Celebrating Retirement

It’s National Retirement Security Week. What are you doing to celebrate?

You may think retirement is too far off to celebrate, or perhaps even too far away to think about, but this week is to bring attention to the fact that saving for the future should already be a part of your here and now. At Dakota West, we have options available to making your later-in-life security a priority, even if you’re still decades away from your actual retirement plans.

When we are just starting out as adults, our budgets may not offer the flexibility of a large contribution to our futures, but every little bit adds to your long-term goals, but only if you make it a priority. As our partners at Kasasa® suggest, the best way to start working towards your retirement goal is to start early. Planning long-term helps you see the big picture, and remembering in the short-term of the importance of saving as part of your weekly or monthly budget work together to help you reach a big goal through consistent contributions over time.

As you watch your investments grow, you can celebrate your retirement, even if it is still decades away, because your contributions to your own future are the real cause for celebration. Whether you want to move your current nest egg into an IRA or certificate of deposit, or even just get started on your road to your retirement, Dakota West wants to help you Grow West for years to come.

Meet Todd Hickel

For Todd Hickel, Loan Officer at our New England branch, a typical work day depends on the season. Autumn is particularly busy with harvesting and selling of crops. Todd’s focus on the agriculture community in Hettinger County keeps him busy throughout the year, and keeps him close to his roots and his family.

Born and raised in Williston, Todd witnesses the growth and development of his hometown, but also recognizes that for farmers and ranchers, the commitment to the land remains constant. When speaking to members about their ag operations, he often provides practical advice: pay attention to details. Balance sheets and income statements work together to provide a clear picture of the business of running a family farm.

“In one of my previous jobs, we were advised that all the Business/Agricultural Loan Officers would become personal financial planners. This really opened up a lot for me. I learned about insurance, investment, taxation, retirement, and estate planning.” Todd learned the basics in college at UND, and developed his skills supporting land owners and operators, exposing him to first-hand practice of his knowledge here in his home state.

Todd recognizes that talking about a member’s bottom line may not always be a conversation individuals want to discuss. He builds one-on-one relationships with farmers and ranchers to make those personal details more comfortable to navigate and manage. Despite the changes and advancements to the financial industry, Todd knows these relationships remain at the center of a successful operation.

When the day ends or the weekend rolls around, Todd makes the most of all North Dakota offers. “I try to get my shopping and errands done during the week so I can spend my weekends on the lake.” Summer offers plenty of opportunities for Todd to enjoy the water and the weather, but he’s also planning for his next favorite season, autumn, and the start of pheasant and deer seasons. In the meantime, he’s also planning for the next ag season, partnering with our ag borrowers to maintain the importance of agriculture to our state, and to Dakota West Credit Union.

For more information about agriculture loans with Dakota West, reach out to Todd, or any Ag Loan Officer at 800.411.7590.