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Planning for Retirement in the 21st Century

Retirement is the dream of every American worker. Unfortunately, the dream is fading for many baby boomers because of poor retirement planning. There are several reasons.

The average retirement age for an American worker today is 62 years old. Unfortunately, these folks have seen their 401(k) and other retirement funds undercut by the recession and they do not have enough money to retire. Traditional pension plans have shifted over the last 30 years to plans that require employee contributions. These pension plans were also hit hard by the recession and many are woefully underfunded. Surprisingly, 47 percent of US households are not covered by a defined benefit or contribution retirement plan.

Average retirement savings at age 50 is $43,797. One estimate of what is require for sustained retirement states that a household will need 70 percent of a retiree’s pre-retirement income – without debt – to live comfortably. Baby boomers are saving as little as 38.2 percent of what will be needed to retire. Up to 50 percent of them are unprepared for retirement.

The most astounding statistics may be that only four percent of retirees have accumulated sufficient wealth for retirement. At the same time, up to 63 percent of retirees depend completely on Social Security and family for retirement. Clearly, starting to prepare for retirement is a planned process that begins early.

Most experts strongly recommend beginning a systematic and disciplined retirement savings program when individuals enter the work force in their early 20s. The reasoning is simple – there is more time to accumulate retirement wealth. For instance, a person who starts saving for retirement at 25 and puts away $3,000 per year for 10 years in a tax deferred account at eight percent will save $472,000 – and that amount keeps growing. In the same scenario, a person who begins saving at 35 will accumulate $367,000. That is a significant difference of $105,000.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans are the retirement vehicles of choice among retirement planning experts. They are tax deferred accounts in which taxes are paid after retirement at a lower rate. At a young age, savers should invest their accounts in higher yield growth stocks that will provide the most return. By age 50, the saver’s portfolio should reflect a more conservative and cautious approach to saving and be made up of bonds and stable investments.

Retirement financial planning must start early and continue until retirement. This is the foundation for the retirement dream.

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How Bad Do You Need It? The Facts About Payday Loans

Payday loans have become wildly popular lately. This popularity is due in part, to the quick approval rate that most payday companies offer. In some cases payday loans can be processed in as little as two minutes. Also referred to as cash in advance, the process involves the lender providing a short term loan that is to repaid by the borrower’s next pay day. The legislation of these types of loans vary from nation to nation as well as state to state in the U.S. Companies who provide payday loans often times charge egregious amounts of interest. Due to this fact, jurisdictions limit the amount of interest or APR a lender can charge you.

Payday loans can be a good thing for those who have the capital and intention of paying back the loan. As advertised, payday loans will deliver money directly to your account. This allows you to proceed with whatever obligations you may have pending. However, juxtapose that to the countless americans who apply for these loans for selfish or ill-advised reasons. This type of person has initiated a process that undoubtedly will be a hassle and a financial setback later on in life. The truth is, most people live in the right now and face life with a ‘day to day’ approach. There are many reasons one may be driven to take out a pay day loan. For those who do, there are several things you must consider. Loans of any kind have to be paid back, and the last thing any one needs is a loan with high interest rates. History teaches us that in most cases, overspending is the root cause for financial struggles or debt. And usually, debt is the primary driving force behind attempting to attain this type of loan. So, to avoid situations like this all together, one must acquire the knowledge and financial intelligence needed to live within your means.

The most crucial aspect to this subject is that most people who apply for loans, payday loans in particular, can’t afford to pay it back in the first place. This is clear when you analyze what’s being offered and how. Do you really need to borrow $250 for a few days? Experts say this is similar to the ‘carrot on the string’ technique that has been used since the begging of the art of supply and demand. In the end, only you know if a payday loan is the best choice. Remember, research the interest rate of the loan offered as well as the consequences of a default situation. Let those answers be your final determining factors.

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Tips on keeping a swimming pool in good shape

Keeping a swimming pool in good shape can prove to be challenging. Some people choose to have a professional pool company maintain their pool. This is often costly, but regardless of whether you have a pool professional maintain your pool or you choose to do it yourself, you should understand the basics. A well maintained pool is likely to cost you less money. A swimming pool cleaner will help improve the circulation of the pool as well as remove debris from the swimming pool. This allows chemicals to work more efficiently and keeps the pool free of debris such as leaves. All pool cleaners will require maintenance; at mypool.com we have parts for all major types of swimming pool cleaners. The list includes: Hayward Pool Cleaner Parts, Jandy Ray Vac Pool Cleaner Parts and AquaVac Pool Cleaner Parts.

Maintain your pool filtering system:

The swimming pool filter is an important part of maintaining your pool. Make sure it is cleaned often, replacing pool cartridge filter elements as needed, Backwash and replace DE often and maintain proper water chemistry to keep your sand filter operating at optimal performance. When it comes to replacing filter grids on DE filters or parts for you sand filter, MyPool has a complete selection.

Water chemistry is the key to keeping your pool cost low:

Preventing a pool problem caused by improper water chemistry can play a huge role in keeping pool maintenance costs down. “A good offense is the best defence”. Through the proper use Chemicals, including pH adjusters, sanitizers and chlorine stabilizers, you can prevent problems and keep costs down. Keeping the chlorine level at the proper range will reduce the need for more expensive chemicals such as algaecides. Keeping the pH in the proper range will keep the pool from being corrosive or scaling further reducing the need to replace sand and other components. The use of a chlorine stabilizer will reduce the dissipation of chlorine, further reducing your costs.

Install and maintain a good pump:

A swimming pool pump is the heart of your swimming pool. It provides circulation for pool and helps chemicals work more effectively. In addition, it pumps water through the filter which removes debris from the water. A pool pump needs to be maintained to provide years of service. Periodically check the pump for leaks, if a pump is leaking it will soon lead to motor failure. Replace the pool pump baskets when it is cracked. Replace the pump lid o-ring if you see air bubbles, otherwise make sure it is clean. When your pump needs servicing MyPool has swimming pool pump parts for all major brands and parts diagrams to help make ordering easier

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