It's that time of year when the weather starts to cool down and the Halloween candy is out in full force! Of course, by the time you read this, the holiday decorations might also be out (Ha-Ha)! It gets earlier and earlier every year.
Football season has kicked off, whether it's high school, college, or the NFL. It's always a sure indicator of the fall season. We live close to a high school and know school is back in session when we hear the band at morning practice. (It reminds me of those days when I was in high school.)
Usually, as temps cool down and holiday planning picks up, we are reminded about donating to the local food banks and shelters. Consider replenishing the food banks near you this Fall, as needs have surely doubled everywhere.
I remember when the North Georgia mountains changed dramatically, with the colors of the leaves changing to bright yellows and oranges with the slightest snap in the air as summer exited. The smell of burning leaves, people in the suburbs and rural areas stacking up wood for the winter stoves and fireplaces. Making and jarring that last batch of jelly and jam for the winter months and smoking meat with potatoes and onions for storage in the root cellar. It was a different time that most city folks never experienced.
Whatever the entrance of Fall is like for you, take time to recognize the pleasure in the changing of the season. Wherever you are...enjoy.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's reminder about helping local food banks really hits home for me. As we settle into fall routines, it's worth remembering that charitable giving can be a smart part of your retirement planning too. If you're 70½ or older and taking Required Minimum Distributions from your traditional IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly to eligible nonprofits like food banks. This counts toward your RMD but doesn't add to your taxable income for 2026, which can be especially helpful if you're trying to stay below Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount thresholds.
A lot of people ask me, "Can I deduct charitable donations in retirement when I'm taking the standard deduction?" The QCD option lets you support your community even when itemizing doesn't make sense anymore. You can donate up to $105,000 annually this way in 2026. Think of it as turning a tax requirement into community support, just like David's memories of neighbors helping each other through the seasons.