Have you seen the viral photo dubbed “Success Kid”? At the time his mother originally posted it, Sammy Laney was just 11 months old — but quickly became a national favorite. Millions have viewed his tiny fist-pump alongside phrases that illustrate daily successes, like “Does the laundry. Finds $5 in pants pocket.”
Maybe people love Success Kid because of that “job well done” feeling. Perhaps that’s also why many individuals identify retirement as one of the happiest seasons of their lives. Here are three special sources of joy that make the Golden Years shine:
- The JOYS of travel. Did you know the average retiree spends around $11,000 on travel per year? Traveling lets you experience fun and beauty. And when you travel to visit family — or bring them along — your trip can also become a special and unexpected way to build deeper relationships and create opportunities to share a legacy of faith.
- The JOYS of family. The sweetness of experiencing children and grandchildren is unlike anything else. It’s no surprise this proverb says “Children’s children are the crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6).
- The JOYS of giving. Being able to bless a ministry that is impacting lives provides a special kind of fulfillment, especially during your “wise and wonderful” years. Plus, you can include a gift in your Will or Estate Plan to support eternal work long after you’re gone. And if you’ve reached the age of 70½, giving from your IRA is an ideal option.
As you reflect on the joy that fills your heart today, perhaps you feel a bit like David in Psalms 116:12, “What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me?” National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 21-27 and is a great time to think about how you may want to fashion your future giving plans and retirement assets to maximize joy for your loved ones and the ministries you care about.
Don’t miss this opportunity to create a legacy plan you feel confident in.