The sky is pink and golden, a warm ocean breeze ripples over the dunes, and a pair of wild horses gently step along the shore, enjoying dusk near the water's edge. While taking in such a beautiful sight, it's not surprising that many vacationers' thoughts turn toward investment properties and retirement in the Outer Banks

Richard and Frayda Kerstein have relocated to sunny Florida, yet they have found new ways to easily stay in touch with their children and grandchildren back in Massachusetts. Like many relocated retirees, the Kersteins take advantage of today's communication technologies to breach the physical distance separating them from family and friends.

It is nearly impossible to think of Las Vegas without picturing the glittering lights of its famous casino-lined Strip. This impressive stretch of spectacular hotels and casinos bustles around the clock, exuding the powerful energy of high risk and heady promise. Yet there is more to Las Vegas than glitzy gambling. If you haven't considered Las Vegas for retirement, maybe you should.

It is frequently said that you must love yourself before you can love someone else. This bit of wisdom is often given to young adults in search of new love, yet it applies in later stages of life and to relationships that are well established as well. Many couples experience a more satisfying sex life and greater marital happiness once their children have left the nest.

It's been said that home is where the heart is. Your home has seen holiday dinners and birthday parties, playdates and science projects, arguments and reconciliations. Moving out of the house where you raised your family may feel like leaving a piece of your heart behind. While this is to be expected, there are some things you can do to help with this transition.

A century ago, kitchens were relegated to the back of the house. A kitchen far removed from the social areas of the home was a sign of affluence. Yet today, many Americans recognize the kitchen as the true heart of family gatherings and design the room accordingly. Here's how kitchens are becoming more than just a cooking and dining spot.

It's 4:30 in the afternoon and the house is quiet. The whirlwind of racing to after school activities is no longer a part of your daily life. You are free to plan dinnertime without first checking team practice schedules and your weekend is again your own. This is life in a newly empty nest; simultaneously freeing and perplexing.

Meritage Homes Corporation purchased Province in Maricopa, AZ. Province is a popular active adult community near Phoenix. In 2006, it was voted the Best Active Adult community in the country by the National Association of Homebuilders.

No matter how well we plan for the future, there are some things we just can't foresee. Planning for retirement is one of the most thought-out, long term processes, as well as one of the most important financial journeys we can undertake. Unfortunately, retirement finances are just as subject to volatile changes in the market as any other investments.