If you are just planning on retirement and wondering what you will be doing when you leave work, the answer lies in what you are currently doing with your free time. If you are a weekend golfer, you will be playing more often. If you like to surf the internet, you will have more time to do that. Both DSL and high-speed digital cable connections are available in Kings Point.

If you like to travel, Kings Point is a great place to be. The Tampa International Airport is only a 40 minute drive away. You can find direct flights to most large cities in the U.S. With lots of competition, some flights can be downright cheap! That's not the case with smaller airports. Southwest Airlines offers many flights from Tampa with great fares.

Some people volunteer to help at the hospital, ambulance squad or nearby non-profit groups like Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary.

At Kings Point, there are more than enough activities to keep you busy. In fact, you might find yourself looking for some free time. Except for golf, most of the activities at Kings Point will cost very little. Even the golf fees are very reasonable.

Are high gas prices changing your thoughts about retirement? In Kings Point, you can leave that gas guzzler in the garage and use your electric golf cart for transportation at a fraction of the cost. Almost everyone in Kings Point owns an electric vehicle. The only restriction is that you are not allowed to drive on State Road 674 (a 45 mph road) and you are not allowed to drive a golf cart at night. 

Another concern for many retirees is finances. For many, a move to Florida is going to save you money. There are no income taxes in the state. Sales tax is 7%. When Del Webb started building Sun City Center in the 60s, he wanted a community where people could live on their social security income. That's not possible anymore, but the cost of living is still low. Imagine living in a home where you will only need to turn on the heat once or twice all winter! Summers are warm, but homes are well insulated and might be a bit smaller than the one you live in now.

In 2007, maintenance fees, taxes and electric cost under $500 a month on many of the older units at Kings Point with a homestead exemption. Where else can you live in a nice community for that amount of money? A Florida Homestead exemption gives you two benefits. It will reduce the assessed value of your home by $50,000 and it will limit the percentage that your taxes can be increased each year. You will need to budget insurance, food, phone, internet, entertainment, travel and car expenses. Most retirement planners say that you will need at least 80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your current lifestyle. Remember to factor for inflation. 

If you want to retire early, pay off your debts! With no mortgage, credit card or car payments, you will be able to live your dreams earlier than you ever expected. If that sounds impossible, then you may want to reconsider your plans. Some people are semi-retired and part-time job opportunities are available in the community. It's your choice.