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Many of my clients have told me about rekindling the relationship with their spouse in retirement or building better bonds with family members. They say retiring provides more chances to be tender. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? When your head isn’t buzzing with small details (Does my car need gas? Am I properly prepared for that meeting tomorrow?), you can focus on the person you are. One friend and client of ours reconnected with his sister, and they now travel the world together. Another client is spending quality time with his twin sons in a way he never imagined would be possible when he was working. Retiring at 61 or 62 instead of 67 or 70 may not seem like that big of a difference, but those who wish to travel or spend time with their kids or grandkids often tell me how thrilled they are to do it while they still feel young and can get around easily. Even if these clients aren’t old enough to collect their Social Security benefits — or if they want to delay filing so they can grow their benefits — we often can find a way to build a plan with what they have in savings and other income sources, allowing them to go do the things they truly want to do. • You can give something back. Our retirees often remark how much they enjoy volunteer work — and not just because it gives them something to do. They say they feel blessed to have had people in their lives who helped them, and though they didn’t have time or energy to get involved with a service organization when they were working, it’s something they now embrace. One of my clients adopted a girl with special challenges who is thriving thanks to the attention from her new full-time mom. Others I know serve as mentors for young people, deliver meals to shut-ins, or offer to help their neighbors with chores. It gives them a sense of purpose and renewed vigor. And remember, charities aren’t just looking for checks — many are
seeking help from volunteers who have special skills and experience to offer. One example is the nonprofit organization SCORE, made up of retired professionals who give free advice and wise counsel to business owners and entrepreneurs alike. I have been a recipient of their services, and I can tell you these are some sharp-minded retirees and very helpful. • There’s time for self-reflection. People often don’t recognize their quality of life could improve until they retire. They were busy, and the bills were getting paid, but they weren’t completely fulfilled. Retirement gives them time to ponder who and what are really important, what they’re truly proud of, and maybe, what needs to change. For some, retirement is a reminder they aren’t going to live indefinitely, and that inspires them to embrace the years ahead. I admit, I’m looking forward to semiretirement — to devoting more time to my oldest son’s special needs, pursuing my passion for cooking, learning from others, and giving something back. If that’s how you feel, and you’re holding back because you lack confidence in your retirement income plan, perhaps it’s time to talk about what you still need to do — or how you can use what you already have — to make things work. Believe me, there’s a way to put together a plan that gets you to your goals.
-Charles Dzama
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
HOPPIN’ JOHN
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by Epicurious
Ingredients
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1 smoked ham hock
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1 cup dried black-eyed peas
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1 medium onion, diced
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5–6 cups water
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 dried hot pepper, optional (arbol and Calabrian are great options)
Directions
1.
Wash and sort peas.
2. In a saucepan, cover peas with water, discarding any that float. 3. Add pepper, ham hock, and onion. Gently boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are just tender, about 90 minutes. At this point, you should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. 4. Add rice, cover, drop heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, undisturbed. 5. Remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes, still covered. 6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
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