When brainstorming what topic we’d like to discuss in our next newsletter, my dad (James) and I stumbled upon an open ended question. “Where in the world is Andy Barnett?” I went on a mission to set up a call with Andrew to get the scoop.

I had the privilege of sitting down with our Relationship Director and Financial Advisor, to catch up on life. In the last 2 years, he has gradually taken a step back from the day-to-day investment planning process at Waterstone Financial and is gracefully transitioning into retirement. In our conversation, Andrew shared insights into this new chapter of life, reflecting on the importance of health, the feeling of an open schedule, and the joys of reconnecting with family and personal passions.

-Abby Gallagher

Redefining Status: A Strategic Consulting Role

In the past couple of years, during the ownership transition, Andrew has maintained a strategic consulting role even after stepping away from the daily grind. He has been a great partner to James in highlighting the importance of keeping the practice growing while smoothing out potential bumps in the road. The torch was passed to James, making the transition seamless. “I could not have chosen a better successor. He turned out 10 times better than I expected.”- Andrew

Life Beyond Work: A Glimpse into Retirement

Changing Work Schedule and Prioritizing Health

The freedom to reshape one's work schedule in retirement brought unexpected benefits. Andrew shared that focusing on health became a top priority. Embracing activities like walking, biking, swimming, and hitting the gym has made a positive impact, proving that retirement can lead to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Wanderlust and Family Time

Years of career-related travel have now transformed into leisurely explorations. From Las Vegas with his sons to Scotland for a Scotch tour, London, Thailand, and Vietnam, Andrew has embarked on several adventures with family and friends. The importance of spending quality time with loved ones, especially reconnecting with family after years of professional commitments, became a central theme. “So this is where Andy has been!”

Real Estate Ventures: Building a Home in the Catskills

Investing in personal dreams, one of Andrew’s big ventures was in real estate development. Acquiring land in upstate New York, he’s been developing the property to build houses. This project reflects not only a commitment to personal dreams but also a desire to maintain a connection to their roots in the Catskills area while keeping a home in Florida.

The Unexpected Joy of Retirement

Before he made the move to step back from his laundry list of responsibilities, people often would ask him, “what are you going to do now.” Freed from the constraints of a busy schedule, he emphasized that being in control of his time has made him one of the happiest men in the world. Before now, he had never had more than a 2 week long vacation. Uninterrupted time for personal pursuits and a sense of autonomy have made retirement a fulfilling experience. 

Financial Planning Pays Off

A well-thought-out financial plan is instrumental in making retirement a time of joy rather than uncertainty. Andrew’s story is an inspiration for those navigating the path to retirement, proving that it's not just an end but a beautiful beginning.

At Waterstone Financial, we’re grateful for his continued consultation and are looking forward to finding out where in the world he ends up next!