Greetings!

So, in case you were wondering if Covid-19 is still a thing?

Shari and I can emphatically confirm that, YES, it still exists—no matter what variant it’s called. We’re just now beginning to feel better after two weeks of not-so-much fun. (Shari gave it to me, so I blame her 😄 but don’t tell her I said that!)

The symptoms were sort of like having a combo meal—and the combo changed every day! Today is cough, chills, and nausea day… tomorrow is sore throat, headache, and body ache day.

Oh well, gave us a chance to binge-watch a new series (to us, at least): Seal Team. Great show, we’re about halfway through…

…uh oh, I think I’m feeling sick again—where’s my woobie and the TV remote? 😆

Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese

📰 Spotlight Story

Welcome to Your Best Retirement Life

Retirement is a time of newfound freedom and relaxation—but transitioning from a fast-paced work life to a slower lifestyle can take some getting used to.

Whether you’re easing in or diving in headfirst, embracing a slower pace can bring big benefits:

• Boost Your Health: Take leisurely walks, cook nutritious meals, or meet friends for pickleball. These simple shifts can improve your well-being.

• Find Contentment in Simplicity: With fewer time demands, you can focus on what truly matters—like hobbies, quiet mornings, or family time.

• Strengthen Connections: Deepen relationships with loved ones or make new ones through community service and social groups.

This new chapter is about balance. Slow down. Simplify. Savor it.

✈️ Travel & Leisure

Discover the Charm of Main Street

Destination Highlight: Blowing Rock, NC

Main Streets across America are the beating heart of small towns. Whether you're after a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled stroll, you’ll find something magical:

• Unique Shops: Local treasures and handmade crafts.

• Cozy Cafés: Warm meals and welcoming faces.

• Charming Inns: B&Bs that make you feel right at home.

We love Main Streets—they’re our favorite kind of adventure!

🐾 Our Adventures

Two Doods!

Meet the Boys: Charlie and Brodie.

Charlie still thinks he’s King of the House 👑 but Brodie is catching up. Life with two Goldendoodles? Pure chaos and pure love.

I wasn’t sure I was a “dog person,” but now I’m Dog Dad—leaving the house like, “Bye boys, love you, be good, miss you already…”

Meanwhile, Shari’s like, “They’ll be fine.”

And the dogs? “Hurry up so we can eat socks.”

Adventures Ahead

• 🏫 Start School – Curt begins his online Master’s in Entrepreneurship (Go Gators!).

• 👩‍💻 Online Skills – Shari’s learning Canva, Facebook Groups & digital tools.

• 🎶 Landslide Project – We’re learning to play & sing Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide together!

• 🎣 Fly Fishing – Planning a new guided trip in Blowing Rock this fall.

• 🚴 Great Cycle Challenge – Curt’s raising money to fight kids’ cancer this September.

🎉 Random Fun Things to Try

Try something new and shake up the routine!

• Cooking Classes – Learn to create new dishes and dazzle your friends.

• Wine Tasting – Explore flavors and enjoy social sips.

• Writing & Blogging – Share your stories and wisdom online.

“I just joined a Singing Group.” ~ My brother, being funny 😆

There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it 'retirement.' I call it bliss.
— Betty Sullivan

❤️ Making a Difference

Meals on Wheels

Delivering food is just the beginning—it’s the connection that counts.

When you volunteer with Meals on Wheels, you brighten lives, provide nourishment, and offer friendship.

Talking doesn’t change lives. Action does.

🔍 Resource for August

Fraud & Scams

Sadly, scams targeting retirees are everywhere. But knowledge = power.

We recommend resources from:

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Take time to learn how to stay safe—and share this with those you love. You may get tired of us talking about scams, but we’d rather be annoying than watch someone get hurt.

💰 Financial Savvy

Tech Tips for Money Management

Don’t be afraid to use technology—it’s your friend!
Try:

• Budgeting apps like Monarch Money

• Retirement planning tools like NewRetirement

• Setting reminders to stay on track

We get it—checking your finances can feel like stepping on the scale… but it’s better to know. Guardrails keep us moving safely.

🛠️ Tools We Use

Yes, I overanalyze every decision—just ask Shari. 😆
Here are two tools we use and love:

• NewRetirement: Great for long-term planning with a 14-day free trial.

• Monarch Money: Clean interface, big-picture clarity. Free for 30 days.

➡️ Consider working with a fee-only CFP (Certified Financial Planner) to guide your journey.

🐶 Product Spotlight

Furbo 360° Dog Camera

Stay connected with your pup anytime, anywhere:

• HD 360° Camera: Night vision and zoom included

• Two-Way Audio: Talk to them like you're still home

• Treat Tossing: Yes, Shari is trigger-happy on the treats 😄

• Smart Alerts: Get notified when they bark or act up

This thing is awesome—Shari calls it the “dog cam of love.”

🌟 Parting Words

The best investment? Your health.

Start small—walk, stretch, breathe. It adds up. You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent.

Have a great week!