INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE: Benefits of Delaying Retirement 

We are all looking forward to the day we can quit working and start a blissful retirement, but putting off the day you finally leave the workforce might be a wise consideration if you’ve underestimated the amount of money you’ll need to retire or if recent swings in the stock market have depleted your nest egg. Even if you have enough money, working longer than you originally anticipated might have some benefits of which you aren’t aware.

If you were born after 1937, the age at which you can start receiving full retirement benefits goes up according to the year you were born. If you delay claiming your benefits and continue to contribute to Social Security through work, however, the payments to which you’re entitled will increase. The longer you delay retirement, the more your Social Security payments will increase in the form of a delayed-retirement credit. This credit is added automatically from the time you reach full retirement age until the time you begin taking benefits or reach the age of 70, whichever comes first. People born after 1943 can receive an increase of as much as 8 percent for each year they delay retirement, not to mention the fact that for every year they continue to work, another year of benefits is added to their Social Security record. And because there is no longer a limit to the amount a person age 65 or older can earn without risking a reduction in Social Security, you might build on your benefit even more if your last years of working are among your top 35 most financially productive.

If you think you are too old to exercise, think again. You really should get to your doctor, get cleared for physical activity and start moving that body! Some of the many benefits of exercise for the 50-plus body are as follows:

• Muscles: Muscle mass decreases with age.  Some studies suggest that the average body loses lean muscle every decade starting from age 30.  Some evidence suggests that this is related to a sedentary lifestyle, rather than age.  You can stop the loss - or slow it - by exercising regularly.
• Bones: Bone density begins to decline after the age of 40, even sooner in some people. The loss accelerates around the age of 50.  As a result of this bone loss, older people are more prone to bone fractures. Exercise reduces the risk of loss and the onset of osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercise, in particular, helps keep bones healthy and strong.
• Heart and lungs: Exercising at about 70 percent of your maximum heart rate will improve cardiovascular fitness level when done regularly.
• Body fat: Having a high level of body fat, obviously, is associated with a range of diseases including heart disease and diabetes. Regular exercise can decrease your body fat, improve muscle mass and increase metabolism.

Please get advice or clearance from your physician before beginning any new fitness program.  

Please feel free to call or e-mail me for help with any of your future real estate needs. And if you have any friends or family members who need help with the sale or purchase of a home, don’t hesitate to give them my name.

Warmly,
Rich Bontadelli
(435) 559-3722

© 2008 ERA Franchise Systems LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.  Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.  ERA, the ERA logo and “Always There For You” are registered (or unregistered) service marks licensed to ERA Franchise Systems LLC.

Home warranty programs offer protection for the seller and buyer, covering most major repair or replace expenses within a home for up to a year or more after closing. With this added sense of security, it is easy to see why houses covered by home warranty programs on average sell faster than comparable homes without any such protection.

If you are interested in learning more about the ERA Home Protection Plan I would be glad to provide you with additional information.

Best Regards,
Richard Bontadelli
ERA Realty Center
(435) 559-3722

When you rent, every dollar you pay is retained by the landlord. However, when you purchase a home, a portion of each monthly mortgage payment is used to pay down the principal amount of the loan and in return increases your equity in the property. In addition, you can offset much of the cost of property taxes and mortgage interest through allowable tax deductions. Finally, by owning a home you may also increase your equity if the property appreciates in value.

For specific information on the financial and tax benefits of buying compared to renting, contact your local financial or tax consultant.

Best Regards,
Richard Bontadelli
ERA Realty Center
(435) 586-2777

 © 2008 ERA Franchise Systems LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. ERA Franchise Systems LLC

The previous year’s taxes should be included on the property listing sheet. Otherwise the seller should provide a copy of their tax receipt. Of course, tax rates change from year to year, so the previous year’s taxes will only offer a ‘ballpark’ figure. For a more accurate estimate, contact the town tax assessor. While property taxes can be substantial, it is important to remember that you will likely receive a tax deduction for a good portion of the total amount.  Provided by ERA franchise.

If you are interested in learning more about property taxes, I would be glad to set up a time to meet with you.