Paul Hodges has some interesting thoughts re boomers and their changing spending habits over at his blog.

The extract below is part of his comment;’

‘But they are getting closer to retirement, with a median age of 54 years. And so their need for ‘new things’ is reducing, as is their ability to afford them. Equally, as the above chart from thechartstore.com shows, their savings rate is starting to shoot up. They were let down by the stock market after the dot-com boom; then the housing market disappointed.
So now we seem to be seeing the start of a generational switch from spending to saving in the world’s most important market. From close to zero, the savings rate has already jumped to 6%, as baby-boomers worry about how to afford their retirement, especially as they can expect to live longer than any generation in history’.

Harry Dent argues that the economic cycle is dependent on the generation spending wave. And that indicates that things are not going to improve for quite a while yet. I hope he’s wrong, but in the mean time I am one of those boomers who is cutting spending and trying to save more!.

To read more go to Boomers cutting spending and start saving.

Today’s papers indicate that Prime Minister Julia Gillard may just get over the line. Labour have won 73 seats now and already have the support of the Green from Melbourne. It now appears that two od the remaining independents may give her the balance of power. By lending her support then Labour will have the 76 seats required to form a majority government.

Its still a wait and see game though.

It’s not often that you hear of a 71 year old tired of waiting around with nothing to do. But that’s the case with one of my favorite actors. Ian McKellen is considering quiting the upcoming Hobit movie series because of delays.

For the whole story see boomer role model

I can only hope to be that energetic at his age. A great role model for us poor old boomers!

Well what a result. Three days after national elections and we still have no clear indication as to who may form a government!

I may or may not make comment later on the election in general but feel one obsevation is worth mentioning now. As someone who likes the outdoors and sport I think an understated and normally not considered policy by the Greens and supported by the Labour Party has had a huge effect on the results.

The Greens want to increase to 50% of the Australian coastline a series of Marine Parks that will exclude all fishing, even for recreational purposes. I am not going to expound the virtues of either side of the fishing arguement here, but I know that as the largest sport in Australia and with more and more of the easily accessible coastline now off limits to the average jo who wants to throw a line in with the kids……many people are not happy. Like the old ad campaign said …Not Happy Jan.

This normally would not have an effect, but given that both major political parties in this country haven’t got many policies that distinguish themselves apart from the other, is it any wonder that the Greeens are more popular than ever. And now 3-4 independents are also over the line, themselves disenfranchised former conservative party members!

So my thought is with such complacency throughout the country, why not just vote against a single policy that screws around with your favorite hobby. In his case that meant a vote for the Liberal Party. Maybe it’s not a swing against the Labour Party at all. Just an attempt to save our fishing rights!

Cooma - Gateway to the Aussie Snow Country

That title might upset those south of the NSW - VIC border, but for those 
from NSW, Cooma is in fact just that.  

The once quiet country town has become a vibrant year round destination and launch point for those heading to the ’snowy’. Winter brings the skiers and 
snow borders and summer those wishing to see the high county to walk, horse ride,, fish or just relax. 

Few people realize that the Australian alpine/ snow region is in fact larger than the whole of 
Switzerland. Although the mountains aren’t as high as other ski regions of the world it remains a 
favorite winter time destination for skiers Australia wide. 

In recent years the alpine region has also become a popular summer time getaway destination.  And this increase in tourism has raised the profile of Cooma along with it. It has become the hub 
for the whole region and being just a four hour drive from Sydney and just over an hour from 
Canberra the weekends bring hordes from the north. 

So Cooma is worth a visit no matter what the season.