Retirement Planning Strategies March 2018

Life Is What Matters

THE RETIREMENT OF A ‘SENIOR VAGABOND’

Everyone has a different idea of what the perfect retirement looks like. A lot of people may want a quiet life at home, knitting and occasionally visiting grandkids. In stark contrast to this common ideal is Patricia Marek, who decided to make her post-work life one big globe-trotting adventure. “I’m basically a senior vagabond,” she says with a laugh. This decision wasn’t made overnight. “In preparation for retirement, I sold my house and most of my personal belongings,” she recalls. “I kept a small 5-by-10 storage space, but eventually realized I didn’t even need that.” Once her retirement officially began, she didn’t waste time collecting stamps for her passport. “My first trip was to Guatemala for a Spanish immersion program,” she says. “It’s quickly become one of my favorite places on earth. It’s known as ‘the land of eternal spring,’ and I would have to say that’s an accurate nickname.” In previous trips, she’s lived with local families to get a taste of their culture. When she heads out for her next adventure, she’ll be getting her own apartment.

important and made me realize that life is what matters. I still keep some cherished mementos from my sons — you know, mom stuff — but that’s about all I need. If I need plates or forks, I can always buy plastic ones.” Obviously, Patricia’s retirement is unique, so she worked with Ann to develop strategies that benefited her. “To give you one small example,” Patricia tells us, “Ann suggested that I pay the absolute minimum on my car insurance while I was out of the country. It wasn’t going to be driven, so there was no need for comprehensive coverage. Now, when I’m about to return to the U.S., I have my coverage increased. I pay for it when I need it and not when I don’t.” Patricia is living a remarkable life, and she encourages others to do the same. “Whatever your dream retirement looks like, don’t be afraid to pursue it. Ann helped give me the confidence to retire, and I’m so glad I made the decision when I did.”

In addition to multiple visits to Guatemala, Patricia has hiked the Andes in Ecuador, pressed tortillas in Honduras, worked on an elephant reserve in Vietnam, and visited her niece in Birmingham, England. That last trip wasn’t planned. “I got a call from her one day explaining that

she could use a hand,” Patricia remembers. “She asked if I’d like to come, and I think my instinctive response was, ‘Hell yes!’” While there, she was able to explore the English countryside as well as taking a few jaunts into London. Patricia’s trips aren’t just for fun and games, as she uses them as an opportunity to do some volunteer work. She’s helped at orphanages and will soon be certified as an ESL instructor. “I’ve always known that I wanted to give back to the world after I finished working,” she notes. “One of the most rewarding parts of my retirement has been finding interesting ways to volunteer.” When Patricia isn’t exploring the globe, she’s probably spending time with her family. “During the summers, I stay with my twin sister, Marge, and I’m basically the house pool girl,” she says. “I clean it, take care of it, and use it.” During one summer, she was introduced to ballroom dancing, which has since become another passion. How did Patricia decide to prioritize these incredible experiences over the creature comforts most of us desire? “I lost a son in Afghanistan,” she says. “That tragedy made me take stock of what’s

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