Thinking of retiring? If pundits are right (and it certainly looks that way from here), the concept of 'retirement' has been put to rest — permanently. Take a look at the recent history of employee benefits. Pensions were the first to go. They relied on a continuous growth model that has since proved to be unsustainable. They were replaced by IRA's and 401K's. How are yours doing these days? »more»

There's a qualitative difference between the male ego and the female ego. I've never heard of anyone demanding of any female that she prove that she's a 'real woman.' It's just assumed. It's taken for granted. A woman is born a woman. That's exactly the opposite condition from the one that all males are born into. »more»

Have you ever been traveling from one city to another, and you're in the airport at the gate, waiting for your flight to load? »more»

As the world financial situation continues to unravel before our eyes, the last vestiges of that sense of security that we've all been led to believe in has been exposed as the fairy tale that it's always been. »more»

On last night's internet radio program, I interviewed rock musician and author, Steve Mayfield, about his new album and book, Afterlife Crisis. One of the principle themes (that became a song on his album) was that, even when we've gotten through the midlife transition, we still can't find a "Resting Place" — somewhere or somehow to put down the stresses of life and catch our breaths. »more»

One of the many advantages to having an empty nest is the freedom to swap your nest with other adventurous types. We decided that before we sold our house, we would try using it as bait for a cheap month in New York City. Being in the habit of Googling at the drop of a hat, we decided to take the online approach to finding suitable exchanges. »more»

I've read that one of biggest pitfalls to having kids is that couples tend to forget who they were prior to breeding (though I personally think the the loss of perky breasts is high on the list). As a Gypsy Nester, one who is looking forward to life after kids, I thought I'd share a secret. »more»

Negative inheritance happens when the "the costs to children of caring for aging relatives outstrip any gifts or bequests they might receive in return." The phrase was coined by Laurence Kotlikoff, a professor at Boston University. »more»

A comprehensive study of baby boomers sheds new light on the attitudes and opinions of the 78 million members of this generation as they deal with middle age issues and prepare for their twilight years. First lets see how much you know about baby boomers: »more»

Amy Sherman is a licensed mental health counselor, a blogger, and the author of "Distress-Free Aging: a Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life." "Distress-Free Aging" is a new eBook that promises "simple strategies [to] turn your life around."

As the name implies, the book is aimed at members of the baby boomer generation who are tackling retirement like no generation has ever done before. »more»