Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trVYPw7b9gg

28-06-2012 03:13 I have been in search of a healthy lifestyle for years. I'm finally taking it seriously! This will be a mind, body, and spirit health and fitness journey. The goal is WELLNESS not a certain number on the scale. I hope you join me! 🙂

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Health and Fitness Journey! Join Me! - Video

They may be well known for setting records on the track or in the pool, but many of the U.S. top Olympians have a passion for health and fitness that goes above and beyond their sport of choice.

Case in point: This week, Kristi Yamaguchi, world-famous figure skater and gold-medal winner at the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games announced the launch of her new line of fitness apparel called Tsu.ya, which will include yoga pants, tanks and jackets, Well + Good reported.

"I designed the line so that as a busy woman, you can get your workout in but also go run errands, go to the grocery store, and have lunch with friends -- but still look good and feel good, she told the site.

A number of her fellow American gold-medal winners have also found their niche in the health-and-fitness business world. Heres a collection of a few -- who would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!

Both Williams sisters have active professional lives off the tennis court, but Venus is the one who puts fitness at the forefront, with her line of activewear and tennis apparel, EleVen. The gold-medal winner (one from Beijing and two from Sydney) told the LA Times: "I had a lot of fun doing designs on the court which were unprecedented for sports. But I wanted to do something that will be available to everyone that's my vision of sportswear."

The basketball great earned his gold medal at the 1992 games in Barcelona. While his company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has invested in a number of projects over the years, his biggest connection to the fitness world was a partnership with fitness-club chain 24 Hour Fitness for a specially-branded string of "signature clubs," according to the company's website, with emphasis on community and making fitness a way of life.

It's yet to be seen if Phelps will pull off a stunning performance in London to match his eight gold medals from the 2008 Beijing games (he's also got six from Athens in 2004). He has since launched a swimming school for all ages and abilities, and told The Huffington Post he plans to be very involved there after retiring.

The first woman ever to win the Olympic Marathon (the event was held for the first time in Los Angeles in 1984), Samuelson (who still runs -- and sets records) now conducts running and fitness clinics and acts as coach and adviser to cross-country and long-distance runners, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The all-star sprinter, with gold medals from 2000, 1996 and 1992, has since opened an athletic training facility in Texas, which bills itself on its website as the official training partner of the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas and the Dallas Stars.

The figure skater, who won gold in Innsbruck in 1976, has put her on-ice talents to good use at a skating program for kids with disabilities.

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Kristi Yamaguchi Launches Fitness Apparel Line, And 10 Other Olympians Who Went From Gold Medalist To Health ...

APPLETON, Wis., June 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vertical Fitness Group (VFG) has announced several promotions as part of the recent conversion of Gold's Gyms to their new Xperience Fitness (www.myxperiencefitness.com) brand.

The appointments are being made to coincide with the company's planned expansion. VFG presently operates 15 Xperience Fitness health clubs throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Jon Barton, a partner with VFG, announced the following promotions:

Fitness as it should be

"Xperience Fitness is all about fitness as it should be -- on your terms," said Barton. "No contracts. No gimmicks. Just fair and honest pricing and great facilities with topnotch amenities. We are built around a singular unifying concept: We believe that by actively participating in a fitness lifestyle -- or "experiencing fitness" -- you will be affected in a way that allows you to get greater joy out of all the important moments in your life.

"Our facilities are topnotch and our equipment and amenities among the best," said Barton. Most Xperience Fitness gyms feature basketball and swimming.

Not your grandfather's gym

"Xperience Fitness promises to our members to be a future-leaning, technology-facing fitness center built for 2012 and beyond," said Barton. "In addition to our low rates ($9.99 per month) and no long-term contractual commitments, we will offer fast, technology-based procedures with self-managed capabilities so members have the ability to direct their own fitness experience if they so choose. We have developed tools that deliver on the promise to help our members lead an active lifestyle and bring the experience with them wherever they go."

The Xperience Fitness website -- http://www.myxperiencefitness.com-- serves as a member "user manual" offering relevant content, expert advice and the ability for members to track fitness progress through a Member Profile, make online payments, and participate in helpful live chats.

Joining the IHRSA Passport Program

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Vertical Fitness Group Announces Several Promotions With New "Xperience Fitness" Health Clubs

The Boomer is a column written for adults nearing retirement age and those already in their golden years. It will also promote reader interaction by posting e-mail responses and answering reader questions. E-mail your questions or topic ideas to thefoxboomer@gmail.com.

When I was a kid and I wanted something, I went straight to my mom. I knew that even if her first answer was no, I could sometimes nag her enough that she would give in to my request. However, when her response was to go ask my father, that usually sent me running to my room crying because there was no nagging dad--when he said no, that was it.

In all families, moms and dads take on different roles when it comes to discipline, managing finances and schedule planning.

When it comes to retirement planning and lending money, men and women take different approaches and hold different views. Ameriprise Financial recently conducted a survey that explored the differences in how baby boomer men and women approach financial conversations and support family members. I reached out to Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial, to find out the differences and their impact on financial planning. Heres what she had to say:

Boomer: The survey finds boomer men are more optimistic about their financial future than women. Why the substantial difference and what do you feel is the reason for the significant drop in these numbers since 2007?

de Baca: What we found in a 2011 report was that more men are prepared for retirement than women, which may contribute to them also feeling more optimistic about it . Theyre more likely to say they have set money aside, and determined the amount of income theyll need in retirement. So in general, men may have more retirement savings socked away and more of a financial plan in place than women do.

Men are also less likely to have exited the workforce to stay at home with children or aging parents, giving them more opportunity to save in many circumstances. The overall level of optimism has declined significantly among both sexes since 2007, which isnt surprised due to the financial crisis and recession.

Boomer: What do you think the reason is that moms are more open to discuss money and finances with their families?

de Baca: Women may be used to having day-to-day discussions with their families about expenses, which could pave the way for more weighty financial conversations. Women could also be talking more about money because they are aware that they may outlive their spouse, and there's an element of financial responsibility to pass along to family members.

Its interesting to note that while moms are more comfortable discussing money issues with their kids in particular their daughters it can still be a stressful discussion. In fact, the daughters of boomers are much more likely than men to say that discussing money is very or somewhat likely to cause tension or an argument in their family (58% vs. 41%).

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Planning for Retirement: How Men and Women Differ

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Newport Group, a leading national provider of retirement and executive benefit plans, announced that its My Forecast retirement readiness service is having a dramatic impact on employees retirement account balances, contribution amounts and overall engagement with their plans.

My Forecast allows employees enrolled in Newport retirement plans to instantly see their account balances, retirement income targets, and current projections, and shows them how to easily make adjustments to help them reach their goals. The feature was first introduced in October of 2011, and has been adopted by over 300 Newport plan sponsors to date.

In just a few months, My Forecast has already produced some exciting results, said Dennis Sain, Newports Senior Vice President, Retirement Services. On average, plan participants who use it have seen their account balances grow 40% more than those whose plans dont yet feature My Forecast. These participants are increasing their contributions to their plans. And they access their accounts 25% more often, performing nearly twice as many transactions on the site.

Unlike many other retirement planning tools, My Forecast is placed front and center on the participant website. Upon login to the site, plan participants see an immediate graphical representation of how their contributions support their desired retirement income. Should there be a gap, interactive tools are available to help them get back on track. The feature also differs from other services by allowing employees to add outside financial accounts, plans and assetsgiving them the most comprehensive snapshot possible of their total retirement readiness.

We believe financial services websites should be easy to use, relevant to a persons complete financial picture, and results-oriented, and we have an ambitious strategy underway to redefine Newports online participant experience accordingly, said Eric Brickman, Senior Vice President, Strategic Solutions Group. My Forecast will continue to be an integral part of this strategy, and were pleased to see this approach is already making a real, tangible difference in personal engagement and retirement savings results.

About The Newport Group

Founded in 1984, The Newport Group is a leading retirement services firmspecializing in the creative design and administration of retirement and executive benefit plans. Through its innovative and customized solutions, Newport is uniquely positioned to satisfy the distinct financial needs of employers and employees, and has done so for hundreds of the countrys largest and best-known companies.

Newport is headquartered in Heathrow (Orlando) FL, with service centers in Charlotte NC, Dallas TX, Greensboro NC, La Crosse WI, Orlando, FL, Richmond VA, and St. Petersburg FL. Newport also has offices in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Denver, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York NY, San Francisco, and St. Louis MO. For more information, visit http://www.newportgroup.com.

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Newport’s ‘My Forecast’ Dramatically Boosts Employees’ Retirement Readiness

MILWAUKEE, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BMO Retirement Services, a part of BMO Global Asset Management, has appointed Matt Smith as Director of Retirement Sales and Strategy. Mr. Smith reports to Phil Enochs, Managing Director and Head of Relationship Management for BMO Global Asset Management.

In this newly-created position, Mr. Smith is responsible for building and further defining the firm's holistic approach to providing solutions to the U.S. retirement plan market. This extends to providing thought leadership on critical retirement issues in concert with the renowned BMO Retirement Institute.

According to Mr. Enochs, "Matt is uniquely qualified to lead this dual initiative given his nearly three decades of achievement in the retirement plan industry as a sales manager, business strategist, investment consultant and author."

Mr. Enochs added, "Matt's career-long commitment to make retirement readiness a reality for millions of 401(k) and other DC participants aligns perfectly with our mission to improve retirement security for people. His extensive experience addressing the concerns of plan sponsors, participants and plan advisors adds depth and dimension to BMO's already-strong organization."

Prior to joining BMO Retirement Services, Mr. Smith was Senior Vice President, National DC Practice Leader of Aon Consulting in Seattle. Previously, he was Managing Director of Retirement for Russell Investment Group, General Manager, Retirement Services at ADP, and DC Consultant for Buck Consultants.

Mr. Smith is the author of Managing Your Firm's 401(k) Plan: A Complete Roadmap to Managing Today's Retirement Plan. He is also the co-author of The Retirement Plan Solution: The Reinvention of Defined Contribution and Someday Rich: Planning for Sustainable Tomorrows Today. All three are published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

He earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Kansas.

About BMO Retirement Services BMO Retirement Services is a part of BMO Global Asset Management and a division of the Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company N.A., offering products and services through various affiliates of BMO Financial Group.

Established in 1973, BMO Global Asset Management is an integral part of BMO Financial Group, a fully-diversified financial services organization. As of April 30, 2012, BMO Global Asset Management oversaw more than $110 billion in assets under management for institutional and high-net-worth clients and the BMO family of mutual funds.

A Midwest-based registered investment advisor with a 40-year track record of fiduciary service, BMO Global Asset Management in the U.S. is organized into four centers of excellence, each of which is a vital and respected part of the global offering: BMO Asset Management U.S., BMO Funds, BMO Retirement Services and BMO Trust and Custody Services.

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BMO Retirement Services Appoints Matt Smith as Director of Retirement Sales and Strategy

BROOKFIELD, Wis., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning for retirement can be a time of great anticipation as well as great anxiety. And, given the current economic climate, many individuals have changed their plans for retirement by either pushing back their retirement date or have considered working part time during their retirement to supplement their fixed incomes. This,according to Jim Cantrell, Certified Financial Planner Professional, Owner and President of Financial Strategies, Inc., a wealth advisory firm in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

While some people close to retirement have changed their goals or approach, others simply don't know what to do. Cantrell, who is also a National Association of Personal Financial Advisors' (NAPFA) Registered Advisor and current NAPFA Board President of the Midwest Region, says, "Daunting uncertainties can creep into your plans and threaten to burst your bubble before it is even fully inflated. While the current economic climate should be cause for caution and concern, careful planning will help you enjoy your retirement the way you had envisioned before the economic turndown." He provides the following five tips to help you create a solid financial plan that will get you back on track and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tip Number 1 Know what you are going to doJim Cantrell offers that "This may seem like a strange tip, however, many people do not plan past the idea of no longer working. They don't think about what will occupy their time once they retire. Your future plans will help you create a better financial plan for your retirement." If you have grandiose thoughts of spending months in exotic destinations, you will need to put a bit more into your retirement fund than if your goal is to do volunteer work and stay close to home. One of the best ways to ensure that your future plans are appropriate for you is to get involved in activities that are of interest before you retire. For example, if you plan to spend your time volunteering, consider giving a few hours a week before retirement to see if this will work with your future plans. Additionally, if relocation is part of your retirement goal, spend time vacationing in the areas you could potential call your future home.

Tip Number 2 Know your benefits"Once you retire, there is a good chance you will not receive the same benefits you did when you were employed," states Cantrell. It is important to talk to your organization's human resources department well before you plan to retire. Consider items such as health insurance, pension and stock options. Each of these things could have a big impact on your finances once you are retired.

Tip Number 3 Diversify your stock optionsAs you approach retirement, it is important to ensure that you do not have an over concentration of stock positions. Sometimes senior management and upper level executives have a lot of their portfolio tied up in their company; however, once they retire they will not have the same level of control in the direction the company takes. Having all your eggs in one basket (or a lot of them) is never a good idea, this is why it is important to consider diversifying your investment portfolio.

Tip Number 4 Move to stable investmentsAs you approach retirement, (at some point say five to seven years prior) consider shifting your investment portfolio from a higher percentage of equities to less riskier, fixed or stable investments. This will make your portfolio a much safer place to go and get your money when you need it.

Tip Number 5 Have a solid plan"In order to enjoy a comfortable retirement, it is important to have a clear understanding of what it will take to retire," Cantrell offers as a final tip. How much will you need to put away to live the lifestyle you currently enjoy, or what things do you plan to cut out? Know what you currently have available and what you will need and put it all down in a solid and workable plan. One of the best ways to ensure that you have a solid plan is to meet with a certified financial planning practitioner (we recommend a fee-only advisor) to create a program that meets all your future needs.

"Retirement should be a time of great joy and relaxation. Planning for this time in life is vital to ensure that the goals you have set will be attainable. Don't let the uncertainty of the current economic climate stop you from planning your retirement," Cantrell concludes. For more information on planning for your retirement, visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors' (NAPFA) website at http://www.napfa.org or Jim Cantrell at Jim@retirementandwealth.com. They can offer you important tips and advice and help you find a reputable fee-only advisor who can help you put your plans in place.

About Jim Cantrell and Financial Strategies, Inc. Jim Cantrell, Certified Financial Planner, is Owner and Founder of Financial Strategies, Inc. (FSI). FSI is a Fee-Only wealth advisory firm. Jim is also a National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) Registered Financial Advisor and NAPFA Board President of the Midwest Region, serving North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He has over 22 years of experience in financial planning and investment advising to top-level executives and other investment savvy individuals and retirees, as well as their families.

FSI's Fee-Only structure ensures that clients receive honest and objective advice that is not dependent upon a commission structure for the financial success of the advisor. Known by clients for their dedication, attentiveness and teamwork, the staff at FSI combines creativity, kindness and professionalism to give the best possible care and service. For more information on Financial Strategies, Inc, please visit, http://www.retirementandwealth.com.

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Five Tips for Effective Retirement Planning

(MoneyWatch) "Fuhgeddaboutit"

If you're relying on an inheritance to fund your retirement, you might want to revise your plan. It's more likely all you're really going to get is a bunch of family stories, with some furniture, used cars, or jewelry thrown in for good measure -- certainly nothing you can take to the bank. At least that's the conclusion you get when you put two bits of information together: The results of a recent survey report from Allianz Life and an in-depth look at the wealth of the older population.

According to the Allianz report, 86 percent of boomers (those age 47 to 66) and 74 percent of elders (those age 72 and over) state that family stories are the most important aspect of their legacy, ahead of personal possessions (64 percent for boomers, 58 percent for elders). Financial assets, which you can take to the bank, are cited as most important by only 9 percent of boomers and 14 percent of elders. In addition, only 14 percent of elders feel they owe their children an inheritance, down from 22 percent who reported they felt this way in 2005.

These results make a lot of sense, given the modest retirement savings of most boomers and retirees. They'll need to use all their savings to avoid another unfortunate legacy -- the need to move in with their children because they've run out of money.

This leads us to the numbers I referred to earlier. According to the 2012 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), less than one-fourth -- only 22 percent -- of households headed by someone aged 55 and over have retirement savings of $250,000 or more. We can use numbers from my April 2012 retirement income scorecards to see just how much retirement income $250,000 in retirement savings will generate for a couple both age 65, using various methods of producing a retirement paycheck.

This couple could buy a fixed immediate annuity that would generate an annual payout rate of 5.8 percent, or $14,600 per year. They could also buy an inflation-adjusted annuity with an annual payout rate of 3.9 percent, or $9,688 per year. Add in Social Security income, and it's possible this couple will make ends meet in retirement, but they certainly won't be living high off the hog. And no financial legacy would be left if they used these methods of generating a retirement income.

Retirement income scorecard: Immediate annuities Retirement income scorecard: Managed payouts Retirement income scorecard: Interest and dividends

This couple could also use the four percent rule to generate retirement income: They would invest their savings, withdraw four percent in the first year, and give their retirement paycheck an increase for inflation each year. Their initial retirement income would be $10,000 per year.

This method offers pretty good odds of allowing your savings to last for the rest of your life, but the amount you could leave as a legacy would vary widely. If you live a long time or experience poor investment returns, you could experience "money death" before you pass away, and you'd leave no financial legacy. On the other hand, if you experience favorable investment returns or pass away before your estimated life expectancy, you could leave a substantial legacy.

One more thing: Given the current low interest rates on bonds and expectations for stock market returns, some analysts consider annual payout rates of 3.5 percent or lower to be safe if you don't want to outlive your money; a 3.5 percent payout rate would produce an annual income of $8,750 per year with $250,000 in retirement savings.

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Will an inheritance bail out your retirement?

Retirement woes continue to haunt Americans as the cost of living continues to increase. From paying for medical insurance to paying the bills, retirement continues to be a sticky subject in America. Another major concern for many citizens is finding an affordable retirement home to live in. While many retirement homes are priced to meet the needs of financially-strained retirees, others boast prices and amenities that are simply off the chart in terms of luxury and cost. With the wide range of prices and options available, one must argue the question: Do you have to pay a lot of money to be satisfied with your experience in a retirement home? Here is a look at two of the most expensive and three examples of affordable retirement homes in the United States for an in-depth comparison of whether you really need to pay a lot of money for a quality retirement experience.

SEE: The Complete Guide To Retirement Planning For 50-Somethings

Two of the Most Expensive Retirement Homes in the U.S.Vi at La Jolla Village A retirement home that certainly offers retirees a piece of the luxury is Vi at La Jolla Village in San Diego. Vi at La Jolla Village provides spacious floor plans available from one bedroom to three bedrooms. Some standard features of the homes include an emergency call system, expanded digital cable television, patio or balcony, and spacious closets. Additionally, Vi at La Jolla Village provides 24 hour valet parking services, weekly housekeeping, healthy dining options and Phillips Lifeline alert system in each unit. All this luxury has quite a price tag attached to it. Entrance fees start at $225,200 and max out at $753,700, while monthly costs can range from $2,720 to $4,440.

SEE: Finding A Retirement-Friendly State

Valencia Shores Another amazing example of a retirement community that offers up luxury and relaxation with a steep price tag is Valencia Shores in Lake Worth, Fla. Some of the impressive amenities that Valencia Shores offers include a full-scale athletic club with fitness center, tennis courts, whirlpool spa, and full-service hair and nail salon. Valencia Shores has a broad selection of homes available, each massive in size and with all the modern amenities you could ask for. List prices start at $239,000 and max out at $625,000.

Three of the Most Affordable Retirement Homes in the U.S.American House American House in Dearborn Heights, Mich. is one great example of an affordable retirement home that is looking out for the cash-strapped retiree. American House offers a variety of floor plans up to two bedrooms, and offers a hearty helping of comfort with amenities such as an emergency response system, month-to-month leases and weekly housekeeping. American House offers many programs that help save tenants money on living costs, including programs for veterans and low-income seniors.

SEE: Will Your Retirement Income Be Enough?

Atria Kennebunk Located in Kennebunk, Maine, Atria Kennebunk is an affordable retirement home with much to offer seniors. Amenities include a very active social community, beautiful interior and scenery, emergency call system in every unit, and concierge. Atria Kennebunk determines cost based on your income and has programs available to work with low-income retirees.

Meadowood Meadowood in Worcester, Pa. is another affordable retirement home that offers tenants considerable bang for their buck. Housing options include spacious apartments or carriage homes and some of the attractive amenities include an expansive library, fitness room and pool. Best of all, Meadowood has a broad range of financial options available to tenants, making Meadowood an easy choice for any budget.

SEE: Will You Have To Delay Your Retirement?

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Some Of America's Most Expensive And Affordable Retirement Homes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will receive a big pay raise when he leaves office in January and takes over as president of Purdue University, possibly earning more than five times as much salary.

A memorandum of understanding between Daniels and the university calls for a salary comparable to those earned by university presidents at peer institutions, as well as performance bonuses. Outgoing Purdue President France Cordova earns $465,000. Indiana University President Michael McRobbie earns $533,120, which IU spokesman Mark Land says put him roughly in the middle for pay among university presidents in the Big Ten.

Ohio State University President Gordon Gee is reported to be the highest paid university president, making nearly $2 million a year. That includes a base salary of $834,530, deferred annual compensation of $225,000, performance compensation of $143,179, a supplemental executive retirement plan of $616,635 and other employer retirement benefits of $100,500.

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman earns $585,783 a year. Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon earns $520,000 a year.

According to the state auditor's office, Daniels' annual salary is $95,000. With other compensation, he was paid nearly $108,000 last year.

Morris Levy, a biological sciences professor who just completed a term as University Senate chairman on June 1, says he has concerns about the 10-member board of trustees, eight of them appointed by Daniels, setting his salary.

"I believe the phrase 'conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest' is the most accurate statement," he said.

Levy said faculty members will be watching closely to see what Daniels is paid, especially because he is expected to streamline costs at the university.

Levy said the university works to try to make everyone feel as though they are all on the same team.

"If we pay Mr. Daniels an extraordinary salary, it's going to be hard to make everyone feel that way under him," he said.

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Daniels to receive large personal pay as Purdue president