Ep 113: What happens when a beloved teacher retires but still has more stories to tell? In this heartfelt episode, Ben and Curtis sit down with Jim Smith—retired social studies teacher, proud grandfather, and creator of the Kenduskeag History Tales Facebook group—to explore how Retirement can spark a whole new chapter of community impact.
After leaving the classroom, Jim found purpose by reconnecting with his small town’s past and sharing it through photos, archives, and personal storytelling. From cleaning gravestones to launching a town flag design contest and even helping dedicate a bridge to a fallen WWII soldier, Jim shows how retirement can be a time of deep connection and Legacy-building.
Chapters:
How did Jim approach the transition into retirement? [03:54]
What sparked the idea for Kenduskeag History Tales? [09:40]
What challenges did Jim face learning the Technology? [18:37]
Who’s engaging with the history project, and how far has it reached? [21:55]
How does Jim uncover and share local stories? [25:09]
What’s the most memorable story Jim has shared? [29:03]
How did the Kenduskeag town flag and bridge dedication projects come to life? [31:39]
How has this work shaped Jim’s identity in retirement? [42:31]
What does Retirement Success look like for Jim? [46:56]
Ben's focus with our clients is to direct the investments of their investable portfolios. In teaming with Curtis Worcester and Austin Minor, Ben combines his investment expertise from attaining the CFA Charter with Curtis & Austin's financial planning expertise to provide clients with the tools, confidence, and education to make informed decisions about their retirement. As Ben, Curtis, and Austin have a number of clients that are Northern Light Health employees, they've developed a specialty in serving clients in the healthcare field. You can read their "Employee Guide to the Northern Light Health Retirement Plans" here.
He has spent his entire career devoted to serving individual clients and institutions by developing and implementing investment strategies, setting portfolio structure, and providing the highest level of client service. He's passionate about helping clients maximize their savings and retirement income using the many financial planning and portfolio management tools available to Guidance Point consultants. Prior to working for Guidance Point Advisors, Ben worked for Acadia Trust, N.A., a subsidiary of Camden National Corporation, as Vice President, Portfolio Manager based in Bangor, Maine. Ben assumed responsibility for and oversight of over $300 million in client portfolios, including individuals, families, retirement plans, endowments, foundations, businesses, and trusts; and he served on the Company’s Investment Committee.
