We've all been amazed this past year with all kinds of records being set or broken. Some of them have been weather related with record amounts of snow, heat, flooding. Other records have been related to the economy, jobs, sports, etc. But were you ever involved in something that was record-setting? Who, what, and where, was this event? Whatever part you played made you….you!
I've been lucky enough in life to have been part of some record-setting events and while they weren't exactly earth-shattering, some of them were fun and exciting to receive.
While in high school our marching band set a record. It was the first time a band from Georgia won a national competition and toured Europe. Think of having this kind of a trip with 75 of your best friends in high school!
Closer to home, while working in our Scottsdale office with American Retirement Advisors we set a personal record with the "Community Choice Award" in the Medicare and Financial Planning categories three years in a row. We continue to have our advisors in the top 10 Retirement Advisors in the USA year after year. Wonderful co-workers are what make these events special along with the national recognition.
So, what was your record-breaking event? It could be something as simple as your team winning the World Series or the Super Bowl, or a family member winning a school playoff game or the State Champion Spelling Bee. Whatever it was and whoever was involved, it made you… you!
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 reflection on record-setting moments reminds me of something I hear from clients all the time: "I never thought I'd achieve this at my age." Here's the good news about retirement planning records - you don't have to win a national championship to set personal milestones that matter. Maybe it's maximizing your 2026 IRA contribution limit of $8,000 (or $9,000 if you're 50 or older), or finally understanding the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans during the Annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.
Most people are surprised when they learn this, but some of the most meaningful "records" happen in your 60s and 70s. I've seen folks set personal bests for retirement savings in their final working years, or achieve the lowest out-of-pocket healthcare costs they've had in decades by choosing the right Medicare plan. Think of it this way: every smart financial decision you make today is setting a record for "Future You" to appreciate.
The experiences that shape us don't stop when we retire - they just get more intentional. And that's what makes planning ahead so rewarding.