Lessons from Pa

This time of year, I often think of the carefree summers I enjoyed as a child.  I spent the first 13 years of my life in Newark, Ohio, before moving to Cincinnati.  My father is from Akron and most years my sister and I would spend at least a week at my grandparent’s house visiting our aunts, uncles and cousins that lived in the area.

My grandfather (Pa) passed away in 2010 and would have turned 100 this September.    He is never far from my thoughts and I am forever grateful for the lessons he taught me.

1.     Happy endings aren’t just for the movies

My grandparents were married for 72 years.  My husband, Tom, and I will each have to live to age 99 to accomplish this feat!  They were able to live in their house until the year Pa passed away.  Remaining physically and mentally active and being blessed with good health allowed them to maintain their independence.

2.     The importance of social circles

My grandparents were always active in their church and had a wide circle of friends.  They were fortunate to live close to most of their 8 brothers and sisters and saw them frequently.  After Pa’s death, my grandmother moved to an independent living facility where she remains today.  She just turned 94 in March and continues to spend her days filled with social engagements and family visits.  

3.     Live within your means

My grandfather drove a Frito Lay truck for a living and my grandmother never worked outside the home.  They lived in the same house for 47 years and were diligent savers.  Pa stopped working at age 60 and they were able to enjoy a comfortable retirement which included spending winters in Florida and many rounds of golf.

4.     Have a purpose

Pa started caddying at the age of 13.  Golf was his passion and he played whenever possible.  One of his happiest moments was when he finally got a hole-in-one at age 89.  A retirement lasting over 35 years would not have been nearly as fun if he wasn’t able to do something he enjoyed so much.

When I envision my life after work, my grandparents often come to mind.  Having a fulfilling life, surrounded by the people I love is just as important as making sure I’ve saved enough money.  I hope it is for you too.

Christine Carleton, CFP®

ccarleton@taaginc.com
www.taaginc.com

Be Thankful

Did you know that today, December 21st, is the shortest day of the year? It is the winter solstice and marks the beginning of winter. The sun will not rise today at the North Pole. Our northern hemisphere begins to lose more heat than it gains, and this will continue until late in winter. It looks like winter today in Cincinnati. The sky is grey and it is cold, although thankfully we aren't buried under a few feet of snow.

While we are experiencing our shortest day, the southern hemisphere is basking in sunshine and enjoying their first day of summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the results of a study showing that the happiest people live in sunny states. Topping the list were Louisiana, Hawaii, and Florida. Ohio did not place well. We came in 43rd. Does that mean we are doomed to depression? I don’t think so, but Seasonal Affective Disorder is not unheard of around here.

While the days may be getting shorter and colder, I can still think of an awful lot that I am thankful for. I hope that you have a lot to be thankful for, too. Take a few minutes and write it down. Keep this list in a drawer and when you're having an awful day and need some perspective, pull it out.

As you sit down with your family and friends this coming week, why not share with them? It can be a very touching experience to go around the table just before dinner, having each person share one thing that you're thankful for.

By Amanda Bashore, CFP
arbashore@taaginc.com
www.taaginc.com

The Golden Ticket

"Happiness is a by-product. You cannot pursue it by itself"

Sam Levenson

As we approach retirement, much time is spent daydreaming about a life of leisure when we have no one to answer to but ourselves. Happiness seems inevitable when we are in charge of our own destiny. It is common to spend the years approaching retirement creating a plan so your financial house is in order, but less common to create a mission statement describing the purpose for the next stage of your life.

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In business, a mission statement is created to describe the purpose of the organization and spells out the goals and direction for a company. With a personal mission statement, you can create an intentional direction for your life.

In the twenty years I have been advising retirees, I have found that the biggest determinant of their happiness in retirement is discovering their purpose. This can be anything from spending time with family and friends, pursuing a hobby, volunteering to starting a new career. Those who are the most thoughtful about how they will be spending their golden years seem to enjoy life to the fullest.

A wonderful web site I have recently discovered is http://www.theonequestion.com/. It includes a wealth of information from a test to discover your purpose, to links to articles, books and interviews so each of us can discover our own passion and begin to live a truly fulfilling life. It's never too late to start!

By Chris Carleton, CFP®