☀️ Vibrant Retirement
Greetings!
Welcome to the very first issue of the Happily Ever Retired newsletter! In keeping with the YOLO (you only live once) mindset, we hope this is an enjoyable experience for us, but most important, an enjoyable experience for YOU, our readers!
The good news? Issue #1 only has “friends and family” subscribed. We’re thinking (hoping) the odds are low that we find a “you guys suck” comment posted 🤣… although we certainly look forward to such kind words in the future!
Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese
Embracing Self-Care for a Vibrant Retirement
Retirement is a golden opportunity to focus on yourself and prioritize your well-being. Proactive self-care improves both your health and your happiness.
Key Strategies:
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Physical Fitness – Swimming, walking, and yoga can add years to your life.
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Mental Health – Community involvement, routine, and less screen time help ease the transition.
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Nutrition – Eat well, hydrate, and keep sodium in check to feel your best.
Retirement is your time to shine. Take care of yourself and enjoy this chapter with vitality and confidence.
Exploring Solo Travel Adventures for Retirees
Solo travel in retirement? Absolutely!
It’s enriching, exciting, and entirely on your terms.
Top Benefits:
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Revitalizing Experience – Grow through adventure and self-discovery.
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Flexibility & Independence – Go where you want, when you want.
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Safety Tips – Plan ahead, stay aware, and let others know your itinerary.
Start small. Build confidence. Then, embrace the freedom of traveling solo!
It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll… but we like it!
After I took Shari to her first Rolling Stones concert in 2014, she said,
“I love them… let’s keep seeing them until they retire.”
Even a fanatic like me never thought they’d go this long—and NEVER RETIRE!
We have a blast every time. If 60,000 people cheered for you, would you quit?
Adventures Ahead:
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🎣 Fly Fishing – We’re planning a guided trip in Blowing Rock, NC.
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🥾 Hiking + Coffee – Our new routine: breakfast + 3–5 mile trail = joy.
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🏫 Start School – Curt begins his Master’s in Entrepreneurship at UF this August!
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👩💻 Online Skills – Shari is diving into Canva, Facebook Groups & more.
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🚴 Great Cycle Challenge – Curt will be cycling to raise funds for kids with cancer.
Pick an Activity and Have Some Fun!
Trying something new keeps life exciting.
Ideas to spark joy:
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Gardening – Grow flowers or veggies and soak up the sunshine.
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Bird Watching – Connect with nature in a calming, meaningful way.
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Travel Photography – Every photo tells a story, even from your own backyard.
My brother texted me after reading one of our articles:
“it was good… I just joined a Singing Group.” 😆
Even if it sounds silly—give it a shot. You never know!
❝ Retirement is not the end of the road.
It is the beginning of the open highway.
~ Unknown
Habitat for Humanity
Build homes. Build hope.
Join Habitat for Humanity and make a tangible difference using your hands, heart, and life experience. 🛠
Talking won’t make a difference… Action will!
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
As a retiree, managing money wisely is more important than ever. The CFPB offers trusted tools to help you stay informed and secure.
Top Features:
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Financial Tools – Build budgets and manage retirement savings.
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Scam Prevention – Learn to avoid fraud targeting retirees.
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Educational Materials – Read guides, articles, and watch webinars.
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Complaint Platform – Report issues with financial products/services.
Summary: The CFPB empowers retirees with knowledge, tools, and support.
Financial Tip: Create a Retirement Budget
Keep peace of mind in your golden years with a flexible retirement budget.
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Track both fixed and variable expenses.
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Account for lifestyle shifts—like travel or health costs.
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Revisit and adjust your plan regularly.
No need to count every penny—just live joyfully within your means and enjoy the ride. 🌞
TOOLS WE USE
As a CPA/CFO, I tend to over-research (ask Shari 😆), so these are vetted tools we truly use and recommend:
NewRetirement – Build custom retirement plans based on your goals. Try it free for 14 days!
Monarch Money – One-stop budgeting app with 30-day free trial. Track spending, set goals, manage accounts with ease.
Vintage Rock 🎵
Inspired by our Rolling Stones vibes, we got a Victrola Vintage Music Center for our family room.
It’s a beautiful 6-in-1 entertainment hub with:
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Three-speed turntable
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Bluetooth streaming
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RCA and headphone jack
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Classic wood design
It’s vintage. It sounds great. And even when it’s off—it makes us smile.
PARTING WORDS
Every day is a gift.
Take time to savor a cup of coffee, a morning walk, or a kind conversation.
Gratitude grows when we slow down.
Embrace today with an open heart.
Have a great week!
~ Curt & Shari
