Posts Tagged ‘Legacy’
Tip #139: Retire Already!
Retirement Yenta thinks it is about time you put your money where your mouth is. “Retiah Already!” You can’t put it off too long or you will have “Retired to the Sky” before you actually have a day off! Seriously, your dear Yenta wants to know: “What are you waitin’ for?” Put away your anxiety, and start living that new story that you created for yourself (see tip #119).
Tip #121: Get Honored!
Many of us donate our time and resources to help those in need. Your dear Yenta has been active in her local shul for years. She recently had the pleasure of receiving their “chesed award” for outstanding service to others. Is she honored–extremely. Is she the most worthy candidate–maybe. Could she use it to kick-start her future charity efforts–you bet! This little Yenta feels humbled by the award and wants to use the momentum of the occasion to do more. Oy – look into your heart and your pockets and remember to dig deep.
Tip #118: Watch Hoarders, Get Disgusted
Retirement Yenta, in her effort to “Out Martha Martha” and become more zen, has been cleaning out her closets and getting rid of tchotchkes that are not important to her life. Sometimes a little tchotchke can have a bit of sentimental value, and OY is it tough to toss it! Yet, it takes up unnecessary space. Well, this brilliant Yenta has the answer: Watch Hoarders on A&E. Recently, your dear Yenta was having trouble with a cleaning spree and happened upon an episode of Hoarders. Well, that was all this Yenta needed. Bags and bags of unneeded tchotchkes are now off to Goodwill, Housing Works, and off to the dump.
Tip #73: Support the Arts!
Retirement Yenta believes that the performing and visual arts are very important to our daily lives. She loves a night out at the theater and believes in having a full season subscription with several different organizations. Your dear Yenta is a subscription holder to the MCC, MTC, Roundabout, and she loves a good night out at the Opera. Your dear Yenta says, “Oy, charitable giving to arts organizations helps them survive, and who couldn’t use another tax deduction?”
Tip #69: Pretend You Have “Retired to the Sky”
Retirement Yenta has had to clean out houses and offices of people who have died. It’s not a fun process and she does not want to have anyone do it for her. Your dear Yenta suggests that you go into your closets and desk drawers and clean them out. Get rid of your old schmatas and junk. There is no use holding on to them now, and you will love the extra space you will have in your home.
Tip #50 Draft a Will
Retirement Yenta asks, “Why haven’t you done this already???!?!?” Your dear Yenta wants to remind you of the importance of planning for your final “retirement in the sky.” Estate planning is the last thing you are probably thinking about at the moment, but it’s better to “panic early and avoid the rush.” The last thing you want to put your family through is probate court, as everyone will fight over your Mah Jongg set.
Tip #32 Decide What Jewelry to Keep in Retirement
As you prepare for retirement, it is important to decide what jewelry pieces you’ll want to keep. In addition to the jewelry you’ve amassed over the years, you probably have inherited some pieces from family members. Let’s face it, you don’t need all these pieces to shlep around. Why not consolidate them into a few fine pieces that you wear. Perhaps sell all your pieces and buy diamonds set in platinum. Maybe buy antique diamonds for a change — what a legacy you will leave your children or someone.
Retirement Yenta recommends Michael Goldstein Ltd., located on 5th Avenue in the Diamond District, as “the source” for understanding diamonds. In fact, he is one of the foremost authorities on antique diamonds, and lectures around the world. He can be reached at Michael@AntiqueDiamond.com. Email him and reference RY. He’ll give you a password to his site.
Tip #23 Buy Yourself a Nice Watch
Go into retirement with a watch you know you love. Make sure the watch comes with a warranty and is waterproof. The ocean, the pool, or even the HOT TUB can destroy that favorite watch if it is not waterproof. Retirement Yenta wears a stainless steel Rolex that goes with EVERYTHING and she plans on wearing it all the way to her grave (many years away).
