'Tis the season for blessings as we observe Thanksgiving. Many of us have a lot to be thankful for. Many of us are back at work (a lot of us from home). But we still see "Help Wanted" signs up in almost every business window. But I for one, like many of you, am happy to be working from home or the office.
Being thankful is a time to take a moment and reflect on what we've lost and what we've gained. In other words, it's time to "count your blessings".
Many Americans don't realize how good we have it here in the good old U.S.A. Grocery stores where just about anything is at your fingertips. Electricity to keep your house (or auto) running. Medical facilities and medicine as needed. Here's a big one, water to drink. Many third world countries still struggle with providing clean water as many people walk miles each day to obtain drinking water. When is the last time you had to struggle to get food and water?
So as we roast that turkey to serve with dressing and gravy, ask yourself, what am I most thankful for? From our table to yours, we hope you have a truly blessed Thanksgiving.
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 message about gratitude really hits home, especially when we think about retirement planning. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but having that attitude of thankfulness can actually make your retirement years more fulfilling, regardless of your account balance. When folks ask me "How much do I need to retire comfortably?", I always remind them that comfort comes from appreciating what you have, not just accumulating more.
Here's something practical to consider this Thanksgiving: if you're over 50, you can make catch-up contributions to your 401k plan through December 31st. For 2026, that's an extra $7,500 on top of the regular $23,500 limit. Think of it as giving your future self something to be grateful for. The Social Security Administration also reminds us that delaying benefits past your Full Retirement Age can increase your monthly payments by 8% each year until age 70.
A little gratitude today, combined with smart planning, can make your golden years truly golden. And that's what makes planning ahead 123easy.