Summer Vacation












With Summer just around the corner, many are starting to think about their vacation. Whether you are flying to a beach-resort or driving to that special cottage, making your vacation special takes planning. Preparation goes beyond surfing on line to pick a destination, making reservations, and counting down the days. There are quite a few items you need to complete. Here are just a few:

  • Make arrangements for pets, plants and mail. Most kennels fill up quickly and may require proof of your pet’s vaccination. Also, you do not want to come home to a houseful of dead plants and a stuffed mailbox. Line up family and friends to help when you are away.
  • Tie up loose ends at work. Set up voicemail and email to let others know you are out of the office and who they can contact in your absence. Bring coworkers up to speed on items to handle while you are gone. Let them know how to reach you if it is urgent.
  • Clean out the refrigerator and limit shopping to essential items. Use up or throw out leftovers which will spoil when you are away. 
  • Pay the bills which will be due during your vacation. While most credit firms will forgive one late fee, but it is better to just send them in early. 
  • Buy and install timers for your lights. If possible, program them to turn on different lights on different days. Alert neighbors, so they can monitor any suspicious activity. Avoid mentioning your vacation on social media. It’s an announcement that your home is empty. 
  • If driving, have your vehicle inspected or do it yourself. Check tires, fluids, air conditioning, battery and have any repairs done before you leave. Nothing worse than being stranded, waiting for a tow truck. 
  • Check and confirm your reservations. It can prevent confusion during your trip.
I know there are many more. Feel free to post any ones I missed which you believe are helpful. But most of all enjoy, that’s what vacations are for!
One other, talk to your investment advisor. Make sure there is a clear understanding of any changes which would be required in your absence. Also, how they can reach you while you are away.
Planning for a vacation takes time and preparation. Most individuals spend more time planning their vacations than they do retirement. If this sounds like you, contact us. We can set up an individualized retirement plan based on your goals and objectives. Basically, retirement is your extended vacation, make sure you devote the planning it deserves. Call us, we can help.

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