DON’T SLEEP ON THESE TRACKING DEVICES WANT A BETTER NIGHT’S REST?
Sleep is essential for good health. It recharges your body and helps you start your day refreshed and alert. With so many wearable devices and sleep tracking apps on the market now, you may be wondering if you should be tracking your sleep.
to keep in mind that while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights, the data they produce is based on an estimate rather than a direct measurement. For a full analysis of your sleep patterns, you should schedule a sleep study. WHICH DEVICE SHOULD YOU GET? There are many trackers out there — including medical-grade trackers — so how do you decide which is right for you? You’ll want to assess both the cost of the device and the kind of data you’d like to collect. The Actiwatch is a medical-grade tracker that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is often used by doctors. However, it can cost up to several thousand dollars. Store-bought sleep trackers are not as accurate as the Actiwatch, but they are more affordable and still provide useful insights. If you choose to use a Fitbit, Jawbone Up, or an Android watch, you should track your nightly sleep as well as any naps you take throughout the day to get the best results. If you are having a severe case of insomnia, narcolepsy, or any other sleeping disorder, it’s essential to speak to your doctor who knows your medical history. They can help you find the best solution to a good night’s rest.
If any of the following apply to you, you may benefit from using a sleep tracker.
• You have difficulty sleeping soundly. You wake up repeatedly throughout the night, either due to environmental noises (a snoring partner) or a sleep disorder (sleep apnea). • You feel exhausted during the day. When you don’t get enough sleep at night, you’ll feel tired during the day and may have difficulty focusing and be less productive. • You want to improve your performance. Whether you’re an athlete or you simply want to do your best at work, consistently getting a full night’s sleep is essential. WHAT DO SLEEP TRACKERS MONITOR? A typical sleep tracker monitors your sleep phases, quality, duration, and environmental factors. Some devices strap to your wrist, while others clip onto a pillow or monitor from a bedside table. Many track your heartbeat and movement. It’s important
THE NEST DEBATE
Should You Sell Your Home or Stay Put in Retirement?
Retirement is a new direction, often one that’s bound by waking up when you want to and limiting your exposure to email. But another significant change is the desire to downsize — or the curiosity of living somewhere new. If you’re thinking about selling your home when you retire, or you’re curious to know if it’s a smart move, consider both sides of the argument. THE ARGUMENT FOR SELLING Selling your home in retirement does offer some lifestyle benefits. You can upgrade to a newer space and move to a region where you’ve always wanted to live, and you don’t have to live in a house. When it comes to the financial gains of selling your home in retirement, the benefits may be a no-brainer. First, it’s important to consider what you want to pay. Would this move eliminate maintenance costs? Do you want a mortgage, or are you happy with a paid-off house? With interest rates as low as they are, a new mortgage could be an affordable option. (In fact, when interest rates are as good as they are now, consider putting less money down, even if you have enough to buy the home outright, to lower the financial impact of the purchase.)
Furthermore, if you have lived in your home for two of the last five years before the date of sale, you can eliminate $250,000– $500,000 from the capital gain on the sale of the house. That’s a big benefit! THE ARGUMENT FOR STAYING Consider your financial situation as a whole. Would buying a new house place a large burden on your savings and retirement? If yes, you may want to stay where your roots are planted. Some retirees don’t want the stress of a mortgage payment, and if the house has been well maintained, they don’t have to worry about repairs. If you can afford to pay outside help — like lawn care specialists, handyman services, or cleaners — and the costs of that help is less than owning a new house would be, that would be a big benefit, too. Lastly, some people feel an emotional and sentimental connection to their home. If this is you, selling may do more harm than good.
If you’re still not sure, or would like additional guidance, please give us a call today.
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