GENTIAN NAVIGATOR | WHERE WILL I LIVE?

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right living environment for the next chapter of life.

MEET ELEANOR Eleanor had lived in her home for twenty-seven years. She knew the house the way you know a favorite song - where it swells, where it softens, where it pauses. It had held birthdays, late-night conversations, arguments that passed, and seasons of joy and loss.

But on a Tuesday morning, standing alone in the kitchen, she paused. The house wasn’t wrong. It just felt… larger than her life now. The guest rooms stayed empty. The driveway snow seemed heavier each winter. The stairs whispered reminders she didn’t want to hear yet.

She wasn’t afraid of aging. She was afraid of waiting too long to choose. She wanted independence - not isolation. Connection - not obligation. Freedom — not fear.

What Eleanor realized was this: Where she lived would shape her health, her energy, her relationships, and her peace of mind far more than she had ever acknowledged. The real question wasn’t about square footage or location. It was about alignment.

“Where should I live for the next chapter of my life — and how do I choose without regret?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS

A human-centered guide to evaluating your living options - emotionally, practically, and financially - so your home supports independence, safety, and quality of life over time.

  A CHECKLIST: To help you ask some important questions.

Lifestyle & Values

☐ Does this home support the life I want today?

☐ Will it support the life I want in 10–20 years?

☐ Do I feel connected or isolated here?

☐ Does this location support what brings me joy?

Physical Environment

☐ Stairs and mobility considerations

☐ Bathroom safety and layout

☐ Lighting, accessibility, and fall risk

☐ Emergency access and response times

Maintenance & Energy

☐ How much time does upkeep require?

☐ Does maintenance feel manageable or draining?

☐ Would simplifying reduce stress and increase freedom?

Financial Fit

☐ Total cost of ownership (taxes, insurance, upkeep)

☐ Long-term affordability

☐ Opportunity to right-size without regret

Community & Support

☐ Proximity to family or friends

☐ Access to healthcare and services

☐ Opportunities for social connection

Future Flexibility

☐ Can this home adapt to health changes?

☐ Are alternative care options nearby?

COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN

1. Walk through your home with a future lens

2. Write a 10-year vision of daily life

3. List maintenance tasks and emotional energy cost

4. Visit at least two alternative living options

5. Talk with trusted family or friends

6. Compare long-term costs of staying vs moving

7. Explore hybrid options (rent, seasonal living)

8. Identify emotional attachments clearly

9. Draft a transition plan without commitment

10. Review findings with your advisor
    

WHAT TO DO NOW

Today

• Write down three things your home no longer supports well.
  

This Month

• Visit two alternative housing options.

• List all recurring home maintenance tasks.

• Review long-term housing costs.

This Year

• Reassess annually as health and priorities change.

  Schedule a Conversation: To our clients, and those we've yet to meet - you are not alone when it comes time to navigate life's challenging crossroads. Our team is here to help you evaluate emotional, practical, and financial tradeoffs with clarity.

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gentian@raymondjames.com | PH 262.518.7575 | 12740 N River Road, Mequon, WI

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gentian Financial Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.