Clinton Township Newsletter

2 0 a p r i l 2 0 2 6 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M One of the most rewarding aspects of retirement is the opportunity to reclaim your time and invest it in pursuits that bring joy, fulfillment, and personal growth. For many retirees, travel is not just a leisure activity but is a long-held aspiration and a central part of their vision for this next chapter of life. If traveling in retirement is on your to-do list, the following considerations can help you evaluate your options and build a strategy that supports your desire to explore the world on your financial terms. Be strategic about timing. When it comes to retirement travel, timing matters. Many retirees choose to embark on their most ambitious trips during the early years of retirement, when physical and mental health are often at their peak. These initial years may involve longer or more frequent journeys, which can result in higher travel expenses. If this aligns with your personal goals, consider front-loading your travel budget to accommodate a more active lifestyle early on in retirement. Adjusting your financial plan to reflect this pattern can help you enjoy your adventures while maintaining long-term financial stability. Define your travel style and preferences. Understanding your travel preferences is key to estimating costs and planning effectively. Are you envisioning short road trips to nearby destinations, extended RV road trips, or regular international travel? Each approach comes with its own financial implications. For example, domestic travel by car may be relatively affordable, while overseas trips can involve higher costs for airfare, lodging, and insurance. By clarifying the type and frequency of travel you envision, you can tailor your retirement plan to reflect realistic spending expectations and avoid surprises. Look for ways to reduce travel expenses. Travel doesn't have to break the bank. There are many ways to reduce costs without sacrificing enjoyment. Consider renting a home or apartment if you plan to stay in one location for an extended period as this can be more economical than staying in hotels. Take advantage of your flexibility as a retiree by traveling during off-peak seasons, when prices for flights and accommodations a r e o f t e n l o w e r . W i t h a l i t t l e research and planning, you can stretch your travel dollars further and make each trip more affordable without sacrificing the experience. R e v i e w y o u r i n s u r a n c e coverage. Insurance is an often- overlooked aspect of travel planning, but it can be crucial, especially in retirement. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by covering unexpected events such as illness, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. It's also important to understand t h e l i m i t a t i o n s o f y o u r h e a l t h insurance coverage. Medicare, for example, does not provide coverage o u t s i d e t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , a n d even domestic travel may require supplemental insurance depending on your provider. Reviewing your insurance needs before you travel ensures you're adequately protected wherever your journey takes you. R e t i r e m e n t i s a t i m e t o embrace new adventures, and travel can be one of the most fulfilling ways to do so. Consider connecting with a financial advisor to create a well-crafted financial strategy that supports your lifestyle and brings your retirement vision to life without compromising your long-term goals. Michelle Heide, CFP ® , CRPC ® , BFA, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Gentlestone Wealth, a financial/private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, located at 16 Leigh Street in Clinton. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 32 years. To contact her, go to: www.GentlestoneWealthampf.com or call 908.713.6600. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP ® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP ® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2026 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. t u r n I n g r e t I r e M e n t d r e A M s I n t o t r A v e l r e A l I t I e s Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2025 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 16 Leigh St, Units 1b & 1c Clinton, NJ 08809 gentlestonewealth@ampf.com gentlestonewealthampf.com Call us today to get started 908.713.6600 Gentlestone Wealth A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Feel more confident about your financial future. April 2 2 pm Scam Awareness, with Det. Gonzalez April 6-9 Friends of HCL BOOK DRIVE WEEK at NCB (see pg. 22) April 7, 14 &/or 21, 7pm: Adult Improv, come to one or all – so fun! April 15 2 pm Bingo April 17 2 pm Movie Matinee re: 250th Anniversary* April 21 1 pm John Bartram, Colonial Farmer, Rutgers Master Gardeners of HC April 23 Search Engine Optimization for Small Businesses April 24 2 pm Movie Matinee re: 250th Anniversary* April 28 1 pm Making a Wildflower Meadow, Rutgers Master Gardeners of HC April 30 6:30 pm Speed Friending *Please call or check website for title • Check out the HCL Makerspace in Flemington! Equipment includes ceramics, garment printing, audio recording, milling, sewing, VR, heat press, design software and printing, and more! Visit: https://hclibrary. us/makerspace. • Scrabble meets upstairs every Friday at 1:00 pm! • NCB Fiber Artists Drop-in: Chat While You Craft! Second and Fourth Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. • Check out our Puzzle Swap! Take and/or bring a puzzle (in good condition). n c B r A n c h l I B r A r Y ' s u p c o M I n g e v e n t s Visit the Library and enjoy our programs! Please register for events! Use LibCal: www.hclibrary.us/home, or call: 908.730.6135 For more information, registration help, and adult programs and outdoor concerts at our HQ location in Flemington, please call: 908.730.6135, or visit our website at: www.HCLibrary.us For information and events for children, visit our website at: www.HCLibrary.us, or call: 908.730.6834 "People do not wish to appear foolish; to avoid the appearance of foolishness, they are willing to remain actually fools." ~ Alice Walker

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