Ideal-Living Magazine Ideal Living explores where to live and how to live happy and healthy

Staying one step ahead of Uncle Sam is extremely important for retirees living on pension benefits. Tax implications on pensions vary depending on the type of pension and the state where you live. One of the best ways to protect your fixed income payments is to move to a tax friendly state where you can shield your income from heavy ... Read More »

“Forget stocks. Don’t bet on gold. After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing,” said a March 28th CNNMoney.com article. This newfound housing demand is partly fueled by the 8,000 people retiring daily, a number that will increase to 15,000 by 2015. Experts’ confirmation that the housing has market bottomed is comforting. ... Read More »

The popular 1977 Jimmy Buffet song rolls off the lips so easily. Who knew that Buffet’s words would never ring truer than in your life today. Changing your latitude can definitely change your attitude for the better when you consider a few simple, common sense reasons. 1. Better weather = more outdoor time. You don’t need a medical professional to ... Read More »

“The times they are a-changin’.” I’m pretty sure Bob Dylan wasn’t talking about retirement when he sang these famous words, but he sure could have been. Retirement planning, including all of the non-financial aspects, needs to be done quite differently today. Let’s take a look at the Top Ten Myths about retirement: 1. Choice is good. True up to a ... Read More »

In the midst of one of the worst economies the U.S. has seen, how could it be one of the best times to build a new custom home? People are finding that retiring and building a new home brings enjoyment and hope for a new, wonderful life. Taxes and cost of living will continue to rise in the future, especially ... Read More »

It’s easy to see only crisis with current economic conditions. But as with most change, there is also opportunity. If you’re contemplating retiring to a warm, sunny place, now is an opportune time to do so. Interest Rates Are Very Low The Federal Reserve has cut rates in an effort to simulate the economy. Low interest rates allow qualified buyers ... Read More »

WALLACE, N.C. – Not able to pull off a corporate outing this coming year in Las Vegas, Orlando or Hawaii? Working on a tighter budget in these tough economic times but still want to offer clients, customers or employees a special golfing treat or get an early start on a 2009 booking? Tired of poor service at the same old ... Read More »

A new acronym has come into vogue-"SKIers," or Boomers who will Spend the Kids' Inheritances. Is this likely to happen? Read More »

What Does the Market Have in Store? If you are planning on buying, selling or renovating your home in the near future, this is a question that’s doubtless uppermost in your mind. It’s impossible to tell what the future holds, but here’s what the experts have to say. According to experienced real estate agent and About.com columnist Elizabeth Weintraub, interest rates will stabilize, and buyers will tend to utilize fixed-rate mortgages. Investors Read More »