Author Archives: Judy Miller

It’s both. It’s a fact because planning now for where you will live in the years ahead, especially if your lifestyle needs change, can save you money and preserve home equity. And it’s fiction because so few people do it. Your residence is a major part of your retirement plan, yet planning for where you will live and how you will use your home equity is not part of that planning process for most people.
Sometimes you can remain in your current home for a long time, but your ability to maintain that home may outpace your physical and financial stamina. And, sometimes circumstances change unexpectedly, and your property must be sold in a fairly short time frame.
Not knowing how long you will live or the extent of your health needs makes it difficult to know when and how to spend your financial resources. With increasing economic uncertainty, you’ll face even greater challenges.
Four key areas in Residence Planning need attention as we move into the second half of life. Lifestyle Planning considers the changes that occur in the course of life. Emotional Planning looks at our core values – what do I want my life to stand for. What are your cherished belongings and where or who would you like to receive them?
Energy Planning acknowledges that you can’t do as much as you once could. How do you want to invest the energy you have for the quality of living you desire? There are things you could do, but no longer want to invest your limited energy in doing. And there are things you can no longer do that have to be done anyway.
Incapacity Planning considers the impact the potential decline in your physical or cognitive abilities will have on where you live. How will you manage if you can no longer climb stairs, vacuum the house, clean gutters or maintain the yard?
All of us want to be in control of our lives and continue as the decision maker we’ve always been. Looking at some “what-if” scenarios now about where we will live and determining reasonable next steps may be our ticket to staying in the driver’s seat. Nothing is a more powerful motivator than the sense that we’re the captain of our ship.
You could call these your “Possibility Projects.” Putting an action plan together today will help you make good decisions in the future if these situations present themselves. The day may never come when you actually use your plans. But if that day comes, you’re already prepared. A good offense is your best defense for future possibilities.
If you or any of your loved ones, colleagues or friends has questions about their future and where to live, have them call me. Residence Planning is a specialty I have developed that combines my expertise as a Realtor with my expertise as a Certified Financial Planner professional specializing in real estate. I offer a complimentary Residence Planning Consultation to help people find answers and define future directions.
And remember to check out my website, www.JudyMillerRealEstate.com to see all listings in the Rogue Valley. Inventory is down. Interest rates are the lowest ever. We have a great real estate market. It’s time to get off the fence and take action. Call me today.