My column on fulfilling ways to spend retirement continues to generate inspirational responses from readers, many of whom have sung the praises of volunteering. You also volunteered the names of additional service groups that you have found rewarding. I’ll cite a number of them for those of you in search of a cause that strikes a chord.
Many of your efforts focus on children. After working for more than 40 years as a registered dietician in hospitals and nursing homes, reader Linda Hall volunteers for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world. “I am using my marketing MBA and my organizational and people skills,” writes Hall. “Sometimes I think that my training and experience were meant all along to be applied in my volunteer work.”
Nila Whitfield, who describes herself as a “teacher wannabe” who always wanted to work with kids, has donated time to Make-A-Wish and A Kid Again, helping families with children facing critical illnesses.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Reader Jodie Black requests that I mention her group, National CASA/GAL Association, which has more than 950 local affiliates that train volunteers to work with children in foster care.
Reader Marty Jacobson helps people at the other end of the age spectrum: He was an original member of Seniors vs. Crime, a special task force of the Florida attorney general’s office dedicated to prosecuting criminals who defraud elderly Florida residents. Now retired, Jacobson has rejoined the task force, which has 36 offices throughout Florida and more than 200 senior volunteers. “I am very evangelical about working for this group,” writes Jacobson.
In addition to being president of a local symphony orchestra, Charles Dye is a mentor with SCORE, a national organization of experienced businesspeople who counsel small businesses. Says Dye, “I’m 87 and am amazed that I’m still enjoying life.”
Team efforts. Some couples have made volunteering a joint activity. Diane and Tom Howlett began renting motor homes for vacations with their kids. Now retired, they participate in Care-A-Vanners, a project of Habitat for Humanity in which RV travelers can visit sites where construction help is needed. Says Tom, “All that is required to join is an RV and a willingness to help out deserving folks who need a house.” (The program was suspended because of COVID but is scheduled to resume.)
Carol and Ron Jochimsen have combined volunteering with their faith. The Jochimsens made a two-year commitment to travel out-of-state with Laborers for Christ, a project of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which replaces or repairs small or outdated church structures. “It was a fulfilling activity that took away my desire to be at regular work,” says Ron.
Like many of you, Steve Jansen didn’t have to travel far afield to find fulfillment in religion. “I lead worship services at a summer chapel and volunteer in the music ministry at my church when the chapel is finished for the season,” writes Jansen.
When you consider volunteering, focus on activities that make use of your talents or pique your interest, and don’t overcommit. Choose something that allows flexibility if you’d like to travel or have regular family commitments (also a prime volunteer activity). And be on the lookout for opportunities. Says Jansen, “Each day I pray that if God wants me to do more than I am doing, He will reveal it to me and make me passionate about it.”
-
Farewell Paper I-Bonds: Savings Bonds Are Going Online-OnlyThe last remaining way to buy a paper savings bond in the U.S. (with your income tax refund) won't be available from January 2025. Tax filers will still be able to buy I-bonds online, however.
-
Is Medicare a Good Reason to Wait Until 65 to Retire?The average retirement age is 62, but many people wait until Medicare starts at 65. Should health care be the key driver of your retirement date?
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Should You Rent in Retirement?Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
-
The Problem With 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions for 2024Retirement Plans New rules governing certain 401(k) catch-up contributions caused confusion and raised concern.
-
Half of Mothers Have Little or No Retirement SavingsMother’s Day comes and goes, but many moms face future financial insecurity because they have little or no retirement savings.
-
Retirees, Here Are 3 Paths for Getting Vision InsuranceHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part B's restrictive coverage of vision care means you'll have to find a different route to get the right insurance. Here's some guidance.
-
Caregivers Share Their StoriesCaregiving Readers' own perspectives on the struggles and triumphs of caregiving.
-
Now You Can Own Bitcoin in 401(k)s. Should You?cryptocurrency Fidelity will begin allowing investors to put Bitcoin in their 401(k)s. But is this retirement vehicle the right place to hold crypto?
-
The Rules for Making a Medigap SwitchMaking Your Money Last Kiplinger provides guidance on how to make a Medicare Medigap switch to get the best plan for your budget.
