We made it! It's a brand-new year that we get to plan, execute and fill up with our heart's desire! Friends, family, co-workers, and whoever is in your sphere of people you care about are in the mix for this fresh start.
Now some of you are still grumbling about politics and who won and who lost, but it's one for the history books now, so get on with your life and stop reading those articles by so-called reporters who are just really opinion writers with no fact-based ideas. Yes, I, for one, still miss Walter, who always finished his broadcast with "and that's the way it was" after giving us the facts and letting each American decide for him or herself what was right.
We need to get up every day, promise to make the best of whatever situation we find ourselves in, and get on with it! Carpe Diem, seize the day!
No close friends? Make some! Lonely? Get out and join a group that has something you're interested in! There is no shortage of organizations looking for volunteers to help assist folks in need.
Last year a client of mine called and said he regretted retiring because he was now bored. I asked him a few simple questions and then gave him several suggestions for pursuing some life-changing activities. He called me a few months later and thanked me. He said that the pep talk was all he needed to get off his fanny and start doing something with his life.
And don't think you can't do something due to limitations! If you have a phone and a computer, you can become a lifeline to folks who are shut-ins just looking for a phone buddy or a pen pal. You can do something!
It is our sincere wish that each and every one of you have a wonderful, fulfilling year ahead!
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 story about his bored client is something I hear all the time. A lot of people ask me, "What am I supposed to do with myself in retirement?" Here's the good news: there are more opportunities than ever for active retirees in 2026. Organizations like AARP, United Way, and local senior centers are always looking for volunteers. If you're receiving Social Security benefits, volunteering won't affect your payments, and if you're still working part-time, you can earn up to $23,400 annually without reducing your Social Security if you're under full retirement age.
Think of it this way: retirement isn't about stopping, it's about starting the next chapter. Whether you're interested in mentoring through SCORE, helping with tax preparation through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or just being a friendly voice through senior companion programs, there's something that matches your interests and abilities.
A little engagement today can make a big difference in how fulfilling your retirement years feel tomorrow.