Sunday, March 17, 2024

Financial Routines

 


Spring is tax time in California.  Last week I diligently kept a running total of all of the taxes I owe for this quarter.  Property taxes and estimated taxes are due next month.  It is always a shock for me to see the numbers.   Each year it costs more money to live here.

It requires financial discipline to have enough in liquid savings well before the bills are due.  That cash needs to be liquid.  For me, that means the money is stocks and CD’s is not used.  

I double check my account balances daily, to be sure the checks have cleared.  I also mark the items with a check in my checkbook register.  It’s important to examine every detail before mailing them in, or paying online.  Dates, social security numbers, and numbers must be accurate.

The accountant needs to be paid, and there are still all the regular costs of running a household that are occurring, as well.  Staying disciplined with grocery purchases, heating, electric and water usage insures that there will be enough dollars to pay for the luxury of living in California.

How are you doing with your taxes?

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Saturday, March 9, 2024

Do You Sleep Well?

 


One of the top difficulties that many seniors face is that they have trouble sleeping.  Before I had my hips replaced, I was one of those people.  I would dread going to bed, because I knew that the pain radiating down my legs would increase.  If someone or something woke me in the night, I would feel enraged, because it was so difficult to get back to sleep, or to get any sleep.  This sets up a vicious cycle.

Thankfully, I now fall quickly into a deep slumber after heading to bed.  It is such a relief to be pain free and to experience the peaceful, healing qualities of deep sleep. It is restorative and rejuvenating.

These fresh flowers are something I started splurging on in the last year.  I showcase them in  vintage crystal vases the previous owner left at the cabin..   I buy the bulbs from a local woman in Wrightwood.  I also grow tulips, daffodils. and irises of my own.  They are so lovely to enjoy while living life inside the cottage.

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Saturday, March 2, 2024

A Well Built Home

 


Recently I have been watching some of the real estate and homesteading shows on Max.  It is fascinating to see how other people live.  The older I get, the more I appreciate having an older home, antiques, my mom’s vintage cookware, and the quality materials that were used.

Unlike many real estate agents in California, I prefer to restore, rather than remodel.  The cabin I own was built by a talented and disciplined man from Germany.  His two sons helped him.  You can see the love and care that went into this home.  They took pride in their work, and spent money on supplies that would last for decades.

With RV traveling becoming so popular, many people are living full time or part time in vehicles.  Myself, I put great value in residing in a physical house.  During a storm like the one we have experienced recently, it is reassuring to be in a solid and safe structure.  

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Sunday, February 25, 2024

Making Your Own Sweet Potato Tortillas

 


Last week I tried a recipe for sweet potato tortillas.  The ingredients are simple: baked sweet potatoes, flour, and salt.  I used one cup of each, with a half teaspoon of salt.


The dough came out a beautiful pastel peach color, and it felt elastic, even though there is no yeast in the recipe.  I patted small ball of the dough onto my floured cutting board. Using a dry cast iron skillet, I cooked the flat bread up quickly.


I was thrilled with the result!  I layered  the above quesadilla with grated Tillamook cheddar cheese.  They keep well in the fridge.    I cut the recipe in half.  You can use two cups and of flour, sweet potatoes, and a full teaspoon of salt if you have more mouths to feed.

Let me know if you try them.  Some people use spelt flour.  I just scooped out what I had on hand.  They are fantastic!  My gluten free neighbor turned me on to them.  

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Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Reaping the Rewards of Growing Fruit

 


This week I will continue to harvest Meyer Lemons, Blood Oranges, and Ruby Red Grapefruit.  Citrus trees take many years to mature and produce fruit.  Once they hit a certain level, their production power is amazing!  I am able to share the sun ripened fruit with several of my neighbors.  The rain we are receiving right now from the lates atmospheric river will greatly help next year's harvest.  It is also plumping up the citrus that are still hanging on the trees.  I like to wait for the rain, and let it do its job.  


I am growing mostly fruit right now.  I used to plant and harvest more vegetables like artichokes, lettuce, mesclun greens, and potatoes.  Since I receive so many of them from the co-op, I really don't need to grow my own at this point.  I may plant a few favorites in the spring, like zucchini and pumpkins.  I focus mainly on fruit, since it is more expensive in the stores.  I studied the prices in the produce section of our local mountain market yesterday.  It was shocking.  I felt sorry for an elderly man with just a few items in his basket.  It made me realize how important it is to be able to feed yourself.    

It is very rewarding to produce food in your front and backyard.  Building the soil, composting the fruit and vegetable scraps, and spreading straw mulch have made it much easier.  So has the plentiful rain.

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Sunday, February 18, 2024

Vegetables For Breakfast in California

 



This morning I boiled some green beans on the stove in a small amount of salted water.  After draining them in a colander, I swirled them in their original pot in a small amount of Danish Creamery butter, and pressed a clove of fresh garlic over the surface.  The warmth of the saucepan will melt the butter.

Sunchokes are a vegetable that I was recently introduced to through our local farmers.  I expected them to taste like artichokes, of which I am a huge fan.  Instead, they remind me of homemade potato chips with a sunflower flavor. They are addictive!  I couldn’t wait to make them again.

Shaped like a bulb, they resemble  ginger.  I sliced them width-wise,  thinly, and baked them in olive oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper.  They cook very quickly, and make a delicious side dish to any meal.  I enjoyed  them last night, for dinner, with spicy chicken wings and a vegetable salad.

What do you eat for breakfast?

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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Downtown Disneyland Yesterday

 


I drove down to Anaheim, California yesterday, to meet up with an old friend from my dancing days.  We toured with the Broadway show, “My One and Only” together.  She was staying at The Holiday Inn.  I was able to book a room there at the last minute and join her.

We took a beautiful stroll to Downtown Disneyland, and enjoyed a delicious meal outdoors.  I splurged on a rich, bacon cheeseburger.  My friend savored a delightful salad with teriyaki chicken.  It was very relaxed outside, and we sat at the bar.  The tiki lights gave it a fire-lit atmosphere.  


I ran into another lovely performer from MGM in the hotel lobby.  She was our leading lady in the show, EFX, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.  Michael Crawford was the star.  He selected me to be her understudy.  We both got chills upon seeing each other again.  It was such a special surprise.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

A Winter Wonderland in California

 


Hello from snowy California!  I’m sorry I have not been able to answer all of the latest comments.  I have been busy shoveling!  I will respond in the next couple of days.  Heating the cabin with wood takes a lot of time and energy.  I appreciate all of you reading the blog, and I love hearing from you.


As you may have read, we have been experiencing atmospheric rivers in California.  They are amazing and powerful.    I have had many friends call to check on me.  It’s been so much fun to catch up with them.  We received about a foot of rain, and then all of this gorgeous snow.  It just sparkles…


My body is very sore and tired from digging out the cars, and clearing the deck.  We have more snow on the way.  It is lovely to sit by the fire, enjoy a tuna casserole, and sip a cup of rose hips tea.  I wish I could post videos here, because I made a beautiful one during the snowstorm.

How is the weather where you are?

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Friday, February 2, 2024

No Frills Grocery Stores Save Money in Retirement

 


The other day I realized that I needed to buy another package of butter before the upcoming rain and snow in California.  I also had run out of fresh cilantro.  I stopped by our local market.up  A box with  four cubes of Danish Creamery butter was priced at $8.99.  Cilantro was $1.79 a bunch.  I was glad that was all I needed.  You will pay much more for food in a resort town or village.  However, the convenience is excellent, especially when it’s snowing.

I do most of my shopping in the city  at Aldi.  I love the simplicity and low prices there. I stock up on necessities, and transport the food in reusable bags up to the cabin.  This week  I baked an apple crisp, reheated taco leftovers, and made rose hips tea with honey.  Making a family sized casserole, and enjoying single portions of it works for me.  It’s inexpensive, healthy and convenient.

The glamorous grocery stores in LA have Starbucks coffee shops, fancy displays, and everything you could possibly need.  You pay for all of that, though.  Shopping at the discount stores saves me nearly fifty percent.  Over time, this really adds up, since food to prepare at home is a need for all of us.

Where do you buy your groceries?

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Retiring in California

 I am very fortunate to be retired in my home state of California.  I always loved Southern California, and knew from age thirteen that I wanted to live here.  We would drive down from San Mateo to visit my grandma when I was little.  I was always shocked at how warm it was in the winter.  That is one of my favorite things about it now.

Burbank Airport and LAX are both a short drive from my home.  The beach is just thirty miles on the freeway, and I have many kayaking spots that are close by and convenient.  Hiking trails are abundant, and the nature is gorgeous!  I am able to grow numerous fruits and vegetables in my front and backyard.

The main reason I was able to retire here is because I purchased a small home when they were cheap.  I chose the tiniest house on the street.  The cottage and neighborhood needed a lot of work, but I put in the time.  Many of the other homeowners fixed up their places, as well.  We are now reaping the rewards.  It also helped to have a set of parents who were both born and raised here.  My mom grew up in Fullerton, and my dad in San Francisco.

How about you?

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Friday, January 26, 2024

Switching To A Discount Brokerage In Retirement

 


Moving your retirement funds from a full service brokerage to a discount brokerage firm is surprisingly easy.  It generally takes about five business days for the stocks to show up at their new location.


Online banking and investing have become much simpler. Our computer skills as seniors can continue to grow.  I was able to do it all online, over the phone.  The woman from my new branch guided me verbally through the steps.  You need to know your account numbers, balances, and have a statement handy.  You can call the hotline for assistance.  Some offer 24 hour service! 

If your funds are in a trust, you will need that at your disposal so that you can upload copies of the title page, signature page, notary stamp, and any amendments.  They also will need a copy of your driver’s license.

You can ask the person helping you if they offer any promotions, and if they will pay for the transfer fees.  It’s a competitive business, and the rewards are excellent.  In my case, I received a $1,500. bonus, and they paid the transfer fees that my old brokerage firm charged.  I initiated the move through the new company.  This avoids any pressure to stay.  My old broker did call and asked me to return.  I thanked him, but explained that I am now ready to make my own trades, online.

Many women are intimidated by the stock market, buying and selling, and putting money into Treasuries or CD’s.  There are excellent opportunities available right now.  This gives you more money for the fun stuff.  If you manage your accounts yourself, that one percent an advisor would make can be spent on travel, day trips to the beach, or special treats from the grocery store.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The Importance of Relationships in Retirement

 


Once you have retired, you will have many relationships that make a huge difference in your stress level.  If you are staying in your home, you will need a reliable plumber, handyman, tree trimmer, electrician and house painter.  If you have developed a rapport with these people over the years, it will make things much easier.


Your car will still need repair, you may need a driver to take you to the airport, and a reliable pet sitter or boarding kennel is essential for dog and cat owners.  It can be difficult to find these people in smaller towns.  The best are usually booked.  If you are already an existing client, and the business owner likes working with you, it makes all the difference.


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Sunday, January 14, 2024

Start Saving as Early as Possible For Retirement

 


 Becoming a senior creeps up on most of us faster than we expect.  The sooner you start investing and planning, the better; none of us knows what the future holds.  If you have a paid off home or condo, an emergency fund, and a source of income for your old age, it is much easier to sleep at night.  You will not be worrying and fretting.  Plan for success.  Failing to plan can spell disaster.


Keeping track of your net worth on a monthly basis shows if you are moving in the right direction, financially.  Has your home gone up in value?  How long do you plan to live there?  Does it suit your needs and budget as an elderly person?  Many of us will be old ladies or old men for decades.  We want that time to be enjoyable.  There are many options for seniors right now.  It helps to visualize yourself in happy and healthy situations.


Keeping in touch with your soul tribe makes a huge difference, too.  Any time I am invited to an event or reunion, I make every effort to go.  I thank the organizers.  Because of them, I have gotten to reconnect with old and dear friends.  Some friends invite me to travel, and it’s fantastic!

It’s important to keep an eye on your stocks, and to know how much they have gone up or down since you purchased them.  Many of us shift more money into cash or CD’s as we age.  If you plan to travel, those amounts need to be calculated, as well.

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