It’s still technically fall, but in a lot of places, the winter weather has already slammed residents and put a wrench into many people’s holiday travel plans.  So today, as you turn on your heat and prepare for cold, windy, rainy or snowy weather, take a moment as you mash those potatoes for tomorrow’s dinner and let yourself daydream about the sunniest places to retire.

U.S. News provided a list of the ten sunniest places to retire just in time for people to become sick of the gloomy weather where they live.  Number one on the list is Yuma, Arizona.  90 percent of the time, the sun is shining in Yuma!  It’s also the least humid according to the National Climate Data Center.  The dry air is a positive for people with health related issues such as arthritis or muscular problems that do not react well to cold and humid climates.  Fresno, California also makes the list at number 7.  Another sunny Arizona city is Flagstaff.  It’s a nice change from the other Arizona cities because it’s not so hot.  The temperature rarely rises above 90 (and it’s a dry heat!) and snow still falls in the winter – though it usually melts before it can cause too much damage.  Click here to see the full list of top ten sunniest cities for retirees to keep you warm this holiday!

Can you afford to move to a sunny and popular location?  See how far your retirement savings can stretch by using our retirement calculator.

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Have you ever heard of a Senior Move Manager?  Many people haven’t, but it’s a service that many people may find helpful.  A simple concept but potentially a life saver, a senior move manager takes on the stressful job of relocating seniors.  Unfortunately, sometimes the move of a parent or elderly loved one cannot be planned.  In some cases, an event occurs and one must move their loved one immediately.  It can be extremely overwhelming – imagine staring at a house where someone has lived for decades. Where do you begin?  What do you keep?  What do you throw away?  How do you organize donations?  It can be a job that is too much for someone.

The services are not cheap – Senior move managers can charge anywhere from $40-$125 per hour.  But as Mary Kay Buysse, a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, said in an interview with AARP, the movers are needed when, “situations where a move is immediate and necessary because of the loss of a spouse, loss of health or ability to live independently.”  This is a fairly new service that is beginning to catch on and may help you when you need assistance with an unexpected move.  Visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website to read more on the service and find movers near you.

Read about options for senior living here.

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Would you prefer to stay in your home for as long as you can?  If so, you are in the approximately 80% of American’s, ages 45 and older, that want to age in place.  Unfortunately, many people are finding that the homes they bought previously are just not accessible for them as they get older.

That’s where a style of design called universal design comes in – a type remodel that allows for barrier-free access for homeowners of all types.  In the past, it was easy to spot a home that had been outfitted for someone who needed a little help because most of the time, it resembled a hospital.   Now,  this type of design is getting called “cutting edge” because of rooms that involve rock-rivers, cascading waterfalls and even glow in the dark stability grab bars!  And due to many boomers beginning to plan out where they want to age, this type of business is booming.

Read the full article, “Remodeling Now to Avoid Accessibility Problems Later,” here.

Have home equity?  Use a Reverse Mortgage to help fund your remodel!

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