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DECEMBER 2019
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
&Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
Reflections on 20 Years in Financial Services AND LOOKING TO THE NEXT 20
Now’s the time of year when publications of all types begin publishing their “Best of 2019” lists. Whether you’re interested in music or TV, video games or political scandals, you can definitely find a “best of” dedicated to the topic. This year, the standard end-of-year roundups are joined by “Best of the Decade” recaps. While these features are popular for a number of reasons, including our collective fascination with list-making, the most obvious one is that the end of a year, decade, or century provides us with a natural opportunity for reflection. For me, the end of a decade is doubly significant because it mirrors my time working in financial services. I started in this industry in 2000. At the time, I was selling long-term care insurance for General Electric. I remember a training session we had very early in my career. The speaker told us words to the effect of, “Only one in ten of you will be in this business next year, and only one in a hundred of you will be in this business in ten years.” It would be impossible to crunch the numbers on the people sitting in that room many years ago, but I’m willing to bet he was pretty close to correct. I’m very fortunate to say I’m that lucky one.
I never would’ve guessed back then that I’d end up starting my own firm in 2002 and dedicating my life to helping federal employees, but I’m sure glad I did. Running Retirement Planning Strategies has become much more than a job. It’s a labor of love, a way to meet our incredible public servants, and a chance to truly help people. Everyone, from the person living paycheck to paycheck to even Jeff Bezos, stresses about money. To be able to lessen that stress for people is something I never take for granted.
policy, and other factors have all changed the way we think about and execute retirement planning. Unfortunately, though, amid all this change, one thing has stayed pretty much the same. When I started, about 15% of financial advisors were female. In 2019, I think it’s ticked up maybe 1% or 2%. That’s just not good enough, and it’s something I am working to change over the coming decades. In his 1996 book “The Road Ahead,” Bill Gates wrote, “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.” As we approach the 2020s, let’s all take a moment to take stock of where we’re at and make a plan for where we’re going. Recaps are fun, but we can’t forget to also be in the business of moving forward. I look forward to seeing where the next decade and beyond takes Retirement Planning Strategies. I promise that no matter where we go, it will always be our goal to provide you with the best services possible.
A lot has changed in the intervening two decades. Today, traditional long-term care insurance is rarely the way our clients fund their long-term care. It may be the product that I learned first, but things have changed. Technology, political
–Ann Vanderslice
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Hittin’ the High Notes Normally, the former federal employees we feature in this space have had a few years to adjust to life after their
SUE CONSOLO-MURPHY’S TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT
full-time gigs have ended. This month, though, we decided to do something a little different and speak to someone who’s just beginning their retirement journey. After 40-plus years spent with the National Park Service, Sue Consolo-Murphy retired on Nov. 1 of this year. We caught up with Sue to discuss the exciting end of her career and her equally exciting next chapter.
Sue and grandchildren on the beach at San Leone, Agrigento
Sue in Salzburg, July 2019
“I used to half-joke that I wasn’t going to be one of those people who did 40 years,” Sue recalls. “Then, I ended up doing it anyway. I even extended my career beyond when I initially planned to retire.” Due to a number of factors, including a desire to contribute as much as possible to ongoing projects at work, Sue decided to extend her tenure into 2019. In addition to being professionally fulfilling, Sue’s slightly elongated work life kept her in Jackson, Wyoming, and gave her a chance to experience an incredible opportunity thousands of miles away.
Sue and husband biking in Ireland, 2010
Sue at Grand Canyon on detail, Spring 2016
“When you tell people you’re about to retire,” Sue says, “they’ll often ask you what your plan is. Sometimes, you can even detect a little judgment in their voice. Something like, ‘Well, what are you going to DO?’ I’ll be honest, I have no anxiety about how I will fill my days. We’re working on remodeling our house, I’ve got plenty of hobbies, and I’m perfectly happy with the state of things.” This point is an important one for those approaching retirement. As Sue’s experience proves, you don’t need some master plan for what life after work looks like. If you have a zest for life, you’ll figure it out as you go. “The other thing that helps you retire without fear,” Sue adds, “is being confident in your fiscal planning. That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed working with Ann. In addition to being great with the numbers, she also just cares. Just the other day, I got an unexpected package from her with a shirt that reads ‘EX-FED.’ It was a cool and thoughtful way to mark my transition into retirement.” We thought about adding a custom “Belatedly” to the beginning of Sue’s shirt, but after thinking it over, we realized she retired at the perfect time, no matter what the original plan was.
JH Chorale, Sue in center
“One of the choir groups I sing in, which happens to be based in Jackson, was invited to sing at the Mozart Festival in Salzburg, Austria,” Sue says. “I knew I wanted to be a part of it, and everything just fit better with this new timeline.” So earlier this year, Sue and her fellow choir members packed their bags, flew to Austria, and sang multiple times throughout the festival. The trip involved two passions, travel and singing, that Sue expects to be big parts of her retirement. She hopes to travel to France and Peru in particular, the latter trip focused on seeing Machu Picchu. Sue’s also planning to drive her youngest daughter cross-country to begin an internship in Washington, D.C. That road trip, though, basically amounts to the whole of Sue’s concrete plans right now — and she’s just fine with that.
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Do You Have a Story to Tell? SHARE YOUR WISDOM IN A MEMOIR
Writing can be a therapeutic exercise at a time when your life may be changing due to retirement or grown children striking out on their own. And because personal reflection is a natural occurrence with age, writing a memoir can be the perfect way to spend your time. As you gain enough distance from life events to grow useful perspectives, the stage is set for self-discovery and transformation. Even more so, your life experiences can give valuable insights to readers of all ages and circumstances. That’s why biographies and memoirs are such popular genres — reading about real people helps others understand the world and how they can live in it. To get started, pick a theme. Ask yourself these questions, “What message do I want to leave with my readers? What do I want them to feel or understand by reading my words?” From there, select anecdotes that support your theme. Make sure they’re clear and cohesive. Then, write like you would a fictional novel or story. Show, don’t tell, and keep readers invested by having a narrative arc, whether it flows chronologically or jumps back and forth in time. Remember, this is not a time to air dirty laundry; it’s a time to reflect, grow, and share your experiences with the world.
The urge to leave behind a legacy is an inherent human instinct. Whether you accomplish this by raising children, building a successful company, or starting a charitable organization, the desire to share your wisdom should not go unfulfilled. If none of these options work for your lifestyle, writing a memoir may be a good alternative. A memoir not only tells your story but also passes on the wisdom you’ve gained from your many experiences and offers a unique perspective to inspire future generations.
Train Your
BRAIN!
Classic Roast Chicken
Inspired by Ina Garten
INGREDIENTS
• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • Olive oil
• 1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs • Kosher salt • Freshly ground pepper • 1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed • 1 lemon, halved
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets if included. Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string. 3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme.
4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables.
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303-922-4304 • www.annvanderslice.com
PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787
This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Investments in securities are not suitable for all investors. Investment in any security may involve a high degree of risk and investors should review all "Risk Factors" before investing. Investors should perform their own due diligence before considering any investment. Past performance and/or forward looking statements are never an assurance of future results. Investment products, Insurance, and Annuity products are not FDIC Insured/Not Bank Guaranteed/ Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency/May Lose Value. Securities offered through Cabot Lodge Securities LLC New York, NY 10281-- Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services offered through CL Wealth Management LLC-- SEC registered. Retirement Planning Strategies is not controlled by or a subsidiary of Cabot Lodge Securities LLC or CL Wealth Management LLC
issue INSIDE THIS 20 Years in the Field of Finance PAGE 1
Sue Consolo-Murphy Starts Retirement PAGE 2 Tell Your Story and Share Your Wisdom PAGE 3
Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest PAGE 4
YURT SWEET YURT
Glamping in Beautiful Locations
SPRUCE HOLE YURT, COLORADO Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about ten miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. FALLS BROOK YURTS, NEW YORK For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under one mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide the comforts of home — all in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. TREEBONES RESORT, CALIFORNIA For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day.
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