Transitioning from Success in a Career to Significance in Retirement: Self-Funded Missions
Huntsville, Alabama (PRWEB) December 23, 2016 -- Cassius and Valerie Smith looked forward to a retirement life of purpose and freedom — a life where they could be world travelers, missionaries and active grandparents.
Before they made the decision to retire, Cassius had built a 32-year career in information technology in aerospace and Valerie had served as a graphic artist, stay-at-home mom and a headmaster’s secretary. After being encouraged by their son to explore volunteering as Christian missionaries, the Smiths began to envision their next season of life together. Relying on their financial advisor’s expertise and doing their homework, they became self-funded missionaries for Trans World Radio. The global media organization uses radio broadcasts, online streaming and various platforms to spread Christian principles.
“Retiring early was an incredible feeling,” Cassius said. “We wanted to retire while we still had plenty of energy and could use the skills and talents that God has poured into us to reach the world for Christ.” The Smiths have been missionaries for seven years. Cassius is a deputy for Trans World Radio, and Valerie is the producer of the English version of Women of Hope, TWR’s women’s ministry program. “We make media contextually relevant in more than 230 languages in 160 countries. We’ve been very busy but we love being part of this organization. We even relocated to be close to the TWR offices,” Cassius said.
While retiring early was their desire, the Smiths had some reservations. “We had the same amount of consternation and fear that anyone does when they retire, particularly with early retirement,” Cassius explained. In addition to relying on the expertise of a trusted financial advisor, the couple had more suggestions for those considering retiring early. They recommended reading “Half Time” and “Game Plan” by Bob Buford. “We had to consider our spending patterns and prioritize our expectations for giving, travel and investments. We definitely had homework,” Cassius added.
The Smiths are living their dream of impacting the world, while maintaining a lifestyle that includes visits with their grandchildren and world travel. In 2015 they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in France, and this fall they traveled to New Zealand. Their lives are great examples of the freedom that can come with foresight and planning to use each day with purpose.
Dawn Bramblett, Bramblett Group, +1 731-989-8019, [email protected]
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