Retirement and Downsizing

A series by Jean Chatzky, an editor for Money Magazine, called “Today’s Money For Women” was featured on Today Show in 2004. She began her series with this quote, “You’ve probably heard that thanks to divorce and fact that women outlive men, ninety percent of women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives.” Many women after retirement find themselves living alone for first time and often they are still living in a home made for a family. As time goes by cost, physically and financially, of maintenance and upkeep are taxing and it is time to downsize into a home better suited to your needs. Choosing a real estate professional that listens and is attentive to your individual situation is essential, as well as having support from friends and colleagues.

Tips For Female Sellers

All sellers should keep some important tips in mind. First, watch your neighborhood and keep track of what sells and price. Second, be certain to make all of necessary repairs or upgrades. Consider having a pre-inspection and always complete a termite moisture check. Third, choose your upgrades wisely. Think from buyer’s perspective. Fourth, be certain you have enough money to cover closing costs when sale is final. Don’t complete sale owing money. To read more articles on topics related to selling homes please visit VoncannonRealEstate.com and peruse articles like “Bring It To The Bank: Renovations and Upgrades”, “Increase Your Buying Power With Capital Gains Reinvestment”, and “The Seller’s Guide To The Buyer’s Eye”.

These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.

July

The birthstone for this month is ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.

August

The birthstone for month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced properties of healing drugs.

Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.

September Sumptuous sapphire is birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that stronger sparkle of gem, more faithful and honest wearer.

These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.

October

The birthstone of October is opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over years.

This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.

November

The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.

December The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.

Summary Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to achieve with any other gem.

Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where precious metal and birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.