Greetings!

Hope everyone had an awesome week!

Life for us was a bit quiet this week, which is fine with us. Lots of studying for me and Shari was learning some “internet marketing” stuff.

Winding things down here in FL before we head back to NC for some autumn leaf watching. 🍂 Can’t wait to hike every day in the crisp mountain air ⛰️ 

This was the kind of week where we “think” we should be on the move and then we truly “enjoyed” the peacefulness of just relaxing. Do what is best for YOU!

 Embrace Your Best Life! 

~ Curt & Shari Roese

SPOTLIGHT STORY
Explore, Thrive, and Stay Active!

Retirement is the perfect time to explore outdoor adventures that keep you active and connected with nature. Staying fit while enjoying these activities is a key to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

🥾 Hiking offers scenic trails tailored for retirees, helping to maintain physical fitness while enjoying nature.

🚴‍♀️ Cycling is a low-impact exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, with options for both leisurely and challenging rides.

🏕️ RV camping and road trips allow retirees to explore new destinations with the comfort of home on wheels.

From hiking to RV camping, outdoor adventures are an exciting way to stay active during retirement. These activities not only improve physical health but also offer new experiences and connections with nature. Embrace the outdoors and make the most of your golden years!

WELLNESS
Simple Ways to Relax and Reduce Stress

Retirement should be about enjoying life, but stress can sometimes sneak into this new chapter. Here are five easy, effective ways to reduce stress and relax, so you can fully embrace this exciting time.

• Take a Walk in Nature: A daily walk outside can clear your mind and help you reconnect with the calming rhythms of nature.

• Practice Deep Breathing: Just a few minutes of deep, mindful breathing can help reduce tension and bring instant calm.

• Unplug from Technology: Setting aside time each day to disconnect from devices can free your mind from constant distractions.

• Try Gentle Yoga: Simple stretches or yoga moves can release muscle tension and promote both physical and mental relaxation.

• Connect with Loved Ones: Spending quality time with friends and family provides emotional support and can instantly lift your mood.

By incorporating these simple strategies into your routine, you can keep stress at bay and focus on enjoying this well-deserved stage of life. Remember, relaxation is a key part of living your best retirement!

OUR ESCAPADES
Pilates By Design

Curt and I are on sort of a “health and wellness” kick. We have a beautiful life and simply want to feel as good as we can.. as long as we can.

On Monday we went to a “free” introduction Pilates at one of the larger franchise places. It was nice and the instructor was very good but the front desk manager was LOUD… like “HEY.. WELCOME.. BLAH.. BLAH.. BLAH..” 😆 At the end of the session she started her way to much coffee “no pressure” speech while we slipped out the front door.. ok, ran out the front door. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ 

Later in the week Shari went to a brand new local Pilates studio, maximum 4 students at a time, and taught by the owner. It was awesome. Refreshing with NO pressure. And no complicated membership packages to analyze. We have found our FL Pilates studio 😃 

Won’t lie, it is not cheap but we will mix it in with our “free” walking and bike riding, but we do enjoy how we feel.. and that is what counts the most!

Escapades Ahead

🚴 Great Cycle Challenge - Curt started raising money to help fight kids cancer during the month long cycling challenge this September [update.. way behind on riding mileage but I will catch up and over $2,100 raised so far, almost at my goal 💲] Read about this incredibly rewarding journey ==>⚕️ Fight Kids Cancer

🎣 Fly Fishing - heading back to Blowing Rock NC in October and we plan to schedule a ½ day guided fly fishing adventure - we don’t fish so something new to try!

🎯 Shooting - next month we visit Chetola Sporting Reserve to experience an outdoor activity - gun, rifle, and pistol ranges, sporting clay course, 5-stand clay station, archery range? - not sure what yet, but neither one of us has ever shot anything so should be quite the adventure.

👟 Daybreak 76 Panama City - early in the year we picked this December half-marathon as a lofty goal to shoot for. Our “vintage bodies” seem to think a 10K will be good enough but lets see what happens 😆 

RANDOM FUN THINGS TO DO
Pasta Party

Life is more interesting when you try new things!

Curt and I try to do new things (or old things we haven’t done in forever).. life gets in the way sometimes but we try our best! Here are a few SIMPLE ideas!

🍝 Cooking: Experiment in the kitchen with new recipes and cooking techniques. It's a delicious way to spend your time. ~ So we are celebrating our Daughter’s 30th birthday party in a few weeks with a homemade pasta party - Curt is ½ Italian and makes a mean “Nana’s Gravy” so should be fun to see what others bring!

🌠 Astronomy: Explore the stars and planets with astronomy. It's a hobby that brings the universe closer to you.

🧩 Jigsaw Puzzles: Challenge yourself with intricate jigsaw puzzles. It's a relaxing and rewarding way to pass the time.

Some ideas might seem silly, but imagine the stories you can tell if you just try some new things! Might be a nice change of pace from the dreadful “remember when” stories, especially as we get older and actually, no, we don’t remember 😆 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Salvation Army

Volunteering with The Salvation Army provides an opportunity to give back to those in need through a variety of impactful community programs. From serving meals to assisting in disaster relief efforts, volunteers play a crucial role in bringing hope and support to vulnerable populations.

• Wide Range of Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers can contribute by serving at soup kitchens, organizing donations, mentoring youth, and participating in seasonal activities like the Angel Tree program.

• Disaster Relief Support: The Salvation Army provides disaster relief services, and volunteers assist in delivering essential supplies and aid to those affected by natural disasters.

• Making a Direct Impact: Every volunteer effort helps provide food, shelter, and support to individuals facing homelessness, hunger, and hardship, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Volunteering with The Salvation Army offers a chance to be part of a mission that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Whether you’re helping in your local area or providing disaster relief, your contribution can make a lasting impact on those in need.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP
VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch is a valuable resource for retirees looking to give back to their communities by connecting them with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Whether you're passionate about education, healthcare, or the environment, VolunteerMatch helps you find the perfect way to contribute your time and skills.

• Diverse Opportunities: VolunteerMatch offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and skills.

• Flexible Commitment: You can choose volunteer activities that fit your schedule, from one-time events to ongoing commitments.

• Community Impact: Volunteering through VolunteerMatch allows you to make a positive difference in your local community.

VolunteerMatch is an excellent platform for retirees who want to stay active and engaged by giving back to their communities. By connecting you with volunteer opportunities that match your passions, VolunteerMatch ensures your retirement years are fulfilling and impactful.

FINANCIAL SAVVY
Financial Tip

Ever find yourself questioning how much money you truly need for a happy, fulfilling life? Knowing your "enough" is essential for peace of mind and a secure future.

Focus on These Key Areas:

• Run Your Own Race: Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on what truly matters to you and your goals.

• Prepare for the Unexpected: Life can throw curveballs—plan for uncertainties like inflation or health issues.

• Focus on Income, Not Just Savings: It’s about how much income your savings generate, ensuring your lifestyle is sustainable.

• Enjoy What You Have: Satisfaction often comes from appreciating what you already have, not just chasing more.

• Calculate Your Real Needs: Break down your budget for different life phases and plan your spending to hit the right financial targets.

Understanding your "enough" is more than financial math - it’s about securing happiness and stability. By focusing on these areas, you can confidently find your financial sweet spot and enjoy a worry-free retirement.

TOOLS WE USE

As a CPA/CFO, I am guilty of researching everything before making a decision (as Shari likes to say “oh boy, here comes the spreadsheet analyzing which washer and dryer to buy 😆” )… when I recommend anything, be assured I probably over-analyzed!

💲Boldin (fka NewRetirement) - a powerful planning tool that helps users create detailed retirement plans tailored to their unique goals and financial situation. With its easy-to-use platform and expert resources, Boldin (fka NewRetirement) empowers individuals to confidently plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Get 14-day free trial!

💲Monarch Money - comprehensive budgeting tool that allows users to effortlessly track their spending, set financial goals, and manage all their accounts in one place. With its intuitive interface and personalized insights, Monarch Money helps users achieve financial clarity and make smarter money decisions. Get 30-day free trial!

MY CORNER
Simpli Shari 🩷

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that taking care of my skin is more than just a routine - it’s a form of self-care. Facials have become a regular part of that, helping me keep my skin refreshed and glowing.

I’ve also decided to try Botox, and it’s been a subtle but noticeable difference. I’m not trying to erase every line, just to look a little fresher - think “natural glow,” not “surprised all the time!”

Aging is a journey, and for me, it’s about finding a balance between embracing it and giving myself a little boost where I can. Ultimately, you should do what makes you happy, and these treatments just help me feel like the best version of myself - without going overboard!

Embrace your best life,

🩷 Shari 

Visit Simpli Shari

NANA AND PAPPY
Are You Guys Home Yet?

We split our time between Florida and North Carolina, but Florida is definitely "Grandchildren HQ." Our adult children all live within 1 to 2 hours of us, making I-95 North feel like our only escape route (a bit like a hurricane route!) 🤣 

We suspect they’ve developed an app that alerts them as soon as we return to Florida. The moment we see the “Welcome to Florida” sign, the phone rings, “You guys home yet? Can you watch the kids?” (translation: "Please take these maniacs so we can enjoy a margarita night!").

We love our "maniacs," but we admit they leave us utterly exhausted 💤 . Through experience, we’ve discovered some key tips for sleepovers:

1. One grandchild = fun and peaceful (though they'll be eagerly awaiting the next activity).

2. Two grandkids = manageable, especially if they’re cousins (siblings? not so much).

3. Three? One always feels left out: “They’re ignoring me!” or “They’re making fun of me!”

4. Four? Don’t even think about it. We recently had four for a full weekend. On Saturday we thought it was maybe noon.. lunch time.. day is flyting by.. it was 8:23 a.m.! 😆 

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks!

POLL OF THE WEEK

Last week poll winner:

What is your favorite time of year to enjoy fun activities?

#1 answer was “Fall, for scenic drives and festivals [we agree!]

Still don’t quite have enough votes to be a scientific result but let’s see how we do this week!

PIC OF THE WEEK

PARTING WORDS

Have a great week!

ANSWERS

1. Gone With the Wind

2. On the Waterfront

3. Casablanca

Earn a Free Gift 🎁 

You can earn free stuff simply by referring us to friends and family!

1 referral - Special Report 1
3 referrals - Special Report 2
10 referrals - Free Book

Copy and paste this link to others: {{rp_refer_url}}