Wouldn’t it be breathtakingly awesome if you could spend your post-career life in a sunny natural serenity away from the hubbub of urban anxieties that you have known all too well during your working years? Or maybe you want an active retirement life with a lot of social activities and volunteering? A lot of retirees still like to go for those hobbies or activities that they loved always, but could never pursue due to a scheduled work life.
The possibilities are many when it comes to the consideration of moving to a new place post-retirement, but so are the restrictions. The harsh realities of limited income and more reliance on a social security budget tend to narrow the options down; although that doesn’t mean a compromised retired life.
Financial factors to consider
When it comes to deciding on the best places to retire, the simple solution can be to head for a lower-cost neighborhood that can offer all sorts of retirement attractiveness and amenities. But the reality is not always ideal. In some parts of the country, the basic monthly security payment is enough to account for all the basic housing, food, healthcare and transportation expenses. The tax climate of some states like Nevada, Florida, Texas and Alaska are not sky-high, but a lack of affordable housing in states like Florida and California makes it burdensome to some retirees.
The overall cost of living and the healthcare facilities are also to be considered. Likewise, good walk-ability can ensure fewer fuel expenses. Also take into account factors like economic sturdiness and mobility of that place if you’re considering a part-time pay-job. A place with an average real-estate value and decent future growth prospects should be your bait, if you’re planning to sell your house and move to another location.
Cities to consider
To be honest, as nothing in this world is ideal and perfection is all about perspectives, there are no perfect retirement havens by general consensus, but we give you some cities and states to consider based on financial factors:
Florida with its below-the-national-average tax burden and the beneficial no individual income tax’ policy
Boise, Idaho with its low housing costs and other affordable amenities
Round Rock, Texas for its cheaper home and utility goods prices such as gas and prescription drugs
Scottsdale, Arizona, which boasts a low tax rate and slightly lower cost of living with the added bonus of hiking scopes
Fargo, due to its amazingly low unemployment rate of 1.8%
West Des Moines for its low cost of living and comprehensive financial security
Franklin, Tennessee with its moderate tax burden
Some of the other accessible states from the financial and tax point-of-view are Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and New Mexico.
America’s biggest financial regret is the fact of not starting to save for retirement early enough. Make sure you don’t fall under this category. After all, you’re never too young to make a retirement plan.
Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment of children where their basic needs are not sufficiently met. These needs include adequate clothing, food, education, nurturing, emotional support, and health care. Neglect can result in harm or distress for the child or interfere with their development. So, it is important to recognize the common signs of child neglect to address the issue and protect the children using the right support measures.
Common signs of child neglect
Neglect can be physical and emotional. Some of the common signs of child neglect are:
Poor hygiene and unkempt appearance
When a child is physically neglected by caregivers, they may seem untidy. They could also lack good personal hygiene and have severe body odor. Further, the child may not wear appropriate clothes for the weather, and the clothing can seem unwashed or smelly. Due to unhygienic conditions, they may also show symptoms of skin infections such as scabies, flea bites, rashes, ringworm, and sores. For toddlers and infants, this form of neglect may manifest as recurring occurrences of nappy rashes.
Extreme changes in behavior
This is a sign of physical as well as emotional neglect that has developed over a long time, sometimes years. At a certain point, one may notice severe behavioral changes in the child. They can become extremely clingy or withdrawn into themselves, refusing to socialize. Sometimes, the child will exhibit aggressive or obsessive behavior. Some children experience anxiety, paranoia, and depression due to neglect. Further, persistent neglect can make a child exhibit antisocial behavior.
Poor academic performance
Another common sign of child neglect is drastic changes in performance at school. A neglected child undergoes trauma and psychological distress, making it hard for them to pay attention in class. Also, due to parental or guardian neglect, the child will often miss school leading to poor attendance records. As a result, they find it hard to keep up with the rest of the class and may not be able to grasp what is being taught in class. The child will be unable to complete assignments and projects on time and may persistently fail in tests. Their social skills become poor, and they may find it difficult to relate or connect with their classmates.
Frequent health issues
Another telltale sign that a child is neglected is failing health. This mostly results from a lack of regular and well-balanced meals. The deficiency of adequate nutrients, along with the psychological distress due to neglect, manifests in the form of several health issues in the child. They will show symptoms of anemia, weak muscle tone, malformed joints, and dental problems. Also, the child may go through recurring infections, such as in the ears or stomach. As a result, their abdominal region may appear too slim or swollen. The child may also have untreated injuries resulting from frequent accidents due to a lack of supervision. Additionally, they may experience fatigue. The caregivers may also not keep up with the child’s medical appointments.
Developmental problems
Another common sign of a child being neglected is developmental problems. Emotional and physical neglect affects the kid’s ability to reach developmental milestones that other children their age achieve. As a result, the child may have below-average language and social skills. Also, they may experience stunted or slow physical and emotional growth.
Housing issues
This is a less apparent sign of child neglect, which only becomes known when a social worker or a community worker visits the child’s home. They may observe that the kid’s bedtime, daily routine, and curfew time are overlooked. Also, the home could be unfit and unsanitary for a child, say, it lacks proper heating, light, or running water. Further, the child could be left unsupervised and alone for long periods of time. Sometimes, the child’s needs are neglected when they are compelled to become a caregiver for another member of the family, like younger siblings or an ailing parent.
Support measures
A child exhibiting just one of the above-mentioned signs does not necessarily mean they are neglected. But it becomes crucial to pay close attention if one notices such signs. In such cases, the following measures can be taken:
Listening to the child: It is important to avoid dismissing the child if they say they are being mistreated or neglected. So, one should refrain from questioning or doubting their claims or memory of the neglect. Dismissing their experience can make the child shut down and become afraid to report what they are going through. The best thing to do in such situations is to remain calm and reassuring.
Ensuring safety: Before helping the child, one should ensure their safety so that the intervention does not cause more harm to the child. Also, it is possible that the support may be considered a threat when caregivers suspect interference. So, one should observe the situation closely and connect with professionals to avoid putting themselves and the child in danger. Professionals will be able to handle the situation in the best way.
Reporting neglect: If one has reason to believe that a child is being neglected and it is threatening their wellbeing, it is important to report it. In addition, if it is evident that the incidences of neglect have been occurring repeatedly, one should report each incident separately. When significant information is provided over time, there is a higher chance the child will receive adequate assistance.
While several people participate in annual or bi-annual fundraising programs, it is not for everyone, especially for the people with no excess income. But that is not to say that such individuals cannot give back to society. If one is determined to help make a change, there are various ways to donate to charity. This can be via lending manpower, taking up service responsibility, etc. All you need is a little effort and some time.
6 non-monetary ways to donate to charity
By being creative
Are you a passionate baker? Or are you well versed in the art of sewing? Maybe knitting? What we are trying to say is you can put your skills to use for the greater good. You can find shelter homes, retirement communities, or schools that could use a little help with their community. Put together some of your creations and donate them to make their day a little brighter.
By being active
You can organize or participate in various marathons and triathlons to give back to people. Participate in events affiliated with or trying to raise funds for charities. If you look closely, you can find one happening at least every month in your city.
By being helpful
If monetary help is not something you can manage, be charitable with your time. Volunteer at soup kitchens or go to a public library and read to children. You can even volunteer at animal shelters and help them with cleaning and maintenance activities. Teaching kids from underprivileged communities is another way of being charitable on a daily basis.
By donating old possessions
Donating stuff that you have outgrown or don’t find useful anymore is one of the basic forms of charity. Sort different donation boxes for clothes, toys, shoes, and household items. If you are a traveler, you can even put together a box of hotel toiletries and donate it to the needy.
By donating miles
Multiple airlines are likely willing to help you in your act of kindness. Once you have accumulated enough miles to donate, contact your airline and inquire about the cause they support or the charity they contribute to.
By not littering
You don’t have to feel bad about not being able to fit charitable events into your busy schedule. Instead, try fitting small acts of charity into your daily routine. While out for your run or walk, pick up the litter and properly dispose of it. It will help clear walkways for people as well as animals.