Ted Sherman
Navy service WWII and Korea, BFA, MA. Retired, experience: exec. speechwriter, advertising, sales promotion, PR, graphic art, photography, travel and humor writing. Follow me: @travel4seniors, Editor of travel4seniors.com and writer for travel4people.com
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5 Ways to Keep an Overactive Bladder from Slowing You DownAt the advanced age of 86, I'm thankful that I still retain good health and independence. However, I must deal with a typical problem that often goes with aging.
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Disposable Underwear OptionsIn Shakespeare's play, "As You Like It", a character muses about the seven ages of man, from infancy to old age. He compares those two extreme periods in life, where the same diaper-like dependency may be necessary.
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5 Must-See Historic Sites in Athens, GreeceRecently, I finally got my lifetime wish to visit Greece when I took a trip to Athens. I had a chance to experience the Parthenon atop Acropolis Hill, along with other nearby classic sites in Athens.
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Five Best TV Commercials of All TimeWatching television today, and being bombarded by repetitiously obnoxious commercials, one may believe it has always been that way. However, there was a less annoying time when there were just one or two commercials per TV hour and some were quite good.
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London: My 5 Favorite Free AttractionsThe historic city of London offers some of its most fascinating attractions at no cost. I've visited London many times over nearly 70 years and have found some of the free places to be actually the most interesting. -
How My Military Service Helps Me in RetirementI served in the United States Navy from age 18-43 and now as a retiree, I still enjoy the financial benefits from my service.
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Military Veteran's Opinion: Tepid Support for RomneyThose who've served in the military, especially those who fought in 20th Century wars, usually lean toward Presidential candidates who've shared similar experiences. For the first time in many years, neither 2012 candidate served.
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Five Places to Visit on Memorial DayEach Memorial Day, we pause to respect Americans who've defended our nation. We especially honor those who gave their lives in that cause. I recall (and suggest) visits to some of those places where the memories are preserved.
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4 Best Bargain Buffets in Las VegasWe’ve visited Las Vegas for more than half a century. While others go for the glitzy shows and posh casinos, our favorite activity in Sin City is sampling the sinfully delicious buffets. -
Hollywood Walk of Fame - My Favorite MemoriesThe Hollywood Walk of Fame is right on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in the heart of Hollywood. The stars start around La Brea Avenue and extend down Hollywood Boulevard to around Gower Street.
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Why Amsterdam Is a Great City for KidsWe've visited the historic city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands many times, and while there's certainly an adult component (coffee shops and the Red Light District), the city is a wonderful place for kids and families.
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My 5 Favorite Ethnic Restaurants in SingaporeThe former British colony and now independent city-state of Singapore is considered by international travelers as having some of best collections of fine restaurants in the world.
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Top 5 Ways to Meet Other Single SeniorsYou’ve winter in your hair, but lots of summer in your heart. If you’re single, widowed or divorced, it’s time to get out of the house and into the single senior scene.
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5 Ways to Connect With Your Teen GrandchildrenWith the ever-increasing ways to use computers, connecting with teen grandchildren has become easier. The old days of writing an occasional letter have been replaced by instantly communicating in a variety of ways between the generations.
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Summer 2012 Volunteer Opportunities for SeniorsThere are hundreds of summer volunteer opportunities available to seniors throughout the country. Lifetimes of business, social, teaching and other skills make seniors very valuable and welcome additions to efforts to make their communities better.Also published on:
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First Person: I Went Back to School as an Adult Without Quitting My JobSeveral years ago, I had a good job with fair pay and benefits at a division of General Electric. I also had a big home mortgage and two kids soon to be ready for college. I could've continued that way, but needed a college degree to really advance.
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Why I Returned to SchoolUnhappy at my dull, low paying job as the years dragged by, I finally made a decision to do something about it. I was going back to complete my education.
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My Financial Checklist Before Going Back to School as an AdultAfter several years in low paying jobs, I realized I'd never have a decent career unless I earned a bachelor's degree. I needed to organize my life and make plans. I knew I needed to complete my college education.
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Best Time of the Year to CruiseOne of the most enjoyable aspects of retirement is the freedom to travel anywhere at any time. For many reasons, my favorite way to go is by cruise. I've found that no matter what time of year, each sailing can be a unique experience.
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Best Southern Small Towns for Senior TravelI've traveled extensively in the South, and can recommend some favorite small towns there where seniors can find relaxation and enjoyment without spending a lot of money.
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Money Lessons to Teach Your GrandchildrenIn our uncertain economy, it's vital that kids today learn early how to cope with the complexities of money. The more they experience before needing to make a living, the better prepared they'll be to face the inevitable adult responsibilities.
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Retiree's Guide to a Cross-Country RV TripAs my 65th birthday approached, my wife and I decided to give ourselves the ultimate retirement gift: a cross-country RV journey. After our kids had left for college, we put our empty nest up for sale. I then notified my company that I'd retire.
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First Person: Massive Credit Card Security Breach Involves My DataThere's been another huge breach of security in one of the largest credit card processing firms and my personal credit card and debit card data has been compromised, according to the company involved.
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My Top 5 Travel Movies of All TimeAs a world traveler for many years, I constantly look forward to new places to visit and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Often I get ideas from movies about travel, some because they're classics and others just for the fun of it.
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Five Ways to Make Wheelchair Travel EasierNow in my 80s, gone are the days of running through airports. Although I can still walk, the distances are just too much for me to handle comfortably. If you need a wheelchair for your next flight, I offer five suggestions to make your journey easier.
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Delray Beach: Fun Florida Vacation DestinationI recently spent a week at Delray Beach, Florida, and found it a welcoming beachside town with much to offer in recreation, accommodations, food, and shopping.
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Local's Choices for Phoenix, Arizona, HotelsPhoenix is the beautiful modern capital city of sunny Arizona. Because of its dry Sonoran Desert weather, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, golf and other outdoor sports all year. We lived in Tucson for a decade and traveled there frequently.
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Worry-Free Travel Tips for Depend WearersIncontinence is not a disease, it's a symptom of other medical issues. Here are some key tips for travelers who use disposable underwear.
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Heart-Healthy Tips for Men Over 50My family doctor told me I was headed for some big-time cardiovascular and other medical problems. Here are some key things I did to get heart-healthy.
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5 Key Health Tests for Men Over 50Once a man passes that half-century mark, he's like a car at 50,000 miles. His body may have always run smoothly, never left him stranded and could go on indefinitely. However, as an older car requires regular check-ups, the same applies to a man's body.
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Tucson Tips from a LocalWhen it was time to find a place to retire, I chose Tucson, Arizona. The reasons were the beautiful scenery, the all-year hot desert climate, and great recreational facilities.
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Auto Driveaway Services Can Provide a Free Car for Long RoadtripsFor travelers looking to take a long road trip across America, either from the North to the South or from the East to the West, there's a way to get a car for free.
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My International Travel Bucket ListNow retired, I've created my own travel bucket list of five places I've always wanted to see. I haven't gotten around to visiting them ... yet.
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Visiting Lancaster, Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch CountryRaising our family in Philadelphia meant we often made the 70-mile drive to Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It's a great family destination and offers a view of the living history of the Amish people.
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Seville, Spain: Solo Travel GuideSeville is a magnificent city in southern Spain often overlooked and underrated as a destination. The city is great for single and solo travelers, as the tapas culture is in full effect.
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What Is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?When we used to travel internationally to individual countries, before the age of mobile phones and easy email access, we used to register with the U.S. Embassy in each country we would visit. I can remember having our kids do it when they traveled.
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Wartime Easter MemoriesThe chaplain conducted services on the afterdeck of our troop ship at dawn on the Sunday morning of April 1, 1945. As more Marines drifted in for the next round of prayers, others got up, adjusted their back packs, slung their rifles and...
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Must-See Destinations in Springtime FranceFrance offers romantic experiences that are even more enjoyable in the springtime. Choosing the best among them is a difficult but very pleasant task. Whenever we visit France, these are our top springtime choices.
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Why We Will Continue CruisingWe retired 22 years ago, and my spouse and I have sailed on at least 35 cruises since. We've heard all the terrible stories about sinking ships, on-board sickness, muggings on shore excursions, and other potential problems.
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Manila, the Philippines: My Favorite City in AsiaManila is a beautiful capital city of the Philippines, with historic architecture, parks, restaurants, friendly people and many other attractions. However, while tourism is flourishing in some Asian cities, Manila is still virtually ignored.
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A Limerick for St. Patrick's DayHere's a wee bit o' fun for St. Patrick's Day.
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Budgeting for Travel Expenses During RetirementAs our working years were coming to a close, my spouse and I looked forward to our retirement. When we calculated our needs for retirement, food, housing, insurance and other things, we made sure to include that travel amount in our planning.
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First Person: Good Business for L.A. Ports Is Good News For MeAs a landlord who owns residential properties in some of Los Angeles' port communities like Long Beach and San Pedro, the economic success of the ports is very important to me and my tenants.
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Downtown Los Angeles Hotel Dining OptionsWhether you're a guest in the hotel, visiting Los Angeles and staying downtown or a local, I think hotel dining is a great experience. Luxury hotel staff understand service and I find you get a higher level of service and attention than at a restaurant.
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First Person: Social Media and Brand ImageSocial media is the new way to market and promote a brand or business and the power and speed with which it works continues to astonish me. A recent exchange my son had with one of the owners of The Palm steakhouse proved this to me.
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First Person: I Chose Business Over My Tenured University JobWhen in high school, because many people I respected most were teachers, I decided that would be my path in college. Eventually, my plans changed.
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Sovata Springtime in Romania’s TransylvaniaSovata, a resort city in Romania’s Transylvania region, is a great overlooked Springtime destination in Europe.
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Sedona, Arizona in the Springtime is a Spiritual ExperienceJust 100 miles north of Phoenix, the major attractions of Sedona are the mountain-sized, deep red rocks that surround the town. Sedona is a great place for Springtime travel and is often overlooked for the more popular Southwest destinations.
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Traveling to Carnival in Venice, ItalyCarnival time in Venice offers many wonderful reasons to visit the beautiful Italian city. Since the 11th Century, Venice has celebrated this annual festival.
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5 Best Youth Hostels in AmsterdamWith a grandchild planning their first trip to Europe with friends this summer, we took a look at the variety of hostels in the great European city of Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
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Cruise Safety Tips for SeniorsFive key tips for seniors to ensure a safe journey when cruising.
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5 Exciting Native American PowwowsEvery year, Native American tribes throughout North America celebrate their heritage with powwows, gatherings for traditional music, dancing, storytelling and exhibits of their crafts.
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First Person: A Landlord's Take on the Commercial Real Estate MarketAs a real estate investor, it's been a tough few years. I was happy to learn that a quarterly poll by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers is showing the first positive signs in the commercial real estate market since the end of 2007.
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First Person: How I Use the 1031 Exchange Rule to Save on TaxesA 1031 Exchange is an IRS approved transaction that allows owners of property to avoid paying capital gains taxes by exchanging one property for another. As a real estate investor, I use the rule to save money on taxes instead of selling a property.Also published on:
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First Person: What My College Degree Means to MeMy college degree helped me pursue a successful 30-year career in advertising and public relations. However, it only happened after I realized I had not made the right decision in choosing my college major.
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5 Quick Winter GetawaysMany people, including myself, find themselves with a lot of airline frequent flyer miles on several different airlines. While not enough to go to Europe or Asia, it got me thinking about five possible long weekend getaways here in the United States.
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My Favorite Springtime Destinations in France and MonacoThere are many wonderful places to visit in France as warm weather arrives. We've done it many ways, on a group tour, family excursion and as lone wanderers.
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5 Cool Places to Go in 2012When making plans for travel in 2012, I like to seek out those special places in the world where you can have unique experiences to treasure for many years.
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First Person: How I'm Adjusting My Retirement PlansI'm already retired, but the poor economy and inflation in recent years have caused me financial problems and changed my expectations of retirement.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods to Attend Fiesta Bowl: Fan's View2011 was quite a year for Tiger Woods. I think he's finally got his game back and can concentrate on returning to a position of dominance in professional golf.Also published on:
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Celebs Who Deserve Coal This YearWhen Santa ponders which celebrities have been naughty or nice this year, he won't have any problem knowing those who've been the very baddest. Consider some who really deserve the lumps of coal in their stockings.
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First Person: WIll the American Airlines Bankruptcy Affect My Vacation?My wife and I booked a cruise vacation through American Airlines Vacations earlier this year and were not happy to hear the airline had declared bankruptcy
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5 Unusual New York City Holiday ExperiencesFor many travelers, this holiday season includes a visit to New York City. We've gone many times, visiting the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, enjoying the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and enjoying great dining and shopping.
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First Person: Retire in the U.S. or Move Abroad?When it was time for me to retire, my wife and I looked at lot of options. We knew we wanted to leave cold Pennsylvania and one of the things we considered was moving abroad. Many areas around the world cater to U.S. retirees.
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Tiger Woods Wins First Event in 2 Years: Fan's OpinionWow, what a comeback for Tiger Woods. A little over two years since his last tournament win, Tiger showed us all why he's the greatest player to ever play the game.
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International Car Rental TipsRenting a car while traveling internationally allows travelers to see more and get off the beaten track and explore things at their own pace. Renting a car offers flexibility but it can also bring a lot of hassles. Here are my tips.
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First Person: How I Picked a Great CPA for My Real Estate BusinessProper tax planning and filing are essential to the success and survival of any business. Choosing the right tax professional is key to both ensure tax liabilities and responsibilities are met, as well as setting the business up for future growth.
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First Person: How We're Saving Up $1,000 by the HolidaysAs the holiday gift-giving season approaches, my wife and I have decided on a two-pronged attack to both cut expenses and save $1000 by the end of December. Here is what we're cutting back on and what we're selling to to save up $1000.
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First Person: The Economy and My Holiday BudgetWhile I think things are tough for me and a lot of Americans, I do feel more positive about the economy in general and about my personal financial situation as well. I also have more optimism for the future than I've had for the past few years.
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First Person: How We Turned a Feather Jewelry Hobby into an Online BusinessWe worked together to turn her hobby into a business by setting up a website, getting her a page on the craft-selling site etsy, listing the pieces on ebay and selling them at local art shows and fairs.
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Where to Stay in ChicagoHere are my three hotel choices for Chicago, Illinois for budget, casual and luxury categories.
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Vienna Hotel GuideIn our travels in Europe, we always think of Paris as the city for lovers, London for proud traditions and Vienna for those who love old-fashioned charm and comfort. These are our choices of the most charming and comfortable Viennese hotels.
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First Person: 'Shaving' My Expenses With a Safety RazorDisposable shaving cartridges are getting more and more technically advanced, while the price continues to rise. I save about a hundred dollars each month using an old-fashioned double-edge safety razor, as compared to the cost of using disposable shaving
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First Person: Doxo Wants to Change the Way I Pay BillsI pay many of my bills online, either with a bank transfer or a credit card. There's a new company called Doxo that's trying to create a new way for consumers like me to pay bills.
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Tiger Woods Wins Presidents Cup for American Team: Fan's ViewIt was like old times, as Tiger Woods showed glimpses of his past greatness as he led the American Team to the win in the Presidents Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.Also published on:
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Florida Everglades Thrill: Ride Airboats Through the SwampRecently, when traveling in the Fort Lauderdale area, we decided to drive north up Florida's boot about 40 miles to experience the state's famed Everglades. We booked an airboat water ride with Loxahatchee Everglades Tours.
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Presidents Cup Event Will Go to Korea in 2015: Fan's PerspectiveIn a move I think really confirms the explosion of golf in Asia, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced South Korea will host the 2015 Presidents Cup event. It's the first time the Presidents Cup event has been held in Asia.Also published on:
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Phil Mickelson Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame: Fan's PerspectiveI think a true champion appreciates awards but always looks to the future and higher levels of acheivement and personal success. Such is the case with golfer Phil Mickelson.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods Signs New Sponsor Deal with Rolex: Fan's TakeAfter his scandal and fall from grace and golf's top contenders, Tiger Woods also had to deal with the defection of many of his advertisers. Top companies who were paid enormous sums of money just to be associated with the Tiger Woods brand.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods - Has the Comeback Begun? Fan's OpinionWhat a weekend for Tiger Woods. After doubting him, I've actually been impressed with his play and he changed my mind about his chances for a real comeback.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods Gets New Endorsement Deal: Fan's TakeThings may be getting a bit desperate in the Tiger Woods camp. After the defection of several key and probably well-paying sponsors, along with a huge drop in his rankings, Tiger and his people may be worried.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods - the Downfall Continues: Fan's OpinionThings don't look good at the Emirates Australian Open for Tiger Woods. After arriving in amidst the controversy of his former, and obviously still angry, ex-caddie Steve Williams, he still has just not been on his game.Also published on:
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First Person: Why I'm Rushing to Get My Business on Google+Google+ has announced they will now accept businesses, where before only individuals could have a Google+ Page. Having a business page will allow connections with all those users and the natural process of viral sharing to take place.
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A Navy World War II, Korean War Veteran Reflects on Veterans DayVeterans Day this year, as in every year at this time, takes my thoughts back almost seven decades. Still only 16, I was envious of the older guys who got to serve immediately. I had to wait a whole year before joining the Navy.Also published on:
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Hidden Cruise Ship Charges and How to Avoid ThemWhile cruise companies like to promote their all inclusive fares, sometimes well under $100 per person per day, including room and food, the reality can be a lot more expensive if you're not careful.
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First Person: Why We Closed Our Physical Therapy Consulting BusinessMy wife was a physical therapist who worked with seniors at nursing homes and convalescent hospitals. We started a small business providing therapists to facilities. Unfortunately, rising insurance and labor costs, forced us to close the business.
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Where in the World to Find an American Thanksgiving DinnerIf your Thanksgiving plans will take you outside the U.S., or if you want to make a special trip to an international destination for Thanksgiving, here are my top four choices for places to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.
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Unusual Places to Spend Thanksgiving in the U.SFor some families, it's traditional at Thanksgiving to celebrate at home, or drive over the hill and through the woods to grandmother's house. We've done all of that, but we've also tried different ways to enjoy the holiday together.
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First Person: How I Got Though BankruptcyBankruptcy can be a difficult situation, but it's not permanent. After two successful ventures, our third one ended everything, after construction issues mid-way through, along with related tenant litigation caused us to go bankrupt.
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First Person: Buying My First Rental PropertyOwning a rental property can be a stepping stone to a larger portfolio of investment properties, but it can also be a huge burden that can destroy your finances.
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First Person: Why I'm Objecting to Bank of America's Overdraft SettlementIt looks like Bank of America is about to settle a lawsuit challenging its practices involving overdraft fees. As a former customer of Bank of America, who had a checking account and paid some overdraft fees, I would be included in the settlement.
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Martin Kaymer Dominates Final Round at HSBC Champions: Fan's TakeAs the HSBC Champions event was winding down on Sunday, it was looking like the most excitement we would get would be the stupid comments made by Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams at the Caddie Awards dinner.
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Tiger Woods Goes to Japan After Caddie Comment Controversy: Fan's OpinionAfter the Williams comments in Shanghai during the supposedly off-the-record Caddies Awards, Tiger went to Japan and played with some of Japan's top female players from the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association, in a charity event.
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First Person: A Black Friday Snowstorm Horror StoryCar trouble and back spasms, combined with an early Philadelphia winter snow, turned a plan to go to the Black Friday sales into a horror story. We never even got out of the driveway.
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First Person: Why Our Real Estate Business Is Adding Employees in the Next YearWe have a small real estate business, we manage about 100 residential units across Los Angeles, made up of mainly small four-plex apartment buildings. Although we have cut back our staff over the past few years, we will be hiring new employees next year.
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Was Tiger Woods' Ex-Caddie's Remark Racist? Fan's ViewAs a fan of Tiger Woods, I'm still deciding whether I think the recent comments made by his former caddie Steve Williams are racist or just stupid.
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Debit Cards that Earn Airline MileageI love building my frequent flyer balance, but I hate using credit cards. As a big debit card user, I've found several banks and airlines that offer the ability to earn frequent flyer miles by using your debit card.
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First Person: No More American Airlines Miles From My Citibank Debit CardAs a result of the banking reform law, Citibank has announced the end of their program offering American Airlines Aadvantage miles for debit card purchases as of December 9.
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What's in Tiger Woods' Golf Bag? Fan's ViewTiger is a Nike man and his bag is exclusively filled with Nike products. According to Tiger's own website, here's what's in his golf bag.
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First Person: Is It Time to Buy My First House?We sold our house in Tucson, Arizona a year ago and moved to L.A. We found a great apartment and have been happy here, while occasionally looking at houses and condos. The process reminds me of when I bought my first house.
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First Person: Camping Out for a Black Friday DealAbout 10 years ago, when flat screen televisions were first becoming popular, my son and I waited in line all night at a Circuit City store to get one for the then unbelievable price of $500.
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First Person: I Saved $600 by Shopping in LA's Wholesale DistrictMany major cities have a wholesale district where you can shop alongside storekeepers and get huge discounts on a wide range of products.
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Five Haunted Hotels in EnglandAnyone can visit a Halloween haunted house but for a real ghost experience why not stay in a haunted hotel.
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Top 5 Fall Sights in the Washington DC AreaThe area around the Nation's capital city isn't all just stone monuments and government buildings. It also boasts some of the most beautiful fall foliage anywhere.
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Nationwide Tour to Play Event in Chile in 2012: Fan's ViewThe PGA Tour is recognizing the talent and potential of South American players and has announced the return of a Nationwide Tour event for 2012. The event will be the Chile Classic presented by Pacific Rubiales and will take place in March in Chile.
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PGA Expanding Tournament Golf into South America: Fan OpinionThe PGA is making more serious moves to increase the local awareness and visibility of professional golf around the world, by expanding into South America with a developmental tour.
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First Person: I Was a Victim of Cellphone Bill ShockUnder threat of regulation by the Federal Communications Commission, American cellular providers agreed to warn customers like me when we approach or exceed our plan limits for calling minutes, text messages or data charges.
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First Person: New Real Estate Appraisal Changes Will Benefit My PropertiesAs a landlord who owns both commercial rental properties and single family homes, I'm always concerned about the appraised value of my property rising with any improvements I make.
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First Person: BlueShield Is Refunding Excess Profits to Customers Like MeUnfortunately, when you get a check from an insurance company, it's usually after a disaster, accident or illness. I was excited to hear BlueShield was refunding some profits to customers and I expect to get a check.
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Top Haunted Places in IrelandIreland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and I've had the pleasure of visiting the Emerald Isle a few times. If you can visit during Halloween, it can be a great time to explore the more haunted side of this special place.
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Keegan Bradley Wins PGA Grand Slam of Golf: Fan's ViewAfter watching the McGladrey Classic, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf provided a exciting opportunity to watch some of golf's best from the past year compete against each other.
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PGA Grand Slam of Golf Features Golf's Best: A Fan's ViewThe PGA Grand Slam of Golf is an exciting event to watch, it's almost like an All-Star game. Each player has won a PGA event, now they are coming together to play against each other on the beautiful Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda.
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Is Tom Lewis the Next Great Golf Champion? a Fan's TakeI think there's a new name golf fans need to learn, Tom Lewis. The 20-year-old English golfer has burst onto the scene and after playing in only three professional tournaments, he won his first title.
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McGladrey Classic Showcases Golf's New Talent: Fan's PerspectiveIt's been an interesting start to the McGladrey Classic this week, with a lot of great golf played by some of the sport's best young players. I think it's an exciting time to watch professional golf as there is a whole new young crop of players.
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First Person: GM Wants to Rent Out My CarGeneral Motors is planning to introduce a new short-term auto rental service and they want to rent out my car.
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5 Most Haunted Hotels in AmericaHalloween has become a big travel holiday. In addition to dressing up and trick-or-treating, many people travel to visit haunted sites and seek out fright nights and other horror attractions across the United States.
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First Person: How the Sales Tax Agreement Between Amazon, California Is Helping My BusinessA few years ago I started a travel blog, which evolved and became a full website. We make money from affiliate ads on the site and were dropped from Amazon.com in June 2011 after California passed an online sales tax law.Also published on:
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Is Mexico Safe to Visit?Although some areas of Mexico are unsafe and plagued with drug violence, for the most part it's still a great destination for tourists.
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Amtrak Rail Passes for Domestic Train TravelWhen travelers think about unlimited rail passes for a week or month of travel, we usually think of the Eurail Pass. Here in the United States, Amtrak offers a few options for unlimited domestic tourist (not commuting) train travel.
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Tiger Woods no longer a top 50 golfer: A fan's reactionI was sad to learn Tiger Woods will drop out of the ranks of the top 50 golfers in the world. It's hard to believe Tiger has not won an event since the 2009 Australian Masters.
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Memphis, Tennessee is a Great Family Vacation DestinationMemphis, Tennessee, is great for family visits, offering a mix of old Southern charm, historic sites, music traditions and fine dining.
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A Dream Trip to Capri in ItalyThe tiny Isle of Capri shines like a jewel in the Mediterranean, just 60 miles off the coast from Naples. Ever since it served as a royal vacation destination for emperors 2,000 years ago, it has been a favorite destination for travelers.
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First Person: Why Annuities Are a Key Part of My Retirement PlanThere are many investment options for retirement and as someone who has worked in the insurance industry, I have always liked annuities as a tax-deferred method for retirement saving. I have both fixed and indexed annuities.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods should give up his Presidents Cup slot: A fan's takeIn a move I don't agree with, last month, Presidents Cup team captain Fred Couples used one of his discretionary picks to select Tiger Woods for the American team.
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First Person: Why Getting a Direct Deposit Advance Is a Bad IdeaAs a kid growing up in Philadelphia, I can remember loan sharks in the neighborhood, guys who would loan people money and then come back the next week asking for double. The people who borrowed the money did so because they were desperate and had no choice.
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Tiger Woods finally selects new caddie: A fanOn September 25, Tiger selected Fred Couples' long-time caddie, Joe LaCava to be his partner. According to Tiger's website, LaCava originally approached Woods for the position, one of many interested applicants.
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First Person: Rising Health Insurance Costs Are Hurting Our Small BusinessIn our small real estate business, our employees are the reason for our success and we try to provide a benefits package that reflects those feelings. We have four full-time employees and rising health insurance costs are really hurting our bottom line.
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Osaka, Japan Travel GuideOsaka, Japan isn't the country's largest city but I think it's a great destination for solo travelers. The city has a great mix of modern life and traditional Japanese culture and lacks the overwhelming intensity I find in Tokyo.
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First Person: How I Used Automatic Payroll Deductions to Save for RetirementNow retired more than 20 years, every day I pat myself on the back because of smart moves I made nearly half a century ago.Also published on:
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First Person: I Gave Up My Car to Survive Hard TimesWhen times were tough in the late 1980s and inflation was out of control, I gave up my car to survive hard times and to help make it easier to pay for my kids' college education.
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First Person: Bargaining My Way to Lower Monthly BillsWhen it comes to dealing with your mobile phone carrier, your cable company, Internet provider and other monthly expenses, it's time to play hardball. Don't accept excess charges, fees or a rate one penny higher than you should be paying.
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Tiger Woods to play JLPGA event: A fan's reactionNo, Tiger Woods hasn't given up and joined the ladies' tour. On November 1, Tiger will participate in a charity event to raise funds for Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief.
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Visiting Florence, ItalyFlorence is one of Europe's most intriguing destinations, and each time I visit, I discover something new. I've visited a lot of cities across Europe and Florence retains its historic and artistic charm.
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First Person: I Don't Want OnStar Selling My DataWe have a small fleet of GM vehicles we use for maintenance of our real estate business. We are having second thoughts about the whole transaction after learning GM has changed their privacy policy and may now share or even sell the data.
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Top U.S. Places to See Autumn FoliageEvery autumn, America's trees show off their brilliant colors. Those in higher elevations and mountains begin their leafy transformations in late August, ending in early November.
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Annuity Payout Options for Surviving SpousesAnnuities are quite basic in theory and can be an important part of a balanced financial portfolio. Surviving spouses have various options when it comes to receiving the payout of an annuity.
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How do Indexed Annuities Work?Annuities may seem like complicated financial tools, but they are quite basic in theory and can be an important part of a balanced financial portfolio. The rate of return of an indexed annuity is tied to the performance of a stock index.
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Talking to Your Adult Children About Retirement PlanningParents need to educate their adult children in proper retirement planning as soon as possible, so those children will enjoy the maximum returns possible, long after the parents have gone.
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Talking to Your Parents About Retirement PlanningTalking to older parents about retirement can be a delicate situation. Parents can have a tough time listening to any advice on either money or sex from their children.
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Are All Annuities Created Equal?Annuities are types of investments and can offer secure, tax-deferred income for both savings and retirement. While they may seem complicated, annuities are simply contracts with insurances companies and not all annuities are created equal.
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First Person: We Sold Our House and Won't Be Buying AnotherWith the fluctuations in the economy and the real estate market, we decided to stop being homeowners for good and haven't looked back since.
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First Person: Shutting Down Our Small BusinessA few years ago our nephew wanted to turn his hobby of buying and selling sports jerseys into a business. After about four months, our nephew sat us down and told us he hated it. This, combined with slow sales, meant it was time to get out.
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Questions to ask Before Purchasing an Indexed AnnuityAn annuity is a contract between a consumer and an insurance or financial company where you make either a lump-sum payment or a series of monthly payments to fund it. Annuities are good retirement savings vehicles and usually offer tax-free growth.
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Debunking Myths About Indexed AnnuitiesAnnuities are great investment tools offering secure, tax-deferred growth and income for savings and retirement. Although annuities are simply a financial contract, there are many myths surrounding them. Here are the top myths about indexed annuities:
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Return Rate Comparison on Retirement ProductsThose planning for or about to retire have many options when it comes to retirement products in which to invest their money. The rate of return is the percentage of growth your money earns. The higher the rate of return, the more money you'll have.
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Planning for Retirement in a Tough EconomyAs the unsteady economy continues, planning for retirement may seem to be more difficult every year. However, with common sense and determination to stay with it, you can make it comfortably through the tough times and beyond.
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Family Daredevil Travel Thrills in the U.SWhile anyone can take a family vacation, there are some cool activities across the U.S. that allow families to be actual daredevils. More than thrill rides at an amusement park, these travel destinations provide real thrills.
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First Person: What Being a Landlord Has Taught Me About Commercial LeasingAlthough I've mainly been involved in residential rental real estate, I've owned some commercial buildings as well and also leased stores for different retail businesses I've been involved in. Recently a friend came to me asking for help leasing a store.
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What This Senior Wants to Hear in Obama's Jobs SpeechPresident Obama will give a speech on Labor Day to talk about jobs and the economy. As an 86 year old retiree, I want the President to talk about his plans to bring more jobs to American workers.
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First Person: The 5 Best Careers for Fresh StartIf you're seeking a fresh start in the job market, a complete career change may be in order. There are some careers that always have openings, don't require college degrees or experience, yet pay well, offer good benefits and long-term job security.
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First Person: How to Make Sure You Get Your Apartment Security Deposit BackAs a landlord, one of the few issues where we sometimes have conflict with tenants is over security deposits. When you rent an apartment, you pay a security deposit, intended for use if you default on your lease or to pay for damages you do.
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First Person: Why the New Federal Immigration Policy Is Good for Our BusinessOn August 18, the Obama administration announced a change in immigration policy, specifically as it relates to what the government considers "low-priority" cases. I agree with the shift in policy and it will help our business as residential landlord.
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Should I Get a Passport?The process to get a passport can be long and the rush fees are expensive, so it's best to always have a valid passport on hand, regardless of your travel plans. As a travel writer and editor, it's one of my most important international travel tips.
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Surprising no one, Fred Couples picks Tiger Woods for Presidents Cup team: A fan's reactionIn a move that was a surprise to no one, including me, FedEx Cup team captain Fred Couples announced Tiger Woods will play on the Presidents Cup team, despite not having qualified through the normal process.
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First Person: The New Home Upgrades That Are Worth DoingBuying a new home is exciting, like special ordering a new car, you can choose the options and upgrades you want. Choosing the right home upgrades can make life more enjoyable for your family, while also adding resale value to your investment.
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First Person: Why Rent-to-Own Was a Bad Decision for UsI've found renting is usually always a worse financial decision than buying. Whether it's renting an apartment vs. buying a home, buying vs. leasing a car or even household appliances and furniture.
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First Person: The New Car Upgrades I'm Glad I Went ForBuying or leasing a new car can be an overwhelming experience. In addition to the purchase itself, there is a wide range of options that you can order.
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Tiger Woods has no plans for future PGA play: A fan's reactionI wish Tiger Woods would return to the PGA Tour, but I think we all may have seen his last performance in tournament play at the recent PGA Championship. Tiger spoke out about his situation on Aug. 22 on his own blog and has no plans to return.
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First Person: How the New California Smoking Law Will Affect Me as a LandlordAs a landlord, there are a lot of issues I need to deal with to keep my tenants happy. There is a new law proposed for California that will help my real estate business, the law will specifically give me the ability to restrict smoking at my rental units.
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Fan's take: Tiger Woods needs to drop Sean FoleyAfter a year with swing coach Sean Foley, it's time for Tiger Woods to drop him and realize it just isn't working. Sean Foley is a swing coach/spiritual guru who has invaded Woods' mind, and we've all seen the results.
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Fan's take: Will Nike drop Tiger Woods?Even though I'm a fan, I think Tiger Woods, as a golfer and as a business, is imploding. I think we will soon see Nike drop him as his primary sponsor.
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Macau Travel GuideMacau is the Las Vegas of the Far East and a great destination or a fun side-trip from Hong Kong.
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Visit Reno, the Other Glitzy Nevada CityWhen you enter Reno, you go under a sign that proclaims it as the "Biggest Little City in the World." That's true enough, because Nevada's original casino and divorce mecca was once the prime destination in the United States for gamblers and people who wanted to end their marriages quickly.
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It's the beginning of the end for Tiger Woods: A fan's takeI think we are seeing the end of a great icon's competitive career -- Tiger Woods. The combination of his damaged reputation, aging body and now poor play make it seem to me it's time for him to bow out gracefully.
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First Person: How Closing Underperforming Post Offices Will Cost Us MoneyIn a cost-cutting move, the United States Postal Service has announced a huge wave of post office closures, based on low sales volume. This move will hurt our business, costing us money and wasted time.
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First Person: Why I Don't Have Life InsuranceI don't have life insurance. I haven't had it in 20 years. It's not that I can't afford it or that I can't get it, it's that my kids are grown, I'm 80 years old and I'm basically self-insured.
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First Person: How I Got the Best Car Lease Terms PossibleI made sure I got the best deal possible when I leased a 2007 Mercedes C230 sedan. By following some basic tips, I got the lowest payment possible for the best possible vehicle.
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Fan's reaction: Major sponsor drops Tiger WoodsTAG-Heuer, an upscale watchmaker and one of Tiger Woods' major sponsors, ended its relationship with the once-great golfer.
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The Kombi Select: I tried an amazing new putterWhen you're an old golfer like me, you have your favorite clubs and usually stick with them. I had the chance to try a $300 Scotty Cameron putter, the same one used by Adam Scott to beat Tiger Woods in the Bridgestone Invitational.
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How I Complain EffectivelyWhen things go wrong, I have a good track record at getting refunds or other compensation, after things go wrong. I'm not trying to get free stuff, and frankly I would prefer to have things just go smoothly in the first place, than having to complain.
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How I Saved $2,500 Selling My CarLast year, my wife and I moved to Los Angeles from Tucson. As part of the move and the process of downsizing our stuff and our lifestyle, we sold our car.
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First Person: My Opinion on Monday's Obama SpeechPresident Obama made a desperate call for political will to fight the nation's economic problems. He was referring to the recent drop in the American credit ratings and destructive combination of rising debt, falling stock markets and the poor economy.
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First Person: How Much Does It Cost to Be an Olympian?Being an Olympic athlete is an incredible struggle, both physically and financially. Olympians must train for years and years before they can even compete on an Olympic level.Also published on:
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First Person: What Does It Cost to Host the Olympics?Hosting a modern Olympic games is a multi-billion dollar undertaking for cities and countries, with potentially equally large benefits and returns.Also published on:
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First Person: The Winners and the Losers of Olympic Host CitiesHosting the Olympics is an expensive proposition, but one that brings new life and revenue into a city and country. Over the years there have been some successes and some failures with regards to cities hosting the games.Also published on:
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How Olympic Athletes Earn MoneyWhile a small percentage of Olympic athletes may have endorsement deals, most must work regular jobs to support themselves and their pursuit of Olympic gold. Olympic athletes typically need to train long hours every day and still earn a living.
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First Person: Buying My First Rental PropertyOur family owns a series of small apartment properties across Los Angeles. I didn't start out by owning entire apartment buildings, though. I got my start in rental properties by buying a house with a guest house to rent to a tenant.
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Tiger Woods is coming back to pro golf: A fan's reactionIn a move that surprised me, golf legend Tiger Woods will be back on the links next week, much to the delight of golf fans everywhere. Tiger will head back out next week to play in the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.Also published on:
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First Person: Protecting Myself When Banking OnlineSuccess in personal finance is about keeping more of your money and protecting it from thieves, both physical and cyber. With so much of my personal banking conducted online, I've developed some techniques to keep myself safe and secure.
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What to Do in Orlando Besides DisneyWe love Walt Disney World, but is that all there is to enjoy in Orlando? For people who have more time to spend in the Orlando area or have different tastes, there are many fun activities to do beyond the allure of the Disney parks.
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What is an International Driving Permit?I've traveled around the world and had the opportunity to drive in places such as London to Manila. I've always been amazed at how you can walk into a rental car company in some foreign land, and simply drive off the lot.
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How I Use My Medicare CoverageI'm retired and after a long career at Prudential Financial, I'm fortunate to have great retirement health insurance coverage in addition to Medicare. It didn't just happen by accident, I planned carefully and made sure my wife and I had good coverage.
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First Person: High Gas Prices Are Starting to Hurt My BusinessAs the owner of a small business, the price of gasoline plays a big role in my monthly expenses. Gas prices are rising and it really hurts my bottom line.
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How I Helped My Son with His First Job InterviewA key component to money management for young adults is knowing how to ace a job interview. I taught my son early about the process of finding a job, getting interviewed, making a good impression and getting the job.
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First Person: How I Lowered My Car Insurance BillHaving proper car insurance is a essential to maintaining personal financial health. After our car insurance rates jumped by 20%, we checked into other options and were able to cut our costs by about 30% by switching providers.
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First Person: What Social Security Covers for MeWhen I retired, I had three sources of income. My pension from my job, my retirement savings and social security. All three combined to give me a comfortable retirement lifestyle, after a lifetime of hard work and saving.Also published on:
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Tiger Woods fires his caddie: A fan's reactionTiger Woods dumped his long-time caddie Steve Williams on July 20. Tiger went to his own website to announce the news. As a fan of Tiger Woods, I am very interested to see how it will affect his play.Also published on:
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Another new face wins a major tournament: A fan's takeAlthough I was pulling for Phil Mickelson to catch him, Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke won the British Open on July 17 by three strokes. I enjoyed watching highlights of the tournament on TV.Also published on:
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How I Survived CarmageddonAs a Los Angeleno who had to drive during "Carmageddon" this weekend, I almost feel a bit let down, like I did on January 2, 2000. A whole lot of hype about nothing.
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First Person: Why My Wife and I Have Always Had Joint Bank AccountsMy wife and I just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary and since we were first married, we have always maintained joint bank accounts.
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How I Plan to Cope with CarmageddonAs a citizen of Los Angeles, just driving the freeways during normal traffic is crazy enough. Now drivers like me will experience "Carmageddon" as the 405 freeway, one of the major freeways cutting across Los Angeles, will be closed.
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Teaching Our Kids About Renting an ApartmentA key part to money management and life management for young adults is renting an apartment. We taught our kids about the process early when each of them went away to a summer rental with friends.
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Discovering a great driving range in the heart of Los AngelesI've discovered a great indoor driving range right in downtown Los Angeles that offers state-of-the-art automated tees and very relaxed environment to come and hit balls.Also published on:
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Fan's perspective: Is Tiger Woods' pro career over?I think Tiger Woods' PGA tour career may be over and we are seeing the announcement being made one tournament at a time. Tiger announced July 5 that we would not play in the British Open, which starts July 14 in Kent, England.Also published on:
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How I Chose a Nursing Home for MomChoosing to put my mother in a nursing home was a difficult decision but I knew it was the right thing to do. Choosing the right facility was almost as hard as making the decision to send her to a nursing home in the first place.
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Four Incredible Dream Hotel Suites Around the WorldIf you've got an extra $15,000 or $20,000 sitting around and you want to spend it, in one night, on a fantasy hotel room and package, I've found five mind-blowing over-the-top experiences just waiting for your American Express Black Card.
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Summer Travel Quote RoundupIt's summertime and for some people, the living is easy. With the economy showing signs of recovery and improvement, many people are deciding to spend a little more money on summer travel and go a little further than they did last year.
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How California's New Online Sales Tax Law Will Hurt My BusinessToday, June 30, was not a good day to be an online retailer or have anything to do with e-commerce as a California business.
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Travel Guide to Dublin, IrelandAfter retirement, my wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel the world and see many cities. Dublin, Ireland is my favorite international city and was the best combination of food, people, art and history.
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Travel Guide to Tucson, ArizonaTucson is a beautiful desert city in Arizona, about 100 miles from Phoenix and 100 miles from Mexico. I lived there for 20 years and it's my favorite city in the U.S.
