I hope everyone had a safe and joyful holiday weekend. I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am to have been born, raised, and to still be living in this country. The longer I live, the more I realize what a golden ticket that really is. I got to go to school. In many parts of the world, girls and women still don't have that privilege. When my students used to complain that they "have to" go to school, I'd remind them: you don't have to. You get to. Around the world, many children their age don't have that choice. For some, their culture does not allow women and girls to receive an education. Many children are working, in factories or fields, so that other children can have clothes, toys, and devices. I have opportunities to worship as I choose, or not at all. I can choose from many houses of worship, faith communities, and even which religious programming I watch and listen to. I get to disagree with my government, loudly if I want to, without fear of prison or worse. Beyond the freedoms, there's the land itself — coastlines, deserts, mountains, forests, and small towns to explore. I offer thanks to all of those who sacrificed so that I can enjoy these privileges. So, Happy Birthday, America! What are you most grateful for as a citizen of your country?

What if retirement isn't the finish line — it's just your second freshman year? I've been reflecting in this thought lately. Retirement is a lot like being 18 again. Except better. Think back to graduating high school. The future was wide open. You could go anywhere, try anything, and become almost anyone. Retirement brings that same feeling of possibility. The difference is that this time, we don't begin empty-handed. We begin with decades of experience, hard-earned wisdom, meaningful relationships, and a much better understanding of who we are. We know what we're good at. We know what matters most. We know how to say "no" to the things that steal our time and "yes" to the things that bring purpose and joy. For the first time in decades, our schedule belongs to us. Retirement isn't the end of the story. It's the first chapter we get to write entirely for ourselves. Retirement isn't just about leaving a career. It's about discovering who you become when work is no longer the thing that defines you. If you're in your late 40s, 50s, or already retired, what are you most excited to do with the freedom this next season can bring?

I apologize for the late notice. I need to cancel tonight's meeting. We have a family emergency. One of our fur babies has gone missing. We will have our next meeting the second Tuesday of July. Details to come. Deborah

I just returned from my 2nd annual road trip and what an adventure it was! Please join us next Tuesday, May 12 at 7 PM ET as we share adventure stories. You will have an opportunity to share your screen if you want to share photos. Our June 9 meeting we will be talking about letting go of the old self as we start a new life in retirement. Tobybeth Johnson will be sharing her transition story, and I would like to hear from you as well! See you soon, and share this with anyone you believe would like to join us.

It’s one of life’s strange truths: none of us get out of it alive. Over the past few months, I’ve learned some things many of us never think about—like how dramatically your tax liability can change after the death of a spouse when you move from filing jointly to filing single. Navigating the loss of a spouse—expected or not—is a profound transition that demands both emotional resilience and practical preparation. Here are three areas worth paying attention to. 1. Emotional Resilience & Self‑Care 2. Financial & Legal Stability 3. Practical Transitions & Daily Structure This month’s Let’s Talk About Retirement is dedicated to this important topic. Join us Tuesday, April 14 at 7 PM ET for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation. Here’s the link: https://www.skool.com/live/ZBDrxvLHPw5 If you know someone who would benefit from this, please feel free to share it.