Greetings!

Welcome to the very first issue of the Happily Ever Retired newsletter! In keeping with the YOLO (you only live once) mindset, we hope this will be an enjoyable experience for us but most important, an enjoyable experience for YOU, our readers!

The good news is Issue #1 only has “friends and family” subscribed. We are thinking (hoping) the odds are low that we find a “you guys suck” comment posted 🤣… although we certainly look forward to such kind words in the future!

 Embrace Your Best Life! 

~ Curt & Shari Roese

SPOTLIGHT STORY
Embracing Self-Care for a Vibrant Retirement

Retirement is a golden opportunity to focus on yourself and prioritize your well-being. By taking proactive steps to care for both your physical and mental health, you can enhance your quality of life and enjoy these years to the fullest. This article explores essential strategies for maintaining wellness and longevity during retirement such as:

• Physical Fitness: Engaging in regular exercise like swimming, walking, or yoga can significantly boost your health and extend your lifespan.

• Mental Health: Managing stress through community involvement, maintaining a routine, and limiting screen time can help you transition smoothly into retirement.

• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring sodium intake are key to feeling your best every day.

Retirement is your golden opportunity to prioritize what truly matters—your health and happiness. Embrace self-care to navigate this exciting chapter with vitality and confidence, making these years the most fulfilling yet.

EXPLORE THE WORLD
Exploring Solo Travel Adventures for Retirees

Embarking on solo travel as a retiree can be an incredibly enriching experience. This article outlines the many benefits and practical tips for making the most of solo adventures such as:

• Revitalizing Experience: Solo travel allows you to learn about yourself, push boundaries, and renew your sense of adventure.

• Flexibility and Independence: Enjoy the freedom to choose your destinations and activities without compromise, tailored to your interests.

• Safety Tips: Stay safe by planning ahead, communicating your plans, and staying aware of your surroundings.

Solo travel can be a fulfilling and liberating experience for retirees, offering a unique way to explore the world at your own pace. By starting with short trips and gradually extending your adventures, you can build confidence and enjoy the numerous benefits of traveling alone. Remember to stay safe, plan carefully, and embrace the freedom that comes with solo travel.

OUR ADVENTURES
It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll.. but we like it!

After I took Shari to her first Rolling Stones concert in 2014, she said “I love them.. let’s keep seeing them until they retire”. Even a Stones fanatic like me never thought they would survive this long and NEVER RETIRE!

Well, it is not the cheapest adventure, but we have a blast every time we see them! And why should they retire? If 60,000 people showed up to clap and adore you, would you?

Adventures Ahead

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

🥾 Hiking - in July we discovered a morning routine we fell in love with - explore new coffee shops and breakfast joints then go on a 3 to 5 mile trail hike.. can’t wait to continue this adventure.

🏫 Start School - Curt starts his online Masters in Entrepreneurship program at the University of Florida in late August. A bit nervous, but good things usually happen on the other side of “being nervous”!

👩‍💻 Online Skills - Shari is diving in learning Canva, Facebook Groups, and other online marketing skills. Never stop learning!

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

👟 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:

• Gardening - Dig into the joys of gardening and watch your efforts blossom into beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables. It's a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

• Bird Watching - Embrace the tranquility of nature by spotting and identifying different bird species. It's a relaxing hobby that connects you with the environment.

• Travel Photography - Capture the beauty of your travels with photography. Whether you're exploring new places or your local neighborhood, every photo tells a story.
  

My brother texted me after reading one of our articles and said “it was good.. I just joined a Singing Group” lol 😆 all jokes aside, although some ideas might seem silly, imagine the stories you can tell if you just try some new things!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Habitat for Humanity

Join Habitat for Humanity to help build homes and hope for families in need. Your construction skills and life experience can make a lasting difference. Get ready to pick up a hammer and create change in your community!

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

RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

As you navigate retirement, it's crucial to have access to reliable resources that can help you manage your finances, protect yourself from scams, and make informed decisions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers a range of free tools and resources specifically designed to support retirees in achieving financial stability and security. Below, we highlight some of the key benefits of utilizing CFPB's resources.

• Financial Management Tools: Access a variety of tools to help you create budgets, manage your retirement savings, and plan for future expenses.

• Scam Prevention: Learn how to identify and avoid common scams targeting retirees, ensuring your finances remain secure.

• Educational Materials: Utilize guides, articles, and webinars that provide valuable information on various financial topics relevant to retirees.

• Complaint Filing: If you encounter issues with financial products or services, CFPB provides a platform to file complaints and seek resolution.

Summary: The CFPB's comprehensive resources and tools empower retirees to effectively manage their finances, safeguard against scams, and make informed decisions, ensuring a financially secure retirement.

For more information, visit the CFPB's website.

FINANCIAL SAVVY
Financial Tip

Create a Retirement Budget

Planning your retirement budget is crucial for maintaining financial stability and enjoying your golden years.

• Estimate both fixed and variable expenses, such as housing, utilities, groceries, and entertainment.

• Consider potential changes in spending habits post-retirement, like increased travel or healthcare costs.

• Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect any changes in your financial situation.

There is no need to track every penny.. have fun and enjoy yourself.. just make sure you are doing so within comfortable boundaries of your personal financial situation. This is the time for peace, not stress :)

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
Vintage Rock

In keeping with the Classic Rock theme, after seeing the Rolling Stones recently, we present you with the Victrola Vintage Music Center. When we recently renovated our home and had an open corner in the family room we thought “let’s get something vintage”.

And, it actually doesn’t sound bad at all! Ok, we don’t play it often, but we enjoy it by just seeing it 🎵

A few highlights:

• 6-in-1 Entertainment Center

• Three-Speed Turntable (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm)

• Expanded Connectivity (RCA Line outputs, headphone jack)

• High-Quality Design

• Bluetooth Streaming (up to 33 feet)

==> Check it out

PIC OF THE WEEK

PARTING WORDS

Have a great week!

ANSWERS

Riddle Me This: An echo

Mathematical Challenge: 1, 2, and 3. (1+2+3 = 6 and 1x2x3 = 6)

Visual Puzzle: The letter "M"

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