Worst and Best States for Retirement per TopRetirements.com with Commentary by Tom Barlow of Wallet Pop

Ten worst states for retirement:

50. Illinois
49. California
48. New York
47. Rhode Island
46. New Jersey
45. Ohio
44. Wisconsin
43. Massachusetts
42. Connecticut
41. Nevada

Unfortunately, Ohio and Nevada are also listed as worst states per MoneyRates.com.


This illustrates an important point for those considering where to retire. There are many criteria to consider, and these lists are, at best, only a starting point.

TopRetirement.com's study used three criteria:
Climate
Taxation (including property taxes and social security)
State's fiscal health

MoneyRates.com's study used more criteria:
Cost of living
Unemployment
Tax burden
Climate
Crime rates
Life expectancy

However, what you are looking for in retirement may not be included. Other factors cited by TopRetirements.com but not used in its rating include:

Health care
Recreational opportunities
Transportation
Cultural resources
Natural disasters
Social, political or religious concerns

and what I would guess is the number one reason for choosing a place to retire: Proximity to family.  What are your primary concerns when you consider a place to retire?

Ten best states for retirement:

1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. Tennessee
4. South Carolina
5. California
6. Arizona
7. Texas
8. Colorado
9. Oregon
10. Delaware

You'll note that California made both the worst and best lists, because the best list was based on visits to the site's state retirement guides. Obviously, climate played a huge part here.

The takeaway from this study? Make up your own list of requirements and use these lists to help narrow down your focus.

Female Veterans Unite for a Weekend of Fellowship, Food, Fun & Facts

"She Serves In The American Military"

Weekend Event Fri. & Sat. April 29 & 30

If you wore the uniform...Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard...and served our country here or abroad, THIS is a time to meet new friends, reunite with former friends and share.

Come on out to the Radisson Hotel Cleveland Airport to find out what support is available to you via info from the "She Serves" Conference held in DC March 5-9, 2011 and to share your ideas and concerns.

For only $79 (includes tax) you will receive an all inclusive package:  King or Double Room, Food/Music & Fun Friday Night; Hot Breakfast Buffet Saturday Morning & Information Session.

All Reservations Must Be Made By Friday, April 1

To make your reservation click on the doc link below and follow the options noted.

She-Serves-Weekend2011.doc  

Radisson Hotel Cleveland Airport is located off Interstate 480, across from the Great Northern Mall. Close to Interstate 71 and the Ohio Turnpike. 25070 Country Club Blvd., North Olmsted, OH 44070.  Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

The Biggest Loser Cookbook is FABULOUS

Try the New Orleans Rubbed Chicken with Apricot-Mustard Sauce for a real taste treat this week!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne, to taste
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 small (1/4-pound) boneless, skinless, chicken breasts trimmed of visible fat
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup apricot 100% fruit preserves
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

Directions:
Preheat the grill to high heat. (I baked in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes and the taste was still great!).

In a small bowl, mix the thyme, black pepper, cayenne, salt and garlic powder.

Place the breasts on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Coat both sides with the seasoning mixture and rub to coat evenly, then place in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.

Spoon the preserves into a small microwaveable bowl and cook in microwave on low heat at 15-second intervals until melted. Stir in the mustard and blend well. Put aside.

Cook on grill over medium heat, 3 to 5 minutes per side or until meat is no loner pink inside.

Pour the apricot sauce over top of each and serve.

Feel free to dice these and place over salad or thinly slice and make wraps. Low in calories...High in flavor!

MORTGAGES FOR MOTHERS...DOLLAR BANK IS MAKING IT HAPPEN FOR YOU!!

F    R    E    E

H O M E     B U Y I N G     W O R K S H O P

Sponsored by Dollar Bank

Saturday, April 2nd at 9 AM

Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University

2000 Prospect Avenue E, Cleveland, OH 44115

Special Guest Speaker,

NewsChannel 5 Anchor, Danita Harris

For reservations call 1-800-345-3655

or

visit dollarbank.com

You, too, can own a home!  Learn about:

GRANT MONEY for Closing Costs*

Mortgage Options with LOW DOWN PAYMENTS

Counseling Programs to Strength and Restore Credit*

FREE CREDIT REPORT and evaluation

Childcare Provided            Continental Breakfast

*Certain Restrictions Apply

IMAGINE YOU & NICOLE C. MULLEN IN HARTVILLE FOR MOTHER'S DAY DINNER THURS.APRIL 28 6:30 PM

Can you tell we are excited!!! OH MY GOODNESS. Every Mom Squad Event is so wonderful and thanks to the Heavenly Father, each one gets better and better.  This one, once again, is going to be a sold out event so if you have the desire and opportunity to come, don't delay in getting your tickets. You will have the awesome privilege of seeing Nicole C. Mullen sing up close and personal, not to mention that she will share godly wisdom with us as well. She is so loving, a wonderful mother, speaker, singer, songwriter, choreographer AND was born and raised in Cincinnati! She is our Christian sister and we are honored. Come on out, once again, for a lovely evening of fellowship, food, fun and praise to our Lord and Savior. YOU KNOW YOU DESERVE IT!! If you have never been to a Mom Squad Event be prepared to laugh, cry, make a new friend and leave feeling totally uplifted, refreshed and rejuvenated. Gather your groups and get in on the Early Bird Special. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Ladies, Relax & Enjoy this Video

Women are caregivers, friends, mothers, heads of households, bosses, employees...the list goes on and on. What women accomplish is amazing!

Take a few moments and relax and do something for yourself.

Just  click here to watch.

We Will Make An Announcement Soon & You WON'T Want To Miss It...But In The Meantime, Here is the RECIPE OF THE WEEK

STIR FRY ON THE FLY

Thinly sliced meat, some fresh vegetables, ginger, garlic, and rice are all you need to get a great stir fry for dinner. In the time it takes to cook the rice, everything else can be prepared and ready to go.

•Slice and chop the vegetables and any meat.

•Mince or grate garlic, ginger, and scallions together, then add to the stir fry just before it is done.

•Scrambled eggs, peanuts, or cashews can also vary the texture and flavor if added.

•Keep soy sauce and sesame oil in the pantry for great stir fry flavor.

Go to www.Allrecipes.com for more quick and easy recipes!