Keep the Goodwill Going: Looking Beyond the Holidays for Volunteer Opportunities
During the holidays, it’s natural to want to give back. From serving meals to collecting for toy drives, the spirit of giving is in full swing and for many, a treasured winter tradition.
According to Hands-on Connect, volunteerism jumps nearly 50% during the holidays compared to the rest of the year — a huge challenge for organizations that rely on volunteers to support their mission and offset costs.
Retirement is a phase of life that generally affords us more time to do all the things we never had time to do while working, going to school and raising a family. Volunteering can be a meaningful way to fill your day while supporting your community — and boosting your own well-being. So, look beyond the holiday season and consider donating your time and talents to a worthy cause all year long.
Helping others as you help yourself
There are countless ways to give back — from lending your time at the local library to walking dogs at the Humane Society or working with children through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. And as you’re helping others, you're also improving your own health. According to a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that leads service, volunteering, and grant-making efforts in the United States, volunteers over the age of 60 report higher levels of well-being and lower disability compared to those who don’t volunteer. Volunteering can benefit you in the following ways:
- Develop a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering gives many people a greater sense of personal fulfillment. Something as simple as being available for a few hours a week can make a huge difference in the way we view life.
- Make new social connections. Being part of a volunteer organization encourages social interaction and facilitates new friendships. It also helps build a support system based on mutual interests.
- Gain confidence. As a volunteer, you have people counting on you and your abilities. It fosters a sense of responsibility and self-importance. According to a study by Wharton College, people who volunteer feel more capable and confident.
- Reduce stress levels. Your time spent helping others can help strengthen the body, improve your mood and lessen stress. It can also give you a sense of appreciation — both given and received — which can have an overall calming effect.
- Stay active. Whether you’re restocking books at the library or collecting donations at the food pantry, volunteering gets you up and out of the house. Of course, maintaining an active lifestyle plays a significant role in staving off the effects of aging.
Planning ahead to enjoy your free time
While the satisfaction you gain from volunteering can be priceless, it doesn’t generate income. So, how can you ensure you have the means to live a retirement lifestyle that lets you give back?
Among the financial planning tools to consider is a reverse mortgage loan. If you’re a homeowner or homebuyer 62 or older, this type of loan lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up over the years. The funds let you delay tapping into your retirement savings or investments to cover daily living expenses, consolidate debt to dramatically reduce monthly bills, make home renovations or repairs, establish a “rainy day” fund, even purchase a home that better suits your needs. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keeping current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance and any homeowners association fees.
The secret to a rewarding retirement? Knowing your options
Whether you plan to volunteer, travel or continue to work part-time, if you’re a homeowner age 62 or older you may have more financial options than you realize for funding a secure and rewarding retirement. Reverse Mortgage Funding can help you learn everything you need to know about reverse mortgages, so you can make an educated decision and determine the plan that’s right for your individual situation. To explore your options, call (888) 277-1567 today.
SEE WHAT FUNDS YOU MAY HAVE AVAILABLE
If you have equity in your home and believe you meet the eligibility requirements, a HECM may be the option that could help you retire smart.
Check Eligibility
This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans live the retirement lifestyle that they imagined and deserve, in the comfort of their own home. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating;* a 5-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call (877) 485-1359 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.
*Source: RMF customer survey, December 2018.
L2376-Exp122019