In this episode of the "Rock Your Retirement" podcast, host Kathe Kline and guest host Barbara welcome Rebecca (Becky) Blue as a special guest. Rebecca, an accomplished author and retired nurse, discusses her journey of writing a book during the pandemic. The book reflects on aging and explores the possibilities for what she refers to as the "third chapter" in life. With her background as a geriatric nurse, Becky shares her reflections and essays, drawing from a rich library of aging literature she collected over the years.

The conversation delves into Becky's childhood and her experiences growing up on a farm in the Midwest surrounded by older adults, which influenced her career choice in geriatrics. Becky shares anecdotes from her life, including a memorable encounter with a 70-year-old cyclist during a trip to New Zealand, which served as an inspiration for her to challenge societal stereotypes about aging. The episode touches on the notion of viewing age as an opportunity rather than a limitation, with Becky emphasizing the importance of telling and sharing stories to change the cultural perception of aging.

Barbara also discusses her personal journey following the inspiration from Becky's story—charting a new course for herself in retirement by purchasing a new bike and joining a bike club. The hosts discuss the transitions surrounding retirement and explore the concept of using one's experiences to enrich the third act of life. They also highlight the importance of community, volunteering, and pursuing passions during retirement.

The episode wraps up with discussions on generativity and legacy, encouraging listeners to reflect on what they've learned from the younger generation. Becky emphasizes the significance of gratitude and open communication between generations as a means to enrich and extend relationships.

With Becky's insights, the episode serves as an inspiring guide, inviting listeners to embrace the possibilities of their remaining years with vitality and purpose.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com

In this episode of the "Rock Your Retirement" podcast, host Kathe Kline and long term guest Barbara Mock delve into the transformative power of organization.

The conversation begins with Barbara sharing her recent accomplishments in organizing her home, particularly her closet. As she walks into her newly organized space, she describes the happiness and satisfaction it brings her. Her move and subsequent downsizing prompted her to evaluate what possessions truly matter, leading to a gradual organization process that culminated in a partnership with Closets by Design for a custom closet installation.

Barbara explains the practical steps she took to declutter, such as using a donation bag system where she regularly purges clothing items she no longer wears or needs. She emphasizes the importance of living in a clutter-free environment and reveals how eliminating excess and categorizing possessions have contributed to a sense of joy and simplicity in her life. The discussion touches on how investing in a custom organizational solution, although pricey, has significantly enhanced her quality of life.

Kathe then shares her own journey of organizing her art supplies. She recounts the challenges of having her art studio spread across her dining room and how she finally decided to take action. By purchasing modular plastic storage boxes, Kathe was able to relocate her supplies to a more suitable space, her lanai, and create an efficient way to manage her materials. Her methodical approach to inventorying her items and categorizing them allows her to avoid duplicating purchases and makes her home feel more orderly.

Both Kathe and Barbara agree on the psychological benefits of organization, noting how it can reduce stress and bring a sense of control to one’s life. They encourage listeners to assess areas in their homes that feel chaotic and suggest starting small with organization projects. Whether done on a budget or with professional help, organizing one's space is portrayed as a worthwhile endeavor that can significantly improve one's environment and emotional well-being.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com.

In this episode of "Rock Your Retirement," host Kathe Kline welcomes Barbara, our long-term guest who delves into the thought-provoking concepts introduced in the book "Die with Zero" by Bill Perkins.

The episode kicks off with Barbara explaining how she was recommended the book by a listener, and why its principles deviate from traditional financial advice. The book, which challenges the norm of scrimping and saving for retirement, advocates for living a rich, experience-filled life. The key premise is that individuals should aim to spend their money on creating memories and enjoying life rather than hoarding wealth that may never be fully utilized.

Kathe and Barbara discuss the idea that many people are so focused on saving for the future that they miss out on valuable experiences in the present.

Kathe, drawing on her background as a retired financial advisor, recounts stories of clients who amassed substantial savings only for that money to be quickly expended by their heirs within a short period of time. She emphasizes the importance of investing in experiences, such as family trips, which provide lasting memories, instead of purely financial inheritances.

Barbara validates these points with her own reflections and anecdotes, particularly noting how aging can diminish one's ability to enjoy certain activities and life experiences.

The conversation also highlights how the book encourages a balanced approach to spending and saving, tailored to various stages of life.

Barbara refers to a metaphorical triangle to illustrate that when people are younger, they have health but limited financial resources and time. As they grow older, they acquire more money and time but often face health constraints. Therefore, the book urges not just saving excessively for an uncertain future, but rather spending wisely to enrich one's life and the lives of loved ones in the current moment.

Furthermore, the episode doesn't solely focus on cruises or travel experiences but broadens the scope to include other ways to see tangible outcomes from one's financial resources.

Kathe mentions substantial donations to charities as an example of witnessing the fruits of one's financial contributions during their lifetime.

Through their dynamic and fluid conversation, Kathe and Barbara underline the core message of "Die with Zero": to thoughtfully spend one's money on creating a fulfilling and memorable life rather than allowing fear and uncertainty about the future to dictate a frugal existence.

In summary, this episode is an insightful exploration of how to reframe our relationship with money in the context of retirement. It aligns with the mission of the "Rock Your Retirement" podcast by encouraging listeners to maximize their present lives, challenge conventional financial wisdom, and create lasting experiences that enrich both their own lives and the lives of those around them.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com

In this episode of "Rock Your Retirement," Kathe Kline and Barbara Mock discuss a range of affordable living and travel options for seniors, particularly focused on those with limited financial means.

Addressing concerns about the targeted demographic of the show, Kathe and Barbara dive into practical solutions for managing housing expenses, such as selling a home and moving to a more cost-effective area or exploring reverse mortgages, despite potential inheritance implications. They also introduce the concept of "home share," where senior services connect home providers with seekers, offering shared living arrangements that reduce costs and provide added social and security benefits.

Barbara brings to light inspiring stories from her neighbors, many of whom are widows, and their adventures in affordable travel. Highlighting how one widow manages her finances by taking frequent, budget-friendly cruises, Barbara emphasizes the opportunities available through cruise casino promotions and group travel options.

This portion of the conversation showcases how seniors can enjoy fulfilling travel experiences without breaking the bank and explores the potential financial risks tied to gambling, balanced with anecdotes of friends who have mastered the art of cruising on the cheap.

Kathe also reminisces about past living arrangements resembling "The Golden Girls".

The discussion shifts to the wealth of activities offered by local senior centers, which can provide a sense of belonging and engagement without the hefty price tags of private 55+ communities.

Barbara elaborates on how she enjoys researching and participating in diverse activities, meeting new people, and maintaining an active lifestyle through various community programs.

The episode concludes with Kathe and Barbara sharing several budget-friendly travel platforms and programs. They highlight Trusted House Sitters and the Affordable Travel Club as excellent options for seniors to explore different places affordably while fostering new relationships.

Additionally, they touch on educational and cultural engagement opportunities, including auditing college courses, volunteering as docents, senior academy lectures, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI). Through these activities, seniors can stay mentally stimulated and socially connected.

Overall, the episode serves as a valuable resource for seniors looking to stretch their retirement dollars without sacrificing quality of life. Kathe and Barbara encourage listeners to explore the myriad of affordable options available, from housing and travel to education and volunteering, ultimately promoting an active, engaging, and fulfilling retirement.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com

Kathe Kline and Barbara Mock go for an unscripted and heartfelt discussion on the topic of negativity, particularly among individuals aged 60 and older. Although Barbara is known for her unfailing positivity, she steps up to offer insights and advice on dealing with negativity in aging communities. The episode dives into various scenarios where older adults often exhibit pessimistic and critical attitudes, exploring the underlying reasons and potential remedies for such behavior.

Kathe shares her personal experience of managing a large Facebook group within her community, where she has encountered various instances of negativity. She relays a particular incident where a seemingly negative group member turned out to find solace in the online community during his illness. This prompts the important lesson that one never truly knows what someone else is going through, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding both online and offline. Kathe also discusses Facebook posts where people unwittingly offer unsolicited negative advice, leading to a broader conversation on the impact of our words and actions.

Barbara contributes her strategies for diffusing negativity, including the power of listening, employing humor, and using deflection techniques to redirect negative energy. Drawing on her experience working in government and living in a community with diverse personalities, she highlights the importance of attitude and kindness in fostering positive relationships. The conversation also touches on the significant role of gratitude and forgiveness in maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life as one ages.

Moreover, the episode suggests practical steps for listeners to cultivate positivity in their own lives. These include maintaining a gratitude journal, setting daily intentions, and practicing self-reflection to avoid becoming a source of negativity themselves. Barbara and Kathe agree that while it may be challenging, adopting these practices can bring about a noticeable shift in one's outlook and interactions.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that combating negativity starts with individual actions and attitudes. It calls listeners to be more mindful of their behavior, to extend grace to others, and to strive for a kinder, more positive way of engaging with the world as they age. Through their candid discussion, Kathe and Barbara offer both wisdom and practical advice for anyone seeking to "rock their retirement" with optimism and resilience.

The 5 minute gratitude journal discussed can be found at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCY47F1H.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com

In this heartfelt episode of the "Rock Your Retirement" podcast, Kathe and Barbara discuss a cherished tradition they each hold dear: taking their grandchildren or nieces and nephews on special trips.

The episode opens with Kathe sharing how she and her sister, who have no children of their own, make it a point to take their nieces and nephews on memorable graduation trips. This sets the stage for Barbara to share her own recent experience of a special trip she took with her almost-twelve-year-old granddaughter, Paisley.

Barbara recounts the entire adventure, from the initial planning stages to the delightful experiences she and Paisley shared. Inspired by her previous conversations with Kathe, Barbara decided not to wait until her grandchildren turned eighteen to start these trips.

She took Paisley on a three-day trip to Victoria, Canada, by ferry from Seattle. The trip included various exciting activities like taking a catamaran ferry, walking around downtown Victoria, enjoying unique culinary experiences like hot pot and dumplings, and visiting Butchart Gardens.

Barbara emphasizes the importance of one-on-one time, explaining how such trips can deepen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren and create lifelong memories.

The conversation also dives into the practical aspects of planning such trips. Barbara shares several valuable tips, including planning well in advance to secure better rates and discussing travel plans with the kids to build their excitement. She also stresses the importance of knowing the travel regulations, such as obtaining the necessary permissions and notarized letters when traveling across borders with grandchildren. These insights can be particularly helpful for listeners who are considering similar endeavors and want to ensure everything goes smoothly.

In addition to practical advice, the episode explores the emotional value of these trips. Barbara highlights how giving the child the power to make decisions, such as choosing places to visit or where to eat, not only provides them with a sense of independence but also makes the trip more enjoyable for both parties.

She shares touching moments from her trip, like her granddaughter grabbing her hand while walking through the quaint streets of Victoria or navigating the city using Barbara’s phone. These anecdotes underscore the deeper theme of building lasting connections through shared experiences.

The episode concludes with a broader contemplation on the importance of intentional time with loved ones, whether through grand adventures or simple, everyday activities.

Kathe and Barbara both stress that while these trips are a fabulous way to create memories, even smaller gestures like spending a day at the park or making a pie together can significantly impact family relationships. This episode is a heartwarming reminder that the greatest gift we can give our loved ones is our time and undivided attention.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of "Rock Your Retirement," host Kathe Kline and long term guest co-host Barbara Mock welcome Garry Cole to engage in a deep conversation about aging, purpose, and relationships in the context of retirement.

Barbara shares her excitement about her new project and inquires about Gary's future aspirations post-retirement. Gary opens up about his evolving purpose, as his children have moved away and he now channels his energy into learning and sharing knowledge about aging through various platforms.

The discussion organically transitions to the critical topics of health and longevity, referencing essential works by Mark Hyman and Peter Attia that emphasize functional medicine and strong relationships.

Barbara introduces the show's six pillars for a long and happy life, prompting Gary to elaborate on two crucial elements: relationships and optimism. They reflect on the alarming epidemic of loneliness in the United States and discuss strategies for mending and maintaining relationships.

Gary underscores the importance of friendship and forgiveness, drawing insightful parallels with the female dynamics in popular series like "Sex and the City."

Kathe offers practical advice on preserving relationships by avoiding polarizing political discussions, while Barbara advocates for respectful conversations and the importance of forgiveness.

The trio emphasizes the rewards of reaching out to old friends, a topic Gary brings to life with his personal story of rekindling a 50-year-old friendship via social media.

They delve into the Okinawan concept of "MOAI," lifelong friendship groups, showcasing the profound impact of social relationships on happiness and longevity.

Moreover, the conversation touches on the identity crisis many face upon retirement, comparing it to transitional life stages such as graduating high school or experiencing a midlife crisis. Gary shares a poignant moment at his daughter’s college graduation, likening retirement to graduating from the university of life. Through these reflections, they underscore the significance of finding new purpose and the emotional journey of self-reinvention that retirement brings.

Capping off the episode, Gary and Barbara discuss Gary's book, "Are We Old Yet? A Casual Conversation About Aging," which resonates deeply with Barbara’s own experiences. Together, they reflect on the importance of setting goals and maintaining motivation in retirement.

Barbara shares how a chapter on "grumpy old men" helped her empathize with her husband's health struggles, while Gary offers practical advice on handling irritable male syndrome.

Ending on a nostalgic note, they share childhood memories, emphasizing how aging enriches life with cherished recollections. The episode is a stirring reminder of the beauty and profoundness in embracing the journey of aging with optimism and purpose.