Greetings!

Hope everyone had an awesome week!

Life for us was a bit quiet this week, which is fine with us. Lots of studying for me and Shari was learning some “internet marketing” stuff.

Winding things down here in FL before we head back to NC for some autumn leaf watching. 🍂 Can’t wait to hike every day in the crisp mountain air ⛰️

This was the kind of week where we think we should be on the move and then we truly enjoyed the peacefulness of just relaxing. Do what is best for YOU!

Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese

Explore, Thrive, and Stay Active!

Retirement is the perfect time to explore outdoor adventures that keep you active and connected with nature. Staying fit while enjoying these activities is a key to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

• 🥾 Hiking offers scenic trails tailored for retirees, helping to maintain physical fitness while enjoying nature.

• 🚴‍♀️ Cycling is a low-impact exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, with options for both leisurely and challenging rides.

• 🏕️ RV camping and road trips allow retirees to explore new destinations with the comfort of home on wheels.

From hiking to RV camping, outdoor adventures are an exciting way to stay active during retirement. These activities not only improve physical health but also offer new experiences and connections with nature.

Embrace the outdoors and make the most of your golden years!

Simple Ways to Relax and Reduce Stress

Retirement should be about enjoying life, but stress can sometimes sneak into this new chapter. Here are five easy, effective ways to reduce stress and relax, so you can fully embrace this exciting time:

• Take a Walk in Nature – A daily walk outside can clear your mind and help you reconnect with the calming rhythms of nature.

• Practice Deep Breathing – Just a few minutes of deep, mindful breathing can help reduce tension and bring instant calm.

• Unplug from Technology – Setting aside time each day to disconnect from devices can free your mind from constant distractions.

• Try Gentle Yoga – Simple stretches or yoga moves can release muscle tension and promote both physical and mental relaxation.

• Connect with Loved Ones – Spending quality time with friends and family provides emotional support and can instantly lift your mood.

Relaxation is a key part of living your best retirement!

Pilates By Design

Curt and I are on sort of a “health and wellness” kick. We have a beautiful life and simply want to feel as good as we can... as long as we can.

On Monday we went to a “free” intro Pilates at one of the larger franchise places. It was nice and the instructor was very good but the front desk manager was LOUD… like “HEY.. WELCOME.. BLAH.. BLAH.. BLAH..” 😆 We ran out the front door after her "no pressure" pitch.

Later in the week, Shari tried a brand new local Pilates studio, max 4 students, taught by the owner. It was awesome. Refreshing. NO pressure. And no complicated memberships to figure out. We’ve found our FL Pilates studio 😃

Won’t lie, it’s not cheap—but we’ll mix it in with our “free” walking and biking, and we love how we feel… and that’s what counts the most!

Escapades Ahead

• 🚴 Great Cycle Challenge – Curt’s raising money for kids cancer this September. Way behind on mileage, but already raised over $2,100 💲!

• 🎣 Fly Fishing – Heading back to Blowing Rock in October. First time trying it—should be fun!

• 🎯 Shooting – Visiting Chetola Sporting Reserve to try clay shooting or archery. We’ve never shot anything—should be interesting.

Pasta Party

Life is more interesting when you try new things!

Curt and I try to do new things (or old things we haven’t done in forever)... life gets in the way sometimes, but we try our best! Here are a few SIMPLE ideas:

• 🍝 Cooking – We're hosting our daughter’s 30th birthday party with a homemade pasta night! Curt is ½ Italian and makes a mean “Nana’s Gravy.”

• 🌠 Astronomy – Explore the stars and planets. It’s a hobby that brings the universe closer to you.

• 🧩 Jigsaw Puzzles – A fun, rewarding, and relaxing way to pass the time.

Some ideas might seem silly, but imagine the stories you can tell if you just try!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
~ Mae West

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Salvation Army

Volunteering with The Salvation Army provides meaningful ways to give back:

• Wide Range of Opportunities – Soup kitchens, donations, youth mentoring, and seasonal programs like Angel Tree

• Disaster Relief – Help deliver essential supplies and aid

• Direct Impact – Offer food, shelter, and support to those facing hardship

Whether locally or in disaster zones, your efforts make a lasting difference.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

VolunteerMatch

Looking to give back in retirement? VolunteerMatch helps connect you with opportunities you’ll love:

• Diverse Opportunities – Choose roles that fit your skills and interests

• Flexible Commitment – One-time events or ongoing commitments

• Community Impact – Make a difference where you live

Stay engaged, purposeful, and inspired.

FINANCIAL SAVVY

What’s Your Financial “Enough”?

Ever wonder how much money you really need to live a fulfilling life? Knowing your "enough" is key to peace of mind.

Focus on These Key Areas:

• Run Your Own Race – Don’t compare. Define your own goals.

• Prepare for the Unexpected – Plan for inflation, healthcare, and surprises.

• Focus on Income – It’s not just savings, but how much income they generate.

• Enjoy What You Have – Contentment brings peace.

• Know Your Real Needs – Budget for different phases and plan accordingly.

It’s not just math—it’s about happiness and security.

TOOLS WE USE

As a CPA/CFO, I (Curt) overanalyze everything. If I recommend something, I’ve researched the heck out of it 😆

💲 Boldin (fka NewRetirement) – A deep planning tool for mapping out your retirement. Try it for 14 days free!

💲 Monarch Money – A budgeting platform to track spending, set goals, and stay organized. Try it free for 30 days!

Simpli Shari 🩷

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that taking care of my skin is self-care.

Facials keep my skin fresh and glowing, and I recently tried Botox—just a little boost, nothing extreme. Think “natural glow,” not “surprised all the time!” 😆

Do what makes YOU feel good. These little things help me feel like my best self.

Embrace your best life,
🩷 Shari

NANA AND PAPPY

Are You Guys Home Yet?

We split time between Florida and North Carolina, but Florida is Grandchildren HQ.

We think our kids installed an app that pings them when we cross the state line. The second we hit “Welcome to Florida,” the phone rings: “Are you home yet? Can you watch the kids?” 😆

Sleepover Wisdom:

• 1 grandkid = peaceful

• 2 cousins = fun

• 3 = someone’s always left out

• 4 = don’t do it. We thought it was noon. It was 8:23 a.m. 😳

PARTING WORDS

Life after retirement is a new chapter filled with possibilities. Embrace the spirit of adventure—travel, try new things, meet new people. Every day is a chance to create lasting memories.

Have a great week!