At Capital Investment Advisors, we believe in always learning and growing. That often means our investment team continuing to deepen and expand their understanding of financial markets, strategies, and the forces that shape them.
But from time to time, our clients become the teachers as they lead the way toward happiness in retirement. On such occasions, we feel compelled to shine a spotlight on their experiences.
Charles and Dawn Norfolk were originally hesitant to retire, but because they had the means and the desire, Jason Gove, one of our Phoenix team members, encouraged them to make the leap. One of their customers purchased their business, providing a clear path to step away. They stayed on for four years to help ease the transition, then moved from Texas to Tennessee.
A Dream Trip to Scotland: From Glasgow to the Highlands and Edinburgh
Having already traveled to Ireland, a TV show called Outlander, about a WWII nurse who is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland, piqued their interest and ultimately inspired them to return to the Celtic Fringe once more.
The journey to Scotland was part of a group tour that began in Glasgow, the country’s largest city, known for its blend of historic architecture and modern cultural venues such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, the Riverside Museum, and the OVO Hydro.
From there, they ventured north to the Scottish Highlands and Inverness, enjoying the castles and kilts, and narrowly avoiding Nessie, the mythical Loch Ness Monster. Finally, they dropped down to the lowlands, ending in the capital city of Edinburgh: the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature and home to writers such as Sir Walter Scott (Sherlock Holmes) and J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter).
Getting Ready for the Trip
We often see meticulous planning from our retirees, but Charles and Dawn were already accustomed to travel, having been to Italy, Ireland, and England. Aside from making sure they had enough local currency for ten days, their primary concern was bringing electrical power converters—Scotland runs on a higher-voltage power grid than we do in the U.S., and converters help prevent damage to appliances such as hair dryers or curling irons.
Interestingly, many newer electronics, such as cell phones and laptops, are dual voltage. They still require a type G plug adapter, but not a voltage converter. It’s typically a good idea to double-check before embarking on your trip.
A Few Challenges Along the Way
Dawn and Charles decided to go with a tour group. Everything was organized for them, and they described the experience as smooth sailing. However, Scotland can suffer bouts of inclement weather; the biggest challenge was having enough outerwear to be prepared, but not so much as to hinder comfort or functionality.
Favorite Moments From the Trip
The pristine wilderness of the Highland countryside was an absolute highlight for the Norfolks. They also thoroughly enjoyed the castle tours, the falconry demonstration, and the chance to witness the sheep herding process, from sheep dogs to sheep shearing.
What’s Next for the Norfolks
Charles and Dawn are looking forward to combining family history with travel next year. To explore their ancestry, they’ll fly to London, rent a car, and head to the Cornwall region of England. From there, they’ll go north to Wales, and then the southern portion of Scotland, before returning to London. They hope to meet up with some other Norfolks they’ve met online, including a pub owner in London. With any luck, they might get some free drinks.
What’s Next for You
Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from work; it’s about stepping into something new. Charles and Dawn’s journey is a reminder that the things you’ve always wanted to do don’t have to stay on a list. Whether it’s traveling across the world, reconnecting with your roots, or simply trying something that once felt out of reach, retirement can be a time to explore with purpose and enthusiasm. If there’s something you’ve been putting off, consider this your nudge—because a fulfilling retirement is often built on the experiences you choose to pursue.
Please note, Charles and Dawn have given us permission to share their background, story and photographs. They have not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, they do not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing their story. We do not endorse or have any affiliation with the companies mentioned in this content. Any references to specific companies are for informational purposes only.
