Golden Years, Adjusted

Not long ago, retirement meant freedom, flexibility, and maybe even a few passport stamps. But for many Americans today, that vision is bumping up against rising costs, market swings, and shifting expectations.

Whether it’s rethinking retirement travel, adapting portfolios, or simply staying put through the storm, this week’s top headlines offer a glimpse into how retirees and pre-retirees are adjusting to this new normal — and how you might consider evaluating your own plans.

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—The Money Pickle Team

The High Price of Wanderlust

From snowbird escapes to international RV tours, many retirees hope travel will define their golden years. But with inflation eating away at fixed incomes and the market adding unpredictability, more Americans are putting off — or scaling down — their travel plans. That doesn’t mean giving up entirely, but it may mean rethinking the bucket list.

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Private Investments in 401(k)s? They’re Coming

Empower, one of the biggest 401(k) administrators, is bringing private market investments — like real estate, credit, and private equity — into select retirement portfolios. It could offer diversification benefits, but comes with higher fees and complexity. As always, diversification and liquidity should be weighed carefully.

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Holding Steady Pays Off — Sometimes

Amid the recent market bounce-back, a pattern emerged: those who stayed calm during downturns often saw the best returns. A handful of investors shared why resisting the urge to react — or overcorrect — helped their portfolios rebound.

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Lessons from the 100+ Club

Want long-term financial wisdom? Ask someone who's lived more than a century. Five centenarians recently opened up about the secrets to their financial (and personal) longevity, including long-term investing, staying active, and refusing to "think old." It’s a timely reminder that a good plan includes both money and meaning.

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Can the U.S. Learn from the U.K. on Retirement?

The U.K. takes a stricter approach to retirement planning, penalizing early withdrawals and mandating broader participation. A cross-Atlantic comparison sheds light on how smart policy could potentially support better outcomes here at home.

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🥒 Pickle Tip:

You can’t control the market. But you can control how you respond. That might mean rethinking goals, reevaluating risk, or simply asking new questions.

🌟 Final Thought

Retirement planning isn’t about chasing someone else’s ideal. It’s about building a flexible, thoughtful plan that can grow and change with you. If any of these headlines struck a chord, consider starting a conversation with an advisor in the Money Pickle network.

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