Retirement Concerns by Andy

Income Opportunities for Seniors

• Andrew Barrett

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Income Opportunities for Older Adults

Introduction:

This document summarizes key information regarding income opportunities and available benefits for older adults, drawing from various sources including AARP Foundation, Shopify, Upwork, and Senior Services of America. The sources highlight a landscape where older adults can leverage their skills and experience for financial security, engagement, and well-being.

Main Themes:

  1. Economic Empowerment through Work:
  • AARP Foundation: Focuses on workforce assistance and financial resilience for older adults, emphasizing the need for updated skills in the digital economy.
  • Shopify: Highlights the concept of "side hustles" for retirees, offering diverse options for income generation and continued engagement.
  • Upwork: Presents a marketplace connecting freelancers with clients across various fields, providing flexible work opportunities.
  1. Digital Literacy and Skills Training:
  • AARP Foundation: A crucial aspect is the emphasis on digital skills training, particularly for women and people of color, to help older adults thrive in today’s economy. The AARP Foundation, in collaboration with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, will provide programs and services that offer foundational online workplace skills, online job readiness and networking tools, and learning tools for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • The document notes programs to provide training in skills like "how to use video conferencing, information security, and office productivity software," as well as "social media marketing, crowdfunding, mobile payment services, and graphic design."
  1. Diverse Income Streams & Self-Employment:
  • Shopify: Retirement doesn't need to be the end of paid work. Side hustles are presented as viable options offering both financial security and personal fulfillment.
  • AARP Foundation: Encourages exploring self-employment options, noting that many older adults have skills and talents that can translate into independent work. The document specifically names the "Work for Yourself@50+" program designed to "help older adults explore options for self-employment," as well as " becoming an independent contractor, freelancer or gig worker."
  1. Financial Security and Savings:
  • AARP Foundation: Focuses on helping individuals save a portion of their earnings and provides tax-aide programs to help older adults protect their income. Saving is viewed as an important way to build "financial resilience."
  • Senior Services of America: Lists government benefits like Social Security and Medicare programs, and also highlights additional financial benefits such as discounts, tax deductions, and retirement account limits.
  1. Benefits Beyond Financial Gain:
  • Shopify: Emphasizes that side hustles not only provide supplemental income, but also offer opportunities for continued engagement, social interaction, and personal growth.
  • Senior Services of America: Points out that benefits programs can help seniors to live healthier, more financially secure lives.
  • Shopify points out the benefits of side hustles such as "staying active, connecting with others, and feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose."
  1. Navigating Social Security & Retirement Benefits:
  • Shopify: Advises retirees to understand how side hustle earnings might affect Social Security benefits, specifically mentioning that if you haven’t reached full retirement age an

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Speaker 1:

Welcome back everyone. We're diving into something today. I bet a lot of you are thinking about income and benefits for older adults.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's a big one.

Speaker 1:

It is, and we've got some great sources to dig through from the AARP Foundation, shopify and Senior Services of America. So we'll be covering side hustles, government programs and just smart money moves in general. Sounds good, I figure you're all probably wondering how to make your money really work for you. You know, in this point in life yeah, that makes sense.

Speaker 1:

And it can be overwhelming. To be honest, there's a ton of info out there, right? So that's what we're here for, and this deep dive will break it all down, find the good stuff and hopefully get you thinking about some options you might not have even considered.

Speaker 2:

Awesome.

Speaker 1:

Now to help us make sense of it all, we've got our expert here who really knows the financial world. What trends are you seeing Like how are folks approaching retirement these days?

Speaker 2:

Well, it's definitely not like how our grandparents did it. We're seeing people move away from that, like slow down and relax idea of retirement. A lot of older adults want to stay active. Maybe you make some extra money and they're realizing there's a lot of support out there. You just got to know where to find it.

Speaker 1:

So true, it's not just about pensions and savings anymore. The AARP Foundation article digs into this. You know workforce programs and building financial resilience and all that. One thing that jumped out at me was this Googleorg gave a $10 million grant for digital skills training, specifically for older adults.

Speaker 2:

Wow.

Speaker 1:

What do you think about that?

Speaker 2:

That's huge and it shows you how important tech skills are these days.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It's not just for young people anymore, you know. Even for retirees these skills are crucial if you want to work Totally. This grants trying to help people catch up, especially women and people of color, who might not have had the same opportunities tech-wise earlier on.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense. I mean, think about it even for you listening. How comfortable are you with video calls, online marketing, that kind of stuff, right? Maybe brushing up on those skills could open up some side hustle options for you. Something to think about.

Speaker 2:

Definitely.

Speaker 1:

Now the AARP article also mentions their Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1:

Or SCSEP for those 55 and older who are unemployed right now. And what's cool is it focuses on work-based training. Is that becoming more common?

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, for sure. It's not like the old days where you just get a resume and good luck.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Programs like SCSEP, they get that the job market's different now. They're giving people hands-on training, often for remote work, which is huge these days.

Speaker 1:

Totally and even if you're not unemployed but thinking about changing careers. They've got this back-to-work 50-plus program. Seems like it's got a lot of good resources to help you navigate this whole new job market, which can be kind of scary.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, the job market now is so different than even a few years ago.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Remote work, the gig economy, freelancing it's a whole different ballgame.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of the gig economy, the Shopify article really dives into side hustle ideas, especially for retirees. Some are pretty standard, you know retail delivery gigs.

Speaker 2:

But they talk about some cool ones too, especially if you're looking for something creative or like uses your specific skills. What were some of the ones that stood out to you? I was honestly impressed with how many different ideas they had. Yeah, like, if you're a creative person, they mentioned selling handmade stuff online, photography oh nice, even turning your gardening skills into a business. And then, for people with professional backgrounds, there's things like consulting, teaching, bookkeeping.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, good point, those skills are always in demand.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

That consulting one is interesting to me, basically getting paid to share your years of experience. But does it always work out? Are there any downsides to think about before you jump into that?

Speaker 2:

Well, it's a great question. It can be really profitable. But it's not magic, right? You need to be comfortable with marketing yourself, finding clients and managing projects. You kind of have to be entrepreneurial. You know it's not for everyone.

Speaker 1:

That's a good point. It's not just about the knowledge. You've got to hustle too. So what about someone who wants something more low-key, less pressure, you know?

Speaker 2:

Let me think Well, shopify talks about things like pet sitting and house sitting. Oh yeah, let me think. Well, Shopify talks about things like pet sitting and house sitting. Oh yeah, those are perfect if you love animals or maybe just being in different places, and there's always demand, especially when people are traveling.

Speaker 1:

Those are classic for a reason Set your own schedule, be your own boss and maybe get some exercise walking all those dogs.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

But let's say you're someone who's really good with tech. The article mentions virtual assistants and online tutoring. Those seem like they'd be perfect for a tech-savvy retiree right.

Speaker 2:

Totally, and the best part is you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection.

Speaker 1:

True.

Speaker 2:

Virtual assistants can do all sorts of things for businesses scheduling, email, social media, you name it.

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

And online tutoring is booming. There are so many platforms for it now. If you know a subject, well, there are people out there who want to learn from you.

Speaker 1:

It for it now. If you know a subject well, there are people out there who want to learn from you. It sounds like there's something for everyone in this whole side hustle world, but Shopify does warn about the impact on Social Security benefits. That's something you have to be careful about before you jump in right.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. There are limits to how much you can earn before it affects your benefits and taxes. Of course, Always a good idea to talk to a financial advisor or check out the Social Security website you, just so you know the rules great advice.

Speaker 1:

Better to be safe than sorry. Now let's switch gears a bit and talk about government programs for older adults. The senior services of America article lists a bunch of benefits for people over 65 yeah, a lot of good stuff in there it does. We can't talk about this without talking about Medicare right? Basically, health insurance for those 65 and older people find it confusing, but it's not that bad once you break it down right yeah, it seems more complicated than it is it's funny Medicare can seem like this big mystery, even though most of us will probably need it eventually, uh-huh.

Speaker 1:

Can you walk us through the basics, like what are the key things people need to understand?

Speaker 2:

okay, so Medicare has different parts. Part a is for hospital stays got it part B is for doctor visits and outpatient care.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And then Part D helps with prescription drug costs. You can choose the basic parts or there's Medicare Advantage, which is through private insurance companies. Those often have extra benefits like dental or vision.

Speaker 1:

So there are choices, which makes sense but also makes it more complicated, I guess.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

I imagine it can feel pretty overwhelming if you're trying to figure out the best option.

Speaker 2:

Definitely. That's why it's so important to do your research and compare plans. The Medicare website has a ton of info and you can talk to a counselor at a senior center or your area agency on aging. They can help you figure out what's right for you.

Speaker 1:

Good to know, it's nice to know there are resources out there to help people through all this, out there to help people through all this. Now, besides Medicare, what other government programs should people know about?

Speaker 2:

Well, there's Social Security retirement benefits. Most people know about that one.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

But there are also these lesser known ones like Medicare savings programs. Those can help with some of the Medicare cost if your income is low enough.

Speaker 1:

Oh, interesting. And for homeowners there's the reverse mortgage program which lets you use your home equity to boost your income income. That reverse mortgage program is something I haven't heard much about. Is it usually a good option or doesn't depend on your situation?

Speaker 2:

hmm, it can be good, but you have to know the risks and benefits before you decide anything. Basically, it's a loan that uses your house as collateral. Okay, you don't make monthly payments, but you pay it back with interest when you sell the house, move out for good or pass away makes sense.

Speaker 1:

It's not a decision to take lightly Now. The article also mentions some financial perks that people often miss, like senior discounts, travel deals, tax deductions. It seems like there's some hidden gems out there.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. There are all sorts of discounts for seniors. You just have to look for them. Some are easy to find, like at restaurants or stores, but some are harder, like for travel or entertainment restaurants or stores, but some are harder, like for travel or entertainment.

Speaker 1:

So how do you?

Speaker 2:

find those hidden gems. Any tips for our listeners. First off, just ask when you buy something or book something, ask if there are any senior discounts.

Speaker 1:

Good idea.

Speaker 2:

You'd be surprised how many places have them, even if they don't advertise it.

Speaker 1:

It never hurts to ask what about online? Are there any websites or apps for senior discounts?

Speaker 2:

Tons. There are websites and apps that collect all the discounts and deals. Aarp is a great one, Also the Senior List and SeniorDiscountscom. You can search by category or location and some even have printable coupons or codes you can use online.

Speaker 1:

So convenient. It's like having your own discount hunter. Now about those tax deductions. The article says seniors can often get deductions that lower their taxes. Are there?

Speaker 2:

any specific ones we should know about. One big one is the higher standard deduction for federal income taxes. It's a set amount you can deduct from your taxable income and it's a lot bigger for people 65 and older. That can lower your tax bill right away.

Speaker 1:

That's an easy way to save some money. Are there any other deductions just for seniors?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, there are a few. If you have a lot of medical expenses, you might be able to deduct some of those. Okay, there are also deductions for donations to charities and, depending on where you live, you might be able to deduct property taxes and other stuff.

Speaker 1:

It sounds like taxes can be pretty complicated. Is it worth getting a professional to help with all that?

Speaker 2:

It can be, especially if your finances are complicated. A good tax person can make sure you're getting all the deductions you can and that you're doing things right. They can.

Speaker 1:

Good point. Tax laws are always changing. It's good to have an expert. Now, before we finish up this part of our deep dive, let's talk about veterans benefits. The article mentions this program called Aid and Attendance, which sounds pretty helpful for those who qualify.

Speaker 2:

It is. Aid and Attendance gives extra financial help to veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with daily stuff like bathing, dressing, eating, getting around the house.

Speaker 1:

So it's financial support for people who need help with basic things because of age or disability.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and it can really improve their quality of life.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

This benefit can help pay for in-home care, assisted living, even nursing homes.

Speaker 1:

That's awesome. It's so important that veterans have access to these resources, especially as they get older and might need more help. Now I know we've covered a ton of stuff already side hustles, government programs, discounts, tax deductions yeah, we have, it's a lot, but I think the main takeaway is that there are a lot of opportunities and resources out there for older adults.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's all about being informed, being proactive and knowing where to find help.

Speaker 1:

Now you said earlier that this new generation of retirees isn't just looking for financial security. They want fulfillment and purpose too.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

What advice would you give someone who's trying to find that balance, you know, financial stability and a meaningful life in retirement?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question. A lot of people struggle with that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I bet.

Speaker 2:

It's important to remember that retirement isn't the end. It's just a new phase.

Speaker 1:

That's a good way to put it.

Speaker 2:

And like any change, you need to do some soul searching and planning.

Speaker 1:

So where do you even start with that soul searching? What are some things to think about.

Speaker 2:

I think it starts with figuring out what you're passionate about. You know what brings you joy, what gives you energy. Once you know that, you can start finding ways to include those things in your retirement, whether it's a part-time job, volunteering, a hobby or just spending time with people you love.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense. It's about finding what makes you happy and making that a priority, but you also have to be realistic about things like money, right?

Speaker 2:

Totally. Financial security is super important, yeah, but it doesn't have to be everything. The great thing about retirement is you have more flexibility and freedom to create a lifestyle that matches your values and goals.

Speaker 1:

So it's about finding that balance, chasing your dreams and making sure you're financially okay.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that balance is going to be different for everyone. There's no right or wrong answer.

Speaker 1:

It's about making a plan that feels right and fulfilling for you. I love that Retirement is different for everyone. It's not one size fits all. It's about figuring out who you are and building a life that brings you joy and purpose. Right Now, before we wrap up this deep dive, let's go back to those digital skills.

Speaker 2:

Sure, even if you're not trying to start a whole tech career. Knowing the basics can open up so many doors Totally. These days, being comfortable with technology isn't just a bonus, it's essential. Whether you're handling your finances online, connecting with people on social media or just keeping up with the news, you need those skills.

Speaker 1:

So for someone who's not that great with tech, how can they learn? Are there resources for older adults specifically?

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, there are tons. A lot of libraries and senior centers offer free computer classes.

Speaker 1:

That's great.

Speaker 2:

A lot of libraries and senior centers offer free computer classes. That's great, and there are online tutorials and courses that can teach you anything from basic computer skills to more advanced things like social media marketing or web design.

Speaker 1:

Wow, it's amazing how easy it is to learn now, especially online. You can learn anything from home. Speaking of online, we should mention that all the articles and resources we've talked about today are linked in the show notes.

Speaker 2:

Yes, definitely check those out. So if you want to learn more about any of these topics, head over there and please reach out to us if you have any questions or thoughts we love hearing from you.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely, we're always here to help you create a fulfilling and financially secure retirement. Now I know we've already talked about a lot, but I want to hear more about these lesser known government programs you mentioned. What else is out there besides Social Security and Medicare that people might not know about?

Speaker 2:

So the Senior Services of America article talks about a few hidden gems. For instance, Medicare savings programs can be really helpful for people who are having trouble paying for health care. They could help with premiums, deductibles, even copayments, depending on your income and situation. Definitely worth seeing if you're eligible.

Speaker 1:

That's good to know. I think a lot of people assume they won't qualify for those kinds of programs, but it's always worth checking right.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely, you never know. And speaking of pleasant surprises, the article also mentions the reverse mortgage program. It's for homeowners and it basically lets you turn your home equity into cash. Could be a good way to boost your retirement income.

Speaker 1:

That sounds interesting, but I imagine there are some downsides too.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, you got to understand the details before you do anything. A reverse mortgage is a loan and even though you don't have to make monthly payments, the amount you owe plus interest keeps adding up. You usually pay it back when you sell the house, move out for good or pass away.

Speaker 1:

So it could be helpful for some people, but you really need to think about the pros and cons. Definitely, it's a conversation to have with a financial advisor. Now let's talk about something a little more fun senior discounts.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

I'm always amazed by how many places offer discounts to older adults, but they don't always tell you about them. Do you have any tips for our listeners on how to find those deals?

Speaker 2:

Honestly, the best thing to do is just ask. Don't be afraid to ask about senior discounts when you're buying something or making a reservation, right, you'd be surprised how often places will give you a discount, even if it's not advertised.

Speaker 1:

Like a secret code Senior discount, please. But what about when you're shopping online or looking for travel deals? Are there any tricks for finding discounts in the digital world?

Speaker 2:

There are. There are tons of websites and apps that are all about senior discounts. Aarp is a great one, as is the Senior List and SeniorDiscountcom. You can search by category, location or even just type in what you're looking for to find deals on all kinds of things groceries, restaurants, travel, entertainment.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's super helpful. It's like having a personal discount finder. Now let's wrap up by going back to one of the most important things we talked about. Financial security isn't just about having a lot of savings. It's about knowing what resources are out there and being proactive, about making the most of your benefits.

Speaker 2:

I couldn't agree more. It's about taking charge of your finances and making smart choices that match what you want in life.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. It's about feeling empowered and knowing where to go for help when you need it. And remember we've only scratched the surface here. Make sure to check out the show notes for links to all the articles and resources we talked about and please reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.

Speaker 2:

We love hearing from you. Your thoughts and feedback help us make the show better.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely, and until next time, keep exploring, keep learning and keep diving deeper into the things that matter most to you.

Speaker 2:

Right. It's about being informed, being proactive and knowing where to find help.

Speaker 1:

Now you said earlier that this new generation of retirees isn't just looking for financial security. They want fulfillment and purpose too. Right. What advice would you give someone who's trying to find that balance, you know, financial stability and a meaningful life in retirement?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question. A lot of people struggle with that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I bet.

Speaker 2:

It's important to remember that retirement isn't the end. It's just a new phase.

Speaker 1:

That's a good way to put it.

Speaker 2:

And like any change, you need to do some soul searching and planning.

Speaker 1:

So where do you even start with that soul searching? What are some things to think about.

Speaker 2:

I think it starts with figuring out what you're passionate about, what brings you joy, what gives you energy. Once you know that, you can start finding ways to include those things in your retirement, whether it's a part-time job, volunteering, a hobby or just spending time with people you love.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense. It's about finding what makes you happy and making that a priority, but you also have to be realistic about things like money, right?

Speaker 2:

Totally. Financial security is super important.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

But it doesn't have to be everything. The great thing about retirement is you have more flexibility and freedom to create a lifestyle that matches your values and goals.

Speaker 1:

So it's about finding that balance, chasing your dreams and making sure you're financially okay.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that balance is going to be different for everyone. There's no right or wrong answer. It's about making a plan that feels right and fulfilling for you.

Speaker 1:

I love that Retirement is different for everyone. It's not one size fits all. It's about figuring out who you are and building a life that brings you joy and purpose. Right Now, before we wrap up this deep dive, let's go back to those digital skills. Sure, even if you're not trying to start a whole tech career, knowing the with technology isn't just a bonus, it's essential.

Speaker 2:

Whether you're handling your finances online, connecting with people on social media or just you beeping up with the news, you need those skills.

Speaker 1:

So for someone who's not that great with tech, how can they learn? Are there resources for older adults specifically?

Speaker 2:

Oh, yeah, there are tons A lot of libraries and senior centers offer free computer classes.

Speaker 1:

That's great.

Speaker 2:

And there are online tutorials and courses that can teach you anything from basic computer skills to more advanced things like social media marketing or web design.

Speaker 1:

Wow, it's amazing how easy it is to learn now, especially online. You can learn anything from home. Speaking of online, we should mention that all the articles and resources we've talked about today are linked in the show notes.

Speaker 2:

Yes, definitely check those out.

Speaker 1:

So if you want to learn more about any of these topics, head over there.

Speaker 2:

And please reach out to us if you have any questions or thoughts. We love hearing from you.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. We're always here to help you create a fulfilling and financially secure retirement. Now I know we've already talked about a lot, but I want to hear more about these lesser-known government programs. You mentioned what?

Speaker 2:

else is out there besides Social Security and Medicare that people might not know about. So the Senior Services of America article talks about a few hidden gems. For instance, Medicare savings programs can be really helpful for people who are having trouble paying for health care. They can help with premiums, deductibles, even copayments, depending on your income and situation. Definitely worth seeing if you're eligible.

Speaker 1:

That's good to know. I think a lot of people assume they won't qualify for those kinds of programs, but it's always worth checking right.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely, you never know. And speaking of pleasant surprises, the article also mentions the reverse mortgage program. It's for homeowners and it basically lets you turn your home equity into cash. Could be a good way to boost your retirement income.

Speaker 1:

That sounds interesting, but I imagine there are some downsides too.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, you've got to understand the details before you do anything. A reverse mortgage is a loan and, even though you don't have to make monthly payments, the amount you owe plus interest keeps adding up.

Speaker 1:

You usually pay it back when you sell the house, move out for good or pass away. So it could be helpful for some people, but you really need to think about the pros and cons. It's a conversation to have with a financial advisor. Now let's talk about something a little more fun senior discounts.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

I'm always amazed by how many places offer discounts to older adults, but they don't always tell you about them. Do you have any tips for our listeners on how to find those deals?

Speaker 2:

Honestly, the best thing to do is just ask. Don't be afraid to ask about senior discounts when you're buying something or making a reservation.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

You'd be surprised how often places will give you a discount, even if it's not advertised.

Speaker 1:

Like a secret code Senior discount please.

Speaker 2:

But what about when you're shopping online or looking for travel deals? Are there any tricks for finding discounts in the digital world? There are. There are tons of websites and apps that are all about senior discounts. Aarp is a great one, as is the Senior List and SeniorDiscountscom. You can search by category, location or even just type in what you're looking for to find deals on all kinds of things Groceries, restaurants, travel, entertainment.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's super helpful. It's like having a personal discount finder. Now let's wrap up by going back to one of the most important things we talked about. Financial security isn't just about having a lot of savings. It's about knowing what resources are out there and being proactive, about making the most of your benefits.

Speaker 2:

I couldn't agree more. It's about taking charge of your finances and making smart choices that match what you want in life.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. It's about feeling empowered and knowing where to go for help when you need it. And remember we've only scratched the surface here. Make sure to check out the show notes for links to all the articles and resources we talked about and please reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.

Speaker 2:

We love hearing from you. Your thoughts and feedback help us make the show better.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely, and until next time, keep exploring, keep learning and keep diving deeper into the things that matter most to you.

Speaker 2:

Right. It's about being informed, being proactive and knowing where to find help.

Speaker 1:

Now you said earlier that this new generation of retirees isn't just looking for financial security. They want fulfillment and purpose too. What advice would you give someone who's trying to find that balance, you know, financial stability and a meaningful life in retirement?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question. A lot of people struggle with that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I bet.

Speaker 2:

It's important to remember that retirement isn't the end. It's just a new phase.

Speaker 1:

That's a good way to put it.

Speaker 2:

And like any change, you need to do some soul searching and planning.

Speaker 1:

So where do you even start with that soul searching? What are some things to think about.

Speaker 2:

I think it starts with figuring out what you're passionate about. You know what brings you joy, what gives you energy. Once you know that, you can start finding ways to include those things in your retirement, whether it's a part-time job, volunteering, a hobby or just spending time with people you love.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense. With people you love, that makes a lot of sense. It's about finding what makes you happy and making that a priority. But you also have to be realistic about things like money right Totally.

Speaker 2:

Financial security is super important.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

But it doesn't have to be everything. The great thing about retirement is you have more flexibility and freedom to create a lifestyle that matches your values and goals.

Speaker 1:

So it's about finding that balance, chasing your dreams and making sure you're financially OK.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that balance is going to be different for everyone. There's no right or wrong answer. It's about making a plan that feels right and fulfilling for you.

Speaker 1:

I love that Retirement is different for everyone. It's not one size fits all. It's about figuring out who you are and building a life that brings you joy, and purpose. Right and building a life that brings you joy and purpose. Right Now, before we wrap up this deep dive, let's go back to those digital skills.

Speaker 2:

Sure.

Speaker 1:

Even if you're not trying to start a whole tech career, knowing the basics can open up so many doors.

Speaker 2:

Totally. These days, being comfortable with technology isn't just a bonus. It's essential. Whether you're handling your finances online, connecting with people on social media or just keeping up with the news, you need those skills.

Speaker 1:

So for someone who is not that great with tech, how can they learn? Are there resources for older adults specifically?

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, there are tons. A lot of libraries and senior centers offer free computer classes. That's great, and there are online tutorials and courses that can teach you anything from basic computer skills to more advanced things like social media marketing or web design.

Speaker 1:

Wow, it's amazing how easy it is to learn now, especially online. You can learn anything from home Speeding of online. We should mention that all the articles and resources we've talked about today are linked in the show notes.

Speaker 2:

Yes, definitely check those out.

Speaker 1:

So if you want to learn more about any of these topics, head over there.

Speaker 2:

And please reach out to us if you have any questions or thoughts. We love hearing from you.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. We're always here to help you create a fulfilling and financially secure retirement. So until next time, keep exploring, keep learning and keep diving deeper into the things that matter most to you.