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Greenpath Radio Welcomes Co-Host Anna D. Banks

Entrepreneurs & Small Busines Owners - Get the publicity you deserve!

By Anna D. Banks

"Small business owners and entrepreneurs can get thousands of dollars in free publicity by following the tips, tricks and tools, courtesy of Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound®. She's a former newspaper editor, a small business owner AND she was tapped by Entrepreneur.com as its public relations expert. Click here to read all the columns she wrote for Entrepreneur.com and click here click here to check out her educational tools for small business owners.

What do you do once you have your press release prepared? Use free release distribution services to get the word out about you, your company, product, service or sponsored event. I’ve used many services and the following have given the best results:

www.24-7PressRelease.com - Free release distribution with ad-support

www.1888PressRelease.com - Free distribution, paid services gives you better placement and permanent archiving.

www.Free-Press-Release.com - Easy press release distribution for free, more features for paid accounts.

www.PR.com - Not only will they distribute your press releases, but you can also set up a full company profile.

www.PRCompass.com - Distribute your press release with a free or paid version, others can vote it up ala Digg.com style.


Have a Fearless Day!

Anna D. Banks
Anna@ImagineMoreLLC.com
Anna@AnnaBanks.com

Follow me on TWITTER – www.Twitter.com/annabanks

Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners: Use Press Releases to get the Word Out about You and Your Company

By Anna D. Banks

Instant Press Release Creator Available!

Free On-line Press Release Creator Allows You To Instantly Create Powerful, Attention Grabbing, Perfectly Formatted Press Releases in an instant.

Now even people who have never written a press release before can crank out professional looking press releases in a matter of minutes.

Instant Press Release is the creation of a 20-year small business marketing pro and is absolutely free to use.

Click this link, create your press release and send it out to several of the following distribution sites Instant Press Release Creator

Have a Fearless Day!

Anna D. Banks
Anna@ImagineMoreLLC.com
Anna@AnnaBanks.com

To follow me on TWITTER - Click Here


Here's a list of 20+ sites that will help you with getting your press release out in the world for free.

www.24-7PressRelease.com - Free release distribution with ad-support

www.24-7PressRelease.com - Free distribution, paid services gives you better placement and permanent archiving.

www.ClickPress.com - Distributes to sites like Google News and Topix.net, Gold level will also get you to sites like LexisNexis.

www.EcommWire.com - Focuses on ecommerce and requires you include an image, 3 keywords and links.

www.Express-Press-Release.com - Free Distribution Company with offices in 12 states.

www.Free-Press-Release.com - Easy press release distribution for free, more features for paid accounts.

www.Free-Press-Release-Center.info - Distributes your release, offers a web page with one keyword link to your site. Pro upgrade will give you three links, permanent archiving and more.

www.I-Newswire.com - Allows for free distribution to sites and search engines, premium membership differs only slightly in adding in graphics.

www.NewswireToday.com - All the usual free distribution tools, premium service includes logo, product picture and more.

www.PR.com - Not only will they distribute your press releases, but you can also set up a full company profile.

www.PR9.net - Ad supported press distribution site.

www.PR-Inside.com - European-based free press release distribution site.

www.PRBuzz.com - Completely free distribution to search engines, news sites, and blogs.

www.PRCompass.com - Distribute your press release with a free or paid version, others can vote it up ala Digg style.

www.PRUrgent.com - Not only distributes your release, but attempts to teach you how to write one, and even offers downloadable samples for you to work with.

www.Press-Base.com - Submit your release for free and get on their front page and the category of your choice.

www.PressAbout.com - A free press release service formatted as a blog.

www.PressMethod.com - Free press release distribution no matter what, but extra services based on the size of your contribution.

www.PRLeap.com - Free distribution to search engines, newswires, and RSS feeds. Fee based bumps get you better placement.

www.PRLog.org - Free distribution to Google News and other search engines.

www.TheOpenPress.com - Gives free distribution for plain formatted releases, fees for HTML-coded releases.

JOIN CO-HOST ANNA D. BANKS ON ‘GREENPATH TO BALANCE WEALTH RADIO SHOW’

THE CIRCLE OF SUCCESS CONTINUES WITH THE ‘GREENPATH TO BALANCE WEALTH RADIO SHOW’ ON SUNDAY 19TH OCT 2008.

Come join Co-hosts Coretta Fraser and Personal Finance and Career Development Coach, Anna Banks on Sunday ( 3:30PM EST, 21:30 EU, 20:30 UK time).

Join the discussion: “A PLAN FOR SUCCESS - Brake Free, Get over the fear and Move towards financial Independence”


IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO LISTEN LIVE
Log on to www.blogtalkradio.com/greenpath
At 3:30pm (EST), 21:30 (EU) , 16:30 (Brasilia time)

-Click on the "on the air" to join in live
- Click on the green chat button to join the chat

To join the conversation: 347-215-7885
Skype: ourgreenpath

I would love to have you join me,

Love Anna

Anna@AnnaBanks.com

Need to connect your social networks - go to www.flock.com

By Anna D. Banks

I love the social networking sites. I get to connect and build social, business and personal relationships throughout the world because of http://www.ning.com; http://www.twitter.com; http://www.facebook.com and http://www.plaxo.com. It's exciting and it can consume a lot of time.

Travis Greenlee sent out a post with some great, information on connecting your social networks with http://www.Flock.com. Check it out. Flock.com could save you a lot of time, staying connected with your growing number of "FRIENDS".

After you visit http://www.FLOCK.com, let me know what you think? I look forward to hearing from you.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Anna D. Banks in Denver, CO

Find more photos like this on SistaTalk

Just completed the incredible Fearless Foundations seminar in Denver, CO, with Life Coach Rhonda Britten, as seen on NBC's Starting Over Show. Visit www.FearlessLiving.org.

Baby Boomers: It's Never too Late for Change

By Anna D. Banks

The economy has most of us scared. We want to retire, but feel that we can't. Housing prices are down. Tuition for your college aged children is rising faster than the surf at "Big Sur", and even the "well-healed" baby boomer is feeling the economic pinch. Overall things may not feel full of promise, but take a look at the short video and be inspired.




To read more about Douglas Goodey – The 20 Million Dollar Man Click Here

Live Fearlessly,

Anna

Baby Boomers: How to Make Interviewers See a More Youthful You

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Getting old should not harm your chances of getting a job and just playing it right can help your employment prospects in a number of ways. An example of this is Edward R. Mills who was 61 at the time of the interview. When asked what he did in his spare time all he said he competed in tennis tournaments and did "a little bit of hiking”, taking out a recent photo of him hiking at 14000 foot, Mount Whitney. He was offered the job immediately by WNET-TV and today still works at the same job that is as demanding as ever. His success story gives motivation to other old job seeker even the baby boomers, who face bias at their work because of their age. ExecuNet, a career-networking organization in Norwalk, Connecticut conducted a survey, which reported that after the age of 50 or at it, age plays a major role in organizations that hire.

In order to get over this hurdle, a few tips are listed that can boost your chances to get a job and help an interviewer see a more youthful you.

• The first way is when preparing your resume; it is best to not include the work done once you graduated from college and the date of graduation as well. A better plan would be to list the work done in the past ten to fifteen years. An instance of such method working was when Mr. Sanders was looking for a job in 1999 at the age of 63. He used this technique of resume writing in order to just sell himself to his potential employers and got the job as well. Even the CEO, David Levitt of OpenOrders said, "He probably would not have gotten in the door" with a full disclosure of his job history. ” A disadvantage of this would also be that people wouldn’t have an idea of your age but would see you as a very good candidate and offer entry level positions. Like when Rodney Struhs went for an interview and was given this line by the interviewers. “We're not really looking for someone with as much experience as you have." And they were quite surprised to see a balding and stock person.

• Another change would be in the sense of dressing, try and dress young. It is best to look fresh and not old. So you could buy new shoes, update the wardrobe, dye the gray hair, and get medical attention for the baggy eyes, etc and a lot more other changes in order to look young.

• Though there maybe a bias since the interviewee is old, this bias can be changed and Dave Opton, CEO of ExecuNet has also been witness to this. Mark Rigor, a 49 year old rises at five in the morning and rides his bike around ten to thirty miles a day and his tactic was that he radiated youthful zeal by always asking interviewers: "Is there an opportunity in your area to bike? I'm a serious biker." He was hired as a sales representative for Sure Alloy Steel.

• The best thing to do during the interview is to show and sound eager in mentoring young employees. Even updating your skills will be witness to your skill of adapting to changing technology. It will show that you are capable of working under a younger boss, a team player, and take multiple roles in the work place.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
________

Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Baby Boomers: Plan Ahead and Build Your Own Business after Retirement

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Starting a Business after retirement requires you to plan ahead and build a good foundation. You need to face a number of issues and questions such as:

• What is a good business for you to undertake?
• How much time and effort are you willing to devote?
• Does this match with the time and effort demanded by the business you want to start?
• What are the key processes involved in starting a new business?
• What are the skills that are necessary for business success?
• How much should you invest in a new business?
• How do you go about developing an action plan for the business of your choice?

The process of starting a business can be a challenging, and an exciting experience. It can also be frightening, exhausting, and frustrating. The key to a minimum stress start-up is to plan ahead and build your own business after retirement, in a planned and rational way. Understanding, and planning out, the entire process of start-up makes a huge difference to the end result. There are, some basic steps that are common in planning and starting any business:

Assess your areas of strength. Are you a person who can easily take risks with money? If the idea is scary, it may be better to think twice before considering a business. No matter how you look at it, and how well you play it, being an entrepreneur involves risk. You must be willing to lose money if it comes to that. You must also have the ability and the will to work hard, be able to handle uncertainty well, and possess self-discipline.

Pick the right business. There are generally has two kinds of people. One kind consists of people who love something to the level of passion and are driven to make a career of it. If you belong in this category, make sure you conduct research to check that a market exists for the business. The other kind of person is one who is fascinated by the idea of being an entrepreneur, rather than a particular idea. In this case, pick a business that has instant demand and potential for future growth.

Come up with a solid business plan. Think of it as a map that tells you the direction you should be heading in and helps you to identify important markers you may see on the way. Before you open your doors to clients, think and plan out exactly what you want your business to be. Figure out what makes your product or service different or special, how you plan to attract customers, how you intend to beat competition, and other such essentials.

A major part of the business plan consists of a financial analysis, including:
• The amount of money needed
• How it should be spent
• Amount of profit expected etc.

Figure out where you will get the funding needed to start. Explore options like
• Your own savings
• Your credit cards
• Your retirement accounts
• Second mortgage
• Advance on inheritance
• Loans from friends or family members.

© Anna D. Banks, GCDF

ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps individuals design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
________
Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Baby Boomers - Tapping Into That Entrepreneurial Spirit

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

After 30 odd years of catering to the marketing needs of fast-food giants, Franny Martin withdrew from the corporate world in 2002, to begin her own business. Cookies on Call, is now a thriving online business, with one storefront, and 61 kinds of handmade cookies.

Older corporate workers are realizing that they would rather be doing something other than what they do right now. They also realize that time on earth is getting shorter, and this kind of existential reflection strikes home for most baby boomers, now that they get nearer 60. Many of them, still toiling as wage slaves, are beginning to ask themselves what comes next, and whether there is something more in life. A growing number, choose to leave their current job, to start a new chapter, where they can be the boss.

Studies of older job seekers found that 13 percent chose to start their own businesses in the second quarter of life, and 86.6 percent of them were over 40. The next big wave of entrepreneurship is going to be from seasoned workers with more and more access to self-employment options, and people deciding to put off retirement and work later and later.

Government data also shows that the group of people, 55 to 64 years old or older, now represent one of the fastest-growing self-employed worker pools in the US. The group of do-it-yourselfers aged 65 and older has grown 18%, and baby boomers aged 45 to 54 years are practically a quarter of the 9.6 million self-employed. As a whole, baby boomers and older entrepreneurs account for a grand 54 percent of all the self-employed workers in the US today.

A combination of middle-age angst with personal fulfillment issues is turning out to be a big driver for boomer entrepreneurs. In addition, recent lay-offs and cutbacks, resulting in a loss of employment acts as a shake-up in many cases, providing boomers with the need to find another job, and the means for start-ups as well, in the form of a severance package. The financial windfall from severance packages or pension buyouts gives older entrepreneurs an edge, giving them capital that they can spend toward new business costs or use to get a larger borrowing power at the bank. Older, more mature individuals of this generation are also seen by lenders as good credit risks, especially when they have collateral to back up a small-business loan.

Buying an already established business is easier and provides you instant goodwill and a customer base. There is a well-organized market for small businesses and brokerage networks where businesses are listed for sale.

Many workers find themselves stepping into their 60's without the financial ability to retire. They can choose to dip into savings to maintain their lifestyle not leaving much for when disaster strikes, or continue to work. The huge costs of illness and healthcare are the biggest cause for concern. Their ability to pay for healthcare has diminished with rising costs, leading to a fear of winding up in a nursing home. Many also feel obligated to help their adult children, financially. All these factors combine to give baby boomers a good reason to keep working.

ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps individuals design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

© Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Author's Note:

Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on my website www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Making Tax-friendly Investments for Stress-free Retirement

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is transient. That is why we must be secured, especially in financial terms, in case things go out of control. We must be always prepared for the future and that is why good retirement financial planning is most practical for a safe and secured future. Financial planning is very crucial like life planning and it requires lot of calculative and methodical moves, like choosing a home involves lots of tax factors like state and local taxes. Retirees should carefully study the tax matters before formulating the retirement financial strategies.

Retirees who wish to continue with their work during their golden years should be aware that the state taxation income varies widely for them and some states support their earned income and provide them extra privileges. Some states consider the retirees income like everyone else’s and some impose tax on all the earned income. Sometimes the taxation amount varies a lot between states. Retirees shifting to new domicile should watch out for the municipal income taxes.

Income from military, government, private pension and other retirement plans are increasingly important sources of income for some retirees. Some states exempt incomes generated from such sources, while some exempt only selected ones. Some place taxable limits on such sources. Some states even tax former residents on retirement plan withdrawals and create a possibility of tax in two states. Some states strictly adhere to the federal tax formulas under the social security benefits and others follow their own specified formulas, while some don’t provide any reimbursements at all.

Retirees should also consider the sales and property taxes, as some states offer tax deductions on properties purchased by retired seniors while others provide homestead benefits. Retired seniors should also study the tax exemptions provided on clothing, food, drugs and household goods. US tax code generally deems the retirement age and sometimes you might face the ugly tax brunt while tapping tax favored retirement benefits. It is very complex to avoid federal income tax, but it is possible to avoid the 10% penalty provided you plan way ahead.

Opt for the IRA withdrawals

If you use the Roth IRA withdrawals then when you withdraw your contributions, they are federal income tax free and penalty free, but sometimes this could be tricky if the source of income is from the following three sources:

• Money from annual tax contribution
• Money generated by converting tradition IRA into Roth IRA
• Earnings accumulated from your contribution

Tax deductions apply to only the first two sources and withdrawal before the retirement age from the third source is usually subjected to income tax.

Advantage of penalty free exemptions

If you have not opted for Roth IRA than the best option would be to opt for income tax withdrawal. Whenever you withdraw, you would owe some amount to the income tax. If you wish to break the rules, then switch to qualified retirement exemptions like 401(k).

Annuitize the Account

This is normally the surest and safest technique to legitimize for a penalty-free retirement account withdrawal, before the retirement age of 59 years and 6 months.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Baby Boomers: Know the Basics before Starting Your Own Business in the Golden Years

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

So, here at last are your golden years! After enjoying the honeymoon period of holidaying and chilling out, you could be wondering what to do next. Maybe you are toying with the idea of starting your own business, not only to keep yourself occupied, but also to bring in some extra income. If that is so, then here are some basics you need to take into consideration in order to make it a success.

All successful businesses are based on a single factor – a good business idea. A good idea is the best launching pad for any kind of business. Once you have that idea, and you are eager to get started, you will have to channel that energy in order to get started with the business. Getting a business started is not complicated if you know the basics.

One of the first considerations you will have to take into account is the marketability of your business idea. Will people buy the product or service you want to sell? Examine the market closely and find out what kind of competition there is. If you think there is too much competition out there, then you could think about narrowing your idea to fit a particular niche. Determine which area requires your product or service the most, and make it your target to promote and sell your idea.

The next thing you need to do is find out about your state’s laws. You will need to ensure that you have the correct certification and licenses to sell your product or service. For example, if it is a day care center you are opening in your house, it may need to be inspected by the state. Special papers may need to be filled out. Obtaining a license to start your business will be required in many areas. Find out from your municipality about what you will require. Business licenses are generally not expensive.

Creating a business plan is another thing that is advisable to do. It lets you set values and goals for your business. Concepts that may be useful later can also be written down on paper. It lets you see how your business will be run and what you will do for it to grow. A business plan doesn’t take a lot of time to write, and yet it is one of the best tools to bring your business into fruition.

Assessing your financial requirements is the next thing you need to do. You need to find out what the costs of operating your business will be, and whether you will need to get a business loan to get it started. If you need investors or require loans, you will certainly require a business plan.

Another important aspect of getting your business running is advertising. This is about the only way your customers will get to know that you exist. Creating a website is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of advertising your business. The Internet these days has become the primary source for people to get information about products and services, hence having a website has become essential and is not an option any longer. You can create a rudimentary website that does not cost much if you are on a budget. But if it is a high quality website that you want for your business, it is best to hire a website designer.

By advertising, you also put yourself out in the market, promoting your business constantly. Become a member of networking groups and mail out flyers. If you can afford it, place ads in magazines and newspapers. Although it is not required to do everything all at once, however, always look for chances to promote and expand your business.

Take enough time for building your business in the right way. It is most probable that you are excited about your business scheme; however, you need to turn this excitement into productivity in order to get your business up and running.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
________

Author's Note:

Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Hot Real Estate Destinations Baby Boomers Are Crazy About

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

The baby boomers of today are retiring much earlier than the past generations ever have, and many of them are considering unconventional destinations to retire in. More than 500,000 amongst those that have retired already move from their own states every year, seeking the perfect spot to retire in, be it by the sea, in mountain resorts, or near arid deserts.

Experts are of the opinion that relaxation and rest are the primary things baby boomers look for when shopping for a real estate destination for retirement. They hunt for places where they can sit back, kick their shoes off, and settle down. Apart from rest, baby boomers also want to have fun and enjoy their retirement to the hilt. So they look for destinations where there is great shopping, golf, theater, sight-seeing, antiquing, tennis, boating, and more. So, where are these intrepid baby boomers heading? While California, Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina continue topping the list as most popular destinations for retirement, baby boomers are choosing other places as well.

Baby boomers are redefining the trends in real estate destinations. With their better purchasing power, they have begun to expand the real estate destination market. In other words, they are beginning to focus their attention increasingly seriously to international locales.


This shift toward real estate destinations abroad comes as no great surprise to analysts who have been tracking baby boomers for several decades. The advent of the Internet and globalization has been the primary factors for this venturesome generation to seek recreation and investment outside the borders of their country. The baby boomer generation is being wooed by hot spots at international locations, and they are responding by investing in the attractive real estate destinations worldwide. While the main foreign real estate destinations continue to be the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico, baby boomers are also expanding out to Western Europe.

One of the best predictors of sales of real estate is the trend in tourism. This is especially true wherein both investors of real estate and tourists travel some way from their home country, and stay in a foreign locale for a considerable amount of time. Naturally, purchasing a piece of real estate involves a bigger discretionary expense compared to a vacation, with additional factors having to be considered. However, generally there is a significant overlap of the characteristics real estate investors and tourists look for.

People go on a holiday abroad. They chance upon a quaint little seaside haven and end up spending two or three heavenly weeks just chilling and having fun. When it gets time to return home, they look up the realtors and end up buying a house, or at the least, begin looking for one. This is how tourism and real estate are linked inexorably.

This trend can be seen all across Central America, which of late has become an increasingly popular area for U.S. baby boomers to retire in. The best tourism destinations are also the ones that are generating the most real estate purchasing activity. Some of the most popular ones are: Ambergis Caye, Belize; the Bay Islands, Honduras; San Juan del Sur and Granada, Nicaragua; Antigua, Guatemala; and Panama City, Bocas del Toro and Boquete, Panama.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Career Planning for Baby Boomers -- Re-Entering the Workforce

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Studies have shown that a large segment of mature people now want to stay employed or re-enter the workforce at the middle aged stage. There are several reasons as to why more mature people choose to start working again and many of these can be inter-connected.

The reasons why mature workers remain motivated for staying in, or re-entering the workforce, can be diverse and include:
• A necessity based approach that if focused on wages and pay.
• Satisfaction based, from contribution to economy and social contacts in the workplace (important especially for women or people living alone)
• Continuing usage of skills and abilities, expertise and capacities that are relevant to the workplace but with limited visibility and relevance outside.
• A good set of principles and work ethics, or a good set of values they have about work
• Complete pleasure and satisfaction in working, or comfort and familiarity with regular routines

However, most senior citizens don’t necessarily have to work where they worked before, or they don’t need to work in the same style as before. In fact, a considerably large number don’t want just any ordinary job, they want a kind of occupation or vocation that will allow them to fully express their interests and beliefs, values and morals and even changing objectives. While most mature adults can be looking for changes as to where and how they would like to work, for others, work might actually be something akin to a financial necessity. Today, in the United States, people aged over 45 are increasingly getting back into work, largely because they need good health care coverage, for example.

Financial independence is also and important factor in the work force re-entry of mature women. In the group of ethnically and economically diverse mature women in America, freedom from men seems to be a major motivation for work. Part of this emphasis on freedom from men – be it financial or any other sort of ties (whether spouses or children) comes from past negative experiences, some from the perceived risks of divorce, separation, abandonment, and ill treatment, faced by dependant women.

A number of reasons, in addition to the financial ones drive older, more mature people to get back to working. These may range from the fitness to the social issues. The reasons why mature adults re-enter the workforce are:

• To remain physically as well as mentally active.
• Due to family and relationship changes
• Job satisfaction
• Because they need a routine
• Want more to do
• Crave for more social contacts that can only be provided by work

The ones who do retire may not permanently leave the workforce, finding retirement less enjoyable than expected and may soon re-enter the workforce.

As increasing number of mature workers enter the workforce, there is an increasing number of 50+-year-old job seekers. Barriers, real or perceived, and the expectation of rejection undermine morale, and hurt self-confidence. Despite legislation making age discrimination illegal, it can be quite problematic, particularly for the unemployed seeking work out of necessity.

Some of the negative aspects that are attributed to older workers are:

• Lack of creativity and flexibility
• Outdated and archaic skills and abilities
• Tend to be accident prone
• Less capable of physical labor
• Poor health

In fact, research shows that older workers are:

• Faithful
• Trustworthy
• Diligent workers
• Productive
• Sophisticated
• Enthusiastic
• More experienced
• Dedicated


© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF

________
Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Baby Boomer Statistics: All about the Baby Boomers Generation

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

During the period between 1946 and 1964 or between post World War II and the Vietnam War, a significant increase of birth rate was recorded. This generation was called the baby boomers generation.

If you were born within the years 1946 and 1964, you can consider yourself as part of the baby boomers generation. This particular generation is one of the generations that contributed a lot in politics and also to the culture of the United States.

The main cause of the baby boom was the after effect of World War II. In this period, cities were in rubbles and world economies that were affected severely by the war were in need for goods and services. The needs were so staggering that it is considered as the largest in peacetime.

The United States have been providing a lot of money and also services for their allies in order to help them recover from the war. The United States factories which made war materials before began producing peacetime goods and materials for export. Because the United States began exporting goods and materials to the free world to help them rebuild their economy, it led to a very lucrative business and didn't slow down up until 1958. Because of this growth, education became cheaper and many people began attending colleges and some even took second college degrees. Because of the increase in education and high incomes of families in this period, it made it possible for them to produce more children. Besides, they had enough money and resources for it.

Today, the baby boomers population is one of the largest in the United States. In fact, there were almost 76 million Americans born during the baby boomers period. This means that they represent about 28 percent of the United States population. This is considered as one of the largest in the United States history.

You have to consider that there are now millions of aging baby boomers today who have reached mid-life. Because of the significantly high population of the baby boomers generation, they contributed a lot to the United States. They were the manpower who was also responsible for the increasing economy of the United States. In fact, you can even consider the baby boomers as the economy of the United States.

The baby boomers today also hold a large amount of government offices. In fact, the highest office in the United States already had 2 baby boomers, namely Bill Clinton and the incumbent president George W. Bush.

You have to expect that baby boomers will be on the political scenery for quite some time.

Also, because of the advancement of technology in the medical field, baby boomers are expected to live longer than their predecessors. Today, they now have access to advanced medical technology and great quality health care.

You should also expect baby boomers getting a hold of the judicial system for a long time in the United States. Statistics have suggested that baby boomers will be in political power up until 2010 to 2015. And, the political influence of baby boomers will be around for quite a long time.

Because people age, the government is also concerned about the health care budget for retiring baby boomers. As everyone knows, old age is always associated will illnesses and diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart related diseases. Because the baby boomer population is now in their late 50's and 60's, the government is now finding ways to adjust the national budget and dedicate more to health care benefits for retiring baby boomers. Obviously, the baby boomer population is one of the largest in the United States. Because of this, you have to consider the fact that without adjustment in the national budged, there will be shortages on health care financing.

Most baby boomers today are relying on their retirement benefits to provide for their health care needs.

As you can see, the baby boomers statistics on population is quite a large number. You have to consider the fact that baby boomers were one of the generations responsible for the significant boom in the United States workforce and economy.

Expect that society will further be influenced by baby boomers in the future and political views will be one of the fields that most baby boomers will have influence on.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Baby Boomers: Don't Let The Cash Flow Stop Even After Retirement

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Except for the wealthy, the basic goal for almost all retirement planning is to ensure that your assets last, and your cash flow remains steady, for as long as you live. At the end of a regularly earned salary, balancing your retirement income against your total household expenses must be the focus of all further financial planning. Due to an increasing life expectancy, keeping the cash flow going has become increasingly critical. The average American, retiring at 65, can expect to live for at least another 20 years. So, it is essential that you don’t let the cash flow stop, even after retirement. Although the details of the strategies to accomplish that would vary according to your income, your lifestyle, and state of health, there are some basic moves that will help you to live adjust your income and balance it against your expenses.

If you are about to retire, or have already taken the big leap, you must first gather and organize all of the pertinent information to help you to manage your cash flow during retirement. Gathering this information, will give you an overview of where your finances stand, as of now.

• Get the latest net-worth statement for a quick look at your total assets, debt, and cash reserves.
• Make itemized monthly and annual budgets, with details of your income as well as expenses.
• Make sure you include all expenses, including rare ones like insurance, and club membership fees, as well as what you pay for investment management.

This information should tell you if there are major problems you might have to deal with. This could be anything from lack of an emergency buffer to an income shortfall. This information may also throw up areas for improvement, like the possibility of finding additional cash by eliminating unnecessary expenses. One thing to keep in mind is that even if you make reasonable assumptions today about returns, inflation, and living costs during your retirement, all of these may change, affecting your cash flow. Monitoring your income and expenses on a regular basis can help you address these changes as they arise, preventing major glitches later. Look for developments with the potential to affect your cash flow. For example, interest rates may change, and stock markets vary, causing a change in your income from savings or investments. Adjustments may become necessary, like reducing your expenses or altering your investment mix to add alternate sources of income.

Relocation to another state may change federal, state, or local tax rates with a bearing on your cash flow. While changes in the benefits from or eligibility for Social Security and Medicare and private insurance coverage can have a huge impact on living costs, circumstances like marriage, and the increase or decrease in the number of dependents can also throw your cash flow out of whack.

Pay close attention to cash flow, make sure you budget and monitor your income and expenses, and take significant action. In addition, you need to find a way to make the most of your savings, and maximize the cash flow from your investments while maintaining your capital. Retirement should be a time of peace and contentment.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Career Planning for Baby Boomers -- Staying Motivated

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Staying constantly motivated and being able to handle rejection easily are the cornerstones of success with any kind of job-search. This is more so, for the mature worker seeking post-retirement employment, wanting to re-enter the workforce after a gap, or simply choosing to change their field of work.

Nothing puts your self-esteem more in jeopardy than a job search. Any job search can lead to self-doubt on a regular, daily basis. And this is especially true of job search at an older age, when you might doubt your own capabilities, your new market knowledge and may have to compete with younger fresher candidates. On the other hand, hiring managers, while they may value experience, are looking for cheerful and positive people. As a result, being visibly motivated is doubly important. If you are not motivated, the lack of motivation may be visible, and this self-doubt can lose you a good job opportunity.

Some things that you can do to help you maintain a positive attitude are:

• Spruce up your resume. Get help if necessary to polish and create a truly impressive, interesting resume. Rather than chronological, try a thematic approach; group type of work and responsibilities together rather than giving a simple date-wise list of employers. Once your resume sparkles, you will have much more self-confidence and find that you actually look forward to the job search.

• Remember to schedule “downtime.” Even when you are making 30 calls a day, sending any number of resumes, and checking every possible online jobsite, set some time apart, to do the things you enjoy. Go see a movie, take a trip with your spouse, or go out with friends. This will rejuvenate you for another day in the trenches.

• Make a ‘to-do’ list. Most people tend to work better with a set of specific guidelines. Writing down a list of the tasks you want to accomplish, not only helps you to organize your day, but also can be a morale lifter. Crossing the accomplished items off the list can give you a small morale boost each time.

• Tackle the fear. Most lack of motivation or procrastination comes from fear of rejection. Ask yourself what is the worst that could happen? On a call, for example, the worst is that they might hang up on you. A few hang ups, or “no thanks” are a small price to pay for the leads you can generate by regular networking and follow up.

• Post a picture of your children, your dream home, the yacht you want to buy, right next to your computer, reminding you everyday, why you want to work. Alternatively, put some kind of an action figure symbolizing the county sheriff who wants to auction off your house if the bank forecloses.

• Remember that networking is a numbers game. Every single phone call or enquiry is not going to give you a lead on a job. Keep making those calls. Get out your Rolodex and make as many as six calls an hour, five hours a day. At the end of each all, ask them for references of people you should be talking to. This will generate more leads and increase the size of your network.

Anna D. Banks, a passionate advocate for baby boomers in exploring their priorities, planning and setting goals for the next stage of their lives. Assisting her clients to attract and build a professional and personal life consistent with their values is not just a goal of Anna’s, it’s her passion. Her diverse work experience in business, education and financial services enables her to help the diverse population of baby-boomers with their life, career, and personal finance coaching needs. Anna is currently Adjunct Faculty at Essex County College, where she teaches Career Development & Management.

Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Post a comment on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.