The world is an ever-changing place. You might even venture to say that change is fluid, and our reactions dictate how we manage day-to-day change. Some changes are expected, like government leaders changing, interest rates changing, the value of currency changing (Inflation and Deflation), and even the fact that we are aging. We expect that change, but it comes differently for everyone.
I'm a fan of status quo things. I like the same friends, food, clothes and alike. Dependable. Call me boring if you must. But I don't much care for arguments and confrontations. I prefer static, predictable, and consistent. So, when I sense the likelihood of an impending change, I educate myself expeditiously about it. I review the factors contributing to the change and the extent of impact, and I prepare with tools for the most successful way to respond. I control how I will react. I built our company by helping you get the answers you need before you formulate the questions. Because no one dislikes change more than me. But as I said earlier, I realize that the world is fluid. Preparation helps me adapt. You can depend on our team of professionals to provide answers to help you adapt to change, too. It makes it much easier for our clients since we have been down the path of change thousands of times before.
Build Your Team
So, what can you do to smooth out the ride we call life? Build a team. Surround yourself with folks that want to get things done. Folks that have an outlook of positive adaptability. You know, good people you can count on day in and day out. You have each other's back.
As we age, your team needs to help you with things you can't manage solo like you used to. Your body will remind you that you need qualified and dependable medical people to help keep you performing at your best. Make sure your team includes a trusted person to help with managing your lifelong savings and your retirement income so it can cover unexpected expenses. Maybe even secure a person to help around the house.
You might need to adapt where or how you live or if you need help doing the stuff you just physically can't do anymore. Better still, what do you need to make your home friendly as you age? Rails and ramps?
Aging is that fluid thing in life that comes with different challenges and stages for everyone.
What Date Is 'Until Later'?
My planning mentality allows me to look ahead at things I must map out now. So, I can adapt to changes with a healthy strategy before the emergency of change happens. How would you rate your adaptability to change? Do you have a strategy? Who will help you manage your healthcare needs, how you will pay for life's unexpected events, and what you will leave as a legacy to your heirs? If you have plans in place, when did you last review them? If you are waiting 'until later' to organize and create your plans… what date is 'until later' exactly? Remember, change is fluid…
We are ready to help you schedule a date to review your 'until later' readiness plan today. You can control planning… we can help.
By David Schaeffer
Founder of American Retirement Advisors, David has spent decades helping retirees and pre-retirees build secure financial futures. His straightforward approach to retirement planning has guided hundreds of families toward confident, well-prepared retirements.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's absolutely right about building your team, and let me tell you what that looks like in 2026. Most people are surprised when they learn how many moving parts there are in retirement planning. You'll want someone who understands Social Security timing (full retirement age is 67 for most folks today), Medicare enrollment periods (you get a 7-month window around your 65th birthday), and current contribution limits for 401k plans ($23,500 if you're under 50, $31,000 if you're 50 or older this year).
Here's the good news: you don't need to figure this all out at once. A lot of people ask me, "When should I start planning for required minimum distributions?" The answer is well before age 73, when the IRS requires you to start taking money from traditional IRAs and 401ks. Think of it this way: each part of your team handles one piece of the puzzle. Your financial advisor helps with investment strategy and retirement income planning, your Medicare specialist guides you through Advantage plans versus Medigap policies, and your tax professional keeps you on track with Roth IRA conversions and estate planning.
The key is starting those conversations before you need the answers. A little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.