 No, PEARLS is not about a necklace we wear. Rather, it is about support for the 60+ population. Let me explain: PEARLS stands for Program Encouraging Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors. PEARLS has existed nationally for about 12 years. We offer support to people 60+ who are sad, anxious, depressed or are experiencing life issues for which they want support in El Paso County Colorado. PEARLS was developed at the University of Washington in the late 1990s. The aim was to provide supportive companionship and practical strategies to improve the lives of older adults. The human needs which PEARLS addresses affects more than 6.5 million Americans in that age group, but only about 10% get treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Some of the potential consequences of a lack of support or treatment is increasing isolation and physical decline. Frequently, we run across folks that just feel stagnant: “I’m at that certain age, this is how I am now.’” Cynthia, our coach, says older generations often view receiving mental health care as embarrassing or shameful, so they often won’t seek help. Often, they are not even aware they’re feeling depressed, remarking, “it’s just the way it’s supposed to be!” The PEARLS program is offered at no charge to clients. It identifies 60+ folks who may be just starting to struggle or even at-risk seniors who have gone for long periods with little support. Typically, our coach meets the client in his or her home for six to eight sessions through 5 to 6 months to learn skills for goals they have set so they can make behavior changes to diminish their depression and isolation. The PEARLS Program of Colorado and those in other states have provided services to hundreds of persons. Clients are often the best spokespeople for the effectiveness of the program. One individual commented, “I’m not so sad all the time and unreasonable about everything,” “I would recommend this program to most people,” and, “it changed my way of thinking.” Increased self-sufficiency is also one of the program’s aims. “If people take care of their emotional health, they’re more likely to care for themselves physically,” said Roberta “I think a program like this can help individuals be less dependent on the system.” Research supports clients’ comments on their experiences. PEARLS recipients were likely to have a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, improved quality of life, and a trend in decreased hospitalizations. Care coordination is also a key element. Our staff has decades of experience working with 60+ members of our community. They are well-acquainted with additional services that might be needed and assist clients in access to them. Building a wider network of supports strengthens individuals’ ability to maintain the gains they made while working with the PEARLS coach. To contact a PEARLS coach call or text 719 459-2017 Website: pearlsprogram.net
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 The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. It's a 64-mile day trip that you will thoroughly enjoy and never forget. The narrow-gauge heritage railroad operates between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it chugs its way up and over the 10,015′ high Cumbres Pass. The Cumbres & Toltec goes where no automobile can go. Most of the route is through “off-the-grid” wilderness, so you’ll experience views into canyons and over ridges that can’t be seen in any other way. The train travels at a top speed of 12 miles an hour, and that’s the beauty of it! You won’t miss the aspen groves, the wildflowers, the steep mountain canyons, or the plentiful wildlife. The steam engine is coal fired and carries you through steep mountain canyons, high desert, and lush meadows as you zig zag between the Colorado and New Mexico borders. There is, indeed, spectacular and rare Western scenery which can only be viewed from the train's unique route. The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad has steamed through history and across the Rocky Mountains since 1880, when first tracks were laid across Cumbres Pass. This unique experience will take you back in time and off of the grid so you can experience the sounds, steam and steel of bygone years. Your daily grind can’t follow you into the great, unspoiled West. Originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's narrow-gauge network, the line has been jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico since 1970. In 1988, a nonprofit organization called the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was established to preserve the history of the railroad and help maintain infrastructure and rolling stock. The Friends of the C&TSRR also participates in various education programs and provides the railroad guides, known as docents, who inform passengers about historical aspects of the railroad as well as locations of interest. (Image Courtesy of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad) A recent honor: USA Today - "Best Train Ride in America” Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ranks among the most authentic steam-operated railroads still in existence. Passengers aboard this National Historic Landmark travel along a track laid in 1880 between Chama, N.M. and Antonito, Colo. Source... Related Travel Info...  Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Loan Homeowners who are looking to use a reverse mortgage to tap into their home equity now have a new option at their disposal. The only private reverse mortgage available for the last few years was Generation Plus, meant for borrowers with home values exceeding 1 million. In addition, Urban Financial of America abolished the dry spell in the private reverse mortgage industry and introduced jumbo reverse mortgages. Jumbo reverse mortgage loans are targeted at new homeowners with homes valued upwards of $600,000. These loans come with some essential key features that make them stand out, providing more alternatives and borrowing power for homeowners with high-valued properties. A jumbo reverse mortgage can help you tap into your home equity during retirement and help you face everyday challenges. When you meet the age and credit score requirements, the jumbo reverse loans can be a place to age and increase your cash flow with rising healthcare costs, education, or helping out other family members. Even with millions of dollars in home equity, we all have to balance our budget at the end of the month. How does a Jumbo reverse mortgage loan work? Buying a house is a life-changing event in our lives, and it requires a lot of financial planning. Working on your credit score and saving enough for a down payment are crucial first steps towards homeownership. On top of this, it involves choosing the lowest mortgage rates and negotiating favorable terms. Unfortunately, depending on your chosen area, your home may be worth more than $679,650, and you won’t qualify for a traditional government-insured reverse mortgage. Instead, you’ll need to opt for a jumbo loan. Jumbo reverse mortgages, frequently called proprietary reverse mortgages, differ from conventional reverse mortgages. The loan amounts exceed the conforming limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and therefore cannot be purchased, guaranteed or backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Private firms and larger banks are generally responsible for jumbo reverse mortgages. However, mortgagers are subject to the same obligations under traditional reverse mortgages to finance their high-valued property. Homeowners must be over 62 years old and continue to live in their own home as their primary residence. In addition, they must have the financial resources to continue to maintain the property. When the reverse mortgage loan idea was first conceived, people quickly began to recognize that the common was a brilliant solution to common challenges. Using the equity in your home, a reverse mortgage is a financing option that eliminates monthly mortgage payments and taps into your equity. Consequently, the loan doesn’t need to be repaid as long as the borrower continues living in his home. However, this doesn’t mean that a reverse mortgage is free. Borrowers are still responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance. Meanwhile, the loan accumulates monthly interest, and you’ll repay it at the end of the loan’s lifespan. Jumbo reverse mortgage loan to value So, what percentage of your home appraisal can you actually access? Several factors determine how much equity you can access with this loan. For most traditional mortgages, the maximum loan-to-value ratio without a PMI is typically 80 percent. However, depending on the lender’s requirements, it varies slightly. For reverse mortgages, the LTV isn’t used as a critical determining factor in the approval process. Instead, the LTV ratio is influenced by other key factors, including the borrower’s age, current interest rate, and the home’s sales price. The current rate sits at approximately 50 to 55%. High loan limitsMany seniors with an existing mortgage of over 1 million dollars qualify for a reverse jumbo loan. In general, homeowners with 50% to 55% or more equity have a good chance of being approved. When you apply for a jumbo reverse mortgage, you can potentially borrow hundreds of thousands more than the HECM loan limits. With jumbo reverse mortgages, seniors can borrow up to 6 million worth of home equity. The exact amount depends on the borrower’s eligibility, age, house value, and how much is owed on the property. With a large amount of cash at your disposal, you’ll gain more control over your assets and investments. Capitalize on a program that takes a glance at the total value of your home. Since Jumbo reverse mortgage lenders aren’t FHA approved nor guaranteed, lenders don’t need to follow FHA guidelines. Instead, they mimic FHA protections and provide their adaptation to their guidelines. Jumbo reverse mortgage benefits 1) Retain Home Ownership Undoubtedly, the critical benefit behind a reverse mortgage is to keep one of your most significant assets. Contrary to what some people believe, lenders don’t take away your ownership when you borrow against it. If you adhere to loan terms and continue to pay your taxes and insurance, you will remain the legitimate proprietor. 2) Stay financially stable One of the many benefits of a jumbo reverse loan is your ability to boost your finances by tapping into your equity. In addition, private companies offer complete flexibility when it comes to payout options, including lump sum, monthly payments, or line of credit. Seniors can benefit from an increased standard of living and allow them to live their dreams. When your house is worth $1,000,000 or more, you want to access your home’s equity and spend it whatever way you want. It’s an excellent way to use the value of your property to fund part of your retirement. 3) No Insurance Premiums Private reverse mortgages don’t require insurance. As a result, borrowers aren’t left behind with a pile of upfront or annual insurance premiums they face when borrowing the government-insured program. 4) No Monthly Mortgage Payments Many borrowers use a jumbo reverse mortgage to eliminate monthly payments while allowing seniors to live in highly valued areas. While traditional mortgages allow refinancing small mortgages, jumbo products allow borrowers to refinance several hundred thousand. So not only will you lessen your burden, but you’ll also bring in an additional source of income. 5) Fixed-rate loans Borrowers taking out jumbo reverse mortgages don’t need to worry about interest rate hikes. Jumbo reverse mortgages have various fixed interest loans, which means your loan size will increase with predictability. This is uncomplicated to plan your finances! 6) A Reverse mortgage loan is generally a non-recourse loan One of the best benefits of a reverse mortgage is that it is generally a non-recourse loan. You’re protected if your loan balance is higher than the value of your home. Your lender cannot seek to seize your assets and must absorb the loss. Lower Cost It was just a few years ago that people were ranting about how expensive reverse mortgages we’re. Today, it’s no longer the case. Corelogic determined that the difference is due to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s continuously increasing guarantee fees. Since 2010, it nearly tripled, and since jumbo loans are too big to be purchased by this giant corporation, it leaves jumbo loans untouched. Reverse mortgages backed by the FHA carry some hefty financing charges. The biggest one being a 2% insurance premium. Meanwhile, the higher jumbo rates have come down from 7.5% to as low as 4.95% and require no additional monthly insurance charges as required by government-backed programs. This equates to savings totaling $16 447,50$ compared to a HECM jumbo program. In addition, jumbo loans benefit from no upfront or recurrent mortgage premiums, and lenders can often waive origination fees and pay upfront costs. Applicants face strenuous observation and often have stellar credit scores. Therefore, it becomes advantageous for lenders and advantageous enough to offer better terms. The jumbo programs make much sense when you consider all the improvements, lower rates and fees, higher loan amounts, and underwritings. Are Jumbo reverse loans still available? The recent changes made by the HUD make it easier for Jumbo reverse mortgages to re-enter the market, offering a product exceeding the lending limit of $822,375. Jumbo rates recently dropped, and many borrowers find that the range of jumbo products is more appealing than ever for higher valued homes. Potential homebuyers and refinancers see an opportunity to secure a lower rate, even if the pool of lenders is scarce with the pandemic. Borrowers may face stricter requirements and more documents during the process to ensure their repayment capability. The excellent news is jumbo reverse mortgages are still available. Sources Michael Branson (November 16, 2019). Lowest Cost Reverse Mortgage Surprisingly Affordable! https://reverse.mortgage/lowest-cost Mortgage News -7thlvl. 5 Major Benefits of Reverse Mortgage Loans https://mortgagenewschannel.com/5-major-benefits-reverse-mortgage-loans/ Kathleen Coxwell – New Retirement (August 25, 2014). New Jumbo Reverse Mortgage; HomeSafe Reverse Mortgage Brings Additional Benefits https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/new-jumbo-reverse-mortgage-homesafe-reverse-mortgage-brings-additional-benefits/ Michael Branson (March 12, 2021). 2021 Jumbo Reverse Mortgages: Lenders Rates & Limits. https://reverse.mortgage/jumbo Brett Stumm What is a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage and Its Pros & Cons? https://brettstumm.com/jumbo-reverse-mortgage/ LendingTree.com (June 5th, 2018). Understanding Jumbo Reverse Mortgages https://www.lendingtree.com/home/reverse-mortgage/understanding-jumbo-reverse-mortgages/ Alpha Mortgage Reverse Mortgages Maximum Loan-to-Value https://reversemortgagevalue.com/loan-to-value/ Jackie Lohrey | Sapling.com How to Use My Home As Collateral for a Loan https://www.sapling.com/5489036/use-home-collateral-loan Get to Know Kevin A. Guttman Reverse Mortgage Specialist A Jumbo Reverse mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated when you have a professional help you along the way. Contact our team today to get the wheels in motion a (877) 251-9709 image source: Pixabay Have you checked on these retirement expenses lately? What we’re talking about is the annual cost of a private room in a nursing home or even home health aide services. The amount for a private room in a nursing home has cracked the six-figure mark ~ $102,200! The amount for home health services averages $23 per hour These amounts are according to Genworth Financial in their 2020 Cost of Care Study. This rising cost of care has outpaced inflation. Where you live in the U.S. makes quite a difference. You can calculate the cost of care by state here: Cost of Care A growing number of older adults need specialized care. However, there is a shortage of skilled workers — both of which raise care expenses.  Look at these numbers of growth between the years 2018 and 2019:
It’s Time to Plan Ahead by Identifying How You’d Like to Receive Care: Planning for your care as you get older is very important and can be daunting. You might want to work with an advisor to lay out a plan of where and how you would like to receive care. Some retirees may spend money on the more moderate cost of receiving home care. There’s the possibility of having a home health aide come to visit. However, circumstances can change quickly which could lead to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Long-term care insurance might be an option but becomes more expensive the longer you wait. Select trusted individuals to oversee your medical care decision making. This may include family members as well as other expects in the field of financial planning and medical care. A Huge Financial Decision for this Retirement Expense!
 We want to share with you 4th of July quotes from famous Americans who have contributed so much to our freedoms and wonderful way of life. We are forever grateful. John F. Kennedy “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” *************************** Peter Marshall “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” *************************** Oliver Wendell Holmes “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation forevermore!” *************************** Marquis de Lafayette “Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.” ************************* Dwight D. Eisenhower “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” ************************* George Bernard Shaw “Liberty is the breath of life to nations.” ************************** Condoleezza Rice “The essence of America—that which really unites us—is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea—and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.” ************************** Lee Greenwood “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” ************************** Benjamin Franklin “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” *************************** Oscar Wilde“With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?” ****************************
You have a choice of days as well as the type of music you prefer. The music genres are varied throughout the summer: jazz, blues, rock, R&B, Motown, oldies, bluegrass, reggae, Americana, Dixieland, pop, Latin, country and more!
All you need is a blanket or chair as well as some yummy snacks. The difficult part is deciding which concerts to attend! FIRST & MAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5-7 p.m. Fridays (June & July) First and Main Town Center, 3650 New Center Point, 955-6060, firstandmaintowncenter.com ——————————————————————————————————————- PIKES PEAK JAZZ AND SWING SOCIETY’S ~ JAZZ IN THE PARKS 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, ppjass.org —————————————————————————————————————- Manitou Springs Live Music For concerts in Manitou Springs – Click Here —————————————————————————————————————-- HILLSIDE GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6:00-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Hillside Gardens, 1006 S. Institute, $10, includes ticket for one nonalcoholic beverage, beer or wine, 520-9463, hillsidegardensandevents.com ———————————————————————————————————————- BANNING LEWIS RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6-8 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays Banning Lewis Ranch, 6885 Vista del Pico Blvd., 522-2432, banninglewisranch.com ———————————————————————————————————————– JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT GRACE AND ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 7 p.m. Fridays 601 N. Tejon St., 328-1125, gssepiscopal.org ———————————————————————————————————————– MUSIC ON THE LABYRINTH 6:30 p.m. Saturdays First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., firstchristiancos.org ———————————————————————————————————————-- WOODLAND MUSIC SERIES Indoors at Ute Pass Cultural Center or outdoors at the Woodland Pavilion, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 687-5284, woodlandmusicseries.org ————————————————————————————————————————- PAINT THE TOWN BLUE SERIES 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays Thorndale Park, 2310 W. Uintah St., pikespeakblues.org ————————————————————————————————————————- MUSICAL MONDAYS IN MONUMENT VALLEY PARK 7 p.m. Mondays Monument Valley Park, on lawn west of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Cache la Poudre St. Concert Schedule ————————————————————————————————————————-- SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GLEN 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays ~ July & August The Glen at Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., broadmoorchurch.org —————————————————————————————————————————-  Head to a local Colorado Springs park this summer for some of the best summer concerts and free entertainment in the city. There are various parks throughout the city and the surrounding area that are hosting wonderful live music groups. You have a choice of days as well as the type of music you prefer. The music genres are varied throughout the summer: jazz, blues, rock, R&B, Motown, oldies, bluegrass, reggae, Americana, Dixieland, pop, Latin, country and more! All you need is a blanket or chair as well as some yummy snacks. The difficult part is deciding which concerts to attend! FIRST & MAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5-7 p.m. Fridays (June & July) First and Main Town Center, 3650 New Center Point, 955-6060, firstandmaintowncenter.com ——————————————————————————————————————- PIKES PEAK JAZZ AND SWING SOCIETY’S ~ JAZZ IN THE PARKS 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, ppjass.org ——————————————————————————————————————- HILLSIDE GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6:00-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Hillside Gardens, 1006 S. Institute, $10, includes ticket for one nonalcoholic beverage, beer or wine, 520-9463, hillsidegardensandevents.com ———————————————————————————————————————- BANNING LEWIS RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6-8 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays Banning Lewis Ranch, 6885 Vista del Pico Blvd., 522-2432, banninglewisranch.com ———————————————————————————————————————– JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT GRACE AND ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 7 p.m. Fridays 601 N. Tejon St., 328-1125, gssepiscopal.org ———————————————————————————————————————– MUSIC ON THE LABYRINTH 6:30 p.m. Saturdays First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., firstchristiancos.org ———————————————————————————————————————-- WOODLAND MUSIC SERIES Indoors at Ute Pass Cultural Center or outdoors at the Woodland Pavilion, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 687-5284, woodlandmusicseries.org ————————————————————————————————————————- PAINT THE TOWN BLUE SERIES 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays through July 19 Thorndale Park, 2310 W. Uintah St., pikespeakblues.org ————————————————————————————————————————- MUSICAL MONDAYS IN MONUMENT VALLEY PARK 7 p.m. Mondays Monument Valley Park, on lawn west of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Cache la Poudre St. Concert Schedule ————————————————————————————————————————-- SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GLEN 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays ~ July The Glen at Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., broadmoorchurch.org —————————————————————————————————————————- Did you know there are hot springs destinations in Colorado? For hundreds of years Coloradans have flocked to the relaxing and healing waters that are distinct to natural hot springs. Due to the heat and minerals found in these hot springs all over Colorado, they are said to have healing properties which leave you feeling rejuvenated! Hot spring pools are, without a doubt, extremely relaxing and beautiful. Why should we make a trip to an Earth’s natural spa? The main benefits of hot spring pools are:
With all these therapeutic benefits, how could you not want to make your way to a hot spring? We created a list of some of the most popular hot springs to visit in Colorado. We hope you’ll go check them out! (For more Hot Springs Destinations in Colorado, Click Here) Click on each title to go to their website. 1. Avalanche Ranch      What a perfect way to show your patriotism…with patriotic pies. These are perfect for a patriotic holiday in the USA such as the 4th of July, 2021! They will, no doubt, be the hit of the party! Here are four favorites that will make your creative juices flow. Who knows, maybe you will tweak the recipes and create your own masterpiece! Old Glory Cherry & Blueberry Pie
Mini Patriotic Pies Flag-designed Masterpiece
Red Berry Pie Paired with Blueberry Pie – A Patriotic Slice of America
What day did most signers of the Declaration of Independence actually sign the document?
Aug. 2, 1776 How many people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th? Two Which three of the first five presidents died on the Fourth of July? John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Adams, the second president, and Jefferson, the third, died on the same day in 1826, the 50th anniversary. Which president was born on the Fourth of July? Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, in 1872. What other countries celebrate the Fourth of July? Denmark, England, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. Denmark Danes and Norwegians celebrate American Independence Day because thousands emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Other European countries, like England, Portugal and Sweden, hold celebrations near American military bases and or spots frequented by American tourists to boost travel during early July. When did the Fourth of July become a legal federal holiday? 1938 Is there something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence? It might not be a treasure map as the movie claims in “National Treasure,” but there is apparently a message written upside down at the bottom of the signed document: “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” It’s not known who wrote this and when it was written. Parchment was usually rolled up during the Revolutionary War years, it’s thought this statement served as a label. Learn why John Adams would think the country is celebrating Independence Day on the wrong date: Adams wrote that July 2, the date the Second Continental Congress voted in Philadelphia to declare independence from Britain, not July 4, would be the day patriots celebrated their freedom. “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, (a new or distinctive era or a moment in time) in the History of America,” Adams wrote on July 3. “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Related Holiday Post: Patriotic Pies July 4th is a Wonderful, Patriotic Holiday in the USA – Enjoy! |
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