By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Ah, retirement. That magical time you’ve been dreaming about for decades is nearly here, and you are likely daydreaming about how you’ll spend all your newfound leisure time. Maybe you’ll sleep in, relax in your favorite chair and read all the books you’ve been meaning to crack open, sit quietly on the front porch enjoying your favorite coffee…the world is your oyster!
At the end of World War II, the United States witnessed a significant increase in the consumption of goods and services. Gone were the days of destruction and bloodshed, and Americans were focused instead on things like buying a home in suburbia and driving a new car – and they had the disposable income to do it.
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joyful celebration, but it also brings a slew of financial expectations that can feel burdensome to many. In fact, American Psychological Association (APA) research has shown that there are four main holiday stressors: difficult interactions with family, managing a multitude of expectations, gift-giving and – you guessed it – finances. If you find yourself facing one or more of these concerns, the Holiday Stress Resource Center may offer useful tips for managing all four. Here, though, we’ll dig into what you can do to lessen stress and anxiety about money this holiday season.
A common trait among successful business owners is to place importance on instilling their business values in their children. This is especially key when you plan for your children to play an increased role in the business as you age or after you die. In these cases, it’s important to guide your children in business starting at an early age and ensure they understand their future role. Your children are likely to have an easier transition when you eventually step down or scale back your responsibilities if they have grown up in the business.
Retirement should be a time of great fulfillment; an opportunity to live the most gratifying life possible, enjoying all that you worked so hard to achieve. For many retirees, charitable giving offers an especially meaningful way to utilize your assets and support organizations and causes you care about.
