We're now a few weeks into the New Year 2007. I hope you are making progress with your New Year's Resolutions. I'm a bit off schedule on one of mine because a project is moving a bit slower than I expected. So I've revised my plan, and I'll be back on track next week!
The early days of a new year are a good time to think about volunteering, whether you are already retired or you are planning for retirement. I think volunteering in the community in some capacity is a very important part of life.
If you know my life story, you know that I have endured my share of hard times and struggled to achieve my goals. I know I would not have made it without the support and help of others along the way. Now, I am not only grateful to those who helped me, I am determined to pass on the gift to others.
Volunteering is an incredibly fulfilling activity. It gives new meaning to our lives. Perhaps this is one of the reasons so many retirees find such great joy in volunteering. When we leave a career, we need some new enterprise to give us a new sense of meaning in life. Finding a new sense of meaning and purpose, in fact, is one of the major factors in aging successfully.
Volunteering in the community gives us many new opportunities, including the opportunity to:
ühelp others
üuse our skills, wisdom, abilities, and knowledge in new and meaningful ways
üenrich the lives of others
ücultivate new social networks
ülearn new things
ümake the community and the world a better place
üfeel good about the ways we are using out time
Do you know that recent studies have shown that more than 40% of those aged 60 and over have volunteered in some way in the previous year? And most of those folks would give more of their time to volunteer efforts if they were asked.
There are volunteer opportunities all around us, if we just look and remain open to new ways to help others and make a difference in our community and our world. Religious organizations and hospitals, for example, always seem more than ready to find meaningful work for volunteers. Government and community organizations also need a steady supply of willing volunteers. You can also volunteer with political groups, educational groups, health and wellness groups. And you can start your own program responding to needs in your own neighborhood.
One of my favorite things to do is to read to children at the local library and at the local hospital. I know several people who read for recorded books for the visually impaired. Helping with homework hotlines and crisis hotlines is such valuable work, and these organizations always need more help.
Each person needs to find the organization and the volunteer activity that is the best match for his or her skills and interests. I assure you that there is an organization in your community that needs your particular skills and abilities to help others. I know of no activity that gives me such a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
So I encourage you to find your niche. I encourage you to find the way you can make a difference.
I would like to challenge everyone who reads this newsletter to find and commit to some volunteer activity during the next two weeks. You can do as little as a couple of hours a week. I promise the rewards will far outshine your expectations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What about self-directed IRA's?
By: HardMoneyMi | 30-08-2008
Both my wife and I have a self-directed IRA, I've had mine since 1989. Why don't we hear more about self-directed IRA's, is it about advisors making money, or not? I think it is a real shame that more people are not aware of the ability to buy a variety of investments like mortgages and real estate or invest in a business through their IRA without relying on a broker.
I am a eighty plus year old widow, I have about ...
By: Alice O. | 30-08-2008
I am a eighty plus year old widow, I have about $40K in a matured CD that I would like to reinvest. A financial advisor at my bank recommends a three to five year TSA at a guaranteed 5%. Do you agree? Do you have another suggestion? I have income from a pension and social security and no debt. I do not need this money to live on day to day. I just would like to have something to leave to my grandchildern when I pass. All of my assetts are in a irrevocable trust. Thanks for your imput. Alice O.
Where to find cash for scrap gold in Newnan, Ga.
By: MissAngie | 30-08-2008
Where to find cash for scrap gold in Newnan, Ga.
Why did paula and randy white get devorced
By: rosie | 30-08-2008
why did paula and randy white get devorced
Should i pay off the balances on my credit cards ...
By: purpleandangels | 29-08-2008
should i pay off the balances on my credit cards or leave a small balance to maintain my credit score?
Slot winnings
By: gayle | 29-08-2008
can you answer a question about the irs and taxes on slot winnings
the irs has has assessed taxes owed for 2004 in the amount of 259,000
on slot winnings. I am disabled due to a car accident in aug of 94 I have been recieving workers compenstion since the accident and in california you this money is not taxable so I have not filed income taxes since. Early this year the IRS sent me a notice claiming I owed for 2004 from slot winnings I do not know how to prove that they are wrong
The only thing I can think of is in 2001 my home was robbed and everything I owned was stolen including all my personal info it has and continues to be a nightmare my credit is completely destroyed and old checks and personal inf continues to be used from california to new york so i am thinking that some how my info was used at the indian casinos my passport, birth certificate, marriage license, social securety, deed to my home, credit cards, and drivers license along with check from old closed accounts was taken this has been a overwhelming experiance with no end or hope that it will ever end. Anyway did not mean to deviate away from the question that most concerns me and that is the IRS AND $249,000.00
that has now been assessed against my husband and myself they have all ready put a levy I think that is what my husband called it on the home we live in I am fearful that they may attempt to try and take the home that has been in my family since i was a youg girl and I would hate to loose this house we do not owe any money on either property do I have any recourse at all
signed: still hopeful
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