You will need to total yearly amounts. You will need approximate yearly cost to live (at your desired level) during regular healthy retirement. And, you will need total yearly amount of costs to live in assisted or full care living facilities ( for each – you and mate).

Multiply each yearly amount by number of years you might be living in that circumstance. Example: Retire at 65. Live healthy retirement- 15 years (so 15 x yearly cost of healthy living) . Live assisted – 8 years ( so 8 x yearly cost of living in care).

You now have two totals that when added together equal your estimation of total dollar amount you will need to draw from in order to live after retiring. NOW you are ready to begin planning your investments in such a way that you can achieve that TOTAL number by time you retire.

Here are some tools to help you now that you are ready to take that first step: USA Today retirement cost calculator: http://www.calcbuilder.com/cgi-bin/calcs/RET2.cgi/usatoday Motley Fool’s retirement area http://www.fool.com/retirement.htm?source=PFinAg Metlife’s retirement area http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,1674,P1946,00.html About.com’s HUGE retirement resource area: http://www.retireplan.about.com/

Until next time—all best, Kate

Here are some tips to take stress out of Holiday shopping this year:

1) Make a list of people you will be buying a gift for before you go shopping. If you have a large family or friends to buy gifts for, it can get expensive. In our family, we have made decision to buy only for children. Another way to reduce costs is to have everyone draw a name out of a hat and buy a present only for that person.

2) Think of gift ideas for people on your list and write them down. What are their hobbies and interests? What are their needs and wants? If you cannot come up with anything, ask person directly for ideas. This will save you time wandering aimlessly in mall in search of a gift and you will give a gift that your gift recipient really wants and will appreciate.

3) Buy a few extra gifts, for instance chocolates, so that you will be prepared just in case you forgot somebody or an unexpected guest arrives bearing gifts.

4) If possible, start your Holiday shopping a month or two before Christmas. It is never to early to prepare!

5) Don’t forget about online shopping! Buy your gifts over internet. You can find most gifts online, shop at your own convenience and you won’t have to step foot in a mall.

If you follow these tips you are on your way to a rewarding shopping experience and a less stressful Holiday Season.

We all must remember that Christmas is a joyful time of year. It’s not about gift you give or receive but it is about cherishing special people in your life and spending time with them. Create new traditions and memories that will be with you for a lifetime.