Technology makes life simpler and easier, right? We have films, TV shows, and news articles at our fingertips and we can conjure up any song we want with the touch of a button. But considering the high cost of air travel, long lines at airport security, traffic jams, and road construction, many people are eschewing modern travel options and are opting instead to ride the rails.

A lot of important financial decisions need to be made before and after you stop working, and you might be surprised at how stressful your golden years can get. For many recent retirees, watching a bank balance shrink can be unnerving when they're used to seeing it grow, but you might also learn to appreciate more activities that don't cost anything. Many take more walks and reconnect with nature, while others spend more time with friends or develop their talents. A big vacation or move might not be out of the question, though. Make a plan with a financial advisor and revisit it regularly to make sure you're on track. They can help you decide when to start drawing from Social Security and how much to set aside for medical costs.

You would be surprised at how many great things come out of the country’s smallest state: Rhode Island. Nicknamed the Ocean State, Rhode Island offers miles of beautiful and jagged coastline, cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor recreation. All of that is combined with a dose of small town New England charm for a picturesque retirement destination. Although the cost of living and median home pricing is about 25% higher than the national average, it is still cheaper to live in Rhode Island when compared to its Northeast neighbors like Massachusetts and Connecticut. Retirees can find a variety of active adult communities in this state that offer well-appointed amenities, reasonably priced homes, and a vibrant social environment. Another reason why Baby Boomers decide to retire in the Ocean State is to enjoy a four-season climate and stay close to family and friends as well as have easy access to neighboring cities like Boston, Hartford, and New Haven.

There's no question that each generation has a unique set of circumstances and experiences that form their values and goals. Baby Boomers and Millennials are no different in this regard. But what is it exactly that makes the Millennials and the Boomers handle their finances so differently, especially in their saving habits?

Living in the lap of luxury may be difficult if your retirement budget falls short. Luckily, retirees can afford to live in luxurious 55+ communities across the country that won’t break the bank, if they do some research. 55places.com is proud to release its annual list of the 25 best value active adult communities for 2016. These age-restricted communities offer a variety of homes in prime locations at reasonable prices along with lavish clubhouses and world-class amenities that will make every homeowner feel like they are living in an elegant vacation resort.

You’ve worked your whole life for retirement, now that it’s here it’s time for you to explore your passions, or even find new ones. These passions don’t need to be solo endeavors either, there are communities and organizations across the country that cater to specific interests and hobbies, especially the arts. Even if you’ve always considered yourself a creative person, many recent retires are surprised by how much a career can stifle their creative energy. Feelings from childhood you thought you were long passed can be reborn as you dedicate more of your energy to expression and creativity. Whether you’re a creator, an admirer, looking for classes, or looking for galleries, there are many places to retire that will fulfill, and sometimes awake, artist’s passion.

If you’re looking for an ideal place to work, play, relax, and retire then you’re in luck because Reading Woods in Reading, Massachusetts has it all. This intimate 55+ community provides retirees with all of the homes, amenities, and activities they could want or need in order to live an active and maintenance-free lifestyle. Its prime location just ten miles north of Boston also makes it easy for Baby Boomers to explore all that the area has to offer.

Resort-style amenities are probably one of the highlights of living in an active adult community. They keep residents physically fit, socially engaged, and entertained any day of the week. A majority of these communities provide lavish clubhouses, state-of-the-art fitness centers, game rooms, beautiful golf courses, and multiple sports courts. But a few 55+ communities set themselves apart from the rest and offer unique amenities that you can’t find anywhere else. From luxurious onsite spas to wineries, check out these 7 active adult communities with unique amenities.

Ancestry: Depending on the age of your grandchild, they may not know that they want you to have this app. When they're older, though, they'll cherish the time you both spent discovering your family history together. Ancestry puts the photos and stories of your distant relatives into an easy-to-use interface and allows you to keep an entire family tree in your pocket. Bring it to your next family gathering.

Retirement is the best time to explore your favorite hobby or sport. With more retirees wanting to stay active throughout their Golden Years, more 55+ communities are adding sports courts to their list of amenities. One of those popular amenities is pickleball courts, which is all the rage at many retirement communities and has become one of the fastest growing sports in America. Pickleball was invented about 50 years ago and has swept the Baby Boomer generation because it’s fun, quick to learn, and easy on the body. Unlike tennis, pickleball is less strenuous due to its smaller court and lighter paddles, making it easy and accessible for more retirees to hit the court and enjoy this low impact sport. Active adult communities have also taken notice of this growing trend and have added more courts as well as converted existing tennis courts for pickleball use. So if you’re ready to play then grab your paddle and check out some of the best communities for pickleball enthusiasts.