Retirement often marks the end of a career, but for Jerry and his wife Cherie, it was the beginning of something extraordinary—a chance to turn their lifelong dreams into unforgettable experiences. From dogsledding in Norway, chasing Atlantic puffins under Iceland’s misty skies to marveling at wild bears in the heart of Mount Rainier, their adventures remind us all that retirement is not only a retreat but a launchpad.

Lisa retired from the Bell System in 2006 and Dallas a year later, timing that was influenced by an early package offer after the “new” AT&T  bought out the company. No longer tied to their desks, they jumped at an invitation from their daughter Candice for an Italian adventure. Candice and her husband Collins had honeymooned there nearly 20 years prior and had always wanted to return with Dallas and Lisa.

Retiring after a successful career as a chemical coating sales representative and over 30 years in healthcare management, Lloyd and Vickie were ready to get started on their core pursuits: community service and leadership. The two moved to Lake Oconee near Greensboro, Georgia. Wasting no time, Lloyd became Homeowners Association (HOA) President of their new community and then joined the Greene County Volunteer Fire Department, where he spent a decade ensuring the safety and well-being of his neighbors.

When it comes to traveling, Elayne and Randy prefer outdoor settings and enjoy hiking, so the national parks were a natural fit. The idea to visit them all came on a whim, and they said, “Why not?” The freedom to make that choice is one of the benefits of a happy and financially secure retirement.

We’ve all got that dream that’s been creepin’ and crawlin’ around in the back of our minds for years. Perhaps it’s something we’ve always wanted to do but never got the chance or had the nerve.

There’s a ubiquitous saying in American culture: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Ingrid Reckard didn’t want to beat ‘em, but she certainly joined ‘em.

Much of the recent financial news has been laser-focused on inflation, and rightfully so. When prices go up, quality of life doesn’t often follow. At Capital Investment Advisors, we might have up-to-the-minute analysis on the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike, but that doesn’t mean we’re paying any less for eggs at the grocery store.

When you spend most of your time helping folks plan for the happy retirements they deserve, it’s rewarding to stop and enjoy the ones who get there. What could’ve been a one-off article has become a running series of spotlights because so many of our clients are out there living out their dream retirement life.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in portfolio management and retirement planning is seeing positive results in real-time. At our firm, we believe strongly in the principles we preach, but it’s up to our clients to go out there and live life to the fullest. One client, Janet, recently did just that with a visit to the Siena Cathedral located in Italy.