Why Assurant Employees Can Thrive in Retirement Without a Bucket List

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Assurant Assurant is a global provider of risk management solutions, which includes health insurance products. The company's health offerings primarily encompass supplemental health insurance, short-term medical plans, and other healthcare-related services that cater to individuals and businesses. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated to rise significantly, driven by a combination of economic factors and policy changes. With projected premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could leave many individuals facing out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. This surge may force millions of consumers to reconsider their coverage options as rising healthcare costs, compounded by inflation and insurer rate hikes, threaten the affordability of essential health services. Click here to learn more

The first few years of retirement are frequently a time of transitions for many, including those leaving Assurant. It is a critical period that can influence the next few decades financially and emotionally. At the age of sixty-six, Wall Street Journal distinguished editor Stephen Kreider Yoder announced his retirement. His wife, sixty-seven-year-old Karen Kreider Yoder, followed suit. Their experiences, highlighted in the 'Retirement Rookies' column each month, demonstrate a departure from conventional retirement preparation. They emphasize crafting adaptable, meaningful experiences that serve as a foundation for future undertakings over following predetermined bucket lists.

This approach to retirement highlights a larger movement among individuals reimagining their post-employment years. By focusing on personal development and continual exploration, retirees can ensure a fuller, more satisfying experience. This narrative offers invaluable insights for Assurant employees looking to maximize their life-changing retirement years.

Recent studies by the American Psychological Association (APA) underline the advantages of the Yoders' method of unstructured retirement planning. The research indicates that retirees adhering rigidly to their pre-planned bucket lists report lower levels of satisfaction and fulfillment compared to those who engage in activities based on their own interests and whims. This suggests that a flexible retirement lifestyle can lead to more fulfilling and significant experiences, an important consideration as employees transition from structured careers to the freedom of retirement.

In the Retirement Rookies column, Stephen and Karen Kreider Yoder share their journeys and offer a fresh perspective on retirement planning. Learn why they're passing on typical bucket lists in favor of flexible, meaningful experiences, and how this strategy might enhance your post-work years at Assurant. Discover how embracing an unstructured retirement can lead to increased contentment and pleasure, setting the stage for a rewarding future.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Forgoing a conventional retirement plan is akin to sailing a ship without a defined course. Retirees like the Yoders choose to navigate the waters of their golden years with the liberty to uncover new horizons as they appear, rather than charting every port of call. This method, much like a sailor discovering new adventures in uncharted waters, allows them to encounter unexpected joys and experiences, enriching each day with personal growth and satisfaction.