BRIDGING THE MILES STAYING CLOSE TO FARAWAY GRANDKIDS
Many parents look forward to spending their preretirement and golden years with grandchildren, cuddling on the couch, mixing cookie dough, or planting seeds in a garden. Yet that comfy dream eludes half of today’s grandparents because their grandchildren live more than 200 miles away. According to a 2023 AARP survey, distance is currently the biggest obstacle to grandparents spending as much time as they want with grandchildren. A growing number of grandparents are closing that gap by using
Many games and conversations you would have when you are physically together can also work virtually, such as delivering a joke, riddle, magic trick, song, or poem. Take turns making up stories or holding two-way conversations with hand puppets. Kids also love scavenger hunts, guessing games, or playing I Spy. Mind Their Moods When you call, your grandchildren may feel tired, excited, silly, or sad. Don’t take it personally if your grandchild checks in briefly, then breezes away to do something else. Children live in the moment.
FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or other video-chat apps for virtual get-togethers with grandkids. The rewards of mastering those apps are worth the effort. Here are two strategies for making the most of virtual family visits. Let Kids Lead Children often revel in a grandparent’s undivided attention and delight in hosting a room tour or a show-and-tell session with their latest project or toy. A grandchild might enjoy showing you how they play with a train set or blocks. Others might like modeling their latest superhero costume or showing you how they make slime.
Some days, they may be eager to engage in a lively conversation, while on others, they want to roam free. They may also want to “hang out” with you without talking. Many grandparents
learn to just “be in the room” as a presence on the screen. Some grandparents keep the same toys, puzzles, or craft materials on hand that their grandchildren enjoy. Then, you can either invite your grandchild to teach you how to use the items or just play alongside them.
KEEPING YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN RESILIENT From Curveballs to Confidence
Retirement planning isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s an evolving process that should adjust with life’s many changes. While it’s tempting to set a retirement goal and stick to it, flexibility is just as important as preparation. Retirement plans are not static. They can change due to various factors such as economic conditions, personal circumstances, and legislative shifts. Understanding how these changes can impact your retirement and knowing how to respond is key to protecting your financial well-being throughout your golden years. One of the biggest influences on retirement plans is the economy. Market fluctuations, inflation, and interest rate changes can all affect the value of your investments. A downturn could mean your portfolio doesn’t grow as expected or even declines in value, while periods of inflation may increase your cost of living. That’s why it’s crucial to
reassess your investment strategy regularly. Diversifying your portfolio with a healthy mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can help smooth out the bumps and provide a more stable foundation for long-term growth. Your personal circumstances can also shift unexpectedly. Maybe you or your spouse will retire earlier or later than planned. A health issue may arise, or a family member needs support. Life events like these may require tapping into savings sooner, revisiting your income needs, or adjusting your retirement timeline. Proactively reviewing your goals and financial situation helps you stay on course, even when life throws a curveball. Government policy changes, such as tax law revisions, Social Security updates, or new retirement account rules, can also impact your financial picture. Staying informed is critical, and working with a
trusted financial advisor like our team at WRN can help you understand how these changes apply to you and what moves to make in response. Here’s the bottom line: By staying flexible, informed, and willing to revise your plans as needed, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy a secure and fulfilling retirement, no matter what life brings your way.
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