How do you find your retirement destination?

Well, like many things in life, when something is important, you plan carefully. Retirement is one of those important things. Not only do we want to make sure we plan financially, but also where we may want to end up. We live in California, but bought a home in North West Arkansas, and we will probably be relocating in the very near future. Every body's priorities are different, of course, but there are some basic things to consider.

I was reading an article written by a Realtor, Michael Chadwick of New York, who is a relocation specialist, and he has 10 questions he asks his clients. I think they pretty much cover most concerns.

1. Where do your family and friends live? Do you need to be close by?
2. What do you do in your free time? Which locations offer the most of the activities you enjoy?
3. How does weather affect you? Do you see yourself living in multiple locations at different times of the year?
4. What do you want to see when you wake up in the morning and step outside?  Do you prefer certain architectural styles? Do you enjoy lots of restaurants? Do you need nature? 
5. Do you travel often? Do you need to be close to an international airport?
6. What is the median price of real estate in the top 5 cities you are considering? How big of a house do you want?
7. Are you looking to try someplace new, or are you trying to recapture some nostalgia from a place you once enjoyed? 
8. Will you depend on public transportation? or would you be driving a car?
9. Do you need plenty of opportunities for dance, music, art and spirituality?
10. Have you had frank and honest discussions with your spouse about relocation? If you are single, have you considered which cities have the most options for you?

These are some questions to ponder before making a decision. We have met many couples who relocated here and their decision was based on being close to their kids and grand kids. Others love to golf 5 days a week and with several golf courses around the city, this is the perfect place for them. Yet others love to fish and go boating, and there are 7 lakes in Bella Vista. We always wanted a house on a lake and found what we were looking for, and at the right price. Affordability is also a big factor.

Hope this was helpful to start the process, if you are thinking of downsizing or relocating.

The most important task in your To Do List

Closets and garages are not the only things in need of a spring and fall cleaning, and purging of clutter, nor are they the most important! Spiritual clutter and cleaning is far more important. What exactly is "spiritual" clutter? Keep reading.

Many books/best sellers now promise to help people declutter and purge their lives of what is weighing them down. They advise that we get rid of or give away things we don't need or have not used for a while. I agree. However, for many, a clean sweep of one's home will not get to the heart of what causes dissatisfaction and stress. What it comes down to is the need for spiritual cleaning, and not just once or twice a year, but every day. Are we aware of it? Do we think about it? Probably not.

Physical clutter can waste time (searching for things we cannot find) and money (replacing things we cannot find). Worries, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, strained relationships, and other emotional issues are the spiritual clutter that burden our hearts. And, the consequences of not dealing with them are far worse than just wasting time and money. So how do we deal with it?

Both clutters use the same steps to get rid of. Also, they have taken a long time to accumulate, so we cannot get rid of all of them all at once and in one day. It takes time and patience, and discipline, I might add.

1. Identify what needs to be cleaned (relationships, attitudes, worries)
2. Ask for help
3. Work on one issue at a time
4. Have a plan (how are you going to keep your spiritual life in order?)

• Schedule more quite time with God
• Enlist the help of a "mentor"
• Enroll in a Bible class
• Make a firm decision about what doesn't belong in your life
• Read Psalm 51

Philippians 4:8

Think of those things in your life that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.