To set stage, understand that I have been thinking about retirement now for several years and have narrowed my final resting place to two general areas: Bethesda MD and Scottsdale AZ. I started calling agents in Bethesda area early one morning and, from outset, made it very clear to everyone I spoke with that I had not yet committed myself to either destination.

The first three calls generated predictable reactions. The agents, two men and one woman, upon learning that I was a “lookiloo” found a way to excuse themselves from conversation. Two tried to be delicate about it, one was abrupt. The latter encounter left me feeling like a telemarketer.

My fourth call was taken by an inexperienced agent who, obviously working on her broker’s orders, insisted upon getting my social security number so she could pre-qualify me on spot. I ended that call myself.

My search fortunately came to an end when I talked with Gretchen Koitz. It was obvious from outset that she was experienced. Instead of going for jugular as previous agents had done, she spent 45 minutes conversing with me and in doing so earned my trust and respect.

With ever increasing consumer debt more of us are finding ourselves robbing Peter to pay Paul each month.

We go through our bills and find that money just won't stretch far enough to cover all of bills and expenses. It's hard to decide who you should pay when you have one bill that is stamped with "Final Notice" and you are behind on several of your other bills.

If you don't pay credit cards you know that you are going to start getting those harassing phone calls. If you don't pay house payment you are looking at foreclosure. If you don't pay utilities they will shut them off. How do you decide?

When you get to this point it's time to get down to basic survival and work from there.

I have actually talked to people that stated their credit cards were up to date but their mortgage was two months behind. This is one of biggest mistakes we can make when we don't have money to pay everything.

Another mistake I see on a regular basis is that some people pay their bills at expense of their food budget.

If you have money to pay some of your bills you have to start with groceries first and necessary health items. You can try to save as much as possible on your food but that money has to be set aside before anything else.

The next bill you must pay is your mortgage or rent. While credit cards companies will drag out their collection process, mortgage companies and landlords will start process of foreclosure or eviction within just a couple of months.