Decluttering 55+ with Michelle Passoff

SummaryRoad Scholar is a world leader in educational travel for boomers and beyond. They offer educational programming around the world, including programs in almost all 50 states and almost 100 countries. They have a wide range of programs, from week-long trips to four-month programs. Road Scholar is popular for its walking and hiking programs in national parks, as well as its signature city programs. They also offer programs in exotic locations like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Antarctica. The average age of Road Scholar participants is 72, and they have a mix of couples and solo travelers.TakeawaysRoad Scholar offers educational travel programs for boomers and beyond, with a wide range of destinations and program lengths.Their programs include walking and hiking in national parks, signature city programs, and trips to exotic locations like Machu Picchu and Antarctica.Road Scholar has a mix of couples and solo travelers, with many solo travelers being married women who leave their spouses at home.Packing light and packing layers are important tips for Road Scholar trips.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Road Scholar and the Purpose of Educational Travel02:20 The Evolution of Elder Hostel to Road Scholar03:37 Road Scholar's Program Locations and Modes of Transportation04:21 Trending Destinations in the World of Educational Travel06:29 Small Group Travel and the Intimate Road Scholar Experience07:54 The Changing Travel Habits of Road Scholar Participants09:15 Exotic Trips and Unforgettable Experiences with Road Scholar13:32 Road Scholar's Ambassador Program and Volunteer Opportunities20:04 Packing Tips for Road Scholar Trips21:41 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionVisit Road Scholar at https://www.roadscholar.org/ to learn more.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryIn this episode, Michelle Passoff discusses running your estate sale. She provides tips on how to prepare for the sale, organize the items, price them, and promote the event. Michelle also shares advice on setting up the sale to maximize security and flow of traffic. She emphasizes the importance of planning and recruiting a team to help with the process. Michelle concludes by suggesting alternatives, such as hiring a professional estate sale company, if running the sale on your own is not feasible.TakeawaysRunning your own estate sale requires planning, organizing, and pricing the items.Recruit a team of friends or family members to help with the preparation and running of the sale.Promote the sale through online platforms and consider using roadside signs.Ensure the flow of traffic through the house is safe and maximize security.Consider alternatives, such as hiring a professional estate sale company, if running the sale on your own is not feasible.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview03:23 Assessing Move-Out Schedule and Selling Strategy06:20 Packing and Labeling Items for Sale09:15 Promoting the Estate Sale10:11 Scheduling the Sale and Recruiting a Team11:09 Using Roadside Signs and Arranging Pickup for Unsold Items12:06 Maximizing Flow of Traffic and Cash Handling13:05 Providing Assistance and Setting Bargaining Rules14:01 Considering Alternatives to Running Your Estate Sale14:31 Conclusion and Call to ActionTune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryIn this conversation, Michelle Passoff interviews George Higby, an appraiser and host of the YouTube channel 'The Antique Nomad.' They discuss the value of items, the differences between estate sales and appraisals, and the importance of not getting stuck on sentimental or monetary value. They also touch on regional variations in the antique market and the importance of making decisions about belongings when downsizing or moving. The conversation emphasizes the need to let go of clutter and the importance of family involvement in the process.TakeawaysDon't get stuck on sentimental or monetary value when decluttering.Consider regional variations in the antique market when selling valuable items.Involve family members in the decision-making process when downsizing or moving.Letting go of clutter can free you to enjoy your space and experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Decluttering02:24 George Higby's Background and Expertise04:14 Differences Between Estate Sales and Appraisals05:51 Qualities and Education of an Appraiser08:36 Regional Variations in the Antique Market11:24 Selling Valuable Items: Estate Sales vs. Online14:45 Trends in the Antique Market15:41 The Value of Enjoyment over Monetary Value20:23 Family Involvement in Decluttering23:02 Conclusion and George Higby's YouTube ChannelFollow George and find out more at https://www.theantiquenomad.com/about.html#/.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryThe conversation discusses the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which provides educational opportunities for retirees. The institute was founded by Bernard Osher and offers classes on a wide range of topics, including technology, history, health, and the arts. The conversation covers how to find and join an Osher Institute, the cost of membership and courses, the availability of online classes, and the opportunity for travel programs. The conversation also mentions the importance of socialization and volunteering within the Osher community.TakeawaysThe Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides educational opportunities for retirees and offers classes on a wide range of topics.To find and join an Osher Institute, individuals can visit the Osher website and search for institutes near their location.Membership fees and course prices vary depending on the institute but generally range from $200 to $400 per year.Osher Institutes offer both in-person and online classes, with online offerings becoming more common during the pandemic.Travel programs are available at some Osher Institutes, offering day trips, domestic overnight trips, and international trips.Volunteering opportunities are also available within the Osher community, with various roles and committees to get involved in.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute02:21 The Changing Landscape of Retirement06:06 Finding and Joining an Osher Institute08:01 Membership and Course Costs10:57 Online Classes and the Impact of the Pandemic13:49 Travel Programs and Social EventsConnect with Steve Thaxton and find out more about the Osher Institutes at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevethaxton/.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryCo-housing is an intentionally designed neighborhood that facilitates human connection. It combines intentional design with social infrastructure to create a well-designed neighborhood where people show up for one another. There are approximately 180 existing co-housing communities in the US, with 140 in various stages of development. Some communities are multi-generational, while others are specifically for seniors. The process of creating a co-housing community can take three to four years, and there are resources available to help individuals find and visit existing communities.TakeawaysCo-housing is an intentional community that combines intentional design with social infrastructure to foster human connection.There are approximately 180 existing co-housing communities in the US, with 140 in various stages of development.Some co-housing communities are multi-generational, while others are specifically for seniors.Creating a co-housing community can take three to four years, and there are resources available to help individuals find and visit existing communities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Decluttering 55 Plus01:28 The Concept of Cleaning Clutter03:48 Understanding Co-Housing06:13 The Origins of Co-Housing06:41 Multi-Generational vs Senior Co-Housing08:05 The Structure and Benefits of Co-Housing15:33 Initiating and Joining a Co-Housing Community20:34 Conclusion and Call to ActionFind out more about Cohousing at https://cohousinginstitute.org/instructors/.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryThis episode of Decluttering 55 Plus with Michelle Passoff features Lacy Robinson, a licensed funeral director and embalmer. They discuss planning your funeral and the evolving nature of funerals and funeral homes. Lacey provides insights on choosing a funeral home, pre-planning, budgeting for a funeral, and the paperwork involved. They also touch on writing obituaries and digital legacy planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for the inevitable and creatively expressing oneself to the very end.TakeawaysReflect on past funerals and memorial services attended to help narrow down choices when selecting a funeral home.Pre-planning a funeral can save money and ensure that your wishes are carried out.Funerals and funeral homes have evolved to offer more contemporary options, including environmentally friendly choices.Important paperwork for funeral arrangements includes the certified death certificate and notifying social security.Writing an obituary in advance allows you to tell your story the way you want it to be told.Digital legacy planning involves organizing online accounts and digital assets to protect against identity theft.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Letting Go of Clutter in Life02:23 Lacy's Journey to Becoming a Funeral Director05:10 Choosing a Funeral Home and Pre-Planning07:34 The Death Positive Movement and Funeral Costs09:56 Pre-Planning and Budgeting for a Funeral11:23 Different Types of End-of-Life Tributes13:12 Evolution of Funerals and Funeral Homes15:06 Navigating the Paperwork for Funeral Arrangements16:06 Writing an Obituary and Digital Legacy PlanningTune in every Friday for new episodes.Reach out to Lacy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyrobinson1/.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryThis conversation explores the idea that change is inevitable and how to embrace it to create a meaningful shift in life. The guest, Nancy Levin, discusses the importance of envisioning the desired change, making conscious choices, and taking action. She emphasizes the need to align choices and actions with the vision to achieve the desired outcome. The conversation also touches on the challenges of making changes when others around you are not ready for it and the importance of setting boundaries. Overall, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace change and be curious about what lies ahead.TakeawaysChange is inevitable and it is important to embrace it rather than resist it.Envisioning the desired change is the first step towards making it a reality.Conscious choices and actions that align with the vision are necessary to achieve the desired outcome.Making changes can be challenging when others around you are not ready for it, but setting boundaries is important.Embracing change and being curious about what lies ahead can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview01:26 Addressing Various Areas of Life04:20 The Fear and Uncertainty of Change06:16 Avoiding the Truth and Creating Chaos09:36 Setting Boundaries and Honoring Needs11:34 The Transformation Equation: Vision, Choice, Action15:54 Generating Change: Envisioning and Taking Action19:34 Conclusion and Call to ActionFind out more about Nancy at https://nancylevin.com/.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus

SummaryIn this conversation, Michelle Passoff and Mike Judkins discuss estate sales and how they can help people prepare for a move or downsize. They explain what an estate sale is and how it works, including the role of estate sale companies. They also discuss estate sales.org, a website that allows estate liquidators to advertise their sales and provides a directory of estate sale companies. They talk about the criteria for selecting an estate sale company and the timeline for planning a sale. They also touch on the emotional aspect of letting go of belongings and the financial aspect of earning money from an estate sale.TakeawaysEstate sales are a way to sell the entire contents of a home, often used when downsizing or during major life events.Estate sales.org is a website that allows estate liquidators to advertise their sales and provides a directory of estate sale companies.When selecting an estate sale company, consider their experience, buyer base, and marketing strategies.Plan an estate sale, allowing at least a month for preparation.Letting go of belongings can be emotional, but it's important to detach and focus on the goal of clearing out the house.The financial outcome of an estate sale can vary, but it's worth it for the convenience and the opportunity to declutter.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview02:29 Understanding Estate Sales04:43 Exploring EstateSales.org07:33 Selecting an Estate Sale Company09:31 Planning an Estate Sale11:49 The Emotional Aspect of Estate Sales14:40 Earning Money from an Estate SaleConnect with Mike Judkins at https://estatesales.org/about.Tune in every Friday for new episodes.Connect with the podcast at...Website: https://www.decluttering55plus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus