As my girlfriend likes to say, I’m a utilitarian guy. The sort that would fix the sink himself rather than call building maintenance; an Army vet who grew up in the countryside chopping firewood; admittedly, the sort of man who needs to be told to donate the shirt I’ve worn for ten years despite it still being “functional.” With that in mind, you might be surprised to hear that I recently tried Botox for the first time—and loved it.

Many people may view Botox as a mysterious procedure only procured by wealthy actors in Hollywood. If you are like I was, you probably can’t distinguish between Botox and filler, or any number of cosmetic treatments. You simply lump them into a category of Products For Celebrities or some other group (but certainly not for us). That view, I recently discovered, is mistaken.

A few months ago, I visited the Shafer Clinic on Fifth Avenue in New York City and received a treatment to reduce sweating in my armpits. Dr. David Shafer is a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon who guided me through my first Botox treatment and graciously answered my many questions.

The author in his youth.

So what exactly is Botox?

Botox has become increasingly popular among men who want to look more youthful and refreshed and also has a variety of less well-known uses. Dr. Shafer explained that Botox is a quick and effective way for men to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on their face, but that it can also be used to prevent excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, and feet (a condition known as hyperhidrosis), as well as to temporarily adjust lazy eyes, prevent or alleviate migraines, and sculpt a more defined jawline. The cost of Botox will vary by how many units you need, and underarm treatment can average between $500 to $1,000. Check with your health insurance, because they may reimburse the procedure for medical purposes (such as hyperhidrosis and headaches).

Botox Cosmetic is a neuromodulator containing Botulinum toxin-A that is manufactured by Allergan. Botox was approved by the FDA back in 2002 as a way to reduce dynamic wrinkles through injections. It should not be confused with fillers, such as Juvederm, which provides structural support when injected into the face to fill lines and create volume. Botox works differently by ‘freezing’ the muscles surrounding problem areas which reduces the dynamic lines and wrinkles that form over time.

On your first visit, you will typically start with an assessment to give your provider a sense of the results you’re looking for. For a facial treatment, new patients are often numbed in the injection-site areas which takes 20 to 40 minutes to kick in; however, once patients get used to receiving Botox numbing is generally not required. Your provider will then inject you with a very small gauge needle, which takes five to 10 minutes. I opted against numbing, so the procedure took only minutes for me.

The needle used for Botox injections is minuscule, so you shouldn’t feel more than a tiny pinch. After about three to five days, you will notice the Botox starting to work and it will reach its full effect after one to two weeks. The results will last three to five months and it’s important to have your next treatment before the Botox has completely worn off to help preserve the preventive and long-lasting positive effects.

For my part, I experienced a dramatic decrease in sweating in and around my armpits and was thrilled with the results (as were my dress shirts, which no longer needed to bring a buddy to work in order to make it through the day). It has been several months since my treatment and the effects are only just starting to wear off.

So what are you afraid of?

Despite its popularity, some men still have fears about Botox and the idea of injections. However, Dr. Shafer assured me that Botox is a safe and predictable treatment when performed by a qualified medical professional. Like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects to consider, the most common of which is slight bruising and swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, patients can experience headaches (although Botox can actually treat headaches) or temporary eyelid drooping or drooling depending on the injection site (usually with inexperienced practitioners), but these side effects are very uncommon. All of these are temporary and will go away on their own. The key is to ensure you look for certified practitioners with good reviews before making any appointments.

More generally, the stigma around men receiving injectables has abated over the years. Most men are no longer afraid to admit that they care about looking and feeling their best. In fact, the Shafer Clinic has seen a significant increase in the number of men getting Botox.

As a guy who tends to avoid medical interventions and take the more “natural” route whenever possible, I certainly had my doubts about Botox. I’m much more comfortable with it after my recent experience and having spoken with Dr. Shafer—and I simply can’t argue with the results. Investing mere minutes for Botox treatment a few times a year in exchange for never again needing to deal with sweat stains and endless dry-cleaning certainly seems efficient to me. Perhaps getting Botox is the ultimate utilitarian flex.

Dolores Catania’s Blue and Green Printed Slip Dress, Blue Studded Purse and Denim Wedge Sandals

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 13 Episode 14 Fashion

Though I’m nervous to see what ensues during the dinner with Dolores Catania and co., I calmed down a bit when I found out where Dolores got her blue printed slip dress and accessories. But the limited amount of stock has my pulse racing again, because much like Dolores, there isn’t enough to go around for everyone who wants it.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Olivaceous Maxi Dress

Click Here to Shop her Valentino Roman Stud Bag

Click Here to Shop her Christian Louboutin Ordonanette Wedge Heels

Originally posted at: Dolores Catania’s Blue and Green Printed Slip Dress

As my girlfriend likes to say, I’m a utilitarian guy. The sort that would fix the sink himself rather than call building maintenance; an Army vet who grew up in the countryside chopping firewood; admittedly, the sort of man who needs to be told to donate the shirt I’ve worn for ten years despite it still being “functional.” With that in mind, you might be surprised to hear that I recently tried Botox for the first time—and loved it.

Many people may view Botox as a mysterious procedure only procured by wealthy actors in Hollywood. If you are like I was, you probably can’t distinguish between Botox and filler, or any number of cosmetic treatments. You simply lump them into a category of Products For Celebrities or some other group (but certainly not for us). That view, I recently discovered, is mistaken.

A few months ago, I visited the Shafer Clinic on Fifth Avenue in New York City and received a treatment to reduce sweating in my armpits. Dr. David Shafer is a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon who guided me through my first Botox treatment and graciously answered my many questions.

The author in his youth.

So what exactly is Botox?

Botox has become increasingly popular among men who want to look more youthful and refreshed and also has a variety of less well-known uses. Dr. Shafer explained that Botox is a quick and effective way for men to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on their face, but that it can also be used to prevent excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, and feet (a condition known as hyperhidrosis), as well as to temporarily adjust lazy eyes, prevent or alleviate migraines, and sculpt a more defined jawline. The cost of Botox will vary by how many units you need, and underarm treatment can average between $500 to $1,000. Check with your health insurance, because they may reimburse the procedure for medical purposes (such as hyperhidrosis and headaches).

Botox Cosmetic is a neuromodulator containing Botulinum toxin-A that is manufactured by Allergan. Botox was approved by the FDA back in 2002 as a way to reduce dynamic wrinkles through injections. It should not be confused with fillers, such as Juvederm, which provides structural support when injected into the face to fill lines and create volume. Botox works differently by ‘freezing’ the muscles surrounding problem areas which reduces the dynamic lines and wrinkles that form over time.

On your first visit, you will typically start with an assessment to give your provider a sense of the results you’re looking for. For a facial treatment, new patients are often numbed in the injection-site areas which takes 20 to 40 minutes to kick in; however, once patients get used to receiving Botox numbing is generally not required. Your provider will then inject you with a very small gauge needle, which takes five to 10 minutes. I opted against numbing, so the procedure took only minutes for me.

The needle used for Botox injections is minuscule, so you shouldn’t feel more than a tiny pinch. After about three to five days, you will notice the Botox starting to work and it will reach its full effect after one to two weeks. The results will last three to five months and it’s important to have your next treatment before the Botox has completely worn off to help preserve the preventive and long-lasting positive effects.

For my part, I experienced a dramatic decrease in sweating in and around my armpits and was thrilled with the results (as were my dress shirts, which no longer needed to bring a buddy to work in order to make it through the day). It has been several months since my treatment and the effects are only just starting to wear off.

So what are you afraid of?

Despite its popularity, some men still have fears about Botox and the idea of injections. However, Dr. Shafer assured me that Botox is a safe and predictable treatment when performed by a qualified medical professional. Like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects to consider, the most common of which is slight bruising and swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, patients can experience headaches (although Botox can actually treat headaches) or temporary eyelid drooping or drooling depending on the injection site (usually with inexperienced practitioners), but these side effects are very uncommon. All of these are temporary and will go away on their own. The key is to ensure you look for certified practitioners with good reviews before making any appointments.

More generally, the stigma around men receiving injectables has abated over the years. Most men are no longer afraid to admit that they care about looking and feeling their best. In fact, the Shafer Clinic has seen a significant increase in the number of men getting Botox.

As a guy who tends to avoid medical interventions and take the more “natural” route whenever possible, I certainly had my doubts about Botox. I’m much more comfortable with it after my recent experience and having spoken with Dr. Shafer—and I simply can’t argue with the results. Investing mere minutes for Botox treatment a few times a year in exchange for never again needing to deal with sweat stains and endless dry-cleaning certainly seems efficient to me. Perhaps getting Botox is the ultimate utilitarian flex.

Kandi Burruss’ Black Crystal Embellished Confessional Look

Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 15 Fashion

The ladies of Atlanta are serving in their Season 15 confessionals with more fabulous looks than I can count. As someone who always bets on black, Kandi Burruss’ crystal embellished confessional dress and beaded earrings are some of my favorite piece so far. And although she’s having a hard time “doing it all”, she’s definitely done it all when selecting this sleek style.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Area Dress

Click Here to Shop her Deepa Gurnani Earrings

Click Here to Shop Similar Body Crystals

Originally posted at: Kandi Burruss’ Black Crystal Embellished Confessional Look

As you navigate your 60s, you have several critical retirement planning milestones to work through. While that may be intimidating, the tasks are all manageable, especially if you give yourself plenty of time to learn about your options.

You gain access to valuable benefits in your 60s, and the choices you make can affect your comfort in retirement. You also enter a phase in life where financial decisions matter more than ever.

You’re likely near the end of your working years, although you can certainly work longer if it’s rewarding (and if you’re fortunate enough to have good health). But it’s hard to go back to work and recover from financial mishaps when you’re hoping to leave the work world behind you.

At this stage, it’s important to make the transition out of full-time work as smooth as possible. Getting familiar with the retirement-related events below can help you make smart decisions and reduce the chances of mistakes.

Retirement Account Withdrawals: Age 59 ½

Once you reach age 59 ½, it becomes easier to take distributions from retirement accounts. For example, you can pull funds from traditional IRAs without early withdrawal penalties adding 10% or more to the taxes you owe on withdrawals.

You can retire before reaching 59 ½ , but you’ll want to have a plan for managing taxes. For example, pulling money from Roth accounts or spending from taxable brokerage accounts might help you bridge the gap until you can tap your pre-tax savings. Other strategies can also help you spend from your savings in tax-savvy ways, and a CPA or financial planner can help you explore ideas.

Planning tip: Make an income plan so you know how much you can draw from your savings. You want the funds to last for the rest of your life, and it’s important to include things like taxes, rising costs, and healthcare needs in your estimate.

Enroll in Medicare: 3 Months Before Age 65

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, and it’s crucial to enroll in a timely fashion. If you miss a deadline, you risk paying higher costs for the rest of your life, and you may be without coverage temporarily.

The earliest you can enroll in Medicare is three months before your 65th birthday. It takes time to process your application, and mistakes can add delays, so it’s wise to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Planning tip: If you’re still working at age 65, you might have the option to use your employer’s health plan. But things can get complicated quickly. Speak with your health insurance provider as you approach age 65 to find out how to avoid problems.

Apply for Social Security: 4 Months Before Income Starts

You can also sign up for Social Security several months before benefits begin. Doing so can help minimize stress and ensure that you receive retirement income when you need it. The Social Security Administration allows you to apply for your retirement income benefit four months before you want payments to begin, and you might as well take advantage of that opportunity.

Most people can begin benefits as early as age 62. But claiming early results in a reduced benefit, and you’ll have to live with that reduction for the rest of your life. It’s not necessarily the wrong move, and it could make sense when you need immediate income, but waiting to claim is often an excellent strategy.

For example, if you were born in 1960 or later, claiming at age 62 leads to a 30% reduction in your Social Security retirement benefit. If that happens, for every $1,000 you could get at Full Retirement Age (FRA), you’d get just $700. On the other hand, if you wait until after your FRA, your monthly benefit can increase by roughly 8% per year until you reach age 70.

Planning tip: You don’t need to claim Social Security Benefits exactly when you retire. In some cases, it’s smart to spend from your savings or do Roth conversions for a few years before you begin taking Social Security income.

Required Minimum Distributions: Age 72

After you reach age 72, you’re generally required to take withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts whether you want the money or not. The IRS provides a schedule for you to follow, and you start with relatively small amounts. As a result, these required minimum distributions (RMDs) add to your taxable income, which prevents you from keeping that money sheltered from taxes indefinitely.

One of the most important things to know about RMDs is that there’s a steep penalty for failing to follow the rules. If you miss an annual RMD, there’s an excise tax that amounts to 50% of what you were supposed to withdraw.

Planning tip: Set annual reminders to be sure you never miss an RMD. The deadline in most years is December 31st, but I often do this for clients in October. That way, you stay invested for most of the year, and if anything goes wrong, you have extra time to fix things. Check with a CPA to verify that you’ll avoid problems on your tax return.

Pension Decisions: Several Years Before Retirement

If your employer offers a pension, review your options and start making decisions long before you retire. For example, you may need to decide when to start taking income and whether or not to add a beneficiary to your pension payments. Those decisions determine your monthly income and could affect your beneficiary’s quality of life.

If you work for certain government organizations, it’s essential to understand if your pension will affect your Social Security benefits. Ultimately, the goal is to understand your total retirement income to get an accurate estimate of how much you can spend each month. Knowing the details sooner rather than later reduces the chances of a letdown.

Planning tip: Customer service representatives with your employer’s pension system are often eager to help you understand your options. Call with questions and attend informational sessions to learn about your benefits.

The Big Picture

The topics above focus on your finances, but the most important thing is that you continue to live an excellent life after you stop working. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it can be a tool to eliminate problems and buy experiences.

You may be living on a fixed income in retirement, but that doesn’t mean you should feel limited. In fact, Margaret Manning shares numerous insights from the Sixty and Me community that can help make retirement fulfilling on any budget.

If you want to learn more, check out this video:

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What milestones (financial or otherwise) are you most looking forward to in your 60s and beyond? Do you feel prepared for all of this, or are there any areas that seem a little intimidating?