So, how did last year finish for you? Did your team win the playoffs? What were your successes for the year? All these questions! But one thing is certain: no matter how last year went for you, every new beginning will provide the opportunity for a fresh start! A fresh slate! A nice blank canvas!
Do you make resolutions or set new goals? If you do, you're continuing a long-held tradition of planning your work and working your plan. As I look at some of the lists from 30-40 years ago when we were first married, some items that at the time we thought were "list worthy" are rather amusing now. I guess you could say our resolutions or goals changed as we changed. Now, the list is pretty much the same year after year.
Good health for us, family, and friends.
Financial stability and a resolution to try to enjoy life to its fullest.
According to some historians, ancient Babylonians started pledges or resolutions to repair damaged relationships, return borrowed items, and pledge allegiance to the King for another year. Babylonians were keen on keeping the gods happy and wanted to start with everything in good order.
Some statistically minded folks say that only 8-10% of Americans actually keep and complete their resolutions. Are you one of them?
Whatever is on your list, we sincerely hope that you succeed! If we can help with the financial planning part of your goals, give us a call.
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 point about goals changing as we change really hits home with folks in retirement. A lot of people ask me, "How should my financial goals change once I'm retired?" The answer is they should evolve just like David describes. What seemed important at 45 might look completely different at 65.
For retirees in 2026, those core goals David mentions are spot-on. Good health might mean reviewing your Medicare coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or setting up a Health Savings Account if you're still working past 65. Financial stability could mean maximizing your Social Security benefits by understanding your Full Retirement Age, managing Required Minimum Distributions from your 401k or traditional IRA starting at age 73, or creating a sustainable withdrawal strategy from your retirement accounts.
Here's the good news: it's never too late to set new goals or adjust old ones. Whether you're planning for long-term care, thinking about estate planning, or just wanting to make sure your money lasts as long as you do, taking it one step at a time makes everything more manageable.