Sure HorizonRetirement Blog

10 Must-Read Books for a Happy, Purposeful Retirement

jeff@t-werx.com (Jeff Kikel) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:53:52 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Top 5 Underrated U.S. Travel Destinations for Retirees

jeff@t-werx.com (Jeff Kikel) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:28:39 GMT

Where to Go Now That You Finally Have the Time

You finally made it. The kids are grown, the work emails have stopped, and you've got time to breathe. And maybe, for the first time in a while, you're asking yourself—where should we go?

Sure, there's always Florida or Vegas. But what if you're craving something different? A place with fewer crowds, easy to get around, great food—and a little charm?

These five spots are perfect for retirees. They're easy, beautiful, and a little off the radar. I've been to some myself, and others are recommended by clients who came back raving. So, let's plan your next trip.

Traverse City, Michigan – Wine, Water, and Cherry Pie

The first time I went to Traverse City, I thought it would be just cherries and lake views. Instead, we left wondering if we should buy a vineyard and retire early. We flew into Detroit and combined this trip with a stop by The Henry Ford Museum ( www.TheHenryFord.org )

The town, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a serene escape. The pace is unhurried, the locals are welcoming, and the view is the kind that invites you to sit back and unwind.

We climbed Sleeping Bear Dunes once. It's not easy, but standing at the top, looking over the lake, I forgot about my sore legs (an excellent excuse for a massage at a local spa). If hiking's not your thing, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive gives you those same views from the comfort of your car.

We nearly got into trouble on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail . Chateau Chantal is a favorite, but Brys Estate had a view that made us order a second glass. There's something about sipping wine with that lake breeze—it just works.

And the food? Dinner at Trattoria Stella , tucked inside an old asylum, sounds strange but is one of the best Italian meals we've had. And you can't leave without pie from The Cherry Hut . Trust me.

The best time to visit: Late spring to early fall. Avoid July unless you like crowds and festival energy.

St. George, Utah – Red Rocks and Blue Skies

We met a couple from Denver who planned to visit St. George for a week five years ago. They bought a place and never left.

It's red rocks everywhere. The kind of place that looks like Mars but with golf courses. It's sunny almost every day, and the air feels clean—like you're breathing better just by being there.

Exploring Snow Canyon State Park , we discovered a landscape that felt like nature's best-kept secret. Lava tubes, petrified dunes—it's all here, without the crowds of Zion , offering a unique and thrilling experience.

Tuacahn Amphitheater is something else. We saw a musical under the stars, with the canyon walls glowing red behind the stage. It felt like nature was part of the show.

And the food? Cliffside Restaurant is all about the view. We watched the sunset over the desert while cutting into a perfect ribeye.

Breakfast at Bear Paw Cafe ? Pancakes the size of your head.

 Best time to visit: Spring or fall. Summer is hot—and I mean hot (it's a desert).

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Art, Adobe, and Green Chile

As I said before, my wife Crystal is originally from New Mexico, so we have visited Santa Fe multiple times. It has also been around for 400 years, but we seem to find new things to explore every time we go there.

Halfway through a bowl of green chile stew at The Shed , I realized retirement should taste like this.

Santa Fe is warm adobe buildings, art on every corner, and the smell of roasting chiles drifting through the air. It's slow-paced—you stroll, you eat, you soak it in.

The Plaza is the heart of it all. The last time we were there, we picked up turquoise earrings from a woman (the artist) sitting under the Palace of the Governors . Then we grabbed a coffee and sat under a 400-year-old portico, watching the world go by.

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum , though small, is a powerhouse of inspiration. Her desert paintings take on a new life when you're standing under that same sky. Then there's Canyon Road , a half-mile stretch lined with art galleries. We stumbled upon one that had a cow sculpture made entirely of bottle caps, a testament to the city's artistic richness.

Dinner at Tomasita's ? Enchiladas smothered in red chile. Coyote Cafe's rooftop margaritas hit just right, especially with the sunset.

 Best time to visit: Fall. Cool weather, fewer tourists.

Door County, Wisconsin – Water Views and Cherry Blossoms

I was eating Swedish pancakes at Al Johnson's when I looked up—there were goats on the roof.

Door County feels like the Midwest's answer to Cape Cod. It has small towns, lighthouses, boats on the water, and cherry orchards everywhere.

Peninsula State Park is perfect for a slow walk along the water. In the fall, the trees explode with color. We took the ferry to Washington Island and sat on smooth white stones at Schoolhouse Beach , listening to the waves.

The fish boil at White Gull Inn is a must. They cook the fish over an open fire, then toss kerosene on it, and the flames shoot up like a volcano. It sounds odd, but the meal is simple and perfect.

Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor has been there for over 100 years. Their root beer float tastes like childhood. Wild Tomato makes pizzas with fresh ingredients—the kind you think about long after you've gone home.

Best time to visit: May for cherry blossoms or September for fall colors. Winter is cold, and most businesses close from October to April.

Sedona, Arizona – Red Rocks and Relaxation

A woman at the vortex told me it healed her arthritis. I don't know about that, but my knees did feel better after the spa.

Sedona is red rocks that glow at sunset, art galleries with driftwood sculptures, and spas that smell like lavender.

Cathedral Rock is iconic. We didn't hike it but sat at the base and watched the light change. That was enough.

Tlaquepaque Arts Village feels like a little European town. It has cobblestone paths, fountains, and a shop selling turquoise jewelry that made my wife seriously consider our budget.

Dinner at Elote Cafe ? Get the fire-roasted corn. The Hudson does burgers with a view that stretches forever.

Best time to visit: Spring or fall. Summer is too hot.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

So, where's your next trip? Cherry pie by the lake? Red rocks and spas? Retirement is your time. Pick a place, pack a bag—you've earned it.

Jeff Kikel is the President and Founder of Freedom Day Wealth Management and The President of Sure Horizon Retirement Advisors. Known as the "Stress-Free Retirement Guy," Jeff shares his knowledge on this site as well as through his YouTube Shows, "The Stress-Free Retirement Project" and "The Cents of Things". He is also the author of 10 books on personal finance and business. Jeff lives with his wife and business partner, Crystal, in Cedar Park, TX.

Door County Tourism . https://www.doorcounty.com

Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office . https://greaterzion.com

Santa Fe Tourism . https://www.santafe.org

Traverse City Tourism . https://www.traversecity.com/

Visit Sedona . https://visitsedona.com

The 5 Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:18:54 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Retirement Planning: It's Easier to Mess Up Than You Think

Have you ever woken up at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling, thinking, "How on earth am I going to retire?" You know you should be doing something—but what, exactly? And when? And how much is enough?

It's like that nagging feeling you forgot to lock the front door. Except instead of a door, it's your entire future.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. A lot of folks in their 50s and early 60s feel the same way. They've been working hard their whole lives, raising kids, paying the mortgage—but now retirement is getting real. And it's kind of terrifying.

I've been helping people plan for retirement for over 30 years, and let me tell you—I've seen some mistakes. Big ones. Costly ones. The kind that make people lie awake at night, wondering if they're going to run out of money.

But here's the good news: You don't have to make those mistakes. Today, we're going to chat about the five biggest ones I see all the time—and how you can avoid them. No jargon. No fancy talk. Just real-world advice, like we're sitting at my kitchen table, having coffee.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Defined Income Plan

Let me tell you about Dave and Lisa. Good people. Hard workers. They retired with what looked like plenty of savings—about $800,000. They figured they'd pull a little out every month, and it would be fine.

But here's what happened. The first few years of retirement were great. They took a cruise, helped their daughter with a down payment on a house, and fixed up their kitchen. Then Dave called me. He was nervous. "Jeff," he said, "I just checked our accounts, and we're down to $700,000. We've only been retired for five years. What are we doing wrong?"

What Dave and Lisa didn't have was a plan—a real plan for how to turn their savings into a steady, predictable paycheck in retirement.

Here's the thing: Retirement isn't about having a big pile of money. It's about knowing how to pay yourself from that pile for the next 30 years .

A 2023 Gallup poll found that 59% of Americans worry they won't have enough money in retirement (Newport, 2023). That fear? It often comes from not knowing how the money will actually work.

How to Avoid This:

T hink of your retirement income like a three-legged stool:

Social Security : Your foundation, but usually not enough on its own.
Savings & Investments : This is where you create that paycheck.
Pensions or Annuities : If you're lucky to have them, they give you a steady check.

What We Did For Dave and Lisa

When Dave and Lisa came to me, we sat down and built their Stress-Free Retirement Blueprint . First, we looked at their budget. Their essential expenses—mortgage, utilities, insurance, food—came to $7,000 a month . The fun stuff—dinners out, travel, hobbies—was another $1,200 a month .

We needed to cover the essentials no matter what, so we decided to start their Social Security at 67, which they had both just reached. That brought in $5,275 per month . To fill the remaining gap of $1,725 , we took $300,000 from Dave's 401(k) and bought a Single Premium Income Annuity that paid them that amount every month for life, with a 20-year guarantee in case something happened to them early.

For the fun money, we set aside $72,000 in a 5-year Treasury bond ladder —that gave them $14,400 per year (or 1,200 a month) for the next five years . At the end of 5 years, this bucket would be empty.

The rest— $328,000 —we kept in a growth portfolio. After five years, it only needed to earn 4.04% annually to replenish their discretionary spending.

Now? They sleep at night.

Mistake #2: Underestimating Healthcare & Long-Term Care Costs

A few years back, I worked with a couple—Bill and Mary. Bill was strong as an ox. He had never been sick a day in his life. Then he had a stroke.

Mary called me in tears. "Jeff, the home care is costing us $6,000 a month. We can't afford this." They had money, but they never planned for something like this. Who does?

The truth is that healthcare costs in retirement are brutal . Fidelity estimates that a typical couple retiring today will need $315,000 to cover medical costs (Fidelity, 2023). And that doesn't even touch long-term care like nursing homes or home health aides. Those can run over $100,000 a year .

How to Avoid This:

Understand Medicare : It doesn't cover everything.
Get a Supplement : Helps fill the gaps.
Think About Long-Term Care Insurance : It can save you money later.
Save for Health Costs : Even $300 a month into a health fund can help.

What we did for Bill and Mary

We set up a 5-year bond ladder from Bill's 401(k) to cover the $6,000 per month for home care. This became the healthcare fund that they knew they could rely on for the next five years. Then, we converted $75,000 from their taxable account into an asset-based long-term care policy . That way, if Mary needed care later, she'd be covered—or if not, their kids would inherit the money.

The rest— about $500,000 —stayed in a growth portfolio to support Bill's future needs. If Bill lives beyond 5 years, we plan to use a reverse mortgage to help preserve their cash and leverage some of their home equity.

Mistake #3: Claiming Social Security Too Early (or Too Late)

Susan was 62 and had just retired after 35 years as a teacher. She was ready to start collecting Social Security. Her friends had all done it the moment they turned 62. "Better grab it while it's there," they said. "Who knows if it will run out?"

She was nervous. She had savings, but it wasn't as much as she hoped. She worried about the stock market. She worried about inflation. She worried she might run out of money in her 80s. So, collecting Social Security right away felt safe—like flipping on a safety net.

But when Susan and I sat down, we ran the numbers.

Starting Social Security at 62 meant her check would be 30% smaller for the rest of her life. That safety net? It would always feel a little short. Her monthly check would be significantly larger if she waited until her full retirement age of 67 . And if she waited until 70 , it would be even bigger . For Susan, that extra income later in life would be critical.

How to Avoid This:

Be Patient (If You Can) : Every year you wait, your monthly check grows.
Consider Your Health : Taking it earlier might make sense if you have health concerns.
Think About Your Spouse : Spousal benefits can be complicated but might increase household income.

What We Did for Susan

After weighing her options, Susan decided she could wait. Together, we built her Stress-Free Retirement Blueprint . We set aside five years' worth of low-risk investments to cover her living expenses. That money would give her the confidence to wait until she was 67 to start Social Security .

When she turned 67 , she started receiving her full benefit—an extra $800 per month compared to what she would have gotten at 62 . Over her lifetime, this would add up to over $200,000 more in income.

But the best part? Her investments stayed more intact because she didn't have to pull as much from her savings in those early years. We projected that her estate would likely be $300,000 larger by the end of her life.

Susan told me later, "Jeff, I sleep better knowing I'll have that bigger monthly check. I don't feel rushed or scared anymore."

Mistake #4: Not Accounting for Inflation & Market Volatility

Mark and Lisa had diligently saved their entire lives. When they came to me, they were just a few years from retirement. Their biggest fear? "We don't want to lose everything if the market crashes."

I get it. After all, the news loves to remind us of every dip in the market. And when you retire, those dips feel personal—because you depend on that money.

But there was something Mark and Lisa hadn't thought about: Inflation .

At just 3% inflation , prices double roughly every 24 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Today's $100 grocery bill could be $200 when you're in your 80s.

Mark looked me in the eye and said, "But we can just stay conservative, right? We don't want to risk it."

The problem is playing it too safe is its own risk . If your money isn't growing, it's shrinking. Slowly, silently. And you might not notice until it's too late.

How to Avoid This:

Stay Invested : Keeping some money in growth investments (like stocks) helps you beat inflation.
Have a Safety Buffer : Cash or bonds can cover your short-term needs, so you don't have to sell investments when the market is down.
Balance Is Key : You don't need all risk or all safety—you need both.

What We Did for Mark and Lisa

We built their Stress-Free Retirement Blueprint . We set aside five years' worth of expenses in safe investments like bonds and cash. That gave them a cushion so they wouldn't have to touch their stocks during a market dip.

With that safety net in place, they felt comfortable keeping a healthy portion of their portfolio in growth investments . We even shifted some money from ultra-conservative accounts into stocks only after they understood the plan.

A year later, Mark called me. The market had a rough month, and he said, "You know what? I didn't panic. I knew we had that safe money. We let the stocks ride. I finally feel like we're going to be okay."

Mistake #5: Not Planning for Lifestyle & Purpose

John was 62 when he retired. The first few months were great. He slept in, played golf, and worked on his yard. But by the time we met a year later, he was restless.

"Jeff, I thought retirement would be all freedom and fun. But I'm kind of bored. And Jane and I are getting on each other's nerves a little."

That's more common than people realize. Retirement can feel like falling off a cliff if you don't know what you're retiring to.

The National Institute on Aging found that social isolation can increase health risks, including heart disease and depression (National Institute on Aging, 2023). We need purpose. We need connection.

How to Avoid This:

Make a Plan Beyond Money : What will you do every day?
Talk to Your Spouse : Retirement is a team sport.
Find Purpose : Hobbies, volunteering, part-time work, travel—what excites you?

What We Did for John and Jane

We guided John and Jane through our Retirement Bucket List Exercise . It wasn't just about vacations. We had them list at least 10 things in each category :

Places to Go
Things to Do
Hobbies to Try
Volunteer Work (or a Part-Time Job)
Relationships to Build or Strengthen
Health & Fitness Goals
Learning & Personal Growth

At first, it was hard. But once they started dreaming, they got excited. By the end, they had over 80 ideas .

Now? They take trips together. John volunteers at a food bank twice a month. Jane picked up painting. They both joined a hiking club. Their days are full, and their relationship is stronger than ever.

John told me, "Jeff, this list changed everything. We finally feel like we're living again."

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Retirement doesn't have to be scary. But it does need a plan. Avoiding these five mistakes could be the difference between barely getting by and truly enjoying your retirement years.

That's why I created the Stress-Free Retirement Blueprint . It's not just about investments. It's about helping you feel confident—knowing your income is secure, your healthcare is covered, and your future is mapped out.

If you want to dive deeper into these ideas, I wrote a book just for you. It walks you through these common mistakes and how to avoid them—step by step. It is available on Amazon or the PDF is available for members on this site in the "Books" section.

Click Below

�� 10 Critical Mistakes in Retirement Planning (and How to Fix Them)

We also have a Masterclass available on our "Stress Free Retirement Project" Community. The community is FREE to join.

Visit the community at: www.Stress-FreeRetirement.com

Let's get you on the path to a stress-free retirement—because you deserve it.

Newport, F. (2023, May 18). Retirement remains Americans’ top financial worry. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/506259/retirement-remains-americans-top-financial-worry.aspx
Fidelity. (2023). Retiree health care costs estimate. Fidelity. https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/retiree-health-care-costs
Social Security Administration. (2024). Retirement benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Consumer Price Index Summary. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
National Institute on Aging. (2023). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

How to Build a Retirement Plan that Lasts

jeff@t-werx.com (Jeff Kikel) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:50:11 GMT

An Introduction to the Sure Horizon Retirement Income Strategy™

Getting Started

So you've been dreaming about retirement-lazy mornings with coffee, no more work deadlines, and maybe some travel to check off that bucket list. But let's face it-the "freedom" of retirement isn't free. It takes careful planning to make sure your financial nest egg doesn't run out before your travel bucket list does.

Building a retirement plan that lasts is like assembling IKEA furniture: it looks easy, but if you don't have all the right pieces (and follow the instructions), you'll end up with something wobbly and unstable. But don't worry - you won't need an Allen wrench for this one. With a little forethought and the right strategy, your retirement will be a sturdy, well-built masterpiece.

I will take you through step by step how we build plans for clients here at Sure Horizon Retirement Advisors. Plus I will share some of my favorite free tools with you along the way. Who doesn’t love free?

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before we can build a retirement plan that lasts, we need to know what tools and materials we're working with.. In retirement planning, this means taking a good, hard look at your current financial situation.

Step 1: Your financial inventory

No matter where you are on your retirement journey, you need to take stock of what you already have. This isn't the time to dream about what you think you should have. We're talking about cold, hard numbers. You need to know:

Your net worth : This is just a fancy way of saying "what you own minus what you owe." If the idea of calculating your net worth sounds like high school algebra, don't worry. It's easier than it sounds. You add up your assets (savings, investments, real estate) and subtract your liabilities (mortgage, debt). Boom. Net worth.

Need some help? Our Retirement Planning Toolkit includes a Net Worth Worksheet that makes this process a lot easier.

Step 2: Identify Your Income Sources

Next, you need to figure out where your money will come from in retirement. Spoiler alert: It won't come from your 9-to-5. We're talking about:

Social Security: It's there, but will it be enough? Probably not, which is why it's important to know what your Social Security benefits will be and when you should file for them. .
Pensions: If you're lucky enough to have one, congratulations! But not everyone has a golden ticket in the form of a pension.
Investments & Savings: Whether it's a 401(k), an IRA, or your secret stash under the mattress, you need to know what's available and how to turn it into usable income.

Step 3: Understanding the Components of a Retirement Plan That Lasts

All right, now that we've dug through the financial garage and figured out what we have to work with, it's time to talk strategy.. The key to a winning retirement plan is making sure your money doesn't run out while you're still busy living your best life.

Enter: The Sure Horizon Retirement Income Strategy(™) . Fancy name? Sure. I was taught the basics of this strategy early in my career and have gone on to add my own spin to it. But here's where the magic happens. We're talking about a strategy built on three major pillars:

Guarantees: The Safety Net.

First things first-you want to know you won't run out of money, right? That's where the guarantees come in. We're talking about things like Social Security, pensions (if you have one), and annuities. Think of these as your retirement safety net-the reliable income that will always be there, no matter what.

Social Security: This is your monthly check from Uncle Sam. Sure, it won't make you rich, but it's a steady, reliable stream that will help cover some of your essential expenses.
Pensions and annuities: If you're one of the lucky ones with a pension, treat it like gold. And if you don't have one? Don't panic. You can create your own "pension" with annuities, which basically turn your savings into a guaranteed paycheck for life.

Action Tip: If you're not sure how much guaranteed income you'll need, the Retirement Planning Toolkit has a handy worksheet to help you estimate your essential expenses and match them with guaranteed income sources. After all, no one wants to be playing Survivor: Retirement Edition when the money runs out. If you haven’t already done so, download a copy here. (Link)

Flexibility: The Joker

If life has taught us anything, it's that it's unpredictable. That's where flexibility comes in. You need to have some wiggle room in your retirement plan to cover the "extras"-you know, things like travel, hobbies, or unexpected expenses (hello, new roof).

Bond Ladder : Typically for our clients, we build a 5 year bond ladder with one bond maturing each year (usually in January). Every 5 years we re-build this ladder from our Growth Pool and do it all over again.
Dividend Paying Stocks: For most of our clients in or around retirement, we have build a high yielding/dividend paying portfolio. These stocks are typically in 3 major areas: Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO’s), Business Development Corporations (BDCs) and Senior Loan Credit Funds . The common thread is that all of these throw of a majority of their income in the form of dividends. As a result they tend to be a nice stabilizing force in client portfolios that pays well.
Part-time work or side hustles : You may want to keep working a little bit, either because you need the income or because you just like to stay busy. No shame in that

Case in point: Imagine you're cruising through retirement, but you decide to take a fancy vacation in Italy. Your guaranteed income will cover the basics, but the trip? That's coming out of your flexible income bucket. With a little careful planning, you can sip wine in Tuscany without worrying about paying the bills back home.

Growth: Keeping the Party Going

Finally, there's growth. Retirement isn't all about playing it safe - you need to keep some of your money growing, because inflation is a sneaky little thief that will erode your purchasing power if you're not careful. That means keeping a portion of your portfolio invested in growth assets like stocks. The good news with our strategy is that you now have 5 years to let these assets grow without needing them. Every year you can do this lessens your overall risk.

Stocks and real estate : Think of these as the long-term growth drivers in your plan. You don't need to go all-in on risky investments, but a little exposure to stocks and maybe even real estate can help your money keep up with inflation.

Protect against inflation: If you don't grow your money, inflation will eat away at your savings. We're not saying you need to become a Wall Street wizard, but keeping some of your assets growing is key to making sure your retirement fund doesn't shrink over time.

In summary, the Sure Horizon Retirement Income Strategy is your roadmap to a long, stress-free retirement. By balancing guaranteed income, flexible savings, and growth investments, you'll build a plan that can handle whatever life throws your way. And hey, if things get tough, don't worry-we've got the tools to help.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Retirement Plan

Building a retirement plan that lasts isn’t about magic formulas or crystal balls. It’s about having a solid strategy that balances security, flexibility, and growth. Sure, there are risks along the way – from healthcare surprises to market ups and downs – but with the right plan, you can handle them like a pro.

Your retirement should be about enjoying life, not stressing over finances. And with the Sure Horizon Retirement Income Strategy, you’ve got the tools to build a future that not only lasts but thrives. From assessing your current financial situation to keeping an eye on healthcare costs, and making sure your investments are working for you, it’s all about staying prepared and flexible.

Remember, retirement is a journey, not a destination. The key is to review, adjust, and rebalance as life throws its little curveballs your way. And don’t forget – you’re not alone on this journey. Our Retirement Planning Toolkit is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you would like to learn more about this strategy, check out my latest book, The Retirement Income Equation: Proven Strategies for a Secure, Flexible, and Prosperous Retirement , available on Amazon.com.