I’ve met with clients who worked at the Baseball Hall of Fame, a funeral parlor, and a golf course.  One client owned an antique shop; another was a ski instructor at a resort.  One couple lived and worked in National Parks.  While the roles of these folks varied greatly, there was one thing they all had in common.  None of these individuals were working in their primary careers.  For each of them, this was an encore career.  This article will discuss what an encore career is and how it may fit into your retirement plan.

As many know, the retirement landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years.  One generation ago, folks would work at one company, retire with a pension and spend their retirement days fishing, golfing, or doing some other activity featured prominently in an AARP magazine advertisement.  

In my experience working with retirees for the last 15 years, I have noticed a trend that things have changed.  Many folks reach a point in their career when they are ready to “retire.”  But really, that means they are prepared to leave that job they have been working non-stop, going 100 miles an hour.  They are ready to leave the grind of Sunday nights staring at the ceiling, worrying about what the next morning will bring.  But they still want to do something.  They are just not sure what.  Helping clients find something that provides them purpose and enjoyment without the stress of a normal job are some of the most fun and fulfilling conversations I have with clients.  We call this an “encore career.”

At its best, an encore career will provide purpose to an individual after they make that transition from working.  It will engage them, challenge them, provide them with a social network, and provide some income.  For many, the income is the least important part.  As human beings, we want to feel productive and useful.  An encore career gives us that feeling without the stress of pedal to the metal.

Of course, before we have this conversation, we must first ensure that you and your family are financially able to do that.  This is where retirement projections and financial planning are essential.  These projections will tell us if and when you may be able to begin searching for that encore career.  Once we have that answer, then the fun can begin.

I love sitting down with clients and having deeper conversations about what drives them, what their passions are, and what would make them still feel productive but without the stress of a 9-5 (or 8-6, or 7-7, or non-stop which is what most careers are now).  In these conversations, we will focus on how you want to spend your time, who you want to spend it with, and where you would like to spend it.  From these conversations, I have found some of the really interesting encore careers listed above.  There is no one right answer.  It is simply answering the question of … “what do I want to do when I grow up?”

If you are interested in running retirement projections, discussing comprehensive financial planning, or looking for someone to facilitate a conversation around an encore career, please do not hesitate to reach out.

James (JT) Cox CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™️, is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, visit contwealth.com.

QUEENSBURY — Tri-County United Way is pleased to announce Laura Jensen as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Ms. Jensen comes to Tri-County United Way with several years of marketing and communications leadership experience across the public health, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Ms. Jensen began her career working at NBCUniversal, The Economist, and The Monday Campaigns (TMC) in New York, NY where she collaborated on numerous international marketing campaigns, media relations and facilitated high-impact communication campaigns.

Most recently, Ms. Jensen worked in Glens Falls as the Marketing & Communications Specialist at Flomatic Valves, a leading private company that is helping to solve the global water crisis and promote the importance of bringing access to safe water and improving sanitation internationally.

“We are thrilled to have Laura onboard at the Tri-County United Way. Her education, experience and consideration for the people of this region make her a fantastic fit. I am excited to see how she will help our organization grow.” said Kristin Chlopecki, Executive Director of the Tri-County United Way. 

“Growing up in the lower Adirondack region, I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter furthering the United Way’s mission,” said Ms. Jensen. “I have a deep sense of love and compassion for the families and people of Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. I am thrilled to help foster and build partnerships that will support our local communities and inspire growth. This is a wonderful community, and I am honored to give back to my hometown region.”

A resident of Queensbury, Jensen holds a master’s degree from Marist College and a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Ms. Jensen is a published author with her public health work appearing in the award-winning book ‘Pandemic: Tracking Contagions from Cholera and Beyond’ among other publications including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty has announced Katie Travis as the newest member of their brokerage in Saratoga Springs.

Katie Travis was born and raised in sunny Southern California, where she received her AA in Communications and BS in Psychology. she now loves to call Saratoga Springs home. Married to a military man, Katie was afforded the opportunity to start investing at a young age into properties all around the US – from Florida to California. 

She has developed extensive experience investing and managing properties, renovating homes, as well as working with VA loans over the last 13 years. She is passionate about all things real estate and communications, from property renovations and architecture to marketing listings in today’s real estate market.

Katie loves to spend her free time with her three wild growing boys and loving husband. Katie is a dedicated, persistent, hard-working, and an open communicator who is ready to help you with buying or selling your next home.

BALLSTON SPA — Robert Roemer has been named Vice President of Information Technology at Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) according to Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO. Roemer will be responsible for leading and managing the bank’s information technology strategy including core, network, application, and telecommunication services.

 Bringing 25 years of leadership and technology experience from a local federal credit union, Roemer most recently worked as a Senior Vice President of Systems Delivery. He graduated from Sage Junior College of Albany with a degree in computer information systems. Active in the community, Roemer is a trustee and wish granter for Make-A-Wish NENY.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  Alliance180, a peer-to-peer, purpose-driven program that aims to prevent suicide for veterans, first responders and frontline healthcare workers facing the effects of trauma through a transformative equine experience, has hired its’ first Executive Director.

Denise Romeo, former Executive Vice President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, has been named Executive Director of Alliance180.

“Denise brings over 23 years of experience of leadership in nonprofit work within Saratoga County and we are thrilled she has joined our team at Alliance180. There is no doubt Denise will bring integrity and passion to this role,” said Bob Nevins, Founder of Alliance180.

Denise will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as organizational strategy, fundraising and community awareness of the power of this program to change lives.

Todd Shimkus, President/CEO, of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce shared, “I had the pleasure to work with Denise for more than a decade. She rose from a Vice President to Executive Vice President in recognition of the leadership she provided within our organization and externally in the community.”

“I am both honored, and humbled, to accept this position,” says Denise Romeo. “Bob Nevins has been a hero of mine since the first time we met over ten years ago. A decorated Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Bob certainly knows and understands the trauma of war. He knows that suicide amongst those ranks is extremely high and has been determined over three decades to uncover a real, and proven successful, equine experience that re-regulates the autonomic nervous system. It will be my job to carry out both the vision and mission of A180 along with others on our team. One Team One Fight!”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty has announced Francis “Frank” A. Steinbach, Jr. as the newest member of their brokerage in Saratoga Springs.

As a NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with an Associate’s Degree from Schenectady County Community College and a background in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Frank brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the real estate industry.

Growing up in Albany’s Pine Hills area, Frank developed a keen interest in real estate from a young age, where he learned the ins and outs of the industry by working with his parents and siblings on their own properties. With a strong focus on home ownership, Frank and his wife have followed in their parents’ footsteps and built a successful real estate portfolio that they manage and maintain themselves.

Throughout his career, Frank has developed a reputation for his ability to identify and pair properties with clients, and he takes pride in sharing his knowledge and experience with others who are interested in the industry.

WILTON — Custom Fitness, a popular gym located in Wilton, has recently undergone a change in ownership. In January 2023, the gym was purchased by new owner, Anthony Mangano-Delaney, who has since rebranded the gym with a fresh web presence, remodel, and shift in focus towards newly designed Custom FIIT Group Training and Spinning classes.

Custom Fitness experienced immediate success with its new vision, which led to a promising 5% increase in membership and a significant waitlist for the highly anticipated Custom FIIT launch scheduled for February 12th. However, just a week before the launch, the gym was forced to shut down for over two months due to severe flooding caused by a burst pipe. As a result, the gym lost approximately 50% of its members, leaving the future of Custom Fitness uncertain.

Despite the setback, Mangano-Delaney and his team remained determined to get Custom Fitness back on track. They worked tirelessly to repair the damage and get the gym up and running as soon as possible. 

“We know it’s been a tough few months, but we’re back and better than ever,” said Mangano-Delaney. “I’ve heard the word ‘comeback’ thrown around a lot recently. For us, it’s simply a continuation of our mission to provide a community-focused fitness experience. So don’t call it a comeback, because we never really left – we’re just getting started.”

Custom Fitness is now open and accepting new members. For more information, visit their website at customfitnessgym.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Saturday, April 22, Youth2 will be hosting a Pop-UP, from 12-2 p.m. at the Mary Lou Whitney Pavilion at Gate 16 to benefit the backstretch workers of the Saratoga Race Course. 

A new clinic at the Saratoga Race Course will open in May to assist backstretch workers and provide them with medical care and other necessities. Items requested and most utilized include band aids, sunscreen, bug repellant, antibiotic ointment, Qtips, hand sanitizer, chap stick, tick removers, Vaseline, hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, and deodorant, packaged snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.) and whole first aid kits. Please ensure these items are not used. 

Gate 16 is the first gate on the right after Henning Road or the last gate on the left coming from downtown, on Union Avenue. The Saratoga Race Course is across the street. There is a crosswalk at Gate 16.  The pavilion will be right in front. Signs will be put out on Union Avenue to help show the way. The drop-off will be Covid-19 safe and outdoors, and Youth2 members will be there to assist with drop-off and receive the items.