What is Cohousing?

Cohousing is an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space. Each attached or single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. Shared spaces typically feature a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, and recreational spaces. Shared outdoor space may include parking, walkways, open space, and gardens. Neighbors also share resources like tools and lawnmowers.

Households have independent incomes and private lives, but neighbors collaboratively plan and manage community activities and shared spaces. The legal structure is typically an HOA, Condo Association, or Housing Cooperative. Community activities feature regularly-scheduled shared meals, meetings, and workdays. Neighbors gather for parties, games, movies, or other events. Cohousing makes it easy to form clubs, organize child and elder care, and carpool.

Common Characteristics

Relationships

• Neighbors commit to being part of a community for everyone’s mutual benefit.
• Cohousing cultivates a culture of sharing and caring.
• Design features and neighborhood size (typically 20-40 homes) promote frequent interaction and close relationships.

Balancing Privacy and Community

• Cohousing neighborhoods are designed for privacy as well as community.
• Residents balance privacy and community by choosing their own level of engagement.

Participation

• Decision making is participatory and often based on consensus.
• Self-management empowers residents, builds community, and saves money.

Shared Values

• Cohousing communities support residents in actualizing shared values.
• Cohousing communities typically adopt green approaches to living.

More information on cohousing is available at www.cohousing.org

Happy Investing!

Retirement on a Budget

I was pleasantly surprised to read the recommendations by syndicated columnist Scott Burns regarding best investments for a retiree living on Social Security. He advised consideration be given to three major levers on retirement expenses:

• The biggest single expense for retirees is shelter. He advised purchasing a manufactured home in a resident-owned community, common in Florida and California. It is possible to purchase one with land for under $60,000 and have monthly ownership expenses under $300/mo. This is but one option.
• Another option is :"expense sharing," which is really communal living. As someone who rents out furnished rooms where I live, this was something I have enjoyed doing for many years before anyone ever heard of Airbnb or couch-surfing. Burns explains, "This suggestion usually brings cries of 'yuck' from readers, but those without adequate retirement income can 'create' income by developing their social skills and learning what it means to be amiable."
• And finally, becoming more of a smart shopper.

The "sharing economy" is the way of the future, and it was affirming to see it promoted in this way.

Happy Investing!