Greetings!

We hope everyone had a great week and survived the never ending heat wave! We are getting ready to leave Blowing Rock and enjoyed a few cool breezes before returning to sunny Florida ☀️ 

We are not scientist, so we can’t comment on climate change, but we can warn you about the Curt & Shari weather effect! These are just a few of the comments from locals in towns we have visited over the years:

• “it has never been this warm in November and I have lived here for 30 years” - the day we left it was raining hard as a cold front rolled in!

• “it almost always snows this time of year” - the day we left it started snowing!

• “I can’t remember the leaves changing color this late in the season” - yep, you got it, the day we left the colors started exploding!

I guess what we are saying is, before you travel, you might want to see where we are at. Would hate for you to have snow during your August Disney visit or skiing on mud during the annual January family ski trip to Utah 😄 

 Embrace Your Best Life! 

~ Curt & Shari Roese

SPOTLIGHT STORY
Crafting a Meaningful Retirement Legacy

When we think of a retirement legacy, it often conjures images of financial wealth and estate planning. However, the legacy that truly resonates with those we care about most is defined by our values, passions, and the impact we make on others. So, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

• What Inspires You? Your legacy is built on what truly moves you. Whether it's a lifelong passion, a newfound interest, or a cause that matters deeply to you, your legacy will be tied to something that gets you out of bed in the morning. Identifying this inspiration is the first step in creating a lasting impact.

• Who Will Your Legacy Impact? It's important to focus your efforts on a specific group that can benefit from your passion. Whether it's children, your local community, or those in need, targeting your legacy-building efforts ensures they are meaningful and effective.

• What Impact Do You Want to Leave Behind? Think about the end goal of your legacy. Whether it's changing perceptions, inspiring others, or directly supporting a cause, defining the impact you want to make will guide your actions and help you achieve your legacy-building goals.

Leaving a retirement legacy isn't about wealth—it's about passion, involvement, and sharing what matters most to you with others. By focusing on what inspires you and actively working to make an impact, you can create a legacy that enriches both your life and the lives of those around you.

WELLNESS
Embracing Gratitude in Retirement

A Path to Joy and Fulfillment

Retirement is a time of great change, bringing both excitement and uncertainty. For some, it's a long-awaited opportunity to explore new freedoms, while for others, it can feel like the end of an era, stirring feelings of loss and apprehension. But with the right mindset, retirement can be a season of deep gratitude and newfound joy.

• Grasping the Essence of Gratitude: Gratitude goes beyond just saying "thank you"; it's about recognizing the abundance in your life. By focusing on the blessings, both big and small, you can shift your mindset from what’s missing to what’s truly valuable.

• Focusing on Gratitude Brings Joy: When you concentrate on the positive aspects of life, it becomes harder to dwell on worries. Gratitude can transform your perspective, allowing you to find joy in the simple pleasures that each day brings.

• Practical Ways to Incorporate Gratitude: Making gratitude a daily habit can rewire your brain to focus on positivity. Whether through journaling, expressing appreciation, or simply being present, these practices can enrich your retirement experience.

Retirement doesn't have to be a time of fear and uncertainty. By embracing gratitude, you can transform this new chapter into one filled with joy, contentment, and a deep appreciation for the life you’ve built. Let gratitude be the guiding force that shapes your retirement into a truly rewarding experience.

OUR ADVENTURES
But.. we don’t fish

C: “honey, I signed us up for a fly fishing tying class”
S: “but.. we don’t fish”
C: “I think we each get a free beer and a shopping gift card”
S: “shopping gift card? let’s roll!”

Trying new things should be your goal for a truly fulfilling life. Now, we probably won’t join the local fly fishing club but it was a fun mini-adventure.

And, of course, Shari did great (“you’re doing awesome”) and I couldn’t quite get a hang of it (“sir.. let me help you with that” aka “sir… you are holding up the class”) 😃 

Adventures Ahead

🏫 Start School - Curt starts his online Masters in Entrepreneurship program at the University of Florida on Monday, August 26th. Go Gators!

👩‍💻 Online Skills - Shari is currently taking a course related to Amazon product reviews and learning CapCut to improve her video skills. Always be learning! You NEVER know where it leads you!

🚴 Great Cycle Challenge - Curt will be raising money to help fight kids cancer during the month long cycling challenge this September. More info soon.

🎣 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!

🎶 Landslide - “when are you going to learn a complete song on guitar?”.. “when are you going to sing a song with me?”… and a new goal is born 🙃. Sonny & Cher.. Captain & Tennille.. and soon, Curt & Shari. Shari has selected Fleetwood Mac “Landslide”. I just ordered the tab and lyrics and we will soon start learning the song. How fun!!

👟 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
Pick an Activity and Have Some Fun!

Life is more interesting when you try new things!

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Knitting and Crocheting: Create beautiful handmade items like scarves, blankets, and more. It's a relaxing and rewarding way to spend your time.

• Painting and Drawing: Unleash your inner artist with painting and drawing. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, it's a fantastic way to express yourself.

• Fishing: Enjoy peaceful days by the water, fishing for fun and relaxation. It's a great way to connect with nature and unwind. (let us know if you need any hand tied fly fishing lures 😃 )

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
American Red Cross

The American Red Cross offers a variety of ways to volunteer, from disaster response to blood drives. Your experience and compassion can save lives and provide crucial support in times of need. Join a legacy of humanitarian service.

Talking won’t make a difference… but Action will!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Government Resources for Retired Individuals

As retirement approaches, it’s essential to leverage all available resources to ensure a smooth transition into this new phase of life. The government offers a range of free resources designed to support retirees in various aspects of their lives, from healthcare to financial planning. These resources can provide crucial assistance and valuable information to help retirees maximize their quality of life.

• Social Security Administration (SSA): Provides retirement benefits, supplemental security income (SSI), and a wealth of information on how to maximize your Social Security benefits.

• Medicare: Offers comprehensive health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, covering hospital stays, medical services, and prescription drugs.

• Eldercare Locator: A nationwide service that connects older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources, such as home care, transportation, and legal assistance.

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Provides resources and tools to help retirees manage their finances, avoid scams, and make informed financial decisions.

• National Institute on Aging (NIA): Offers research-based information on aging, health, and wellness, including tips for healthy living and managing common age-related issues.

Utilizing free government resources (free aka paid for by the taxpayers but might as well take advantage of the resources!) can greatly enhance the retirement experience by providing essential financial, healthcare, and support services, ensuring that retirees have the tools they need for a secure and fulfilling life.

FINANCIAL SAVVY
Financial Tip

Stay Flexible

Retirement is a time of change, and staying flexible can help you navigate life's unpredictability with ease.

• Be prepared to adjust your plans as needed in response to changes in your life and finances.

• Maintain a positive attitude and adapt to new circumstances.

• Keep an open mind and explore new opportunities as they arise.

We’ve all been there—tempted to just cross our fingers and hope everything works out. But here’s the thing: taking charge of your life and finances isn’t just smart, it’s empowering.

Carve out a little time each week to focus on your goals, and remember to stay flexible. You’ll feel more confident and in control!

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!

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, 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!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Don’t drink all of our beer!!

When Shari and I travel, it is comforting to be able to monitor our house, see who is at our door, and who is drinking our beer and eating our food (ok, not really a security issue but good to know info 😃). We selected Arlo based on reputation, price point, quality and at least currently, not owned by Google or Amazon - they know enough about us already!

Discover the Arlo Security Cameras and Video Doorbell

• Take Control of Your Security - manage your home security easily with the Arlo Secure app, giving you the power to respond quickly and confidently to any situation.

• Innovation at Your Fingertips - stay ahead with cutting-edge technology, including crystal-clear 4K video and advanced A.I. capabilities, for superior home protection.

• Effortless Setup, Hassle-Free Charging - enjoy a stress-free installation with Arlo’s wire-free setup and benefit from longer-lasting battery life, ensuring your system is always ready.

• Protection That Grows With You - adapt and expand your security system to fit your unique home and lifestyle with Arlo’s award-winning, flexible products.

• Design That Delivers - combine elegance and functionality with Arlo’s beautifully designed products that offer both style and top-notch performance.

• Your Privacy, Protected - trust in Arlo’s industry-leading cybersecurity measures to keep your data secure and private, so you can have peace of mind.

Make your home security smarter, easier, and more reliable with Arlo.

==> Check it out

PIC OF THE WEEK

PARTING WORDS

Have a great week!

ANSWERS

1. A piano

2. An egg

3. Footsteps

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