​Aging is a beautiful privilege which comes with its own unique benefits and challenges, but it’s only natural to sporadically wish you could turn back the clocks a little bit. Unfortunately, as of yet, nobody has discovered the fountain of youth, but with a few minor adjustments, you can trick yourself (and everyone else!) into believing that you’ve discovered the magic potion. Here are 10 ideas:

​If you live a life of rigid structure, consider shaking things up a bit. Wake up earlier than usual, eat something different for breakfast, replace your trusted brand of toothpaste, turn left instead of right, buy your groceries from the a different store… anything you can think of, do it differently. This will make your day feel brand new, and you’ll discover that there is a world of options just waiting to be explored.

​The exact same reflection in the mirror every day can become tediously repetitious, and so why not wake up to someone new? Get a haircut, shave the facial hair, and swap out your dated wardrobe for a younger look. Maybe even consider a facial piercing if you’re crazy enough for it.

​Nothing will make you feel younger than discovering unfamiliar territories, even if it is as simple as taking a leisurely stroll by the seaside or eating candyfloss on the funfair carousel. For those who have a bit of money tucked away, why not jump on a cruise ship or fly to a remote island, reigniting the spontaneous flare of living like a child again.

Nothing reminds you of your gradual aging process quite like the body’s persistent moans of aches and pains. Annual checkups with your doctor will direct you towards the ideal solutions in alleviating your physical hindrances, and you can also experiment with other pain management alternatives to discover what works best for you.

​There is never any excuse to allow the mind to grow stale, so keep your brain stimulated by learning a new skill or delving into a hobby you always wanted to try. Take up a language course, practice cooking the perfect lasagne, write your memoirs, or paint a masterpiece. These endeavors will jump-start that enthusiastic hunger for accomplishment, and provide you with a go-to project which automatically brings you joy.

​How does the saying go? “You are the company you keep”? Using that theory, you could spend some of your time socializing with children, learning their latest lingo and embarrassing them when you use it in conversation. In fact, any form of human connection can boost your spirits and has been proven to contribute to an immeasurable amount of other health benefits. And don’t forget to seek out the funny side in any situation, as laughter is known to be the best medicine for good reason.

​When you think of your college years, what was the soundtrack to those exciting times? Load that music up and dance around your living room, replaying these meaningful moments as if you are back there right now. But keep it upbeat! As studies have linked faster music to an increased rhythm of the heart, and that will get your blood flowing and set your inner-youngster free.

​While you’re basking in the delight of dancing, why not take it a step further and introduce more exercise into your lifestyle. Nobody is talking about becoming a bodybuilder or a marathon runner here, but rather taking a speedy walk every day, which will increase your energy levels and decrease your waistline closer to your sexier days of glory.

​At the same time, don’t forget to relax a little. Go for a facial or a pedicure, perpetually lathering your skin with moisture to make you look (and feel!) younger. While you’re at it, treat yourself to a full-body massage from a professional, working out those miserable knots to rejuvenate your whole being. And, hey, if you sneak an occasional chocolate into your diet, who’s going to know?

​No one has to tell you this, but the most powerful method of complete restoration is a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. From all the dancing and exercising you’ve been doing, floating away into a deep slumber shouldn’t be a problem, but it is still suggested that you turn off all distracting electronic devices an hour or two before you climb under the covers, as well as keeping any daily work responsibilities out of the bedroom to disassociate your place of rest with stress. Finally, a fixed bedtime comes highly recommended, as it sets your body clock in sync with your routine. Ok, goodnight!

There’s no denying that choosing to retire abroad requires a lot of consideration, and isn’t a decision to be made lightly. Not only are the factors that make a good holiday destination different to what makes the ideal location for retirement overseas, but you’ll need to consider your pension and your e111 application for healthcare too. But if your heart is set on retiring abroad, we’ve pulled together some of the best locations to do just that! Without further ado, here are our top European destinations for retirement!

Spain is one the best, and most popular European destinations for retirement abroad. Not only are you blessed with warm, long sunny days here, but you’ll get to enjoy life by the glistening Mediterranean seas. You can eat the most mouth-watering paella whether plain, mixed with fresh seafood or alongside roasted red pepper, aubergine and onion for a Spanish twist. With a variety of affordable towns to choose from, what more could you want? 

There’s no doubt about it, France is the second most-popular place for Brits to retire (after Spain of course)! There are several reasons to retire in France, from the affordable, great quality of life the country has to offer, to the bright blue skies and breathtaking landscapes. Retiring in France also means you are only a mere ferry ride or short flight away from your friends and family – living in the heart of Toulouse or “Little Paris” has never sounded so tempting! 

Retiring in Malta is a move you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy. After all, who doesn’t want to wake up to the care-free warmth of island life? – Well, outside of the UK, of course. Located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the narrow peninsula of Gibraltar and Alexandria, Malta is a fantastic place to retire - or move to at any age for that matter. Not only will you find sunshine during the height of winter, but the welcoming English-speaking locals make you feel even more at home. You certainly won’t find it difficult to adjust to life here! 

There are a number of reasons that many people flee to Italy when they retire. The likes of Abruzzo, Le Marche, Puglia and Tuscany are beaming with sun-hungry people seeking a well-deserved new life in the sun. With mild winters and hot summers, living in Italy is also the perfect place to indulge in specialities from all over the world – not to mention the endless opportunity to get your fill of pizza or pasta, or take a shot of espresso in an alfresco café on the waterfront. 
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No matter where you decide to retire in Europe, make sure it is right for you, your partner and your family. The decision to move abroad should never be rushed, retiring or not! After all, moving to an entirely new country is a little more daunting than simply moving town. Living abroad massively differs to life in the UK or anywhere for that matter, but it is certainly appealing to those wanting to relax in the sun and sip sangria on tap. 

​Online dating is no longer a new aspect, and it seems to be the preferred way of meeting a partner in life. Therefore, there is an increase in the number of subscribers. These include both the young generation and the seniors. For the seniors and to be specific over 60 dating online might not be an easy thing for them as may seem for the younger generation. There are senior sites for over 60, but still, it is hard for this group to achieve a successful experience when they are trying online dating. Here are some dating tips for over 60 dating.

Don’t shy away from proposing to someone. There is always someone for you, and they might be the one you are just looking at. Therefore, when you log on to over 60 dating sites, go on and propose to that special someone who attracts you. Some over 60 dating men or women will feel like it is a mistake to propose to someone they meet on the dating site. You should ask yourself why that person posted their profile there, and don’t shy away. They are also there because they are looking for someone to love them. That is the right time for you to start the conversation so go on and start.

For many single men in the age group of over sixty, they will feel like they are not fit to be dating. There are millions of singles just like you who are using online dating to seek for partnership. Everyone needs love and wants to be loved too. Therefore, don’t lock your opportunities because you think you are old. The good thing is that we have senior dating sites over 60 and therefore age should not tie you from dating when you feel you should. Remember the age is just a number. Actually, you might also try dating sites where you meet other ages too. 

You Can Have Many Activity Partners 

Over 60 Dating is not only about the companion. You can find several activity partners, travel mates as long as you want to. Therefore, go on and propose to multiple partners and play your cards well. Dating is fun, and you should not limit your fun. There are several senior dating sites for over 60 and even dating sites for seniors over 70, 80, this allows you to explore and feel the difference. After all, you are about to retire, and you will be less busy. Have fun while you can and enjoy life. Date as many as you want. 

​Some people will pose as people ready to date you, yet they are after your money. Not all dating profiles on the applications have genuine people. Choose the sites you use wisely and don’t go into it very fast. Take your time and think well of the person. If you identify some traits that suggest not too good, just leave the person. 

Don’t share sensitive information anywhere public, you can disclose those to the person who qualifies to be your dating mate later. 

Useful Reference Source:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/01/prweb11481963.htm 
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3560095 

​Retirement may be the ideal period of your life to relax and smell the flowers, but it should not be an excuse to slow down to a complete standstill. In fact, research has indicated that those who keep their mind cogs whirring and their legs marching forward tend to live longer with more fulfilling years to show for it, which is why you should stay motivated and really squeeze retirement for everything it’s worth. And here is how to do that.

One of the biggest temptations in the retirement world, is to sit around all day in your underwear and watch TV. While this may seem like a fun idea for a while, your body won’t thank you in the long run, as your blood flow will struggle to reach all ends of your system and your muscles will slowly begin to fall asleep. 

Your goal should be roughly two and a half hours of gentle exercise a week, which is not a lot to ask. Just by keeping it slow and trying new stuff (like cycling, tennis, or even walking a dog), your will find your energy levels increasing and your endorphins flowing, making you healthier, more alert, and much happier in these golden years of your life. 

However, please speak to your doctor before you try anything you’re unsure of, and keep your emergency contact and medical details on your person at all times. Remember, medical alert bracelets and necklaces can save your life!

​Humans are social creatures by nature, which is why retreating into a shell of retirement reclusiveness could negatively impact your mood, and even stagnante your brain. Even if you’ve never been one for casual conversation, you can still reap the benefits of communal interaction by joining local clubs, or volunteering your energy to a worthy cause. 

Of course, you should not forget those who you are already close to, and devoting your newly freed up time to your loved ones could be the most rewarding part of this new chapter in your life. Pick up the phone and fill your calendar up with these exciting engagements as quickly as possible!

​During those tiresome working years, it always felt like you had a million things you wanted to do, but never had the time to do it, right? Well, now you have the time to do it! Get a pen and paper, and start listing what those projects were. Some examples may include: learning an instrument or a new langauge, cleaning out your garage, gardening, assembling rare collectibles, photography, scrapbooks, pottery, cooking, playing chess, reading a novel a day, writing your own novel… this could go on forever! 

Simply put, retirement is not an excuse to let your brain fall asleep. Aim the momentum of your working mode at the stars, and stuff your mind with skills far beyond your comfort zone.

​Wait, didn’t you just leave your job? Why would you want another one? Glad you asked. Some of the answers include: to keep your keys in the ignition, to give your life more purpose, and to raise your reserve funds. Because who doesn’t want more money? Anyone? 

Retirement could be the perfect time to experiment in a field completely unrelated to your previous job. For the more adventurous, why not attend a stock exchange course and give that a try? Or perhaps use your previous experience to educate eager minds? Or start a new business revolving around an idea you had many years ago? If this all sounds a little daunting, then keep it simple, by volunteering, watching people’s empty houses, or becoming a tour guide. Just be careful not to invest too much of your capital into any given project, and when in doubt, always get professional advice!

​Why not escape real life for a while and take a trip somewhere you’ve never been? As everyone knows, even planning a holiday can be almost exciting as the holiday itself, as you eagerly tick the days off the calendar while the big event approaches. And then explore the world as far as possible, taking hundreds of photos along the way so you can boast to your friends. 

Even if this is not a feasible option or if you want to kill time in between your big trips, simply do the next best thing and probe your local area. Walk a different direction or investigate a nearby park with full intention to get a bit lost (just don’t forget the map!). Become the neighborhood expert of your suburb, until the veins on the back of your hand start to resemble the roads that surround you. 

In summary? Get moving!

The path to retirement is a complex and arduous one, a journey that requires careful planning, diligence, and financial investments. However, once a retiree reaches the brass ring, they may find themselves unfulfilled – perhaps they enjoy tasks, busy work, organization, or routine, aspects that drifted away during their tenure at a full-time job.

In the same vein, some are marching towards their seniority with the wind on their backs, scouting for work to help them prepare financially. 

Whatever the case, some adjust to their golden years by seeking comfortable part time work suited for older individuals. Thanks to technology, the internet, and living assistance, options are abundant and most boomers find themselves a position that is both rewarding and practical.

It’s not an uncommon practice, either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 40 percent of individuals at age 55 or older were seeking employment in 2014 alone. This value is expected to increase as opportunities expand.

What does that mean for you as a retiree – or someone on the way to retire? You’ve got flexible routes to earn consistent income. But the question is, how do you find the right job for you?

There are various resources to help you locate employment that fits your needs, along with tips for elderly individuals to help them get back in the swing of modern jobs. For instance, we have a large cache of tools you can use to assist you in finding work.
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You can also look to your caregiver (if applicable) to help you when seeking employment. This can range from anything – from helping you freshen up your resume and supplying it to the relevant websites – to transportation and physical assistance where necessary.

Though a retiree may not have worked for several years, the formula for gaining employment is still very much the same. As someone looking to rejoin the workforce in various industries, you should make proper accommodations and preparations, just like anyone would when seeking jobs.

Some of those preparations should include highlighting various skills you’ve gained over the course of your life’s work. Specify them on a resume, integrate them into your cover letter(s), and mix them into the interview process. If relevant, you can ask your caregiver to help you practice.

This is because modern workforces are adaptable and welcoming to older generation workers. According to AARP and Towers Watson research, business owners found that 50+ workers had the skills, motivation, and experience they needed for new work. 
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This doesn’t mean looking for new jobs will be a breeze – all companies and positions have their own requirements, as expected. But in the same vein, you aren’t approaching a job market which is only friendly to the young and newly trained.

If the idea of finding work for retirement still interests you, it’s a good idea to “survey” yourself about the various expectations you have for new jobs. We’ll highlight those questions in just a moment.

While we’ve pointed out the opportunities available, not all of them are a match for individuals. As a retiree (or soon to be retired) you have to consider what matches to make sure your path to new work goes well.

• Do I have a medical condition which limits my ability to work or perform certain tasks?
• What wages/benefits am I seeking?
• What hours work for my schedule?
• Can I reliably get to work myself, or do I need assistance from a caregiver?
• Do I rely on a caregiver for certain daily tasks?
• Do I want to learn about a new industry or rely on previous experience?
  
• How long do I plan to work and what are my savings goals, if any?

These questions will (hopefully) give you an accurate assessment of your current capabilities and goals. We assume that as a retiree you’re looking for fulfilling work, but not something that interferes with the time spent in your golden years. 

Additionally, we understand you may soon plan for retirement, and are looking for avenues to create financial stability, while still minding what you can or cannot do.

Based on these questions, you might want a senior level position with solid benefits and good pay. Or, you’d like a casual part time job that pays around the minimum wage mark – but doesn’t have the same demands.

However, even as an experienced individual, the bigger the fish, the harder it is to fry. AKA, higher level positions are challenging to come by without specific experience. For instance, a Senior Customer Management Specialist might require experience in the relevant industries going on for 5+ years, along with educational requirements like an associate or bachelor’s degree.
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So, while it’s admirable to seek out high-level positions, understand you might face frequent pushback, whereas other forms of work will accommodate you easier.

You and your caregiver are a team, and as such, you can work together to make sure the transition into retirement or retirement work is as smooth as possible.

Even better, family and friends can work as a paid, full time caregiver assistants through the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.  Because the elderly is often impoverished and rely on financial assistance for so many things, having someone they know (and cares for them) is a relieving prospect.

Additionally, compensation for caregivers is often handled on friendlier, positive terms. There are third party resources that pay them, or, you as the elderly can write up freehand contracts to have them compensated.
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As a retiree or someone soon-to-be retired, you’re not alone. Hopefully, our resources give you an idea of what you can expect in a modern-day workplace, along with how your caregiver can help (and benefit) you along this journey.

​Christmas is fast approaching. Given the tough economic times, most households would appreciate making some extra money to take care the numerous expenses that come with the festivities. With the rising prices of commodities, the average cost of celebrating Christmas is going up every year. Sadly a majority of people splurge hordes of cash and end up starting the new year in debt.

Decluttering makes an excellent way to make a few more pennies. It also creates space for new presents and takes advantage of cheap Christmas bargains. Keep in mind that this is the time you will host friends and the family members, hence the need to create a neat and tidy house for them to stay.

Old Toys

Your kids/ grandkids may have all grown up now but I’m sure you would be surprised at how many toys have been left lying around in the house or in the loft. Many toys especially older wooden toys or any new ones in a good condition are in demand especially this time of year

Old Electronics

Selling old electronics such as mobile phones, cameras, TV’s, games consoles, video players etc can make you much more than you might think, even in a broken condition. 
Many people buy these items to either recycle them, repair them or use them for parts, especially older rarer items that are difficult to get hold of can be very sought after to the right person. 

Videos, CDs and DVDs

Now that video, DVD and CD players are no longer a necessity with everything available straight from your TV or phone it’s a good opportunity to clear out any unwanted items of these. Although home videos of family and your favourite greatest hits albums will always be treasured I’m sure there’s plenty you can say goodbye to. 

Old Furniture

Old furniture can be a huge money maker as more people are getting into the re-upholstery and upcycling business and always on the lookout for old unwanted pieces they can restore. So although it may be tired and worn this doesn’t make it worthless. 

Old Clothes

Check your wardrobe for old clothes. Some people may have a hard time deciding what to sell; if you have not used a special dress for a year or more, the likelihood is that you won't wear it in the future. Be sure to involve the whole family in de-cluttering the house to make as much money from the sale as is possible.

Craigslist

It makes a convenient way of selling used items. While users can sell anything on Craigslist, it is designed for large items like furniture. If you are not sure about the right price to charge the item, use the Search icon to view the cost of similar items. Insist on taking cash and the presence of a few friends at your home if the buyer wants to see an item before purchasing it. Multiple pictures, a detailed description of the item and providing a specific location helps attract serious buyers.

Online Yard Sale

Setting up a physical garage or yard sale is the most popular way of selling old items. However, it is pretty time-consuming, labour-intensive and you may not make as much money if you are living in a small neighbourhood. The recent craze involves selling items through online yard sales. It mimics the traditional yard sale only that it is done online.

To find an existing garage sale, search on Facebook using your neighbourhood's name. If you don't see one, create your online yard sale. There's no restriction as to the kind of items you can sell through this platform; kid’s clothing, furniture and toys are some of the most popular items. An online yard sale is safe as the seller can view images of the person buying the item.

eBay

It makes the best platform for selling used items when decluttering. eBay is ideal for people selling small items like coffee mugs and books. To save on time, look for similar items that have been sold recently; you may use eBay's Advanced Search setting. You should also take some good photos of each piece you intend to sell and create engaging listings to attract buyers.

Consignment Stores or Sales

The technique may not be as popular in the recent times, but it makes a good bargain for your items when compared to a yard sale. You only need to stop by the store with your clothes or other things and wait as the attendants look over them. When you have sold $ 10 or more worth of clothes, they contact you to collect the cash. Most areas have kid's consignment sales.

Book Buying Back Sites

If you are selling unwanted books, consider book buy back sites like Amazon, Sell Back Your Book and Cash 4 Books. Books and textbooks written by famous authors sell fast and at a reasonable price. If you just graduated, you may want to sell the books now before new editions are released.

​Making some extra cash by taking part in a de-clutter exercise before Christmas creates space for new items and also leaves your garage and house neat. However, the activity makes a temporary way of boosting your budget as you may run out of things to sell over time.

​Here are five tips for a successful job detox you can begin today. 

While you were working, you would have spent most of your time focused on others and the organization your worked for. But now you have the time to think about what you want. Accept this as a gift. Kick back, prepare a cup of joe (or tea), and just…be. This precious time will help you figure out what experiences you may have missed while you were employed. Then you can take the necessary steps to begin capturing (or, re-capturing) some of those experiences. This is also a good time to create a “Lessons Learned” list where you write down all you learned about yourself and others during your years of employment. This can prove helpful in your next phase of life, whatever that may be.

​And speaking of lists, during the first phase of retirement, try also creating a gratitude list. Even though this is one of the easiest rituals you can do, it can give life to a large number of benefits in the long run. A gratitude list can set the tone for the coming weeks by elevating your feelings and sharpening your perspective. Ironically, it is during times of severe irritation that gratitude lists can have the most beneficial impact. Even fake it, if necessary. Begin writing what you are thankful for (even for waking up alive this morning) and, over time, the “intention/reality” connection will form. 

​You have been dealing with various stressors for decades and now it is the perfect time for you to decompress. Daily meditation can help. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, help you get a better night’s sleep, and even relieve pain (mind over matter? Yup!). Putting just 10 minutes aside each day to clear your mind and open yourself to the universe will bring renewal to your soul and body. Start small. Find a quiet place and just focus on your breathing and how your body moves with each breath.  Go easy on yourself when your mind wanders. That’s normal. Gently call yourself back to your breath and start again. It gets easier with time.

​Busy schedules and work demands have a way of nudging out healthy eating and exercise. For example, you may have resorted to junk food for long periods of time, and found yourself scarfing down lunches in order to get back to work. Now you have time to explore best ways to optimize your health and well-being. Stretch when you wake up, get outside, drink lots of water. Long walks with loved ones is a great first step. Visit your doctor, have a check-up, make a plan, and start some better practices. Few investments return better than those related to your health.

​Throughout your years of full-time work, you have accumulated tons of expertise and experience. Now it is the perfect time for you to share the career assets you have accumulated with others in need. You can easily do this through volunteering for a cause you believe in, taking on a big project you know needs doing, or even starting a side business based on the expertise and experience you’ve accumulated. 
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The point is you now have the awesome opportunity to re-design your life and career based on your own values and your passions. The successful job detox provides a clearing for new possibilities to emerge. Go for it!

​It is no secret that divorce is on the rise for people over the age of 50. As America’s population continues to age the upward divorce trend shows no indications of slowing down. Divorcing after many years presents many issues that younger couples do not have to face. Spending decades together building a life together can be complicated to untangle. 

Washington is a community property state, and the money that is earned during the course of the relationship is characterized as part of the community. This means that the money earned is considered the property of both spouses. Furthermore, this extends to pension accounts and retirement accounts. 

​The accounts will be split between both spouses in the event of a divorce. Typically the court will try to divide the assets evenly; however, this does not mean that both sides will receive the exact same share. The court looks at the position of both parties and does what is just, given the entire circumstance. Dividing up the savings that has been accumulated for years prevents many older couples from pulling the plug on their marriage. 

One of the most important assets that a couple shares together is their home. After many years of marriage the house can have thousands of dollars in equity built up, or perhaps it is entirely paid off. This then becomes a very important asset to both spouses.

As we stated above in a community property state such as Washington, the court looks divide property evenly. In a situation where one spouse chooses to keep the home this can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If this is so, then other assets such as retirement, pensions, spousal support, and other household valuables may have to be reallocated in order for everything to balance out. 

There are many other considerations that go into a divorce after many years such as alimony payments, and even perhaps family pets. The team at Humphrey & Associates understands these complexities and has achieved much success as a Bellevue divorce attorney. We specialize in splitting property in a way that is just and equitable takes time and consideration to do properly. 

​Retirement planning is all about keeping your eyes open for all the opportunities that are available for
you. One of the opportunities that are rarely taken into account is offered by the 1031 exchange. This is
basically a special type of real estate transaction through which capital gains are completely avoided.
Even if you do not reap on all the benefits associated with the practice, heirs can. Real estate investors
are often looking for such properties so maybe you might want to do the same.

To put it as simple as possible, 1031 exchanges happen when you exchange a real estate property for another with the purpose of making an investment. If a specific transaction is labeled as 1031, there is no tax that has to be paid or the tax will be limited. Absolutely no limits exist in regards to frequency or number of times exchanges happen. Profits can appear with every single property swap and taxes are avoided until you are selling the property for money. This is when you hopefully have a much higher value for the property and there is long term capital gain that appeared. 

Most people are aware of the fact they can sell investment land and then buy office rental property. Capital gains are automatically gained in most situations. In order to transform the experience into 1031 exchange properties investments, investors need to:

• Sell an investment property and not personal residence.
• Properties have to actually be exchanged with specific time frames and deadlines having to be respected. 
• Exchange like kind properties. 

​According to the IRS, the 1031 exchange is not going to be possible when exchanging:

• Bonds, stocks, notes.
• Trade stocks or resale held properties.
• Partnership interests.
• Trusts certificates or interests.

When the real estate sale and the purchase are qualified for 1031 exchange (commonly referred to as Starker or like-kind exchange) and you are meeting time frame requirements, the government’s money end up being used to grow holdings.

Real estate investment property value increases automatically as you repeatedly trade in order to increase rental income or value. Capital gain taxes are deferred with every single swap. Money that should have been paid in taxes end up in your pocket so you have higher equity for the following transactions. This is really interesting as you prepare for long term value increases for all the real estate investments and it is the government that becomes a partner to your real estate portfolio growth.
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At one point in time the final sale is going to happen without the 1031 exchange. This is when you need to pay taxes for the accumulated capital gains. In the event the investor dies, last property cost basis will be adjusted based on the current value. Heirs are not held liable for the accumulated capital gains taxes. This is why many consider the 1031 exchanges as a part of the long term retirement investment plan that they set up, with a premise to leave for heirs.