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For the Week of November 14th, 2025
Purposeful Retirement Activities, IRS Rule Changes, and Key Coverage Every Retiree Needs
Retirement is more than downtime - it’s a dynamic phase in life that rewards purpose, planning, and protection. This week’s stories reveal how the right hobbies can enhance your health and happiness, why new IRS contribution limits open doors for smarter saving, and how overlooking key insurance policies can leave your future exposed. Whether you're tackling an old to-do list or building a more resilient retirement plan, these insights offer timely guidance to help you stay on track and thrive.
By RetirementRedFlags.com
This week’s retirement roundup is all about pursuing purpose, maximizing savings, and protecting what matters most.
1. 6 Hobbies in Retirement That Signal You’re Aging Like Fine Wine
Retirement can either feel like a slow drift or a vibrant second act - it all depends on how you spend your time. A standout article from VegOut outlines six enriching hobbies that mark a thriving retiree: intentional gardening, learning new languages, volunteering with purpose, physically challenging activities, creative expression, and intellectual pursuits. These aren't just pastimes, they're proven ways to stay mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and socially connected.
Action Steps:
✔ Choose one new hobby that pushes you out of your comfort zone (e.g., take up painting, or learn Spanish).
✔ Commit a set amount of weekly time to it - treat it like a scheduled meeting with your better self.
✔ Journal your progress to reflect on the benefits and stay motivated.
2. IRS Raises 401(k) Limits for 2026: A Bigger Nest Egg Opportunity
In a move designed to help Americans save more for longer retirements, the IRS has raised contribution limits for 401(k), IRA, and other retirement plans starting in 2026. Workers can now contribute up to $24,500 annually to employer-sponsored plans, and those aged 50+ can add an additional $8,000 as a catch-up. IRA limits will rise to $7,500, and the catch-up for those 50+ bumps to $1,100. This provides greater tax-deferred space for savers - especially important with longer life expectancies and rising costs.
Action Steps:
✔ Update your contribution settings for 2026 now to align with the new limits.
✔ If over 50, be sure you’re taking advantage of the full catch-up amount - it’s a powerful tax shelter.
✔ Revisit your retirement income plan to see how these increased contributions could shift your tax brackets or RMD timing.
3. The “Someday” List Can Sneak Up on You
In the animated short called Retirement Plan, reviewed by The New Yorker, we follow Ray - a retiree with high hopes and a long to-do list. Yet, as time marches on, many of those dreams go unfulfilled. The film gently reminds us that retirement isn’t endless, and if we don’t act soon, our “someday” goals may quietly expire. It’s a call to embrace the moment and take real steps toward the things that matter most.
Action Steps:
✔ Revisit your retirement goals and highlight just 1–2 that matter deeply to you right now.
✔ Schedule time this month to start one of them, no matter how small the first step.
✔ Accept that not everything will get done. Focus on what brings meaning, not just completion.
4. Checking for Insurance Gaps After Retirement
In an increasingly complex retirement landscape, coverage beyond the basics can mean the difference between peace of mind and serious financial stress. A recent article outlines six insurance types retirees often need - ranging from long‑term care to umbrella liability.
Action Steps:
✔ Review your current insurance portfolio (health, home, life, liability) and mark any major gaps (e.g., missing long‑term care coverage, outdated liability limits).
✔ Prioritize at least one “new” policy or rider to investigate this quarter (for example, long‑term care insurance, or umbrella liability if you have significant assets).
5. 3 Retirement Questions That Keep Millionaires Up At Night
Investors Business Daily Article
It’s not just the middle‑income retiree who worries - high‑net‑worth individuals also have their own set of anxieties. Per an article from Investors Business Daily, three top concerns among millionaires are: (1) How long will my money last, (2) What about taxes and required minimum distributions, and (3) Will public benefits or safety nets still be there when I need them?
Action Steps:
✔ Run a “worst‑case” scenario for your retirement income: model a significant downturn in markets, higher inflation, or extra withdrawals.
✔ Evaluate your tax strategy: consider how RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions), Social Security timing, and asset location (taxable vs tax‑deferred) will impact your net spendable income.
✔ Create a contingency buffer: set aside a dedicated “risk fund” (outside your main portfolio) for unexpected shocks so you’re less vulnerable to sequence‑of‑returns or rising costs.
If you have any questions about the headlines that hit the news this week, we are answering questions in our free Facebook group The Retirement Red Flags Community. Click below and we will make sure you get added.
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