“Yes, 60 is the new 40. But at 40 I was working and didn’t have as much time to take care of myself—eating better, exercising, socializing, reinventing myself. I was retired in my late forties (fortunately) but feel that I have been in a better place and time being in my sixties. I’m 64 today and glad to be here… We have so much fun at night in our retirement… [we] exercise our brains with card games, socializing and [don’t go] a day without laughter in our lives!” Mary Anne

“60 is the new 60. In general we are healthier with advancements for mental, coronary and joints. We can come up with creative ways to continue working in our profession part-time. We have all kinds of options for travel and leisure. And best of all, we can enjoy our lives and watch our children and grandchildren enjoy theirs. It’s a great time to be alive.” John

Sixty can be the new forty. Each of us has made numerous decisions throughout our lifetimes—how much we exercise, what we eat, and whether we choose to spend our spare time engaging in active or sedentary pastimes—that play a major role in determining how we age.

Those of us who have already passed the threshold of turning 60 are now faced with major decisions that, when we were in our forties, seemed far less consequential to our well-being. We now need to consider things such as: Should I eat that dessert? Should I sit around all day and relax because I am tired, or should I get out for some exercise and socialization? What kinds of activities do I need to consider that will keep my brain engaged and slow the inevitable aging process?

It is a great time to be alive. Today, we live in a world that does all it can to pamper us and to make us think that we are younger than our actual ages. We are constantly bombarded with advertising that leads us to believe that the “fountain of youth” is as close as the next libido pill. Pills will not do what good old Mother Nature designed our wonderful bodies to do in this world—be active!

The Pentagon of Health model allows us to look closer at some of the things that we should be doing in order to fulfill this notion that 60 is the new 40. This model calls for balance in five main areas: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual.

Physical

Exercise regularly. Always remember that cardiovascular health is a top priority, and we all know why—heart disease is the number-one leading cause of death in the United States. Find something that your body will allow you to do and never stop looking for a variety of avenues to do cardiovascular activities on a daily basis. Many of us in our sixties aren’t running anymore, as that was the big craze during our younger years, so walk. If walking is out, bike, and if cycling is out, get in the swimming pool. The best solution is to do all of the above and then some more if you can. Find a cardiovascular activity that fits your health status.

Also, don’t forget resistive exercises. Lifting weights will always be good, but so are yard work and housework and swimming… and the list goes on. Many of us are still active tennis players and golfers, and we need to keep on doing those activities as long as we can. Perhaps your hobby is canoeing, fishing or kayaking. Whatever your preference, just get up and do things outdoors.

Mental

I keep reading that all of us should dance more in order to stave off Alzheimer’s and other related changes in our mental functioning. As a dancer and musician, I’m quite familiar with the value of these activities and the brain stimulation involved. I believe that it is really about finding an activity that you enjoy; the benefits for brain stimulation will follow. Our brains need to be involved and engaged daily in order to maintain a high level of functioning.

Social

Now we can communicate with people instantaneously on the Internet, via cell phones, etc. However, for the most part these interactions do not take place face-to-face, and we lose the most important aspect of communication: nonverbal dialogue, which accounts for approximately 92% of our total communication with others.

Therein lies our dilemma. We need to be active to socialize face-to-face, and we need to get out of our houses and about our communities for socialization to occur. The social model for learning is the strongest model there is. Once we stop learning, we have begun to put our brains and our bodies at a significant disadvantage for higher levels of healthful living. By all means, get out and visit others as much as you can. It will enhance brain stimulation and growth, and can have great physical benefits as well. Certainly all five components of this model are important for balance in one’s life, but the social one is the one that tends to drop off at the fastest rate.

Emotional

Psychiatrists and psychologists tell us that one in three people in the United States needs clinical help. There are many things that we can do to assist ourselves in this quest for overall balance. Perhaps the most important is to maintain balance in the other areas, and the emotional parameter of wellness will pretty much follow—barring the presence of underlying issues.

Emotional control is the result of many factors. Consider this: the hormonal balance in the body which controls our emotions can be altered by our lifestyles. Exercise, eating right and getting eight hours of sleep each night can contribute greatly to overall balance in our emotional lives. Increasing the hormones that help to make us feel good comes from achieving balance in all areas. A high level of benefit comes from exercise, as we produce more of the hormones that lead us to happier levels of living. Bottom line: get out and exercise.

Spiritual

This one is quite simple. Research is very clear that those who have spiritual components to their lives live longer, with less disease. Including a spiritual component in your life can be an important part of your quest to not only make 60 the new 40, but for 60 and beyond to be the absolute best times in your lives.

Almost two-thirds of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese. Job number one is to determine if your energy inputs and outputs are balanced. One program that considers ideal food choices and adequate physical activity is the DINE Healthy software (www.dinesystems.com). You might want to give it a try.

Each of us has the opportunity to make choices that fit our personalities and lifestyles the best. I like the Chinese definition of the word “crisis,” which is that it can mean either “danger” or “opportunity.” I know that I have always chosen to view a crisis as an opportunity to get better and better throughout my lifetime.

What’s your choice?

Reprinted with permission from Ideal Living Magazine (http://www.ideal-living.com)

At a time of much uncertainty on Wall Street, it only seems appropriate to reexamine the 1031 exchange. According to Bill Winke of The Land Report,

1031s are a tool anyone can use with any type of investment property. Commercial investors use it. Ag speculators use it. Raw land buyers use it. And for all those reasons, and many more, 1031s are one of the key factors keeping a fire lit under the land boom.

The 1031 Exchange is a much-used method for turning a little into a lot. Understanding how it works is critical to making the best use of this important investment tool.

Read the rest of this article at LandReport.com.

Additionally, Dave Owens has written an excellent piece on 1031 exchanges and vacation homes, offering a detailed explanation of the IRS’s recently published policies and procedures.

If you have any questions about 1031 exchanges, we would be glad to help. Email Pat Cannon or call (800) 949-0444.

St. Joseph, MI was recently named one of the best places to retire in 2008 by Money Magazine.

The author notes that “while lots of appealing little towns dot this “Riviera of the Midwest,” St. Joseph - with its vibrant year-round community, topnotch medical care and proximity to Chicago - stands out.”

We couldn’t agree more—our very own Lake Chapin Banks is located on the St. Joseph River and is just minutes from St. Joseph.

Grand Haven, Mich., July 30 — McKeough Land Company has launched a new web site to auction off land in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

At MLCAuctions.com, customers can search for land by state and bid on or buy lots. Most developers don’t offer the option to purchase land online directly, but McKeough Land Company is confident that this format will appeal to land buyers across the country.

“This gives customers the ability to purchase land online as easily as they would any other product,” owner Mike McKeough said. “And it allows us to close out some projects and then focus on our larger projects. It’s a good opportunity for everyone.”

The biggest benefit to customers is that they can save up to 48 percent on McKeough’s current prices. For buyers who have been on the fence for the past couple of years, these discounts may be too enticing to pass up.

Thompson Godfrey, General Manager of McKeough’s Michigan properties, believes that a land auction will work especially well for Michigan because “the market is slow and customers want to know what the bottom line is. This lets them know and gives them a great opportunity to get back into the market.”

McKeough Land Company also anticipates a strong showing for Wisconsin, which is currently offering high-quality lakefront land on an all-sports lake, and North Carolina, which is offering larger lots in one of the company’s most popular communities. McKeough may auction land from other states in the future.

“The market is down as much as 20 percent in some areas, and our property can be purchased for significantly less than what similar properties have sold for recently,” McKeough said. “This is once-in-a-lifetime pricing on a diverse group of property.”

McKeough Land Company will be hosting open houses so that customers can visit properties before placing their bids; check the auction web site for dates and details. The bidding deadline for all properties is at 9 PM EST on Wednesday, August 13th. Visit MLCAuctions.com to learn more and secure your ideal property before it’s too late.

About McKeough Land Company:

McKeough Land Company (www.McKeough.com) has been acquiring and selling recreational land and waterfront property since 1989. Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, they currently offer land in Tennessee, Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. McKeough Land Company was named to Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 500 List” four years in a row as one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

As mentioned in a recent USA Today Travel section article, Northwest Michigan continues to be a draw for vacationers throughout the Midwest and beyond. The combination of beautiful beaches, fresh water, quaint towns, rolling hills, and a variety of activities all makes Northwest Michigan one of the most beautiful places to spend time with friends and family.

McKeough Land Company offers homesites throughout Northwest Michigan, and in today’s buyers market, there are incredible deals to be had. Browse our Michigan properties to see the range of options we have available in this spectacular part of the country.

Everyone knows the real estate market has changed and smart sellers have adapted by lowering prices. If you’re interested in land, you also have to adapt by changing your approach to the buying process. Here are 5 new tips for getting the best deal in today’s market.

1. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of buying opportunities.

There’s more land than there are buyers, so you should be able to get a great deal in a great location. If we look to history for answers, we have every reason to believe the market will rebound. When it does, you’ll be happy you bought at the right time.

2. Do your homework.

Check comparable sales in the area to make sure the property you want is priced according to current market conditions. An honest land company will provide comps for you. Also, make sure the land is buildable and that you’re aware of the current property taxes, protective covenants, and zoning restrictions.

3. Negotiate.

In today’s market, the buyer has the advantage. Once you find the perfect piece of land, negotiate to get the best deal possible. This not only includes negotiating on the sale price, but on who will pay closing costs and other terms in the contract.

4. Buy with your heart.

Don’t be afraid to base your decision on your lifestyle and how you will use your land. If you love boating and waterskiing, buy on an all-sports lake. If you like fishing and swimming, buy on a smaller lake or river. If privacy is important to you, a stream-front or wooded lot might be more up your alley.

5. Be financially responsible.

While credit issues have limited some banks’ ability to lend, many institutions have great rates on land financing. Interest rates are still at historical lows, so do your due diligence and you will be rewarded with attractive financing opportunities.

Homesite sales for McKeough Land Company’s Wisconsin office rose in May, marking the second consecutive month of increased sales for the Wisconsin office. In addition, May 2008 was the highest producing May since 2003, with an increase of 230% from 2007 to 2008. Records show that May 2008 wasn’t just an erratic spike for the Wisconsin office, as year to date sales have also increased from 2007 to 2008.

Michael Coke, General Manager of the Wisconsin office was quoted as saying “What slow market? And what down turn in the economy? We have seen a very strong level of interest in our product and, while our revenues have grown, our unit sales have also climbed by 50% year over year.” Coke attributes the growth in revenue and unit sales to a qualified and knowledgeable team; successful marketing campaigns that deliver recreational land to those looking for it; and an increased level of interested clients.

Coke was also sure to point out that the Wisconsin office will see very positive long-term effects from reduced interest and tax expenses and closing out two projects in the first five months of 2008. “Expense reduction and the quick turnover of product allow us to keep our prices lower and offer a very competitive value to our clients,” Coke said. “Our customers have been really happy with their land purchases. Seeing clients on their dock, sitting around their fire pit, or fishing with their children is what makes it all worthwhile.”

With the national real estate market at a historic low, the recent success of the Wisconsin office couldn’t have come at a better time. “We’re really satisfied with the way 2008 has begun,” said Coke, “Particularly when compared with the national market. It really goes to show that if you offer great land at a great value, great things can happen.”

For additional information on the hot-moving Wisconsin properties, you can contact the Wisconsin office at (800) 240-LAND.

Well, partners, have you had your fill yet? Inflation, stagflation, trade imbalance, inventory imbalance, subprime, prime the pump, discount window, bought the farm, Old MacDonald lost his farm. What’s it all mean? I know I’ll never know. Truth is you probably won’t either.

I’ve been looking at beautiful land for longer than I care to admit. Has it been up? Yes. Has it been down? From time to time, yes. But, not much and not for long. I know one thing. Beautiful land is way up from where it was when I first started lookin’ at it. Not much I can see stoppin’ that over the long haul.

So, while everyone’s a-bickerin’ and a-Woe-Is-Mein’, it’s nigh about time to wade in and buy yourself a nice tract. It’s the Buyer’s Market, as they say. Use it on weekends, camp there, fish there, build your dream cottage, relax a bit. Sitting home trying to pick the bottom isn’t gonna pay off. Better off finding the bottom of that cool ravine on your 2 acres. Things’ll look a lot clearer to you down there.

Uncle Landon

When you think of fishing in Wisconsin, you might picture a destination “up north.” But, one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets is only two hours from Madison and was recently featured in the Wisconsin State Journal’s Outdoors section.

This 6,830-acre lake is part of the Wisconsin River flowage and home to 15-inch crappie, monster muskies and a healthy walleye population, as well as perch, bluegill and giant northern pike.

Located in Central Wisconsin, Lake Dubay, home to GrandView Beach, is a fishing paradise.

The fishing in this area is so great, that Phil Schweik, a guide with Hooksetters Guide Services, wouldn’t go anywhere else.

“If I had to chose where to go, I would stay right here,” Schweik said. “I travel around the state and fish muskie tournaments. It’s not like a lake up north with jetskis and motorboats racing around a lot of time. You don’t have a lot of pressure. It’s a relatively quiet lake.”

Schweik has been wetting his line in the Wisconsin River flowage since childhood and enjoys the unpredictability of fishing Lake Dubay.

“When you throw your line in the water, you don’t know what you’re going to get, because they all school together,” Schweik said. “It’s just a great all-around fishery.”

Schweik said he caught 66 muskies out of the Wisconsin River and Lake Dubay with clients last year, including 8 over 45 inches and one over 50 inches. He also said it’s not uncommon to get 50 smallmouth fish in one day at Lake Dubay.

According to Schweik, at Lake Dubay, “you’ve got phenomenal fishing, a beautiful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.”

In addition to incredible angling, you can also enjoy boating, swimming and skiing on this 6,830-acre lake. Take off from your private shore at GrandView Beach where eight homesites are currently available. This community includes:

1. Large, wooded homesites
2. A private lakeside gazebo, fire pit and picnic area with a gorgeous beach
3. Forested walking trails and wildlife viewing areas
4. Paved access roads and underground utilities and installed docks

Lake-acess homesites include a private boat dock and start at $93,900. Lakefront homesites have mile-long views and at least 110 feet of sandy beach shoreline and start at $318,900.

Visit LakeDubayWaterfront.com for more information.

Read the entire Wisconsin State Journal article at Madison.com/wsj/home/sports/284571.

Located in majestic Cheboygan County, Long Lake has remained a little-known secret within the angling community of Northern Michigan. With an assortment of species of fish inhabiting Long Lake, anglers are discovering that, while the panorama is beautiful and the property is pristine, it’s the plentiful supply of native Michigan fish that makes it a real catch.

At over 400 acres, Long Lake boasts fishing opportunities for all levels of anglers. Among the species found in the lake are bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, rock bass, perch, and sunfish. Whether it’s fishing for largemouth in the shallows or ice-fishing for perch in the middle of winter, Long Lake offers depths of up to 60 feet in some places.

With Spring upon us, so too is the beginning of Walleye season. Northern Michigan is world-famous for its excellent Walleye fishing. Long Lake is no different. With the stimulation of their food supply, the walleye have begun to emerge from the depths to seek out their spring diet. In order to capitalize on this migration, here are a few simple tips to catching these hearty fighting fish:

1. Cast or troll minnow-shaped crank baits along the bottom, slowly working your way up while checking for activity.
2. Jigs and Lindy Rigs may also be effective at the right depths.
3. Search for reef-like areas where the shallows meet steep drop-offs and try to work the depths near these junctures.

If you love to fish, we hope you have the opportunity to visit Long Lake and all of Northern Michigan. It’s truly an angler’s paradise.