Do you feel ready for retirement? How's your 401(k) and/or individual retirement account doing? Has it recovered completely from the 2008 meltdown -- or are you still playing catch-up?

Yesterday, Alicia Munnell, director of Boston College's Center for Retirement Research, examined a recently released government study of household finances and concluded that as of 2010, the retirement account recovery had stalled. She pointed out that since 2007, the number of employees participating in contributory retirement plans has declined. Meanwhile, the number of cash outs, loans and hardship withdrawals has risen.

According to her calculations, the typical household -- husband and wife together -- approaching retirement had only $120,000 in 401(k) and/or IRA holdings in 2010, about the same as in 2007. If they were to take that money and purchase an immediate annuity with it, they'd get only $575 in monthly income at today's interest rates , she says.

Social Security provides an average of 70 percent of income for people 65 and older, according to Munnell's calculations, which are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. The Social Security Administration reports that as of January 2012, the average Social Security payment for a retired worker was $1,230 per month. If we multiply that by two -- assuming among people retiring today, both halves of most couples qualify for Social Security on their own -- the total household income from Social Security is $2,460 in this mythical family.

If you subtract the 12.2 percent that Social Security holds back to pay for Medicare parts B and D, this couple will be left with $2,165 plus $575 from the annuity for a total of $2,740 to pay the bills each month. Of course, that's before any defined benefit pension payments, savings outside of retirement accounts and part-time work.

Can two people live on $2,740 a month or $32,880 a year? Or is this -- as Munnell implies -- a retirement planning disaster waiting to happen?

It depends on where this couple lives. Here in small-town Michigan, especially if this couple owns their own home free and clear -- they'll be OK. Their tax bills -- property, federal and state -- will be minimal -- no tax on Social Security. As long as they don't own the Taj Mahal or a brand new Cadillac, insurance should be within their budget. And the rest of the costs are controllable. My garden already has a bumper crop of squash and tomatoes.

In other parts of the country, where taxes and the cost of housing are much higher, surviving on this much income could be trickier.

Anyway, I get tired of reading studies like this one, which is focused on an average that is almost meaningless. The only way retirement planning works is if you analyze your own situation and go from there. Get out your calculator and figure it out. Don't be discouraged by somebody else's bad news.

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Retirement planning is personal

WEST POINT, Pa., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --There are many choices to consider when it comes to retirement living. Those contemplating a move to a retirement community will find more options available than ever before. Whether researching a retirement community for yourself or a loved one, it's important to ask the right questions, keeping in mind factors such as present and future needs, community location, and financial situation, among other considerations.

Following these tips from ACTS Retirement-Life Communities will put you on the right path toward finding a retirement community that will best meet your needs now and for the long-term.

1. Check the background of the community: Find out who owns and manages the community, as well as the track record of management. Determine whether the community is accredited for meeting high standards in services, operations and finances. Visit http://www.carf.org for a list of accredited communities by state. Review the financial performance of the organization, including any credit ratings the company has received from agencies like Standard & Poor's or Fitch.

2. Consider future health needs: Retirement communities today offer many amenities and services but not all provide medical care, making another move a possibility should health needs change. Continuing care retirement communities are the only type of senior community that offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care on a single campus. Some CCRCs even offer specialized programs such as memory care, home health care, and adult day programs as part of their services.

3. Get detailed information about fees: Learn what all fees do and do not include, when fees are subject to increase and under what conditions. Ask about the average fee increase over the past five years. Consider the financial advantages and disadvantages of the contract options the community offers.

4. Meet with residents and tour the community: Arrange an appointment to tour the community, meet with residents and staff, and to sample the food and the service. Notice if the community is clean, well maintained and secure.

5. Use a services and amenities checklist: Get a complete information packet that includes application for admission, fee schedules, floor plans and the resident contract. Compare each community's pricing to amenities, programs and services that are important to you.

6. Ask about recreational and social activities: Find out what kind of social, cultural, educational, spiritual and wellness activities are available. Is there an activities director on staff to plan entertainment, events, and trips? Is transportation available?

7. Consider location and find out if there is a waiting list: Is the community located near family, friends, doctor's office, place of worship, and shopping? Find out if there is a waiting list to move into the community and how it works.

For more tips visit http://www.actsretirement.org/guide to download a free booklet called A Consumer's Guide to Retirement Living. This informative resource explains the range of senior living options that are available, and includes checklists, worksheets and important questions to help you confidently research, evaluate, and compare retirement communities.

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7 Tips for Choosing a Retirement Community

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -07/12/12)- Today, COGECO Inc. (CGO.TO) ("COGECO" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, ended May 31, 2012, in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012:

"We are satisfied with the favourable results obtained for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The cable subsidiary continues to grow and most of our performance indicators are on target with our objectives. These solid results demonstrate that with strong cost controls and a dynamic marketing strategy, Cogeco Cable continues to grow in this highly competitive industry," stated Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of COGECO Inc.

"Overall, we are pleased with the financial results of our radio division's activities. The recent BBM surveys confirm our strong leadership in the Montreal market as well as the good performance of our radio stations across the province. We are pursuing the integration of Metromedia as planned, which will serve to enhance our media offering to advertisers", added Mr. Audet.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to COGECO's future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding the Corporation's future operating results and economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which COGECO believes are reasonable as of the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be incorrect. The Corporation cautions the reader that the economic downturn experienced over the past few years makes forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the Corporation's expectations. It is impossible for COGECO to predict with certainty the impact that the current economic uncertainties may have on future results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties (described in the "Uncertainties and main risk factors" section of the Corporation's 2011 annual MD&A) that could cause actual results to differ materially from what COGECO currently expects. These factors include technological changes, changes in market and competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services, and the introduction of competing products having technological or other advantages, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While management may elect to, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation), and does not undertake to update or alter this information before the next quarter.

As described in note 1 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012, Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), which were previously used in preparing the consolidated financial statements, were replaced on the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") on January 1, 2011. The Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012 have therefore been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Comparative figures for 2011 have also been restated.

All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This report should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 included in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report. It should also be read in conjunction with the Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as well as the information on the adjustments to the fiscal 2011 financial figures upon adoption of IFRS, explained in Note 19 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012.

Corporate strategies and objectives

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Solid Performance Across the Board for COGECO Inc.

Toronto, Ontario Canada (PRWEB) July 12, 2012

Bizandwellnes.com is delighted to announce the first in a series of events dedicated and catering to the businessperson holistically. Anastasia Valentine CEO of Sandbox, an Idea to Launch Company and Samantha Moonsammy, co-founder of STARFISH creative events + inspiration formed an event like no other that encourages business men and women to invest both in their professional development and their overall wellness to increase their productivity and success.

If a business person runs until they are on empty they will never achieve the level of success that awaits them if they choose it. Our approach is to ensure all facets of the business person are addressed including, skills, knowledge, body, and spirit. says Anastasia Valentine co-founder of http://www.Bizandwellness.com. Theres something missing for serious business people who are at their best when they are actively learning and feeling great. Events tend to be either 100% professional development or 100% wellness. It seemed logical for us to combine the two and deliver the best of both worlds to our participants.

Biz and Wellness events are unlike any other professional development opportunities. They include a very selective process to choose speakers who have demonstrated success in their field, a 100% stress free policy, on-site personal concierge for participants, high-end surroundings, luxurious gifts and unparalleled access to network with experts and like-minded business people. We created an event where people can walk away with the tools and best ideas to help them succeed at their job tomorrow, and an experience to treasure for a lifetime says Samantha Moonsammy, events + brand stylist at BizandWellness.com. If you want to be up-to-date on todays most innovative business and wellness practices, then this is one conference you wont want to miss.

We invite you to join us for an incredible event on July 27, 2012 at the Centre for Social Innovation in downtown Toronto. Spend the day with us in a place where amazing business ideas are born and leave with concrete actions reach your business goals and improve your overall well-being.

The delegate gift bags alone exceed the cost of the event not to mention the door prizes, amazing workshops, nutritious food and incredible experience. VIP Front of the line tickets are available for a limited time for only $299 and can be purchased on eventbrite at http://urbanbizandwellness.eventbrite.com/.

About Biz and Wellness

Bizandwellness.com was born out of the philosophy that successful entrepreneurs, business owners, star employees and CXOs must be nurtured holistically through education, inspiration and overall health through activities for the body, mind, spirit and soul to achieve success.Our team delivers professional and personal development seminars, workshops and lessons for the discerning businessperson through day retreats, multi day business accelerators and learning in online, urban, suburban and exotic destinations around the world. Our events attract top talent from the expert speakers to the success-oriented attendees creating a unique experience for all participants. Each event is meticulously planned to cater holistically to the success-oriented businessperson and provides a 100% stress free learning experience.

Visit us at bizandwellness.com | @bizandwellness

For more information or to schedule an interview contact:

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Biz and Wellness Urban Retreat Comes to Toronto

Leadership Principle #21: Happiness is wisely enjoying life right now, not securing a financial future you may never see. For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors with under the sun? Ec 2:22

On an icy morning in January, a young driver lost control and careened toward me. After the echoes of crashing metal and glass subsided, the airbag dust hung like fog.

The girl in the other car threw open her door and stumbled onto the pavement. I learned later she had fractured her spine. She turned hysterical when the emergency crews arrived. We rode to the hospital together, both collared and strapped to boards.

Bouncing around in the ambulance, I marveled at how life had just changed. One moment I was heading toward a breakfast meeting and contemplating the days task list. A blink later, I sat stunned in a crumpled car.

There was a man who worked at a bank for 25 years. He built a great reputation, worked hard and received many awards. When he retired, life was good. After his death, his wife gathered all his awards and shiny memorabilia into a box. She took them to a jeweler, had them melted down, and made a ring for herself!

Why do we work so hard, if it doesnt really matter in the end? King Solomon asked the same question. With no wars to occupy him, Solomon spent his time studying philosophy and testing whether worldly pleasures could truly satisfy the deepest cravings of life.

He concluded that when he was gone, none of his riches would matter. He would just pass it on to the next generation, and new kingdoms would rise and fall. Here are a few more of Solomons conclusions found in the book of Ecclesiastes:

1. Mans envy causes him to overwork. I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a mans jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind (Ec 4:4).

2. Wealth has a personality. Solomon said money never sleeps because its so full of self-concern, and never stops worrying about where it will be spent or how it might be lost.

3. Enjoying our work is part of a right attitude toward life. Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun. A couple verses later, Solomon describes the man who enjoys his labor: [He] does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

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Fight the futility of personal financial success

Chesterfield Fire crews respond to alarm at retirement complex Chesterfield Fire crews respond to alarm at retirement complex

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 7:12 PM EDT2012-07-12 23:12:48 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:39 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:39:36 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:15 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:15:22 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:09 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:09:02 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 5:51 PM EDT2012-07-12 21:51:04 GMT

Several hundred people waited anxiously Wednesday for their exclusive ticket to see President Obama up close and personal.

Annette Suarez waited 6 hours but was the first to get a ticket. "Oh, I am sweaty. We've been here since 11 a.m.," said Suarez.

"We've seen him every time he's come to Richmond because we've been able to see him, from afar, not up close, every time he comes into town. We make sure we do get a chance to see him," said Charlotte Patterson.

Obama's campaign visit won't be like the last, where thousands of people crowded into the Siegel Center. That's why even with just 300 people in line at the Richmond location, not everyone got a ticket. The same goes for hundreds of people who lined up at the campaign office in Henrico.

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Obama tickets released in Richmond and Henrico

NEW YORK, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Personal & Professional Service Robotics Market Global Forecast & Assessment by Applications & Geography (2012 2017)

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0932986/Personal--Professional-Service-Robotics-Market--Global-Forecast--Assessment-by-Applications--Geography-2012--2017.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Industrial_Equipment

During early 2010s, service robotics evolved with advanced interaction capabilities, in addition to mobility. Entertainment products for exhibitions and products were introduced in Japan to amuse residents- which followed next. Robots were able to respond to vocal commands or gestures and move independently around a living space, watering plants, letting the cat out, operating kitchen appliances, even making toast (as well as serving it), and feeding pets. As the elderly will represent the largest market segment in the years to come, the industry anticipates a huge demand for servant robots.

In the coming ten years, service robotics evolution is expected to continue with its application in Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) or self-driving cars, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or self-piloting airplanes, and autonomous wheelchairs, as well as C3PO-like anthropomorphic robots and less complex simple cleaning robots. The more sophisticated service robots applications include robot snipers, minding children, caring for the elderly, acting as tour guides, and giving people baths or doses of medicine. As with all the digital technologies, the prices of robots are expected to fall, while, at the same time, their capabilities are expected to grow rapidly.

The service robotics market report forecasts and assesses the professional and personal service robotics by applications, and geography from 2012 to 2017. The report analyses the service robotics application market, both qualitatively and quantitatively, giving in-depth insights about each sub segment of all application as well. Industrial service robots can be used to carry out simple tasks, such as examining welding, as well as more complex, harsh-environment tasks, such as aiding in the dismantling of nuclear powers stations. Autonomous scientific robots perform tasks which humans would find difficult or impossible, from the deep sea to outer space. The Woods Hole Sentry can descend to 4,500 meters and allows a higher payload as it does not need a support ship or the oxygen and other facilities demanded by human piloted vessels.

The service robotics market research report aims to capture the market roadmap with market sizes, revenue forecasts, value chain, competitive landscape, leading players and their key developments, strategies, and profiles. Market is split into five regions; namely Americas, Europe, Japan, APAC, and ROW for the geographic analysis of the market.

The global service robotics market in 2011 was worth $18.39 billion. This market is valued at $20.73 billion in 2012 and expected to reach $46.18 billion by 2017 at an estimated CAGR of 17.4% from 2012 to 2017. The market is driven by factors like ageing population, value enhancement by robots, increasing grants and funds by governments, increasing venture capital investments in service robotics companies, enhancements in complementary technologies and integration of robotics with mobile technologies, other smart products, and appliances.

The key market players in service robotics industry are Honda Motors (Japan), iRobot (U.S.), AB Electrolux (Sweden), Sony (Japan), Fujitsu (Japan), Toyota (Japan), GeckoSystems (U.S.), and Yujin Robot (South Korea).

Scope of the report

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Personal & Professional Service Robotics Market - Global Forecast & Assessment by Applications & Geography (2012 - 2017)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Math 104: Calculus, a free online math course offered by Silicon Valley start-up Education-Portal.com, has drawn over 11,000 students since it launched in March 2012. The course is comprised of 103 bite-sized video lessons that are fewer than 10 minutes long. The video lessons make complex concepts like derivatives and integrals simple and easy to learn. Online learners self-navigate through the course, learning just the topics they need to know and skipping the ones they've already mastered.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/SF21048LOGO)

Students are praising the math course's "understandable and easy-to-remember analogies" and instructor Erin Lennon's relatable and clear teaching style. Dr. Alvin Bayliss, professor of applied mathematics at Northwestern University, says, "These lessons are most definitely a useful supplemental resource for calculus students as well as for students who want to study independently."

Math 104 is the second complete course in Education Portal Academy, which is currently building 11 other free courses in math, science, history, English, psychology, and business. Unlike sites such as Khan Academy, Udacity and Coursera, Education Portal Academy's courses and quizzes are designed to lead to real college credit by preparing students to test out of general education requirements. They are also 100% free - no login needed.

"Skyrocketing student debt is crushing today's college students," says Education-Portal.com CEO and co-founder Adrian Ridner. "Education Portal Academy's free college courses make education accessible to students all over the world."

Students have responded in droves. "I've been wanting to expand my college credits in order to get into a different field, but financially that is simply not possible," says one student. "Seeing your site...has given me a new glimmer of hope."

In addition to taking Education Portal Academy's free courses, students can apply for the site's several scholarships and college credit reimbursement program.

Education-Portal.com is a self-funded venture by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Ben Wilson and Adrian Ridner. Their mission for the last ten years has been to make education accessible through technology and innovation.

To learn more about Education Portal Academy's free courses, visit: http://education-portal.com/academy/index.html.

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Over 11,000 Students Take Free Online Calculus Course

The Irish Times - Thursday, July 12, 2012

SEN FLYNN, Education Editor

IN A significant development, online education provider Hibernia College is to offer degree courses in computing and business in association with the University of London which is one of the worlds top-ranked universities.

Students will pay 4,980 for the undergraduate degree courses which will be awarded by the University of London. The university has several constituent colleges, including the London School of Economic and University College London.

The Hibernia initiative which has already trained 4,000 primary teachers will test the growing market for private third-level education in the Republic.

Hibernia director Sen Rowland says the chief benefit for students is that they can gain a valuable degree from a top-ranked college without incurring accommodation, travel and other costs.

While the college hopes to enrol about 250 students in the first year of the programme, some observers believe that student demand for the courses could increase dramatically over the next five years.

More students could opt for more flexible, online courses as the student contribution fee for third-level colleges is set to rise to 3,000 by 2015.

There is also concern in some university circles that students here might see degree courses offered by top-ranked international colleges as more attractive than those from underfunded Irish institutes.

The three-year degree programmes on offer include: a B.Sc in Creative Computing; a B.Sc in Computing and Information Systems; a B.Sc in Management and a B.Sc in Business. A one-year diploma course in management for graduates is also available.

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Online college in link-up with top London university

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Career Education Corporation (CEC) (CECO) served on an expert panel focused on online learning during the inaugural meeting of the bipartisan Congressional E-Learning Caucus Wednesday. Judy Komar, CECs Vice President of Educational Technology, shared the early leadership and significant advances by private sector education institutions, notably CEC, in delivering state-of-the-art online learning programs to its students.

Staff for Caucus Co-chairs U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) invited Komar to appear as a panelist to represent private sector higher education institutions and to offer insights into Career Educations substantial investment and leadership in developing an award-winning Virtual Campus and other educational technologies for students of its two flagship universities Colorado Technical University (CTU) and American InterContinental University (AIU).

We have worked to bring together the technological side with the human side to give our students the best possible educational experience, Komar told the caucus during the panel discussion at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. E-Learning is becoming so incredibly popular. The more we have students learning online and the more institutions offer online courses, the more valuable e-Learning becomes.

At Career Education, Komar is responsible for providing innovative technology solutions for students, helping develop content for more than 500 new courses annually and facilitating and integrating educational technologies. Along with CECs Virtual Campus, Komar was the chief architect in developing M.U.S.E. (My Unique Student Experience), which allows students to engage with course content in ways that best suit their preferred learning style. The M.U.S.E. platform recognizes that reading a textbook and traditional linear learning are not the ideal or most effective learning style for every student. Some students best absorb material by watching or hearing it, while others learn best through problem-solving using real-world examples or by practicing an activity until theyve mastered it. M.U.S.E. adapts to and facilitates students distinct and diverse learning styles.

In addition to the Online Virtual Campuses at CTU and AIU, the company is deploying its innovative education technology at its international institutions as well. CECs International University of Monaco recently began offering an online Executive MBA program leveraging the companys technology.

With 20 years of experience in instruction, training, and consulting, Komar is a pioneer in the field of Educational Technology and has applied her Masters in Education and post-graduate work in Instructional Technology to benefit students with flexible, technology-enabled learning platforms. She has presented about online education to audiences around the world, including the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International.

Komar is proud to have been included in the inaugural Congressional E-Learning Caucus meeting representing private sector higher education institutions as well as CEC.

The Caucus will serve as a resource in Congress on using technology to enable all learners from preschool to high school, from college to the workplace to have access to the highest quality instructional materials and best-in-class instructors regardless of location or income level, Noem and Polis wrote in a letter to Congressional colleagues when announcing formation of the Congressional E-Learning Caucus last fall. Our goals in forming the E-Learning Caucus are to promote increased understanding on Capitol Hill about the pivotal role E-Learning plays in our education system, to promote research on successes and failures in E-Learning so that federal education funds are used prudently, and to ensure that policy is aligned with practice.

Komar was joined on the panel by: Michael Kowalski, Administrator, Online Campus, Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools; Scott Jenkins, Director of External Relations, Western Governors University; and Becky Takeda-Tinker, President of Colorado State University Global Campus.

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Career Education Corporation Joins Congressional E-Learning Caucus Inaugural Meeting