The photo with this blog was taken just after my two grandkids and I climbed off the log ride at a local amusement park.
It was their very first time on the ride. We knew we'd probably get a little wet—but none of us expected to get completely drenched! We laughed the entire time, and as soon as we got off, they wanted to get right back in line to ride it again. I was happy to cheer them on...but one ride was enough for me!
As I looked at that picture later, I realized it wasn't really about the ride.
It was about making memories.
Taking a day off to spend uninterrupted time with my grandchildren reminded me that some of life's greatest investments aren't financial at all—they're the relationships we intentionally build.
When we think about preparing for retirement, most of us naturally focus on our savings, investments, and whether we'll have enough income. Those things are incredibly important, and they're conversations we have with our clients every day.
But retirement is also about something much bigger.
It's about having people to spend your time with.
It's about having a community that gives you purpose.
It's about creating a life you'll love living once work is no longer part of your daily routine.
I was reminded of that again recently when a close friend became seriously ill and was unexpectedly hospitalized. While she was away, I spent time cleaning and organizing her home so it would be ready when she returned.
No one asked me to do it.
I simply wanted to help someone I care about.
That experience reminded me that community isn't just about belonging somewhere—it's about showing up for one another.
As we get closer to retirement, many of us begin asking, "Will I have enough?"
It's an important question.
But perhaps we should also be asking:
"Who will I spend my time with?"
"How will I stay connected?"
"Where will I find purpose?"
For me, the answers include spending more time with my children and grandchildren, becoming more involved at church, supporting organizations that matter to me, and giving back through opportunities like Meals on Wheels.
Those aren't things I'm waiting to do in retirement.
They're things I'm choosing to build now.
As part of our Beyond the Numbers Retirement Readiness series, this quarter we're focusing on Relationships & Community because we believe preparing for retirement is about more than financial readiness—it's about life readiness.
So here's my challenge for you.
This week, invest in one relationship or one community connection.
- Call someone you've been meaning to catch up with.
- Volunteer for a cause that's close to your heart.
- Reconnect with your church or a local organization.
- Start building the life you want to enjoy in retirement—today.
Because years from now, I probably won't remember every market headline or investment return.
But I know I'll remember being completely soaked on that log ride and hearing my grandkids laugh so hard they couldn't wait to do it all over again.
Those are the moments that make a rich life.
And those may be the greatest investments we'll ever make.