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On the surface, snowbirds and sunbirds are about the same. They migrate at similar times and are searching for ideal climates. However, there is a marked difference between the two. Sunbirds tend to live in already warmer climates. Their reason for escaping a permanent residence isn’t so they can beat the cold — it’s to beat the heat! Meanwhile, snowbirds just want to avoid snow, slush, and chilly weather.
The biggest question to ask yourself is what you want out of retirement. If you have strong roots where you currently live, including a large family, grandchildren, volunteer groups, and part-time work, you may want to consider keeping your current home as your permanent residence, regardless of where it is. You may choose a shorter stint in Florida after the holidays to escape the cold or a quick trip north during July and August to beat the heat. Either option you choose, doing so requires you to consider the financial strains of owning or renting two properties, potential missed family time, and complexities of moving to a new region. You will have to make new friends at your part-time home, which can be difficult as we age. You may also have to consider finding seasonal work or learning more about the local culture you move into. It may take time to acclimate, and you have to be willing to put in the effort! Snowbirding and sunbirding can be enjoyable experiences for retirees looking for the best of both worlds. But coming to this decision may not be easy. Sit down with your partner or a trusted loved one to weigh your options. You may find a hybrid option that works for you or discover you’d rather stay put. Or, you just may become a full-fledged bird of snow or sun.
So, which one should you become?
Safe travels!
Fun Facts About the Fourth of July You Can Share With Your Kids
Two future presidents signed the Declaration of Independence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They both died exactly 50 years later, on July 4, 1826. This fact is an interesting coincidence sure to fascinate both kids and adults. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to some of the Founding Fathers and share how they helped shape the United States today. In 1776, the year the United States was founded, only 2.5 million people lived here. Today, the U.S. population is 331 million. Lots of people have been born in the United States since it was founded, and millions more came here from other places, hoping to find a better life. Many succeeded, too. Many people want to call this country home! On the Fourth of July, around 155 million hot dogs are eaten in the United States. Okay, so this fact might not have anything to do with American history, but it’s still pretty funny! If anything, the fact that we have so many hot dogs to eat on that day is evidence of the prosperity so many people enjoy in the United States of America.
What do your kids know about the Fourth of July? Do they know it’s a day when you have a barbecue, spend time with friends and neighbors, and watch a fireworks show? These hallmarks of the holiday certainly do make it fun and memorable, but they don’t really exemplify why we celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of when the United States declared its independence from Britain. So, along with the sparklers and hot dogs, here are a few fun facts about Independence Day you can share with your kids to help them understand the significance of the holiday. The Fourth of July marks our country’s independence because it’s when the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. This fact might seem like a no-brainer, but it contextualizes the holiday for kids. It’s a great jumping off point to talk about why the United States wanted to be its own country, what the Continental Congress was, what the Declaration of Independence said, and what it means to “ratify” something.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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