This year is off to an extraordinary and challenging start, with global events ranging from acts of terrorism to devastating fires.
Amid this backdrop, I had the opportunity to watch President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service during a flight last week. Usually, I would be engrossed in work or podcasts, but hearing the heartfelt stories from his grandchildren about his life left a deep impression on me.
One particularly moving moment was hearing President Gerald Ford’s eulogy — read aloud by Ford’s youngest son — honoring Carter, his former political rival.President Ford’s words exemplified respect, humility, and a sense of shared humanity that transcends partisan lines.
What struck me most about President Carter’s life was not his presidency but what came after — his journey of extraordinary consistency and purpose after leaving the White House at the age of 56.
Destination Unknown
In wealth management, we often focus on helping clients prepare for retirement, oftentimes treating it as a destination. But what if, as spiritual leader Ram Dass said, we are all just “walking each other home”?
What if we view life as a series of journeys we embark on, letting retirement be the greatest place for us to find and express purpose? I know many advisors attempt to help clients — especially the younger retirees — think through what comes next after their clients walk away from their 9-to-5 lives.
Many people have expectations of themselves that involve a total reinvention, but we would be wise to consider the character, values and purpose we’ve cultivated over the last 40, 50, 60 years. That can carry us forward into this new chapter.
Studies have shown that losing a sense of purpose after retirement significantly increases risks of depression, cognitive decline, and mortality.
So, how do we maintain purpose after a major life transition?
I’d like to suggest that we take inspiration from Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential life — a masterclass in using purpose to thrive and serve others.
Carter’s Remarkable Contributions After the Presidency
After leaving office in 1981, Carter embarked on a journey that redefined public service. His work has impacted millions worldwide:
1. Humanitarian Efforts through Habitat for Humanity
Carter became deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build or repair over 4,000 homes in 14 countries through the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. His hands-on commitment exemplified servant leadership and showed the world that even former presidents could roll up their sleeves for a cause. And he was still doing this in his mid-90s, even after falling in his own home landed him with 14 stitches and a black eye.
2. Global Health Achievements
Through The Carter Center, founded in 1982, President Carter led groundbreaking initiatives to combat diseases like Guinea worm, river blindness and malaria. The eradication of Guinea worm disease, in particular, is one of his most remarkable accomplishments: According to The Carter Center, Cworldwide cases dropped from 3.5 million in 1986 to about a dozen today. President Carter’s grandson Jason spoke about this during his grandfather’s funeral, at about minute 8:50 in this video. His full address is excellent.
3. Advocacy for Peace and Human Rights
Carter became a global ambassador for peace, monitoring elections in 39 countries and mediating conflicts worldwide.
His 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recognized these efforts, underscoring his role as a beacon of diplomacy and humanitarianism.
Carter remained active in his church, teaching Sunday school for decades — even into his 90s. His steadfast faith and humility inspired countless others to live with purpose and grace.
A Call to Action for Advisors and Clients
President Carter’s example reminds us that life’s greatest contributions can come after what we traditionally view as our peak.
As advisors, we have a unique opportunity to inspire our clients to see retirement as a fresh start to living lives that are wholly centered around character, values and purpose. This is a chance — or a second chance — to channel their energy, skills and passions into something meaningful. Whether through volunteering, mentorship or pursuing long-held dreams, there’s always room for growth, service and impact.
As advisors, we have a unique opportunity to inspire our clients to see retirement as a fresh start to living lives that are wholly centered around character, values and purpose. This is a chance — or a second chance — to channel their energy, skills and passions into something meaningful. Whether through volunteering, mentorship or pursuing long-held dreams, there’s always room for growth, service and impact.
But it’s not just about our clients. The average financial advisor is age 56; many of us reading this may be a few years older.
When purpose-driven living becomes the norm, even health challenges or other barriers won’t stop you from striving for good. Carter’s own journey with cancer and aging didn’t stop him from working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
Purpose Fuels Resilience, and Resilience Sustains Vitality.
Let’s take this lesson to heart in our own lives and in the lives of those we serve. Just as Jimmy Carter showed the world that a life of service doesn’t end when you lose a title or a role, we can inspire ourselves and others to make every moment count.
As we move through 2025 and beyond, let’s commit to helping people live lives that matter — not just during their working years but throughout their natural lives.
Together, we can create a world that thrives on purpose, resilience and service.
Jud Mackrill, is co-founder and managing partner of Milemarker, the driving force behind the next evolution in wealth management technology, empowering advisory firms to break free from fragmented data and disjointed systems. The Firm Intelligence platform synthesizes insights, automates workflows, and puts advisors back in control — amplifying the value of their tech stack.
