For Life’s Next Phase – What Do You Need?

March 15th, 2010 -- Posted in HowTo Business Questions, Misc Ranting, Retirement | No Comments »

I’ve been a bit remiss in posting to this blog regularly because I have been working on that question, what is needed for life’s next phase?  One of my businesses which is project management with an emphasis on relocating facilities such as offices, warehouses, & IT labs, now has a separate division focusing on relocating Seniors.

We primarily work with the families of seniors, assisting them with services they may not have the time to do themselves.  A large number of our clients don’t live in the area (but the seniors in their lives do), and it is not only time consuming for them to come back and forth, but also expensive.  As we work with families and other service providers, we are reminded daily of how much information families are looking for to make their decisions.  As you know these are very emotional decisions as well as practical.

The current site that is up, ForLifesNextPhase, has been a placeholder while we identify what else is needed by the families we serve.  We are currently in the process of making major changes to the site and would really appreciate your taking the time to think about if you were (or are) in this situation:

  • What kind of information and support would you like to see?
  • What services would you like more info about?
  • What would keep you coming back to this site for your Eldercare needs?
  • Read the rest of this entry »

Can You Claim a Home Office Deduction?

March 2nd, 2010 -- Posted in Home Business Ideas, HowTo Business Questions, Tax Tips | 1 Comment »

Did you know that the IRS says you can deduct the use of a home office as long as it is used exclusively and on a regular basis?

It doesn’t mean if you use a corner of the den, or a nook in the kitchen that you can deduct the space used there.  It needs to be Read the rest of this entry »

Can I Deduct My Trip to Mexico?

February 25th, 2010 -- Posted in HowTo Business Questions, Tax Tips, Vacations and Fun, Wealth Strategies | No Comments »

A couple of weeks ago prior to my departing on a pleasure / business trip to Mexico I asked the question – will any of it be tax deductible?

I noted in the last few posts how to qualify for the deduction, and I did in these categories:

  • Traveled more than 300 miles to my destination, so it required over night stay
  • I did not travel on a cruise ship
  • I did work on Mondays and Fridays
  • It was beneficial for me to stay over weekends (airfare would have increased)

However, because I was exploring new business opportunities I had not scheduled any specific Read the rest of this entry »

The U.S. Economy Has Affected Down South of the Border Too

February 22nd, 2010 -- Posted in Misc Ranting, Retirement, The Economy, Vacations and Fun | No Comments »

The last two weeks in Mexico were fabulous, great for my mind and spirit.  However, it saddened me to see my friends south of the border really struggling.

Before telling you more, can you believe how amazing this sunset is ~ taken from the front of my apartment?

Zihua 2010 078

Zihuantanejo (or Zihua or “Z”) used to be a sleepy little fishing village with very little English spoken.  During the last 5 years most of the restaurant wait staff and taxi drivers have learned some English making it less of a challenge to get around….. not as much fun however!  Over the last 10 years it has also become a tourist destination, especially now that research is so easy to do on the Internet.  Typically in areas such as Zihuantanejo the locals make their money during the high season (tourist) season, which over the last number of years has been “now” ~January to Easter.  Then things will slow down, picking up again during Read the rest of this entry »