If retirement is on the horizon and you’re in search of the very best of the best, top 10 retirement party ideas – you’ve come to the right place!

As of 2018, each day 10,000 people turn 65 which is the standard age for retirement. People tend to feel one of two ways about it: they either want to slip out quietly, unnoticed – or go out with a bang, ready to celebrate. Of course, we think you should take the second route. Retiring is a huge milestone that should be celebrated! It is both an acknowledgment of all the hard work you’ve put in over the decades, as well as a celebration of you entering the next stage of life.

Now that we’ve convinced you to get wild and throw a party… just what does that entail? There are a few things that are important to every retirement party. We’ve put together a list of our top ten retirement party must-haves.

Retirement Party Ideas #1: Pick a Theme

Before you do anything else, you must decide on a theme. By declaring a theme, you set expectations for guests before they even arrive. Depending on what that theme is, they might even dress accordingly! A theme can also help you decide on party decorations. A few of our favorite retirement party themes and decorations include:

• Nostalgia: Throwback to your favorite decade or memories gone by. Choose to theme the party for the decade you started working at the company. If you’re really dedicated to a nostalgia theme, try digging up old company logos or old company products to showcase at the party as decorations.  

• Travel Destinations: Say “Bon Voyage” and celebrate upcoming retirement travel plans. Decorate with travel décor and dishes from different parts of the world.

• Margaritaville: Need we say more? Set up a margarita station in the office or at a great venue and celebrate.

• Casino Night: Card games, red and black decor, cigars, etc.

• Motorcycle: Think leather, bandanas, license plates, and biker babes.

• Old Hollywood: Gold and silver decorations with a glitz and glam vibe. Encourage guests to dress like their favorite stars from years past. This old Hollywood theme is great for a classy retirement party.

• Golf Themed: Great for the employee who always conducts his meetings at the golf course. Hold the party at the golf course, or bring the golf course to the office with a mini golf set up and golf themed food and cake.

• The Office: This hilarious sitcom is a great office retirement party idea. Take some idea from Jim and Dwight to spice up the party, like putting some office supplies in Jell-O.

• Virtual Retirement Party: Whether remote work has become the norm because of COVID or if your company has had remote employees for years now, a virtual retirement party can still be fun. Host the party in a zoom meeting and make sure everyone attending has a great speech planned.

• Get Punny: Think about your company and what the job entails, can you come up with a pun that would make a great theme? For a writer maybe the theme can be A New Chapter. For a construction worker maybe it’s a “No Work Zone.”

• Backyard BBQ: If your co-workers are more like family, a backyard BBQ is a great casual party. You can still add a theme to a BBQ too or stick to some basic summer BBQ decorations like red and white plaid.

Tip 2: Achievement Board

You only retire once, so go ahead, brag a little! Put together a board full of the achievements of your working life. Include past jobs, promotions, important projects, big clients, and milestones. If it was a big deal when it happened, put it on the board! This will be a great talking point for you and your guests.

This is also a super sweet gift for the family of someone retiring to put together and surprise their loved one with. If you want to get really creative, you can also get an achievement cake. Ask a baker to create a tiered cake with your accomplishments on the cake. Retirement themed cakes can be overdone and boring, but an achievement cake is more exciting and more personalized.

Tip 3: Photobook or Photo Board

Your retirement party is a chance to celebrate every moment of the last several decades – big and small! Did you become a parent? Grandparent? Complete degrees and certifications? Go on vacations? Perhaps you have photos of yourself on the job or at your very first job?

Go through all of your old pictures and pull out your favorite memories. You really can’t have too many photos – bring multiple photobooks and boards to your party venue. Your guests will love looking through the photos and reminiscing with you. You can also ask guests to bring a photo they have of you to add to the collection. Have a guestbook set up so you can remember who came to the party. It doesn’t have to be a traditional guestbook, you can get creative.

Some great guestbook ideas include:

• Have each guest write their favorite work memory on a card and have them put the card in a photo album, instead of signing a traditional book.
• Have them bring a photo to put in a photo album.
• Have a book for them write a retirement bucket list item for you to do and commit to fulfilling the list. You may want to add rules for them to abide by, so the list is reasonable and realistic.
• If you are more sentimental, get a photo frame and a photo frame matt and have everyone sign the matt, then take a group photo at the party and put in the frame to hang on the wall.

Tip 4: Retirement Party Games

What party is complete without games? Get your guests involved by planning a game or two to play during the party. A few of our favorites are:

• “Pin the…” Get a lifesize photo of the retiree and fill in the blank! Whatever the retiree enjoys as a hobby -if they love baking, play pin the apron on…, or if they’re a fan of golfing, pin the golf club.
• Personal quiz: Who knows the retiree best? Create a custom quiz and hand out prizes to the winners.
• Two truths and a lie: each player must present two truths about themselves and one lie, players must determine which is the lie.

Tip 5: Speeches, Toasts, and Roasts

A retirement party is not complete without a couple of speeches or comedic roasts. Let guests know ahead of time to come prepared with stories about the person retiring and pass around the microphone – this is sure to get the crowd laughing! Ask special guests who can’t make it to send a short video of them sharing funny moments and favorite memories with the guest of honor to play at the party.

Tip 6: An Awesome Playlist

Your playlist should be full of crowd-pleasers and your own personal favorites – but be sure to throw in some retirement-related music. An extensive list of suggestions can be found here. A few of our favorites: “I Want to Break Free” by Queen, “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive, and “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles.

7. Food and Drinks

A party is never complete without food and beverages. We recommend serving snack-sized food that can be eaten in a couple of bites. Have a couple of signature cocktails for the night advertised at the bar. What drink is the person retiring known for? For example, if they love a stiff gin and tonic, advertise it as “The Painkiller,” “One Way Ticket to Freedom,” or “(No Longer) Workin’ 9 to 5.”

Retirement Party Cake Ideas

Every Retirement party needs cake. You can contact a local bakery and get a specialty cake make that goes with the theme of the party. You can also do cupcakes or cake pops in place of a large cake, this would prevent you from having to cut and serve the cake.

Retirement Party Ideas Tip 8. Mingling & Socializing

This is a given – be sure to mingle! If you are the guest of honor, make your rounds and take the time to chat with everyone. If you have a sizeable guest list, this can be difficult, so don’t stress too hard about it. A brief chat with each group of guests will do.

As you move along, introduce folks and spark conversation amongst guests so everyone feels included. If you struggle with mingling, try to make sure you have plenty of entertainment at the party, this can take the stress off you, while also ensuring everyone is having a great time. Some great ways to keep yourself meeting with guest are:

• Rent a photobooth and take pictures with each guest as they arrive. This is a great way to spend time with each guest and have photos of the event.
• Host your party at a golf course and take turns riding with guests in golf carts.
• Do a murder mystery dinner so everyone is engaged in the game.
•  If you’re playing games or doing activities, switch up who you’re hanging out with.

9. Retirement Party Gifts

Undoubtedly, people will bring gifts. Be sure to have a designated area for the collection and have a game plan. Will the retiree open them at the party? This is a great way to show thanks to gift-givers right on the spot. Feel free to note on invitations that gifts are not needed if you’d prefer to skip the presents.

In search of the perfect gift for retirement party?

You can either go funny or thoughtful.

• Thoughtful Gift Ideas: Something for their favorite hobbies, cooking lessons, a nice bottle of wine, or an e-reader.
• Funny Gift Ideas: We love this site for funny retirement gifts.
• Bonus! Useful Ideas: Try this list of the Best Retirement Books to help your friend or family member with a helpful present.

10: Retirement Party Favors

While not expected, party favors are always a great way to show that you appreciate your guests. Here are a few of our favorite options:

• A playlist of your favorite retirement-related songs
• Cheers to new beginnings coozies
• Mini liquor or wine bottles with “I don’t give a sip anymore, I’m retired!” tags
• Suitcase favor boxes filled with candy
• Custom guitar bottle opener
• Custom cookies made to match the theme of your party
• Custom cake pops

No matter how you choose to celebrate your retirement, one thing is important. You made it! Take your time and enjoy your party guests. The next chapter in your life is waiting for you!

Further Reading

May we suggest the following reads on retirement!

The post Top 10 Retirement Party Ideas appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Hearing aids are expensive. We are talking thousands of dollars, sometimes even with insurance. In addition, they may be overkill for the amount of hearing support you require.

Fortunately, there are hearing aid alternatives. You just need to know where to look and what to look for.

Hearing Aids are Not Covered by Medicare

One of the main problems is that hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare. (Read this article to learn more, and how they are sometimes “covered” or subsidized by select Medicare Advantage plans.

Just as a refresher, Medicare Advantage Plans are private insurance plans (Medicare Part C) that are available to Medicare Beneficiaries in certain geographic areas. Some of them do have hearing care benefits.

So, What is a Low Cost Hearing Aid Alternative?

Before 2009, the only solution for procuring a hearing aid was through a doctor. In addition, to make matters worse, these solutions were (and still are) thousands of dollars.

Enter the PSAP…

What is a PSAP?

However, in 2009, a court decision finally allowed sales of OTC (over the counter) hearing aids. They changed the name of these “hearing aid alternatives” to Personal Sound Amplifier Products or PSAP.

What is the Difference Between a Hearing Aid and an Amplifier?

To be frank, the main difference between a hearing aid and a hearing amplifier is FDA regulation. To get a hearing aid, you will

• Need to see a doctor
• Go to follow up doctor visits
• Get a prescription
• Pay a lot of money, or have great insurance to help cover the cost.

To get an amplifier (PSAP), you just need to purchase one online. No doctor or prescription required. However, you may want to see a hearing specialist just to be sure your hearing loss is not connected to another condition.

How do Amplifiers Work?

Personal Sound Amplifiers are basically over-the-counter hearing aids. They “manage” noise around you and help you hear what is important, like the sound of voices directed at you. Some of them even have noise cancelling technologies. (Affiliate Link)

Our PSAP Brand Recommendation

One of the first, and still very popular, brands of PSAP’s is Otofonix. We recommend this brand, and our links for them are affiliate links. The company was started by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor and the company has many different options and price points.

Otofonix has some limited time offers for our readers. They are listed here:

• Get up to 50% OFF | Shop Hearing Aids @ Otofonix Now!

• Free Two-Day Shipping on Orders Over $75!

Otofonix is known for having great customer service, a 1 year warranty and a up to 45 day return window.

Hearing Health Tips for Improving and Protecting Hearing

Finally, we are ending our hearing aid alternatives article with a few tips for naturally improving hearing. They might not be a substitute for an amplifier or hearing aid, but they might make a difference.

To Start, Keep Your Ears Unclogged

There are multiple ways your ears can get plugged up. You could have an infection, allergies, pressure build-up (like from a plane ride), or even too much war wax.

I remember when my mom spent months not being able to hear and thinking she needed hearing aids. However, when she went to the doctor, they found out she just had a prolific amount of ear wax! After they drained her wax out, she could hear again.

There are ways to “irrigate” your own ear canal, but that also might be something to consult your doctor about. It is always a good idea to be safe and gentle your ears. (And stay away from putting things in your ears like cotton swabs.)

Finally, Prevent Further Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss Prevention is the Key to hearing health! Make sure you are protecting your hearing by:

• Wearing ear plugs when you know you will be experiencing loud sounds. For example, at a concert or fireworks show.
• Give yourself some quiet time. Your ears and brain work hard together to interpret sounds. Make sure to give them a break every once-and-a-while.
• Turn down the volume on the TV and on your music.
• Take care of your whole self. Exercise and a healthy diet will help to keep all your body’s systems in proper working order, including your ears.
• In addition, foods rich in magnesium may help bolster hearing health. Studies have been inconclusive in how other vitamins and minerals help hearing health.

The post Best Hearing Aid Alternatives appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

One of the best presents a grandparent can give is access to higher education. A 529 Gift is a great present for your grand-kids, and it is easier than ever to get your contributions in the right place, quickly.

Whether you can give a little, or a lot, every bit helps. College is more expensive than when you were young. In fact, one year of school tuition ranges from $10,000 to $40,000+ for average public to private schools (respectively). So, if you happened to pay your way though, that is great, and it is still possible today. However, more often than not, students leave school with large amounts of debt.

What is a 529 Plan Gift?

First, a 529 is a tax-advantaged college savings account. Officially, the government named these plans – Qualified Tuition Plans. The money in these plans are invested in the market, so your money can grow with interest. Each state has access to different accounts, and there are national ones too.

The tax-advantage to this account is that your after-tax, invested money grows tax-deferred. This is true for both federal and state taxes. Some state accounts also allow you to deduct your contributions from your state income taxes up to a certain amount.

In other words, you cannot deduct your contributions from Federal taxes, but in some states you can. Then, when you withdraw your funds to use at a qualified institution, you do not have to pay taxes on either the principal or the interest. (Withdrawals that are not qualified get hit with a 10% penalty.)

Why a 529 Gift is Wise

Here are our favorite reasons a 529 contribution is a great gift:

• Compound interest makes a 529 Gift – a gift that keeps on giving!
• In 30 states, your gift is deductible on state income taxes.
• Children get too much “stuff” for presents. Giving the experience of learning is very powerful and memorable.
• Saving for college, even through gifts, if a good lesson for kids to learn.
• It helps parents (your kids) keep up with the cost of raising kids!
• The kids themselves are not in charge of these accounts, so you know the money has a better chance of being used properly.

How to Gift a 529 Plan or 529 Contribution

To give a college savings contribution, you will either need to set-up a 529 plan if your grandchild does not have one already, or contribute to an already established account. Here is how you do both.

Setting-Up a New 529 Plan

If your child or grandchild does not already have a 529 Plan, you can set one up for them. You will open the plan up in their name. However, remember, this is a custodial account, so they will not have access to the funds.

To start your process, you can find a list of State 529 Plans here with links to each one.

Contributing to an Existing Plan

First, you can send a check to your grandchild’s 529 Plan Account.

Second, there is a free and convenient service you can use to send money electronically to your grandchild’s account. It is called Ugift, and you can find their website here. You will need your grandchild’s unique Ugift code. You will need your family in charge of this account to give you their code. If they logon to their account, they can see a place to get a Ugift code to share with you.

After you have this code, you can go to the Ugift 529 website and enter the code on their homepage to start your contribution. They have printable certificates if you want to give one, but everything will be do electronically from there.

Conclusions

Giving a 529 Gift is a great present for any occasion. Moreover, it is a gift that can grow with time, and won’t end up at the bottom of the laundry pile in 2 weeks.

Other Articles About Gifting

• Gifts for Seniors
• Gifts for Nursing Home & Assisted Living Residents

The post 529 Gift – The Perfect Grandparent Present appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

When it comes to gift giving, you always want to be thoughtful and helpful. This is especially true when you are shopping for the best gifts for elderly in nursing home. These are also great gifts for seniors in assisted living.

There are our top picks that your friend or family member will appreciate if they are living in a nursing home.

In addition, you can also visit our list of the Best Gifts for Seniors and Grandparents here for even more ideas.

Thoughtful Gifts

Nursing Home Guest Book

Visitors Book: Nursing Home Visitor Guest Book for Logging Name and Date, Floral

Remind your senior family members and friends how much you love them and miss them when you are not around. Leaving names and encouraging notes in their visitor’s book is a small gesture that means a lot.

Scrapbooks & Photo Albums

Making a scrapbook or photo album will also go a long way to comfort your senior. If you family member is just moving into a nursing home, giving them a book with pictures from their old house or neighborhood might make the transition easier.

Framed Photos & Electronic Picture Frames

Pictures of friends and family are good for the heart. You can opt for the traditional frames and photos, collage frames, or even digital frames. The digital frames are great to be able to see multiple photos. However, before you give a digital frame, make sure that your senior or someone at the home can keep it charged and working.

Stationary and Note Cards

There are so many beautiful cards and stationary options out there that it is easy to customize this gift to fit your family member or friend. Make sure to gift this gift with a hand-written note from you too!

Calendars

In addition, calendars are also a highly customizable gift. You can make a calendar yourself with photos of family and friends, or you can buy one in just about any topic your senior is interested in.

Helpful Gifts

Odor Reducing Bathroom Spray

Puracy Natural Room Spray, Lavender & Vanilla Air Freshener, Organic Bathroom Odor Eliminator, Perfume-Free

Your senior will appreciate the ability to keep their bathroom as fresh as possible. Nursing home bathrooms just tend to have smells that linger. This gift will help your senior to ward off embarrassment when having guests visit.

In addition, we found this room-spray very helpful as well in combating odors.

Hygiene Cloths

Ally Rinse-Free Ultra-Thick Adult Bathing Cloths are great for a quick refresh. Baths are often scheduled at a nursing home, so these cloths are helpful in the inbetween times. They are also microwaveable and hypoallergenic.

Robes and Comfortable Cardigans

Help your senior family member or friend find their new favorite robe or sweater! Look for breathable materials that are easily cleaned and laundered.

No Slip Socks and Shoes

Warm comfortable socks with non-slip grips on the bottom are helpful for just about anyone, but especially those in a nursing home. This is their home and they would like to walk around in socks sometimes! However, there is that issue of tiled floors.

In addition, it is important to find the most comfortable shoes that also have sufficient grip. Nursing home residence often have lots of hard surfaces and not a lot of plush carpet around. Consequently, our elders need shoes that support as well as grip.

Lotions and Balms

Nursing homes and assisted living centers can be very dry! Light scented or unscented lotions are good choices, and even better if they are all natural.

Senior Friendly Technology

Clocks with large numbers and radios, music players with simple controls are great gifts for seniors and the elderly. Pre-programming their device or filling an ipod with their favorite music makes the gift thoughtful as well as helpful!

For those that need extra help, we recommend the Simple Music Player – MP3 music box for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Again, if you need more ideas, make sure to visit our list of the Best Gifts for Seniors and Grandparents!

The post Best Gifts for Elderly in Nursing Home appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Best Gifts for Seniors

Here are the best gifts for seniors! Whether you are looking for a present for a grandparent, elderly parent, senior relative or friend, we have the top and trending gifts listed here!

If you are looking for a gift for a senior that is in a nursing home or assisted living, please see our article on the best gifts for them too!

The Top Gifts for Seniors

1. Best Gifts to Create Memories and Share Love

One of the best ways to create memories and strengthen bonds is through story telling. Letters to my Grandchild is a gift that continues to give – give it to your grandparent and then they can give it back!

The letters come with story ideas and writing prompts for those that need a little inspiration. It also comes with stickers to seal the letters and ideas for when and how to open the letters.

Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. (New Grandma Gifts, New Grandparent Gifts, Grandparent Memory Book)

2. Best Senior Gift to Challenge Your Brain & Stay Young!

Grandpa knows, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Challenge your brain, create new neuro-pathways, and keep your mind young with the Games, Puzzles & Trivia.

3. Best Gift to Make Reading Easier & More Enjoyable

Reading can be easy and even more enjoyable for seniors with a little help from the MagniPros 3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier with 12 Anti-Glare Dimmable LED. This is the upgrade from your typical magnify glass. It is easy to grip and easy to use.

4. The Best Gift to Keep Mobile and Go Anywhere

Having the freedom to go where you choose and not have to worry about needing support to stand or sit is one of the best gifts you can offer a senior citizen. The Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Cane Seat will give your senior the gift for mobility and safety.

The cane is light enough (1.3 lbs) to walk comfortably with and the chair is comfortable enough for short rests and medium waits. The chair can support up to 250 lbs.

Seniors that love to travel swear by this product to keep them feeling safe in new circumstances.

5. The Gift of Turning Back the Clock

Both men and women over a certain age appreciate the ability to turn back time, even if just a little bit. This is especially true in regards to our skin. That is why TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E is a great gift for your beautiful senior.

This Vitamin C Serum is a #1 seller, highly rated anti-aging product that provides an advanced antioxidant to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

6. Best Gifts to Stay Fit at Any Age

Now, here is a gift for those needing a gentle way to keep mobile or get back into fitness. The Grow Young Fitness Chair Exercises for Seniors is a very popular program.

The DVD Starter Pack includes Cardio, Core work, Balance and gentle Yoga. It is an easy, safe, effective workout DVD for beginning fitness seniors and the elderly. This starter kit is by Grow Young Fitness.

7. Best Gift for Making Cleaning Easy

The Shark Rocket DuoClean is one of the most “Senior Friendly” Vacuums on the market. It has a very light structure and is under 10 lbs. We like this bagless version with the cord so you don’t have to worry about keeping it charged. Plus, the suction is stronger.

Many seniors have vacuums that are old and heavy. Replacing an old vacuum with a light, effective one might not be a very glamorous present. However, it is a very thoughtful one!

Shark Rocket HV382 DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded (Non-Cordless) Bagless Carpet and Hard Floor with Hand Vacuum, Charcoal

Even More Best Gifts for Seniors / Grandparents

Finally, here is a trending list of hot gifts for seniors. For those of you that need even more inspiration for Grandma or Grandpa:

The post Best Gifts for Seniors appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

We will help you find the best no sugar diet book for you. There are a few good ones out there, but this list will help you find the one(s) that speaks to you.

In my quest to get our family healthy for the long-haul, I did extensive research to find the books that would not only help us all cut sugar, but eat in a sustainable, healthy way.

• If you need a free online weight loss program, we recommend this one.

No Sugar Diet Books that Produce Results

These are the books that really helped. When I say they really helped, I mean it. As a result of the information in these books, I lost 60 lbs (after baby number two) and my husband lost 100 pounds. We have both kept the weight off for two years now! Moreover, I feel like the lifestyle changes we have made are sustainable.

In addition to the weight loss my family saw, we also saw an increase in energy, an increase in the desire to workout more, better skin, a decrease in inflammation, and the elimination of heartburn/digestive issues. It was a big deal! Also, my 65 year old mom quit sugar and improved her inflammation issues with her arthritis in her hands.

This is my experience, and it has made me a “No Sugar Evangelist.” If you have taken part in our Free Ten Day Sugar Detox Course or read any of our no sugar articles then you will remember many of the other reasons for reducing or eliminating sugar. Such as:

The Top Reasons to Eliminate/Reduce Sugar

• SUGAR MAKES YOU FAT
  • Some people show sugar fat to the world and some people hide the fat around their organs, but it has the same consequences.
• SUGAR MAKES YOU SICK
  • Diabetes, Heart Disease, Inflammation, Tooth Decay, Fatty Liver Disease, and probably Alzheimer’s, Cancer and Aging.
• SUGAR MAKES YOU AN ADDICT
  • Just as some people can be addicted to cigarettes and alcohol, some people are addicted to sugar. Take back your control.

So, let’s get to it! Let’s find you a no sugar diet book to change your life.

The Top No Sugar Diet Book List

1. Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It
By Gary Taubes

This is the first no sugar diet book I read that helped me to reevaluate sugar in my life and lose 60 lbs. This is your book if you are like me in that you enjoy learning the science behind everything. Once I understood just how my body works in regards to processing carbs, sugars, and fats, it all just clicked!

That said, Why We Get Fat is actually a more to the point version of Taubes’ book Good Calories, Bad Calories. So, it covers no sugar diet science, but it also delivers a to the point action plan to help you kick your bad habits to the curb.

Thanks to Taubes excellent reporting of the research behind sugar, I will never go back to eating the way I did before.

Extra Credit No Sugar Diet Book: The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes

I listened to this one on Audible. It was really the only way even I, an admitted super nerd, could get through it. It is a dry account of how sugar has changed our culture over the last hundred years. However, it is a good and necessary book for America. The information in it is fascinating, in its own way – promise!

2. The Obesity Code
By Jason Fung

The Obesity Code is so much more than a no sugar diet book, although it talks about sugar extensively. I will tell you that this book is intense, but it picked up where “Why We Get Fat…” left off in changing our lives forever. It is because of Fung’s book that my husband is now able to keep off the 100 lbs that he lost when we first cut sugar.

Jason Fung, MD is a kidney specialist. As a result, he has a unique perspective on what sugar and processed foods do to our body and organs over time. This is another “science-y” book that takes some time to read. However, it is worth it to get through it. The Obesity Code would be a good one to listen to on Audible.

The book kept me interested to the end. I could not wait to see how all the research in the front of the book would come together in an action plan in the back of the book. I am happy to report that it does. After reading The Obesity Code, I knew what was necessary to keep my family healthy for good.

3. Year of No Sugar: A Memoir
By Eve Schaub

A Year of No Sugar is a no sugar diet book for those of you who do not like diet books. Written as a memoir, Eve writes about her family’s whole year of living sugar free. They cut out fructose (sugar) completely and this book tells the story of why and how they did it. There is great advice for all of us on how to live sugar free or low sugar – especially with children.

I loved this book. Eve’s journey gave me the motivation to start my own. The book still explains some sugar science, but it is more story than research book. Does that sound better to you? I listened to this one a couple of times as an audio book. It is a good one to listen to. You can try Audible for free with this link if you want to give it a shot.

4. I Quit Sugar: Your Complete 8-Week Detox Program and Cookbook By Sarah Wilson

If you are looking for a step-by-step process to getting sugar out of your life, Sarah Wilson gives it to you in I Quit Sugar. Remember, sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine. While we have a free 10 Day Sugar Detox for you on this site, sometimes you need a bit more. I Quit Sugar has sugar science, detox advice, a week by week plan, and recipes to help you detox sugar from your diet.

While I didn’t complete her 8 week plan day by day, I did use her book to help in my month to month journey to reduce sugar. I appreciated how she offers advice on how to beat sugar cravings with natural alternatives. In addition, I have used many of her recipes for the last couple years.

Added Help From Sarah: The I Quit Sugar Cookbook: 306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life.

No Sugar Book Summary

The No Sugar Diet Book list should give you a good start on your journey to eliminate or reduce sugar. Start with either Why We Get Fat or the Obesity Code if you enjoy reading about the science and research behind why you are cutting out sugar. On the other hand, if you are more motivated by stories, recipes and a little less data, start with Year of No Sugar or I Quit Sugar.

Personally, I read them all and benefited from them all. They are the kind of books you want to own and return to often (or lend to friends). I got a couple of them from the library originally, before deciding I needed to own them all for reference.

Good luck with no sugar! Please let us know how your quitting sugar journey is going.

Remember, if you need a free online weight loss program, we recommend this one.

SaleBestseller No. 1

I Quit Sugar: Your Complete 8-Week Detox Program and Cookbook

• Wilson, Sarah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 224 Pages - 04/08/2014 (Publication Date) - Clarkson Potter (Publisher)

$13.95

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 2

Good Sugar Bad Sugar: Eat yourself free from sugar and carb addiction (Allen Carr's Easyway Book 79)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Carr, Allen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 258 Pages - 08/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Arcturus (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 3

I Quit Sugar for Life: Your Fad-Free Wholefood Wellness Code and Cookbook

• Sarah Wilson (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages - 05/08/2014 (Publication Date) - Bluebird (Publisher)

$22.59

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 4

Easy Way to Quit Sugar Illustrated

• Carr, Allen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• Arcturus Publishing Ltd (Publisher)

$6.50

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 5

The I Quit Sugar Cookbook: 306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life

• Wilson, Sarah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 384 Pages - 03/15/2016 (Publication Date) - Clarkson Potter (Publisher)

$17.28

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 6

I Quit Sugar Slow Cooker Cookbook

• Orders are despatched from our UK warehouse next working day.
• Wilson, Sarah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 152 Pages - 02/23/2017 (Publication Date) - Macmillan (Publisher)

$18.25

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 7

I Quit Sugar Kids Cookbook

• Sarah Wilson (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 144 Pages - 07/03/2017 (Publication Date) - Bluebird (Publisher)

$12.39

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 8

I Quit Sugar: Simplicious

• Sarah Wilson (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 384 Pages - 09/20/2018 (Publication Date) - Pan Macmillan (Publisher)

$20.00

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 9

I Quit Sugar: Simplicious Flow

• Wilson, Sarah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 360 Pages - 09/25/2018 (Publication Date) - Macmillan Australia (Publisher)

$26.73

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 10

Sugar Detox for Beginners: How to Quit Sugar by Starting the No Sugar Diet: Control Your Sugar Cravings & Break Sugar Addiction (including a low blood sugar cookbook!)

• jackson, sharon (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 54 Pages - 02/17/2017 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

$9.38

Buy on Amazon

The post The No Sugar Diet Book List appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

For those of you that are near retirement, but not quite there, this is your crunch time. Your money should be working in overtime by the time you are 5 to 10 years away from leaving employment. So, let’s look at some of the best retirement books that will give you the most return on your hard earned investments.

Even the busiest of individuals should spend at least a couple hours with each of these books as they have the potential to not just help you save money, but potentially earn thousands of dollars more.

It should be your goal to not only take advantage of your best earning years and best investing years, but to also use this time to set yourself up for the most advantageous tax situation possible. All of this can mean the different between a comfortable retirement and an excellent one.

Don’t want to “read”? Then listen instead!

If you are “not a reader” I would encourage you to consider listening to these books. With an Audible account, you can knock a book out a week on your daily commute. Medicare Life Health readers can get two Audible books free by clicking on this link!

The Power of Zero by David McKnight

The Power of Zero, Revised and Updated: How to Get to the 0% Tax Bracket and Transform Your Retirement by David McKnight is one of the best retirement money books out there. You could even get away with reading it in retirement to take advantage of some of McKnight’s financial recommendations.

McKnight is an expert on putting your money in the right financial accounts to get you to a place where you can keep your taxes as low as possible in retirement. He will even teach you how to structure your savings and withdrawals to keep you in the zero percent tax bracket! Even if you have thousands or millions of dollars saved to enjoy in retirement.

The best parts of this book are:

• It’s short and to the point – but packed with information.
• It gives you a game plan that is very doable for the “average retiree.”
• However, it is a different way of thinking. McKnight teaches a unique solution to how to structure your retirement accounts to keep taxes low.

Bonus Books by David McKnight: Look Before You LIRP: Why All Life Insurance Retirement Plans Are Not Created Equal, and How to Find the Right One for You

This book goes into more detail on one particular retirement finance vehicile: IUL’s or Indexed Universal Life Insurance. We have an article that introduces you to IUL’s as well. They are a good option for people that are looking for another tax advantaged way to save/use money in retirement.

You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think by Wes Moss

I like that this book is one part psychology, one part finance. Wes Moss very much wants you to be HAPPY in retirement. However, no specific amount of money saved up will make you happy. What you can do, to help in the happiness department, is to make lifestyle and money choices now that will ensure a base level of happiness later.

In addition to sharing profiles and attributes of happy retirees, Moss has five helpful money secrets of happy retirees to share with you. He distilled these secrets from his listeners on his popular radio show and also from his clients as is a financial adviser. These secrets are not revolutionary. However, they will give you a great place to start preparing for retirement. This is true especially if you are ten years out or less.

The best parts of this book are:

• Moss’s two way approach to preparing for retirement – mentally and and financially.
• The book is full of practical advice and interesting statistics.
• Moss makes a good case on the side of paying off your mortgage in the debate of mortgage vs. no mortgage.
• One of Moss’s “Secrets” covers having multiple streams of income in retirement. I think this is one of the most essential parts of retirement in this century. It will only get more important as our social structures continue to change.

Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin

I am recommending Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Vicki Robin to those of you that might need a reboot in order to make it to your retirement goals.

This book is usually recommended to younger people that are just starting to save for retirement. However, it is really a book for anybody that wants to reshape their relationship to money and retirement. Everyone should read this book (I have read it more than three times.) In this instance, I want to call out one group of near retirees that need to read this book NOW:

If you are like “most Americans” who have an average of $84,821 saved for retirement, you need to step up your game in these last few years before retirement. This book will help. It will show you how to save more money fast, so you can retire even faster.

What’s the best retirement book you’ve read?

We are now in the “New Age of Retirement”. These books will help you in defining what that means to you. Then, they will help you to get there.

Let us know what you would add to the list. What are your best retirement books? Please comment below!

The post Best Retirement Books appeared first on Medicare Life Health.