Hoping for the best is not a strategy,” added Glickman. “It’s important to get a handle on where you stand to create a disciplined plan for your future.”

Bernard R. Wolfe & Associates, Inc., has provided financial management strategies and investment services since 1981. They assist a wide range of private and corporate clients with everything from estate planning and investment to divorce planning. The company also offers professional women’s financial planning services, led by Vice-President, Samantha Fraelich, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Now that email has been around for 30 years or so, you’d think that common messaging activities — like using the Reply and Reply All buttons — would just be common sense. Alas, based on all the pain I see at work, in email from BNET readers, and out there on the Web in general, it’s clearly not the case.  Here’s my take on when and how you should use Reply and Reply All to avoid causing problems in the office.

• Florida is ripe for business opportunities that meet Boomer daily needs and methods of escape as they scale back and some adjust to life with parents and adult children in the same household;

• Florida Boomers report high quality of life in the state despite economic setbacks; and

•  In the current economic environment, Florida Boomer consumers react more favorably to advertising that emphasizes integrity, positive messaging and innovation.

The study, entitled “(Re) Introducing Florida’s Boomers: A Fresh and Surprising Look at the Consumers We Thought We Knew,” is a collaboration of Schwartz Consulting Services, a Tampa-based market research firm; Common Language, a St. Petersburg based public relations firm; and ChappellRoberts, a Tampa-based advertising agency.

The findings were presented at the 2010 Florida Boomer Lifestyle Conference, produced by Common Language and ChappellRoberts.

Schwartz conducted a statistically valid survey of 444 Florida Boomers last month in all regions of the state. The survey covered their purchasing habits, consumer behavior and influence; their life outlook; their thoughts on health and wellness; and their receptivity to marketing messages.

“Survey results show that Florida Boomer priorities are family, health and personal finances,” said Michelle Bauer, chief strategist at Common Language. “Smart entrepreneurs will be focused on providing products and services to time-constrained Boomer women,” she added. “Tap into their priorities and deliver solutions like food preparation, house cleaning, financial planning, affordable get-away trips, day spas, and chocolate and other indulgences.”

Bauer added that Florida is a likely incubator for all kinds of new ventures catering to Boomers – both high and low tech.

When it comes to marketing to Florida Boomers, Lorin Drake, vice president of consulting services at Schwartz, emphasized that a one-size-fits-all strategy is unwise.

“Contrary to conventional wisdom, not all Boomers wish they were still at Woodstock or listen to Beatles albums on vinyl,” he said. “To treat such a diverse and heterogeneous population with a shotgun marketing approach is entirely ill-advised. Just like with any other marketing initiative, the importance of market segmentation applies to the Boomer audience.”

The study also explored what marketing messages resonate most with Florida Boomers. “We all remember advertising that targeted an older market segment by using celebrity endorsements and appealed to the good-old days,” said Colleen Chappell, president and CEO of ChappellRoberts. “Florida Boomers reject those techniques,” she said. “Rather, they value businesses that operate and market with integrity, messages that give them a positive feeling, and products that are innovative and offer solutions. Brand promises better be authentic with this group of consumers.”

Florida is a state that is particularly known for its retirement communities and its fair share of senior citizens. With Florida’s throngs of seasonal tourists, college co-eds drinking and carousing during spring break, and miles of high-rises and traffic jams on congested highways, some may wonder why it is still considered a nice place to retire. Here are five good reasons why Florida is still viewed as the perfect state to spend one’s “golden years”.

1)In the United States mainland, southern Florida is one of the warmest places during the winter. With Florida’s annual low temperature of 59 Fahrenheit, it is the perfect location for those seeking to escape the brutal winters common in the northern most U.S. states.

2)The state of Florida caters to its population of senior citizens. Retirement destinations such as Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Keys, Ocala, Tampa Bay, and those less known like Bradenton boasts numerous well-maintained retirement communities. Many of these communities offer on-site golf courses, restaurants, fitness centers, and planned activities for its members.

3)There are still retirement communities close to white sand beaches that are not well known and overpopulated with tourists. Bradenton is one such beach town. Being close to the Gulf of Mexico, activities like sailing and gulf fishing are just a stone’s throw away. If senior citizens do not desire community living, single-family homes can be purchased on the canals and bays.

4)Not all retirement communities in Florida boast a “sun and sand” atmosphere. In fact, Dade City, located in central Florida northeast of Tampa, has oak trees, hills and quaint antique shops! This award winning small town is known for its friendly atmosphere, citrus groves, and ranches. Seniors wanting to retire to a quiet community with a small town feel, Dade City would be the perfect destination.

5)Yes, retirement is considered a profitable industry, enough so that Florida provides perks, such as property tax exemptions, to those planning to retire in Florida. The only requirements for legal residency are to establish a permanent home and make a sworn statement with the Circuit Court in the county of desired residency.

Phil Williams, the state’s assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid finance, said Wednesday that top officials went to Washington this week to try to reach agreement on extending a Medicaid pilot that includes the funding program, known as the “Low Income Pool.”

Federal officials told the state last month they are looking at ending the Low Income Pool in December 2013. In the program, local tax dollars are used to draw down federal matching funds.

Adding to the state’s concerns, Williams said federal officials have indicated they do not know whether Florida would be able to switch to another funding program — known as the “Upper Payment Limit” program — to replace part of the $1 billion.

In the past, state and hospital-industry officials have assumed Florida could use the Upper Payment Limit program if LIP ended. Such a move, however, likely would lead to a cut of $300 million a year or more.

“The bigger question is, will it (LIP) just go away in total, or will there be something that replaces LIP as we know it today?” Deanna Schaeffer, an official with Halifax Community Health System in Daytona Beach, said Wednesday after a meeting of a state group that works on Low Income Pool issues.

The Low Income Pool, which was included in a controversial Medicaid pilot that started operating in 2006, is designed to send additional money to hospitals and other providers that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients.

Hospitals, which have grappled with Medicaid rate cuts in recent years, are fiercely protective of the LIP program. The group that met Wednesday, known as the Low Income Pool Council, makes recommendations to the Legislature about how the money should be distributed — a contentious process that includes battles within the hospital industry.

“The basic problem last year, we had more mouths to feed than loaves of bread to feed them,” said University of Florida physician Joseph Tepas, who serves on the council. “That’s not going to change this year.”

Florida has been working for the past year to try to get federal approval of a three-year extension of the Medicaid pilot. That pilot is controversial because it requires most Medicaid beneficiaries in Broward, Duval, Baker, Clay and Nassau counties to enroll in managed-care plans.

The pilot was supposed to expire June 30, but the state has received a series of temporary extensions to try to reach agreement with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The latest temporary extension is scheduled to end Aug. 31.

Federal officials have expressed support in letters to AHCA for continuing the pilot program. But state Medicaid officials said they were surprised last month when the federal government indicated it might end LIP in December 2013, cutting off the money before the proposed end of the pilot.

Williams said the federal government has indicated it wants to also end similar programs in other states. Federal officials have not explained their LIP reasoning in letters made public by AHCA, but one factor could be the federal health overhaul that will require almost all Americans to have insurance in 2014 — at least in theory reducing the need for extra payments to care for the uninsured.

Beyond the pilot, lawmakers this spring approved a statewide Medicaid managed-care plan that was expected to include LIP money. That statewide program, which also needs federal approval, could start shifting people into managed-care plans in 2013.

With the Aug. 31 deadline looming for the pilot, Williams said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Elizabeth Dudek and other officials from AHCA and the governor’s office were in Washington this week for talks.

Williams said the issues, however, go beyond the potential future elimination of LIP. He said, for example, the federal government is seeking to put new conditions on the LIP money.

Those conditions would require 20 hospitals that receive the largest shares of LIP money to take steps such as increasing primary-care capacity, reducing hospital readmissions and improving diabetes services.

By Jim Saunders

News Service of Florida

(Family Features) With everything on your “To Do” list this fall, it may seem as though there’s not enough time to eat right or stay fit. But, eating right and living a healthy lifestyle actually enable you to cross all those items off your “To Do” list!

The good news is that a few small changes to your diet and activity level can have a huge impact on your ability to tackle a busy day. The Laughing Cow has enlisted the advice of four experts in the fields of nutrition, food and fitness to share their advice on how to stay fit, happy and healthy this fall, no matter how busy you become.

Easy steps to a fit fall

“If your office or school is close enough to your home, try walking or biking to work or school once or twice a week to keep your metabolism up,” said Patricia Bannan, registered dietitian and author of “Eat Right When Time Is Tight.”
As for getting motivated to exercise routinely, Sarah Dussault, certified personal trainer and founder of SarahFit.com, advises, “It’s easy to stay motivated when you have a finish line in sight. Sign up for a 5K for workout inspiration and to reaffirm your commitment to a healthier you. The scheduled race will increase your ambition when it comes to lacing up your sneakers before or after a long day.”

Snacking to success

Fall is a hectic time for most families and that can mean grabbing food on the go.  Making good snack choices can give you the boost you need to get through a hectic day.

“Portion-controlled snacks are perfect for satisfying a craving, and keeping hunger levels steady when reducing overall calorie intake,” said Dussault.

Bannan shared her top tip for being snack savvy, “Keep a stash of The Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges on hand for a quick and healthy snack when hunger hits. Feel free to pair them with pretzel sticks or crackers from the school or office vending machines.”

Veronica Noon, healthy living blogger behind GreenLiteBites, RonisWeigh and BlogToLose, added, “My latest fun snacking tip: Put 2 tablespoons of unpopped popcorn kernels in the bottom of a small brown lunch bag. Fold the top close and pop in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Voilà – your very own 100-calorie pack.”

Keep it up!

“You make thousands of choices each day. Living a healthy lifestyle means making the best decisions possible 90 percent of the time. You are the only one who will determine the amount of activity you get, the nutritious food you’ll enjoy, the attitude you present, and the overall healthy lifestyle you’ll commit to,” said Sarah Kay Hoffman, blogger and self-proclaimed digitally addicted country girl with a foodie-fitness flare.
Get more tips and find tasty, satisfying recipes at www.thelaughingcow.com. In the meantime, brighten up your usual packed lunch with this delicious sandwich recipe.

Giving Turkey a Whirl

Ingredients

• 2 whole wedges The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original Cheese
• 1 whole 10-inch flour or flavored tortilla wrap
• 1 teaspoon honey mustard
• 2 slices smoked turkey
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or arugula
• 1/2 whole apple or pear, sliced thin

Preparation

1. Spread wedges over tortilla wrap, covering evenly. Top with honey mustard, smoked turkey, lettuce and apple or pear. Roll up tightly, tucking in ends of tortilla. If necessary, secure with toothpick.

Serves
Serves 2

SOURCE:
The Laughing Cow

Coventry Health Care of Florida, Florida Health Care Plan and United Health Care of Florida filed challenges last week in the Division of Administrative Hearings. They are fighting a Department of Management Services decision to offer only one HMO in each county to employees in the state group insurance program.

The companies each would lose business, and Florida Health Care Plan would be shut out completely, from the change.

The Department of Management Services, however, says such a change, which would take effect in 2012, will help save money for the insurance program.

A hearing is scheduled Sept. 12, though DMS has raised the possibility of starting the hearing Sept. 6.

An open enrollment period for employees — many of whom will have to change HMOs — is scheduled to start Sept. 26.

Pastor Zachery Tims

The New York City Police Department confirmed Tims died on Friday, August 12, 2011. His body was found in room number #3711 at the W Hotel in New York’s Times Square around 6:00 p.m.

There are news reports that Tims was found unresponsive on the floor of his hotel room. Autopsy results are being awaited to determine the cause of Tims’ death.

Tims is being remembered by many as one of the most inspirational preachers of his time, who kept his congregation captivated for hours as he passionately delivered the word of God.

With a church membership of 8,000+ people, Tims’ Sunday Worship Services and messages were seen worldwide in over 100 million homes daily through radio and television broadcast.

Former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart described Tims as a “Godly man, who touched everyone.”

“Pastor Tims is going to be missed greatly by Central Floridians,” Stewart said. “He touched the lives of many, not only his immediate flock, but all who had the good fortune to come in contact with him.”

Stewart recalled that just over one week ago, Pastor Tims and his church leaders distributed over 3,000 backpacks to struggling families and children throughout the Central Florida community, in preparation for the opening of the new school year.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Tims turned his life around from one of drug addiction and, called into the ministry, became a driven man of God. He was a well sought after guest speaker and often a special guest or host on TBN’s “Praise the Lord” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Tims has been described as a leader of leaders, an avid reality preacher and teacher who was a trailblazer to many other young preachers and Pastors.

He is survived by his widow and four children, Zoelle, Zachery III, Zaharia and Zion.

Florida Hospital Celebration Health Administrator Dr. Monica Reed releases butterflies to dedicate the hospital’s new patient tower along with other Florida Hospital executives and community leaders, July 11, 2011.

Butterflies filled the air as members of the community celebrated the grand opening of the new patient tower at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. Those in attendance not only took part in the butterfly release, but were a part of the first public tour of the 234,000 sq foot, 62 bed addition to the hospital. This expansion brings Florida Hospital Celebration Health to a 174 bed facility.

The new patient tower allows Florida Hospital Celebration Health to provide care for the growing population of Osceola County. The expansion of the emergency department, additional beds and staff will allow for the growing healthcare needs of this community whose population has increased by more than 50 percent over the past decade. The advanced patient experience technology in the new patient tower, the Global Robotics Institute and the Nicholson Center make Florida Hospital Celebration Health a growing destination for national and international patients willing to travel to receive the very best in health care.

“While it is important for us to meet the needs of the community by adding space to our facility, in true Celebration Health style, this tower goes far beyond what you would expect to see inside a hospital,” said Dr. Monica Reed, Administrator of Florida Hospital Celebration Health. “Getting each patient involved in their care and providing a positive experience while in the hospital was all part of the research and design process.”

Something as simple as turning on the light is designed to improve the patient experience at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. When a caregiver walks into the room, a light coming on over the sink serves as a simple reminder to wash their hands. A directional light near the bedside allows the nurse enough light to make notes or take vital signs without disturbing a resting patient. In addition, patients have the opportunity to choose how brightly their room is illuminated with morning, evening and rest settings.

Florida Hospital Celebration Health Garden

These lighting options are just part of what will be studied on the 3rd floor of the new tower as part of the Interactive Patient Care Unit, the first of its kind in the nation. In connection with the Institute for Interactive Patient Care, everything from new patient safety technology to changing ways to communicate with patients about their care could be studied as part of the unit. The goal is to conduct research on the best practices of patient and family engagement and share those results with other health care institutions for their adoption.

“In health care, we strive to give patients the best outcome possible,” said Dr. Stephen Knych, Chief Patient Safety Officer at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. “More research is showing that when you really involve patients and their families in their care and increase the positive experience they have at the hospital, their health improves. We are dedicating these patient rooms to study how we can increase the involvement of patients and families in their health care and ultimately increase healing.”

Emergency care is also a major focus of the new patient tower with 30 additional emergency room beds that are designed to allow for increased patient privacy. A front-stage, back-stage concept allows families access to their loved ones from one side of the room while caregivers are stationed in a central location to have easy access to all the patients and rooms from the opposite side.