A Look at Why It is Never Too Late to Learn How to Swim

Baby boomers can still learn how to swim: It is never too late

Having grown up in northern Ontario, where outdoor living is at its best, in the summertime, I cannot imagine anyone not learning or wanting to learn how to swim. What a fantastic way to enjoy the summer! The cool, clear turquoise water in a lake or a river is a wonderful realm to explore, especially on a warm, sunny day. 

Unfortunately, many people do not feel the same way. Many have never had the opportunity to be outdoors to any great extent or to spend time where they can learn how to swim. Many baby boomers may be looking at semi-retirement or retirement, wondering what to do for fun and exercise. They may ask you these questions.

"Is it too late for me to learn how to swim?"

"Why should I learn how to swim?"

"How can I learn to swim at my age?"

It is never too late to learn how to swim, no matter how old you are.

Swimming is fun!

Swimming is a healthy form of exercise.

Swimming is relaxing.

Swimming is a good way to relieve stress.

Swimming will assist you to control your weight.

Swimming will improve your circulation.

Swimming will strengthen your muscles. 

Swimming is a good way to pass the time.

If you have not had the privilege of being able to learn how to swim, what better time in life is there than right now? Why not try something new and different?

Everyone has the innate ability to swim from infancy onward. It is not something that one has to be trained to do. It is more a matter of having the courage to try to swim, if one has never learned how.

Buoyancy in the water is a wonderful phenomenon to experience!

"I can float!"

"I can swim!"

Some people float and swim, much easier and better than others, but sometimes, it is just a matter of letting oneself go, when in the water.

Personally, I may not be able to swim miles or swim all day, but I can float indefinitely on my back. I love just floating, in the water!

What are some of the reasons that people do not swim?

Not everyone likes to get his or her face wet. Many people do not like the idea of swallowing water. Others are more concerned about getting suntans, than swimming. Sometimes, women and men do not want to have wet hair. How one looks in a bathing suit might be a concern, too. Maybe you know someone who does not like getting wet and hates getting cold.

Some people want to sit beside the water and are fearful of getting right into the water, for many different reasons. Maybe a person has had a parent who was afraid of the water. Perhaps someone has had a bad experience, as a child. Sometimes a person, who has been pushed in the water or has been held under the water by someone else, will not go into the water or near the water. Maybe someone they know has lost his or her life, through a drowning accident.

It is still possible to learn how to swim!

The most important thing to consider is the reality that regardless of one's reason for not wanting to swim, it is still possible to learn how to swim. Swimming comes as a natural instinct, even to an infant or a small child.

Feeling safe about being in the water and swimming is important. If a person comprehends why he or she is afraid of water or is reluctant to learn how to swim, that fear can be conquered. Sometimes therapy is indicated, but it is not always necessary.

Fear is something that we all live with, everyday. As a matter of fact, fear protects us to a great extent. We have innate fears that prevent us from doing things that could be potentially harmful. Swimming is not something that we need to fear, but we need to understand water safety.

Not everyone wants to be a long distance swimmer or a person who swims in competitions, but for everyone, swimming is good exercise. This includes those who have disabilities. Swimming is good therapy for a person who is stressed out because it is a healthy way to relax. Water can be comforting and soothing, particularly when it is warm. Even cool water can feel good, on a hot day.

Why should one learn to swim? The best answer to that question is because it is possible to do so, regardless of one's age or ability.

Even people who have heart problems can improve their circulation immensely by swimming. Those who have weak muscles for whatever reason, can strengthen them by swimming. Swimming is a good individual pastime. It is something that can be when alone or with others. A buddy system is always a good idea, especially for beginners.

If you have never learned how to swim, try taking a swimming class at a local recreation center or going into the water, playing in it with your children or your grandchildren. Find floating devices like rubber tubes, water wings or air mattresses and learn to use them properly.

Try holding your breath and dipping down under the water, first. Just out of curiosity, open your eyes and see what is in the water. This is fun at a lake where there is sand, small rocks or pebbles, plants and fish. Explore the water and you will marvel at what you can behold. It is like being in a giant aquarium. The fish will be as curious about you, as you are about them. You never know what kind of treasures you find at the bottom.

Don't just give up, if you find that you cannot swim, the first time you try. Stand in water about four feet deep. Hold your breath and let yourself fall forward into the water. When you fall forward or backwards, you will see how much buoyancy you have. You may find yourself floating or swimming a few strokes, before you know it. Move your arms and legs. Kick your feet and that movement will propel you forwards.

Don't worry about doing perfect strokes, while in the water. There are many different kinds of swimming strokes. These are skills that may or may not come to you naturally. Even professional swimmers have to learn them and practice them day after day, in order to get good at them. Learn about different swimming strokes and how they are used. Get others to show you simple, easy strokes. Try them. Try diving or just jumping into the water for fun.

Remember to confront your fear of water head on. Give yourself a new challenge, every day. Practice holding your breath, when you are under the water. See how long you can hold it. Do some exercises in the water and see how good your muscles feel afterwards.

Swimming comes naturally to some people, but not to everyone. Some people do have to work at it, but don't make it into work. It is fun to learn to swim, at any age. Teach others to do the same. 

Here are a couple of tips for beginners. 

Go into the water carefully the first time, as you do not want to traumatize yourself. Just splash around in the water, or sit in shallow water, until you get used to the temperature. Play, just like a child in the water. Then, venture out to where the water is a bit deeper. Let it come up to your chin. Keep your feet on the bottom, if you are still afraid. Face the shore or the edge of the pool and try to swim towards it. 

You may find that you have succeeded in learning to swim, without any effort. When you feel comfortable with your ability to swim, only then it is time to venture out further. Try swimming in a place where there are lifeguards, if you feel insecure about swimming. Tell them that you are afraid of the water and they may be able to help you. 

Be aware that there are always going to be others, who do not want to learn how to swim. Respect their wishes and desires. What you may find is that when they see you enjoying yourself in the water, it will become increasingly appealing to them. Take some time and teach them, too.

And remember, even if you are a baby boomer, it is never to late to learn how to swim! You can do it if you try!

How to Save Money on Food

Tips for baby boomers: Saving money on food

When you enter into semi-retirement or retirement, you may be facing severe cuts in your income. At the same time, food prices continue to sky rocket, so the question of how to save money on food becomes increasingly important. As a baby boomer, you may know how much money you need for food, every month. Like most people, you will have an idea of approximately how much you spend, but few people watch their dollars that closely. While there are many things that you can avoid purchasing when money is tight, you cannot just stop buying food. What can you do?

Here are some tips about how to save money on food.

Start a budget:

If you have not done so already, begin a budget. Purchase a record book and keep track of your household expenses, for several months. Include your mortgage payment or rent, taxes, heat, hydro, telephone, water, cable and Internet. You may want to include things like your car payment and insurance, too. You know how much income you have coming in, so when you consider these expenses first, you will have a better idea of how much money you have to work with, in terms of purchasing food or other basics.

Record all of your food purchases:

Save all of your receipts for food purchases. Collect them in a box, Use a calculator to tabulate them and find out what your food costs have been for one, two or three months. Average them out and this will give you a good idea, as to how much you are spending on food. This will also show you how much money you need for food purchases, every month.

Record dining out costs:

Dining out expenses may not have been included in your food purchases, so make a record of those. Save your receipts from meals you have eaten in hotels or restaurants. This can and will vary, depending upon how much time you spend away from home. Calculate your total expenditures over several months and average them out, to see how much you are spending and how much you need to allow for dining out, in your budget.

Once you have both of those records, add them together and you will have an idea of approximately how much money you need to allocate for food, every month. This will vary, depending on the season.

Look at what you are purchasing:

Take a serious look at what you are purchasing now. If you are only buying bare basics, you might need to allow room in your budget for extras. If you have been purchasing food items that you do not need to stay healthy, you may be able to reduce the amount of money you need for food, by eliminating those extras. Calculate your needs based on basics, rather than snacks or junk foods.

Check your cupboards:

Take a good look in your cupboards and see how much of what you have been purchasing is being used. Many people have overstocked their cupboards needlessly and wind up giving food away or their cupboards are bare, when they do not need to be.

Note that everything in your cupboards has a shelf life, so begin by cleaning out everything that is outdated. Stock up on basics. Organize your cupboards, so that you know what you do have and what you need to purchase.

Consider purchasing a freezer:

Decide whether owning a freezer would be to your advantage. Many different kinds of food can be purchased in bulk and stored in a freezer. This can include meat, chicken or fish. Many fresh vegetables and fruits can be purchased in bulk and frozen easily. So can fruit juices. Everything has to be used within a certain period of time, so avoid over-purchasing items for your freezer. Purchase what you know you will use. Learn how to make freezer jam.

Buy basics in bulk:

Purchase things like flour, sugar, rice, lentils and salt in bulk, but make certain that you have an appropriate place to store them. Anything you purchase in bulk is less expensive.

Buy only what you need:

When you are shopping for food, make certain that you are purchasing what you need, rather than extras you may or may not use. You do not want to spend money on food products, if you know that they will have to be discarded. Keep a grocery list and stick to it when you are shopping.

Check your refrigerator regularly:

Many fresh products that you purchase are only good for a limited time, so it is to your advantage to purchase these more often, rather than having to throw them out because they are outdated. Check your settings on your refrigerator and make certain that they are correct, so that your food does not spoil. That is just wasting your money.

Check local markets:

Check your local markets, as many times, there are items on sale, at less cost than if you purchased them in a supermarket. Sometimes, it is more appropriate to make your purchases in a supermarket. Buy in-season produce whenever it is possible to do so.

Watch your flyers:

Flyers in your mailbox will have coupons for items that are free, on sale or priced as two-for-one. You do not want to drive extra miles just to save a few pennies, as it may cost more in the long run. Stock up on canned goods and other non-perishables, when they are on sale.

Grow your own vegetables and herbs:

Many people save dollars by planting a small garden or growing fresh vegetables on a patio deck. Initially, there may be cost, but calculated year after year, you may find that you are saving money.

Consider a community garden plot:

With increasing concern for availability of fresh food items, many city dwellers are participating in community gardens. Make inquiries in your area or start one with and for other people, who live in your area.

Cook and freeze in large quantities:

There are many different kinds of foods like chili, stew, spaghetti sauce or soup that can be prepared, in large quantities. Use part and freeze the rest. Either consume these foods later or share them with someone in need of a special, homemade treat.

Learn to do your own baking: 

Home baking is loved. Perhaps you have never learned how to make bread or biscuits, cake or cookies. Now is a good time to start. If you are concerned about not being able to do it right, take a cooking class or seek out expert advice from someone who is a good cook. Baking usually freezes well.

Experiment with different cuts of meat:

Sometimes, when buying meat, it is a good idea to buy an expensive cut, but not always. There may be other cuts of meat that give you more value for your dollar. Try purchasing stewing beef, instead of a roast. Buy a whole chicken, rather than breast meat. Boil the bones after and make soup.

Many baby boomers go out regularly for one meal a day, at a restaurant, where there is a smorgasbord or a buffet. They will invariably head home with a doggie bag that will serve as part of their breakfast or lunch, for the next day. They don't buy many groceries and still stay healthy.

When eating out, remember that there are different options. Watch for daily specials, as these will be less expensive. Again, avoid expensive foods and stick to ones that you know are good for you.

Learn how to can your own food:

Many fruits and vegetables can be canned, when in season. Try doing some jam, also.

While there are more ways to save money on food, these are basics to start with and these tips can save you hundreds of dollars on food.

How to Save Money Eating Out

Enjoy eating out and save money, too: Tips for baby boomers

"Want to eat out and save money, too? It is possible to do just that!"

With many baby boomers seeking ways to save money, eating out can present a financial challenge. Money that you save, is money that you don't have to re-earn. If you can save a few dollars here and there, when eating out, it is going to be extra money in your pocket.

Consider the following tips on how to enjoy eating out and save money, too.

While it may be fun to eat out in the fanciest and the most expensive restaurant in town, it may not be your wisest choice, financially. The food in these places may be over-priced, although that is not always the case.

Before you head out to a restaurant, find out if there are other, less expensive options with respect to other restaurants, in the area. Sometimes, other restaurants may have food that is just as good, if not better and it may cost you less.

If possible, book a table for a specific time, at the restaurant of your choice and while you are doing the booking, ask from the person who answers your call, what the menu consists of and the price range you should expect. Ask about other menu options, also. You may be offered something similar, at a lower cost.

Find out if there are specials of the day or package deals for groups or families, available on special occasions.

Go to buffets or smorgasbords if you want to order a wide variety of items that may or may not be on the menu. Each item may be billed separately, in some restaurants. You may be able to purchase two meals for what it costs to have every item billed separately.

If you are ordering wine, you may be tempted to purchase wine directly from the menu, but by ordering a house wine, you can save dollars and the wine may be just as good. If you order a bottle of wine, instead of wine by the glass, it will be less costly.

Liquor and liqueurs can be expensive, when ordered at a restaurant. Before ordering your drinks, find out what your cost is going to be. You might prefer to purchase them and consume them at home, in order to save money.

Ask what is included with your meal, so that you do not find out later, that you  have to order coffee or tea, as these will be billed separately and will cost more.

Find out if your vegetables, soups, salads and desserts are included in your meal, as these can be expensive, when purchased individually or as side dishes. Desserts may appear to be delicious, but a dish of ice cream, might cost you less. If possible, order meals that are all inclusive.

Some restaurants will allow second portions or unlimited portions, while others may charge you extra. They may offer free refills on coffee and tea or charge you extra for them, as well.

Some restaurants will increase their rates at dinnertime. Eating exactly the same thing, at a different time of day, may be less expensive.

Have your big meal of the day at lunchtime, instead of at dinnertime. That way you may save dollars and you have a chance to work off extra calories.

Check into hidden fees or costs, that may be added to you bill, unknowingly.

Your seating in some areas of the restaurant, may be more expensive than it is in other areas. For example, if you are in the best spot for a dinner show, you might pay top dollar, whereas if you were seated off to one side or towards the back, it could cost you less.

Tipping your waiter or waitress is your option, not necessarily an obligation. Normally, ten to fifteen percent of your bill is reasonable. Tip the person who serves you, not every waiter or waitress in the restaurant. Tipping is a gesture of good will on your part and a way to say thank you for good service. People who tip well, may get better service.

Dress appropriately for the restaurant, as there may be additional charges, if you show up without a tie and have to rent one. You will receive better service, if you are wearing shoes and a shirt. Some restaurants will not allow you to enter, unless you are clothed in proper attire.

If you are a family dining out together, find a family restaurant, as it will be less expensive. They will be happy to give you doggie bags to take home, with any leftovers.

When you are in a strange city, ask local residents where the best restaurants are in town. They will advise you who serves the best food, at the best prices.

These are a few tips for baby boomers, about how to save money when eating out. You may be able to add your own ideas to the list and save even more. Enjoy eating out.

How to Save Money on Electricity

How baby boomers can save money on electricity

Baby boomers facing early retirement or semi-retirement, constitute a large part of the national work force, at the moment. That is about to change and there are going to be many baby boomers with reductions in income or loss of income. Electricity is a commodity everyone still has to purchase and the cost of electricity is on the rise.

How can a baby boomer save money on electricity?

Consider some of the following tips.

Downsize your home.

As a baby boomer, who has raised a large family, you may no longer need even a quarter of the electricity you have consumed in the past, because there are two of you or you may be alone. Consider downsizing your home to meet your current needs, rather than continuing to pay out a huge amount of money on electricity bills, for a large house. A one or two bedroom home might be more appropriate than a five bedroom home, at this time in your life.

Update your appliances.

Many of your appliances may work well, but they are probably getting obsolete and consume a lot of electricity. Do serious research and find appliances that do not require that volume of energy consumption, every month. Your hydro-electric bill will drop considerably, if you make some changes.

Check your lighting.

Out of habit, as soon as it is dark, every light in the house is likely turned on, by someone. Many of those lights are not necessary. Keeping your lights low in the evening, can be to your advantage. It is peaceful and costs less. When you leave a room, turn out the lights.

Use low energy light bulbs.

Low energy light bulbs appear to be expensive when purchased initially, but if you replace the bulbs, as the older ones burn out, it will not be long before you have replaced all of them. They may take longer to come on and the lighting may be a bit different, but you will become accustomed to the lighting and enjoy it. You may not need two or three light bulbs in your lighting fixtures. Replace fixtures that require more than one light bulb.

Put up a clothesline.

Using a dryer tends to consume extra energy, but you do not need to use it for everything you wash. Linens, towels and clothing have a fresh scent when brought in from outdoors. Even when it is cold outside, it is refreshing to spend a moment or two outside. Clotheslines are relatively inexpensive. Setting up a small clothesline inside your home can save you some money. Clothes will dry, as long as there is air circulating.

Purchase major appliances in smaller sizes.

Purchasing appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves and freezers in smaller sizes, can be to your advantage. It may take a while to show up on your electric bill, but the money you save on electricity will pay for the new appliances, over time. Use cold water instead of hot water for washing your clothes, when possible. You may no longer need a huge freezer. Replace it with a smaller one.

Reduce your use of electric heating.

If you are a high energy consumer because you have electric heating, consider other options. It may cost less to use natural gas for your heat, as well as for your stove and hot water tank. Do serious research on the Internet and compare the cost. Keep open doors and windows at a minimum, when the heat is on. Reduce the number of rooms you heat and turn your thermostat down at night. If you are going to be away, turn down the thermostat then, too.

Evaluate your small appliances.

Many people have dozens of small appliances that sit on the counter and  though they are not used, at that time, they are plugged in. When you are not using an appliance, make certain that it is unplugged, as it may be using extra energy. If you have an electric coffeepot, when your coffee is ready, unplug it.

Turn off your television and other electronic devices.

When you are not watching television, make a habit of turning if off, as it is consuming energy all of the time it is on. The same is true for a radio, a CD or DVD player or a record player.

Reduce your number of electric clocks.

Most people have a number of clocks that consume energy continually. You may not need all of the clocks you have, at the moment. You can reduce the number that you have. Do you need one in each room? Another way to save a few dollars is to purchase a grandfather clock that will chime the time for you, on the hour and half hour. You will know exactly what time it is and you will enjoy the chimes. The sound makes a home feel like a home.

Turn off your computer.

Many people never turn their computers off when they are not at home. It may save time if you leave it on, but it does consume energy continually, as long as it is plugged in. When you want to use it, turn it on and when you are not using it, turn it off.

Purchase solar lighting.

Solar lighting is relatively new, but as lighting or emergency lighting, it can be wonderful. Many small solar lamps, garden or patio lights or lighting for your driveway can be purchased, without a lot of cost. Turn your outdoor lights off, at night. A solar light will re-energize itself, once the sun shines. Check your batteries, in case they need to be replaced. A solar lamp is not as bright as regular lighting, but it can be romantic in a living room or a kitchen, during the evening. If you prefer to keep a light on all night, in the hallway or the bathroom, consider a small solar light.

Unplug home office equipment.

If you have a home office, you may be able to leave printers, scanners and fax machines unplugged, unless they are in use. It takes a moment to plug them back in and can save you dollars, in the long run. If you are sending or expecting a fax, turn your fax machine on, at that time. Then, unplug it again.

Teach your family to save energy.

Saving energy, while no one else in your home does, would appear to be a futile exercise, so make certain that what your are doing in your home to save energy, is done by the other members of your family, too. Teach everyone to save energy and give them incentive to do so. Offer them a night out on the town, if the energy bill comes in at ten percent less.

Open your drapes or blinds.

Most homes in the city have street lighting that is sufficient at night, if you leave your drapes or blinds open. You may not need to put lights on in most of your home. If you do use lights, turn on one light in a room, instead of three or four. You can use scented candles, too. Be cautious with respect to privacy, potential intruders and fire.

Plan your baking and cooking carefully.

When planning your baking projects, bake a number of things in the oven, at the same time. With your cooking, do the same thing. Bake or cook in large portions and freeze some, for a later date. If you keep a container of frozen water in the freezer unit of your refrigerator and another one in your freezer, it will not only save energy, but it will keep food from thawing out immediately, if there is a power outage. Using a barbecue is another option.

Limit the use of air conditioners and fans.

Opening your windows will allow fresh, clean air to circulate in your home. You do not need air conditioners or fans on all of the time, unless you are in a hot part of the country. Then, you can restrict their usage to certain times. Outdoor air is good for your health.

Assess your home for energy loss.

Many hydro electric companies are willing to visit people in their homes and discuss their energy consumption. They will give you tips and assess your home for energy loss.

Insulate your home.

If your home is not well insulated, you will have high heat and energy loss. Consult an expert, as to how you can prevent the loss of heat and energy by insulating your home properly.

These are a few ways that you can save money on electricity. Most of them are common sense. Do these things and enjoy watching your energy bill drop.

How to Save Money on Your Home Office

Work from your home office and save money: Tips for baby boomers

Congratulations! You are a baby boomer setting up a home office! Transitioning from working somewhere else to working from a home office, can be a major change. Maybe you are entering into semi-retirement and heading for full retirement, in the near future. Your days of working elsewhere are almost over, as you become free to do your own thing, from your home office. Without that extra income coming in, saving some money is vital in order to survive.

What can you do to save money as you set up your home office?

Here are some guidelines.

Home offices are not like they used to be. Any room in your home can become a home office. That makes life simpler because you do not have to rent a location somewhere, buy a new place or re-build your existing home to incorporate changes that include an office. Start by designating an area in your home, as your office.

There was a time when you needed many things to set up a home office. Now it has become easier, because what you need is a desk, a chair and a computer. Your computer can be set up with a telephone.

As long as you know how to transfer files to an e-mail address, you don't have to purchase a printer immediately. You can do printing at your local library by accessing your file on your e-mail and re-routing it to their printer. You may find that it is less expensive to purchase a small printer. Telephones, printers, scanners and fax machines are relatively inexpensive. When you purchase your home computer, you may be able to find a deal that includes at least one of those items.

Setting up your computer on DSL is easy through your local telephone company. Obtaining an Internet package is not that costly. Having a second telephone line guarantees that your home phone is not tied up when you are on the computer. That can prevent you from missing important calls for your business, as well as your home.

Your local cable company may be able to make a similar offer if the telephone Internet option is not viable. There are many package deals offered for cable that include Internet service for the computer, cable television and your telephone.

With respect to purchasing office furniture, watch advertisements in the local paper. There may be garage sales or businesses closing down. They may have bookshelves, desks, filing cabinets, chairs or other office furniture, at almost no cost. Recycling centers and second hand shops may also have equipment you need.

You do not have to purchase a lot of stationary for a home based business, but you can purchase notepads, paper, pens and pencils directly from a business supply place. You will find their prices lower. They also have sales on items like pencil sharpeners, stacking shelves, pen and pencil holders. There may be other things that will make your office look professional. Watch for flyers advertising sales with respect to office supplies.

Here is a word of caution, as you begin to set up your office. Make certain that it is located in a place you like to work. Decorate it simply. Do it in such a way that you are happy being in the office, because it is not where you are accustomed to working. Work in it for a while and then, consider making professional changes in terms of decorating. You will have a much better idea of what you are looking for after you have spent some time there. That will save you decorating it twice.

With respect to computers, do serious shopping and find a computer set up that is appropriate. There are different kinds of computers with a wide range of options. A desktop computer may be more appropriate than a laptop computer, though a laptop seems ideal, at first. It will be less expensive too.

Regardless of the kind of home business that you set up, you need basics, so budget for your needs, rather than your desires. You should start showing income before making major purchases.

Look at the possibility of hiring a book keeper or an accountant, to help you to set up your books, so that you know what records to retain. This can save dollars and prevent problems. Remember that you can include a portion of your home expenses with your basic office expenditures, when you file your income tax, if you have a registered business. Your bookkeeper will be able to advise you what he or she needs to keep your records. He or she may know where you purchase things like file folders, receipt books, stationary, letterhead paper and envelopes printed, at a reasonable price.

Invest in a good computer programs. They will simplify your paperwork considerably. Some of these may come with your computer or you may be able to download them, at no cost.

Seek guidance from those who are experts in the home based business field and let them teach you other ways to save money. Remember that there will be new and different things that you can do with respect to saving money on your home office. Always be open to new ideas and suggestions. Even baby boomers can be taught new tricks.

Enjoy your new home office.

How to Save Money When Renting an Apartment

Baby boomers can rent apartments and save money

As time moves on, many baby boomers are going to be looking for apartments, rather than houses. That might seem to be a frightening scenario for many people, particularly those who have not lived in apartments previously. A high majority of baby boomers have built their own homes and never lived anywhere else.

They may face a loss of income or a reduction of income, in spite of their new pensions. So, how does a baby boomer rent an apartment and save money?

If you are a baby boomer, here are some guidelines to follow.

Budget for an apartment:

Organize your budget, so that you know exactly how much money you can use for rent, on a monthly basis. There is no sense looking for apartments that are beyond your reach financially. Sometimes, it is fun to look at them though.

Determine your location:

Decide what area or location you want to move to, taking into consideration what you will be doing. Are you planning full retirement? Will you be doing part time work or running a home-based business? Look at your projected needs, rather than your desires. Choose your location carefully, to avoid the extra expense of having to move again.

What do you like doing in your spare time? Include recreational activities you enjoy like bowling, swimming or playing hockey. Do you belong to a recreational center or club? What church do you attend? Where is your family or extended family located? What about friends you always visit?

How much traveling will be required? The less you need to do, the more money you can save. Ideally, you want to move to an area that does not require a lot of driving, as that is expensive with the cost of gasoline. Consider the possibility of using alternative transportation, like buses, subways or trains to save money.

Look at options for apartments, in that location:

Determine when you want to move into your apartment. Find out what apartments are available in that area, then. Assess your actual needs. How many square feet do you want your apartment to be? That may restrict your options, to a certain extent. Consider the possibility of finding an apartment with less floor space than you have in your home. How many bedrooms will you need in your new apartment? You may save money by renting a one or two bedroom apartment, instead of a larger place.

Find out what is included in your apartment:

Many apartments are rented with refrigerators and stoves, washers and dryers. Consider downsizing the ones you have, if they are not included. Downsizing large appliances will reduce your cost in terms of energy consumption and will help you save money. Find out if you are expected to use coin-operated laundry facilities. It might be better to purchase your own apartment size washer and dryer.

Look at the cost of utilities in the apartment:

Your heat, hydro and water may be included in your rent, every month. If you can find an apartment that is all-inclusive in this respect, you may save money. Or, it may be calculated into the amount of rent you are going to be paying. Ask about the cost of telephone, cable and internet.

Find out the cost of additional facilities:

When you rent an apartment, your rent may include other, additional facilities that you have to pay for. For example, there may be a swimming pool, recreation room or sauna. If you are not going to use those facilities, you may be able to avoid paying extra fees.

Update and downsize your furniture:

By updating and downsizing your furniture, you may save money because you will be able to rent a smaller apartment. For example, you may not need your king size, bedroom suite. You may be able to downsize your huge living room and dining room furniture. It is always fun to shop for new furniture.

Consider sharing an apartment:

Many people moving into apartments, find that by sharing an apartment, they can split the rent, as well as the cost of the utilities. Make certain you are compatible with the person with whom you are planning to share your apartment.

Rental purchase:

Sometimes it is possible to obtain an apartment on a rental purchase basis. In other words, the money that you put into your apartment goes towards the purchase of your apartment. Make certain that you know exactly what your lease is stating, before you sign any agreement.

Inquire about parking:

If you have a vehicle, find out exactly where your parking facilities are going to be located and the cost. You may have to pay extra money for parking or you may have to walk a long distance from the place where you are allowed to park.

Ask about storage facilities:

Storage in an apartment building can be relatively restricted. Find out how much storage space is allotted to your apartment. Check to see whether there is extra cost involved. Dispose of unnecessary items if possible, so that you don't have to pay to store for them, either in the apartment building or elsewhere.

Freezer:

You may have a huge freezer in your current home, that you do not need. Invest in a smaller, more compact freezer or a refrigerator that has an appropriate freezer unit.

Home Insurance:

When you move into an apartment, you do not need all of the insurance coverage you had on your house. Speak to your insurance agent and discuss your move into an apartment with him or her. By changing your policy, you may save yourself extra dollars.

Consider subsidized housing:

Many people will qualify for subsidized housing because of their income levels. Find out how to apply for that, if necessary.

These are guidelines for baby boomers. Enjoy your new apartment. Know that it is possible to rent an apartment and save money.