The weekly email that keeps you up to date on exciting Retirement topics in an enjoyable, entertaining way for free.

Favorite Activities of Retirees

by Eric Seyboldt 

Retirement unveils a plethora of opportunities, making it an ideal time to engage in activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and a bit of adventure. Whether you aim to stay active, explore new passions, or bask in life's simple pleasures, there are numerous ways to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Below are the top five activities retirees cherish, along with practical steps to get started:

Traveling and Exploring New Destinations

Traveling is a favorite pastime for many retirees, allowing them to immerse in diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Picture a two-week European tour, taking in the sights of cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. Such a trip, covering flights, accommodations, and guided tours, might range from $3,500 to $5,000 per person.

Companies like Road Scholar (roadscholar.org) specialize in educational travel tailored for retirees, often offering all-inclusive packages. For more economical options, consider local travel or cruises. For instance, a seven-day Caribbean cruise might cost between $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the cruise line and season.

Websites like Expedia (expedia.com) and TripAdvisor (tripadvisor.com) can assist in planning and booking these adventures. Cruise Critic (cruisecritic.com) offers reviews and deals on cruises and can be a good source for travel tips as well.

Volunteering and Giving Back

Many retirees derive satisfaction from volunteering and contributing to their communities. There are abundant opportunities in areas like education, healthcare, and animal care. Platforms like AARP’s Create the Good (createthegood.aarp.org) can connect you with volunteer roles that match your interests and skills. You could volunteer at a local hospital or community center, dedicating a few hours each week.

Websites like VolunteerMatch (volunteermatch.org) and Idealist (idealist.org) offer extensive directories of volunteer opportunities. If you have a passion for education, consider tutoring programs through Reading Partners or mentoring via Big Brothers Big Sisters (bbbs.org).

Pursuing Lifelong Learning

Retirement provides an excellent opportunity to follow through on educational pursuits you might have set aside. Many universities offer lifelong learning programs and online courses for seniors.

Ohio State University’s Program 60 (program60.osu.edu) allows Ohio residents aged 60 and older to audit classes for free. Online platforms such as Coursera (coursera.org) and edX (edx.org) offer courses on a wide range of topics, often free or for a small fee (usually $50 to $100 for a certificate).

Audible (audible.com) offers an extensive collection of audiobooks and educational content, and The Great Courses (thegreatcourses.com) provides video lectures and courses on various subjects.

Staying Active and Healthy

Maintaining physical health is vital in retirement, and many retirees enjoy activities like walking, yoga, and swimming.

Many Medicare Advantage programs include fitness benefits through the SilverSneakers program (silversneakers.com), which grants access to gyms and fitness classes nationwide at no extra cost. Local gyms and community centers, such as the YMCA (ymca.net), often offer classes specifically designed for seniors.

Consider joining a hiking club or participating in water aerobics for more adventurous options. Health benefits include enhanced cardiovascular health, improved mobility, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Resources like the National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity) provide valuable information on exercise and physical activity for older adults. MyFitnessPal (myfitnesspal.com) and Fitbit (fitbit.com) offer tools for tracking diet and physical activity.

Gardening and Outdoor Hobbies

Gardening is a calming and fulfilling hobby embraced by many retirees. It combines light physical exercise with the joy of growing your own plants, flowers, or vegetables.

In the Midwest, like Ohio, starting a garden can be both enjoyable and affordable. Begin with a few raised beds, costing around $200 to $300 for materials and plants. Local nurseries, such as Oakland Nursery in Columbus, offer plants and advice suited to the Midwest climate. Joining a local gardening club or attending workshops can further enrich your experience.

Annual gardening costs, including tools, seeds, and supplies, might range from $100 to $500, depending on the scale of your garden.

Websites like The Old Farmer’s Almanac (almanac.com) and the National Gardening Association (garden.org) provide extensive gardening tips and planting schedules. The Ohio State University Extension (extension.osu.edu) offers resources and workshops tailored to Midwest gardeners, while Burpee (burpee.com) and Gardeners Supply Company (gardeners.com) offer a variety of gardening supplies and advice.

Each of these activities offers a delightful way to enrich your retirement years. Whether you're exploring new life experiences, acquiring new skills, or enjoying the great outdoors, numerous opportunities await to keep you active, engaged, and content. So, grab your calendar, set some dates, and begin planning your next adventure!

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. Let's explore together how we can help you protect your assets, ensuring your golden years are as fulfilling and worry-free as you’ve always imagined. Email Eric at [email protected] or give us a call today to schedule your consultation. Let's make your retirement dreams a reality!

Unveil Portfolio Transformation with a REIT, but for Bourbon 

by Andrew Newby

Transform Your Portfolio with the Best Whiskey Equity Investment Trusts (WEIT)

Greetings, Bourbon enthusiasts and savvy investors! Today, we're broadening our horizons, veering away from tasting notes and aging processes to navigate the thrilling world of "Whiskey Equity Investment Trusts" or WEITs.

To set the stage, let's bring a familiar player into the game - Real Estate Investment Trusts, better known as REITs. Just like their real estate counterparts, Whiskey Equity Investment Trusts offer a promising way to invest in a profitable industry without the need for significant upfront capital. They exist to grant investors a route to engaging with the Bourbon industry at a commercial scale, contributing to a global market that is thirsty for our favorite spirit.

But here's where the magic lies. WEITs offer a unique opportunity to directly invest in raw Bourbon. The industry isn't confined to domestic borders - the global market's appetite for Bourbon is insatiable, making investing in raw Bourbon a pathway to portfolio diversification.

Take our own 3yr and 10yr WEIT funds, for example. These Bourbon investment products are designed to provide investors with access to the Bourbon industry's growth and stability. The 3yr WEIT fund is a perfect start for those looking to dip their toes in Bourbon investing, offering the benefit of a shorter commitment period and potential for attractive returns.

The 10yr WEIT fund, on the other hand, represents an evergreen, self-renewing income fund, echoing the dependable, long-term income generation that REITs are known for. But it's not just about mirroring real estate investment structures; it's about participating in a booming industry fueled by a timeless product – Bourbon.

In comparison to REITs, which focus on real estate assets, WEITs offer a more unique and flavorful twist to your investment portfolio. Whether you're an investor seeking new, unexplored territories or a Bourbon aficionado eager to invest in your passion, our WEIT funds present a thrilling opportunity.

It's a journey that takes you from the grain to the barrel, from the heartland of America to the global market, and from being a Bourbon lover to becoming a Bourbon investor. So here's to the thrill of diversification, the lure of international markets, and the ever-appealing charm of Bourbon! 

It's a toast to tradition, a nod to novelty, and a step toward a diversified portfolio. Until our next adventure, keep exploring, stay invested, and savor the delightful journey of Bourbon investing!

About the Author

Andrew Newby

Andrew is a passionate entrepreneur and experienced tech strategist with a deep love for the Bourbon industry. As the CEO of The Bourbon Reserve, he leads the charge in navigating the exciting world of Bourbon investments. Andrew's entrepreneurial spirit extends to co-founding The Toledo Spirits Co. and HEAVY Beer Co., where he has played an instrumental role in their growth and success. Alongside his ventures in the spirits industry, Andrew boasts a strong background in software product development, making him a versatile leader in both the Bourbon and tech worlds.

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

Here are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Getting Shaky! Don’t Wait To Lock Them In!

3-year: 5.50% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.85% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.95% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.30% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to email Eric at [email protected] if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy 

Have You Reached Out to Us to Consider Gold or Bourbon as a Wealth Accumulation Strategy?

In these uncertain economic periods, savvy investors are increasingly turning to tangible assets to protect their retirement savings. Items like physical gold and even unconventional options such as barrels of Bourbon are gaining significant traction. These real assets provide a safeguard during times of money printing and inflation and offer excellent diversification benefits, even in stable situations.

Historically, real assets have outperformed other investments during economic downturns. They serve as a robust hedge against potential crises. For those seeking a reliable financial future, incorporating some real assets into your portfolio could be both smart and beneficial.

Amidst the current economic fluctuations, investing in real assets might be the key to stabilizing your financial plan. Interested in learning how these physical investments can enhance your portfolio? Let’s discuss and establish a foundation for a safe and prosperous retirement!

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To A BOURBON IRA (www.bourbon.fund/how-it-works/) or a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

We have a lot of great information, as well as podcasts from our radio show ‘The Financial Insider’, and tools on our website - www.novusfg.com.

[email protected] www.novusfg.com [email protected]

Office: 614-943-2265

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Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Wealth, LLC and Novus Financial Group are unaffiliated entities.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

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