4 Meaningful Pursuits to Explore After Retirement
education but couldn’t fit it into your schedule, now you can. There are courses available online and in person. Many classes specialize in educating seniors, while others offer highly discounted rates. Some colleges allow seniors to audit their courses at little to no cost with a tuition waiver. Lifelong learning also helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, if you worry about these diseases, continuous learning is one of the best defenses you can have. No. 3 Help and Advocate Many retirees find purpose through volunteering. Many organizations need a hand, like food banks, soup kitchens, and animal shelters. Giving them some of your time allows you to support your community, further a cause, and even save lives. Volunteer work also connects you with like- minded people, ensuring you make friends with people who share your values.
Retirement is the end goal after decades spent working and saving. Once reached, a common question retirees ask is, “Now what?” There’s a massive gap in your schedule now, and there are countless things you can fill the time with. So, here are four big ideas you can use to take advantage of your newfound freedom. No. 1 See the World The world is a vast and beautiful place, and now that you don’t have obligations tying you down, you can finally get out there and see everything on your bucket list. If you ever wanted to experience the breathtaking size of the Grand Canyon or dreamt of dining at French cafes by the Seine River in Paris, then retirement is the perfect opportunity to go on those adventures. No. 2 Never Stop Learning Be a lifelong learner. If you’ve always wanted to explore your interests through
No. 4 Retire a Little Less Some retirees miss the purpose that work gives (as well as the income). Many jobs also keep you on your feet and active. If you count yourself among them, consider picking up a part-time job. Roles like delivery driver, substitute teacher, and dog walker allow you to line your pockets while meeting people. Retirement is not just the end of work — it’s the start of leisure. You can do and experience many things, from seeing the Mona Lisa to volunteering at an animal shelter. It’s time to take advantage of retirement and seize every opportunity.
HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN EXECUTOR TIPS TO AVOID MAJOR MISSTEPS
which is why changing the locks could be crucial if the family situation is contentious.
If you’ve been named the executor for someone’s last will and testament, you’ve been entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out a person’s last wishes. This honor — and legal responsibility — means you must take care of financial obligations, including paying any outstanding debt or taxes, and then properly dispense the remaining assets according to the directions in the will. The person who chose you to be executor trusts that you can handle this responsibility, so we’re here to walk you through the process and clear up any questions you may have. If you are listed as the executor or the trustee in someone’s estate planning documents, you should do a few things immediately upon their passing. First, you must secure their home and any other property as quickly as possible. This involves
Next, you should locate all relevant estate planning documents and then determine whether the estate must go through probate. You will need multiple copies of the death certificate for banks, credit card companies, and insurance. Other important documents you will need include insurance policies, credit card statements, investment account and pension statements, and contacts for attorneys and accountants. Give yourself time to review these documents carefully. Once you understand the estate plan, you can call a meeting with all involved to review the deceased family member’s instructions on how to distribute the assets. Being prepared and proactive will ensure you carry out your duties as an executor with precision and honor the person who entrusted you with this duty.
maintaining any property until the estate is settled, including changing the locks.
Often, family members will try to go into the house after someone passes away and remove items. As the executor or the trustee, you have to ensure this does not happen,
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