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 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. 4 Meaningful Pursuits to Explore After Retirement
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. 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.
FROM CONFLICT TO COOPERATION
CO-PARENTING THROUGH RELATIONSHIP DIFFICULTIES
Parenting can be difficult under the best of circumstances, but co- parenting through a contentious separation or divorce can be stressful and exhausting. The transition from parenting together to parenting separately can take time and requires communication and diligent work to execute correctly. It is critical to keep your children in mind while sorting through this difficult period and to remember that co- parenting is for their benefit. DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING Different methods and strategies for co-parenting may be necessary depending on how well you and your ex-spouse communicate. When it comes to discussing how to raise your children jointly, the following approaches may prove helpful. • Have in-person meetings at neutral locations, and keep things formal and to the point. • Bring a list of issues and topics to discuss: Keeping the conversation organized can help avoid conflict. • If face-to-face conversations and phone calls are too quarrelsome, try texting or emailing your co-parent instead. It is essential to find a way to communicate that suits both parents. If you decide to communicate through written mediums, try not to read too much into the messages; it will only lead to further animosity and make co-parenting more challenging.
Sometimes, arguments about co-parenting stem from problems with your relationship. Separating your feelings from your prior marriage for the benefit of your children is necessary to co-parent successfully.
CO-PARENTING RESPECTFULLY Even if conditions between you and your ex-partner are no longer copasetic, you can
still raise your children together without contention and undue strain. It is vital to agree on important parenting topics, like how much screen time your kids should have or how to handle trouble at school. Collaborating on decisions that keep the best interests of your children front and center is the best way to proceed. The way you treat your ex-partner can impact your children. Remember not to badmouth your ex in the presence of your children, and keep your conversations with them in front of your kids as cordial as possible. Setting aside your feelings for your partner for the sake of your children is hard, but it is necessary. Co-parenting takes work, but you can be successful by establishing effective communication and cooperation where possible.
2 — rbbfirm.com
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