Guest Authors – Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree

Grammar check: any time vs any time

A couple days ago at work, I had to decide whether to use any time or anytime on a social media post so I did a quick check to decide what to do. …
Grammar check: any time vs any time

Taking the Leap: Your Journey to Personal Development

The journey to personal development is a long and challenging one, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to take the leap and make great changes in your life, here are some tips for staying motivated and successful on your quest for personal growth.

Starting a New Career

Personal development starts with setting goals. Is one of yours to start a new career? An online degree could be the way to do it without sacrificing your work and family responsibilities. Just think — you can make progress toward your educational ambitions as you complete everyday tasks. Taking the step to invest in yourself has potential rewards far beyond just obtaining a qualification. It’s also a great way to boost your career prospects, network with like-minded people, and gain valuable skills. So, if you’re looking for an avenue to get ahead, this page deserves a look.

Maintaining a Self-Care Routine

Self-care is an essential part of any journey toward personal growth. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by eating healthy meals, getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and making time for activities that bring you joy. This will keep you energized and motivated as you work towards your goals.

Starting a New Hobby

Finding something that brings you joy can be an important part of your journey, as well. Consider starting a new hobby like painting, playing music, or even reading more books. The key is to find something that offers an outlet for creativity or relaxation. This will keep you motivated and give you something positive to look forward to each day.

Working With a Mentor

Having someone who can guide you through the process of personal development can be invaluable. Consider finding someone who has already achieved success in areas where you want to grow and benefit from advice based on their own experiences. This could be anything from business ownership tips from an entrepreneur or relationship best practices from someone married for many years.

Turning a Passion Into a Business

If business ownership is something that interests you, turning your passion into a startup is one way to get started. Doing research ahead of time will ensure that everything runs smoothly once things get off the ground. This can range from understanding taxes and expenses to learning how to set up contracts with vendors and clients. Having these details taken care of before launching your business will help everything go according to plan.

Learning to Meditate

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase focus, which are both essential when it comes to achieving success on your personal development journey. Consider downloading a meditation app or attending classes so that you can learn how to meditate properly and reap all the benefits it has to offer.

Developing a More Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is essential when working towards any goal, especially when it comes to personal development. Start by focusing on what makes you unique. Write down positive affirmations about yourself each day and practice gratitude by writing down three things each day that make life worth living. These small steps will help you cultivate a more positive outlook, which, in turn, leads to greater success in life.

Personal growth takes time, so you need dedication and hard work to make it possible. Taking steps like maintaining a self-care routine, getting an online degree, and starting new hobbies are just some ways you can set yourself up for success.

5 Sustainable Healthy Habits for 2023

Perhaps you’ve tried to make new year’s resolutions in the past, but for some reason, you’ve never been able to stick to them. In 2023, you can finally fulfill your resolutions by setting gradual, realistic goals. For example, if you’d like to read more books, you can commit to reading ten pages each day and create a reading list by checking out Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree! Here are a few other habits you could adopt this year, from keeping a cleaner home to waking up earlier.

Keep Your Home Clean

It’s hard to feel your best in a cluttered, messy home. If it’s been a while since you decluttered and deep cleaned your home, the new year gives you the perfect opportunity! You’ll want to start by donating or throwing out any items you no longer need. Next, block off a weekend to thoroughly deep clean each room. Finally, spruce up your space by getting some houseplants and keeping your blinds open to let in more natural light.

Read Daily

Maybe it’s been a while since you read a book, but you miss the feeling of getting lost in a great story. Reading brings lots of benefits – for example, Everyday Health states that reading can lower your stress levels, deepens your empathy for others, and even boosts your cognitive function.

You don’t have to force yourself to read through a stack of classic novels to get back into reading. Instead, choose a couple of books you think you might enjoy, and block off time to read a reasonable number of pages each day. You could choose to read with your morning coffee or before you go to bed.

Exercise Regularly

Lots of people make fitness-related resolutions each year. But if you try to rapidly shift from a sedentary lifestyle to working out every day, you’re likely to give up early or even injure yourself by exercising too intensely right off the bat. Try adding two to three workout sessions per week to your schedule, and consider connecting with a personal trainer who can help you design an exercise routine around your abilities and goals.

Wake Up Earlier

Do you have a tendency to sleep in? Maybe you’d like to start waking up earlier this year so that you’ll have plenty of time for a morning routine before your workday begins. Even if you’ve always considered yourself a night owl, you can slowly shift your usual wake-up time. Sleep Advisor recommends ensuring that you’re going to bed early enough to get between seven and nine hours of sleep, ditching alcohol and caffeine in the late afternoon and evening, placing your alarm clock far away from your bed, and tucking your phone in a drawer before bedtime so that you don’t end up scrolling late at night.

Drink More Water

Many people don’t even realize that they are chronically dehydrated. If you suspect that you’re not as hydrated as you should be, you could make a resolution to drink more water this year. To accomplish this, try getting a large reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day and putting a glass of water by your bedside before you go to sleep so that you can focus on hydration as soon as you wake up.

When it comes to new year’s resolutions, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Instead of setting huge, ambitious goals, you can pick up some simple habits that can significantly improve your quality of life. Whether you want to read more books, cultivate a cleaner home, or start exercising, these tips have got you covered!

Looking for your next favorite book? Turn to Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree! Browse the blog today to find exciting new reads.

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Guest Post by Jason Kenner
Jason Kenner, On-Par Parent

How to Effectively Network as a Senior

Whether you’re looking to start a business, create a nonprofit, or find a volunteer opportunity, networking is a valuable tool that can help you achieve your goals. As a senior, you may have plenty of experience under your belt. However, networking can still be challenging, especially if you’re unsure how to do it. Keep reading to learn tips on networking effectively as a senior.

The Importance of Networking

In the business world, it’s often said that it’s not what you know but who you know. Networking is an essential part of doing business. Senior business owners can connect and share ideas, resources, and advice. It also gives you a chance to meet potential customers and partners. Networking can significantly benefit your business in today’s highly competitive business environment.

Get Off on the Right Foot

There are many opportunities for entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers. If you’re thinking about starting a business or nonprofit or volunteering, a few must-dos will help you get off on the right foot.

First, research the market and understand the community’s needs. What products or services are in demand? What does the competition look like? Knowing this information will help you create a successful business plan. Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce and other local business organizations. These groups can provide valuable resources and advice as you launch your new venture.

Finally, If you’re looking for a way to save on taxes, then forming an S c orp might be precisely what your wallet needs. This entity offers pass-through taxation and self-employment benefits that can help provide some extra cash flow.

Making a Connection

As a senior business owner, volunteer, or nonprofit owner, you may feel like you’re not as connected to the online world as you could be. However, there are many ways that you can connect with other like-minded people. One way is through social media. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook have groups and forums dedicated to people like yourself. These are great places to ask questions, get advice, and learn about new trends in the business world.

Attending Events

Attending networking events is another excellent way to network. You never know whom you’ll meet or what opportunities will present themselves when you simply show up and get involved. Search online for events happening in your area that are relevant to your interests.

Updating Your Resume

One of the most important things you can do when networking is to have an updated resume copy handy. You want to be able to put your best foot forward, and an outdated resume isn’t going to do that. Fortunately, creating a professional-looking resume is easier than you may think. A type of resume generator offers resume templates, and you can choose the one you like and add your copy, photos, colors, and images. With that, you’ll have an instant resume.

Achieve Your Professional Goals

As a senior business owner, networking doesn’t have to be complicated or daunting. By following the tips above — such as having an updated resume on hand and attending relevant events — you can make valuable connections that will help you achieve your professional goals.

Visit Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree for honest and detailed book reviews!

Guest post by Jason Kenner info@onparparent.com

Why Getting Married Later in Life Can Be Delightful

Contrary to popular opinion, there is no official timeline when it comes to getting married. So, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re in your 20s or your 50s, how old you are when you get married doesn’t diminish the significance of the event. Suppose, you’ve saved marriage for your golden years. The Reluctant Retiree has some tips on how to navigate life together in your latter years.

Finding Your Ideal Property

Finding your ideal property together may look a bit different than in days gone by. Now, that you don’t have the kids to consider anymore, you could desire a smaller home seeing as it’s just for the two of you. Also, the type of property that you might prefer could differ from the fancy properties that might have caught your eye in your younger days. For example, maybe a ranch-style house would be more to your liking as opposed to a split-level house because there are just too many stairs to go up and down every day.

If you’ve found what appears to be your perfect property, check for problems before you fully commit. Simple fixes can be handled by a contractor, or you may choose to tackle them yourself depending on your comfort with DIY projects. And even if pests give you the chills, don’t let an errant rodent ruin your home plans. Instead, simply look online for “best mice exterminator near me” and call someone out to take care of the problem. Be sure to read some reviews first, so you end up with someone who can get rid of the pests quickly, but in a way you are comfortable with.

Making Your New Home Fit for Two

As far as making your house a home goes, this too may be a little trickier than anticipated because it will require the blending of two different tastes and styles together so that it looks like one cohesive home. That said, if design and decor are not really up your alley, you don’t need to go all out to make your new home look fresh and exciting. In fact, if you’re more used to your creature comforts, then you could stick with the things that make you comfortable and recreate the look of your previous home in your new home if you want to. Again, you’ll have to take each other’s preferences into account. But this shouldn’t be too difficult to do if you’ve decided the simpler life is better for the both of you.

Getting All the Paperwork Sorted

Apart from all the legal documentation that will need to be completed upon getting married, you will most probably have to see to other details such as updating your social security info, applying for different or more comprehensive home insurance, reevaluating your health insurance, as well as planning a new budget together. Also, you may need to start thinking about the costs of aged-care living as a precautionary measure further down the line.

Speaking of paperwork, perhaps you’ve decided that buying a property is not the only thing you’d like to do together. Maybe starting a business together sounds just as appealing. It doesn’t even matter if you’re close to or past retirement age, as people of all ages are doing side hustles such as freelancing or consulting nowadays. Plus, it’ll give you even more quality time together as you contemplate the next big thing together. It’ll also give you the opportunity to generate extra income for the future. You could think of it as your financial cushion to cover unexpected expenses down the line.

You’ll also need to decide on the type of structure you want your business to be. An LLC is an excellent option for first-time entrepreneurs because of its flexibility, minimal paperwork, and tax benefits. Just be sure to double-check the filing regulations in your area, as these differ from state to state. Then, start getting the word out about your new venture. Plug into social media; it’s a free or low-cost option with a lot of bells and whistles.

In summary, when you’ve found your forever person, planning a life together becomes even more special, regardless of whether you’re just starting out in life or if you’re more experienced at doing life.

Once you’re settled and ready to relax, look for a great book from the Reluctant Retiree. She is passionate about reading, and will get you on a path towards great armchair travels every time!

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Tips for Seniors on How to Save Money and Live a Healthy Lifestyle

There is much more to saving money than financial planning. Taking on a healthier lifestyle will not only make you feel better but also lower your expenses in the long run. If you are concerned about living a healthier lifestyle but don’t want to break the bank on a gym membership and expensive organic foods, consider these simple tips.

Get Creative With Your Workout

You don’t need a gym to get in a good workout. Save money and work out at home. If you don’t have the equipment, don’t worry. Workouts using your bodyweight require nothing more than your body to create resistance and build muscle. Implement cardio by going for a walk outside or simply doing chores around the house. If you’re not sure where to begin, take advantage of employee wellness programs. Many employers offer free health classes, such as yoga. You can even download free health apps on your smartphone.

Change the Way You Access Food

It is easy to associate healthy food with a higher grocery budget. One study shows that healthier food is almost three times more expensive than less nutrient-rich foods. However, you can fuel your body with healthy foods in a more affordable way. Buy your healthy nonperishables in bulk. This is great for canned foods and snacks that you keep in the pantry. Cut back on meat and supplement legumes for protein. Only buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you have space for a garden, grow your own produce and save big money.

Go Green

Going green might sound expensive, but there are simple changes you can make that will decrease your utility bills and better your way of living. For example, clean your home using chemical-free DIY cleaners with things you have around the house, such as lemon juice and vinegar. Shop at your local farmer’s market and avoid driving when you can. Buy a bicycle or walk when your destination is nearby.

Turn Your New Life Into a Business

As you create your new lifestyle, consider the ways that you can turn your healthy hobbies into a business venture. If you’ve gotten into biking, you might open a bike repair shop, or if outdoor sports are your main form of exercise, consider starting a sports gear store. Maybe others will love your DIY cleaning products. You could start selling them with little cost. Use a label maker to create bottle labels for every product. Speed up the label-making process by using free online tools and templates to customize a logo for your brand.

Before your business takes off, consider making it official by forming an LLC. It will protect you from potential liability lawsuits and allow you more tax advantages and flexibility. LLCs also require very little paperwork. You can register online in under an hour. Be sure to check Florida LLC requirements before you get started.

Being Healthy Actually Saves Money

In the long run, you’ll notice that creating a healthier lifestyle will actually save money on expenses like health insurance premiums. Biking saves on gas money and vehicle repair costs. Cooking from home allows you some quiet time to enjoy a meal with a good book and avoid the cost and noise associated with eating out.

Personalizing your wellness plan often turns into finding things that you enjoy and expanding on them in your life. If it becomes a business opportunity, then you live better and make money. Living a healthy lifestyle is so much more than tedious exercise and expensive grocery bills.

Leadership Learning Opportunities: 8 Resources

Developing and growing as a leader requires plenty of introspection. But as many excellent leaders have learned, true learning involves ongoing, consistent effort — and there is really no end to the amount of growth you can experience.

Whether you’re already aware of your personal biases or recognize the need for further exploration into how you (and your company) relate to others, consider these resources, courtesy of Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree.

Pick Up a Good Book

Reading is an excellent way to explore leadership topics at your own pace. When you consider how confronting some topics can be, it may be ideal to start your journey with a less confrontational format of learning. The following books are helpful resources, regardless of where you are in your journey to uncovering and addressing complex workplace issues:

Dive into the topic of hidden prejudice and racial issues in America (and elsewhere) with Jennifer L. Eberhardt Ph.D.
Discover ways you can work toward fighting bias in your personal (and professional) life with Dolly Chugh.
Extend your exploration of bias as it relates to your leadership responsibilities in the workplace.

Learn from Others

When it comes to organizational efforts, diversity is a crucial strategy for growth and progress. But implementing diversity in your workplace or among your team can be a challenge. Opening your mind to others’ experiences and how organizations approach diversity can guide your own actions.

Approach others’ experiences with an open mind and a flexible perspective.
Read up on recognizing the bias ecosystem and how it impacts your perceptions of — and actions at — the workplace.
Understand why many diversity programs fail and how to circumvent those issues in your organization.

Embrace Interactive Learning

Books and articles are a helpful way to begin exploring challenging topics. But an interactive course or experience could serve as the next step in the process of recognizing and changing your personal and professional perceptions. From more general courses in business to specific training for the reduction of biased behavior in the workplace, consider these options:

Consider whether an online education may provide the opportunity to improve leadership skills at your own pace without disrupting your current career path.
Explore resources to help you become more conscious of unintentionally harmful hiring practices — and avoid them.

Leadership is less a goal and more of a journey, as these resources prove. Throughout your experiences as the leader of a team or organization, you’ll encounter many opportunities for improvement and enlightenment. A mindset toward growth is perhaps the most crucial resource for true leaders.

Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree is the product of an unreformed bookworm who never lost her love of reading. Reach out today to share your own experiences and book recommendations!

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