Financial Planning for Life’s Big Adventures: How We Prepared for My Husband’s Appalachian Trail Hike
Retirement marks a significant transition in life, especially after nearly three decades of military service. For our family, my husband’s upcoming retirement after 29 years in the military was not just about financial planning for the future—it was also about making his long-held dream a reality.
One of his biggest goals? Hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT) as a way to disconnect, reflect, and prepare for his next chapter after service. But a trip like this doesn’t just happen—it takes thoughtful financial and logistical planning. Here’s how we made it work:
Two Years of Intentional Planning
When we moved to Kentucky from Hawaii two years ago, we knew this would be our final duty station. That’s when my husband began outlining his retirement timeline, carefully saving his leave, and considering how he wanted to transition into post-military life.
As the AT hike became a serious goal, we began discussing the financial aspects. His sisters had hiked a portion of the trail a few years ago and shared valuable insights. From there, we created a checklist of essential gear, food supplies, and tracking equipment. Instead of making large, last-minute purchases, we spread out our expenses over two years, buying items gradually to avoid financial strain.
The Cost of Hiking the Appalachian Trail
According to Google, the average cost for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike ranges from $5,000 to $7,000, including gear, resupply packages, and town expenses. The estimated monthly cost is around $1,000 for food, lodging, and other essentials.
For our trip, we carefully budgeted and planned ahead:
- Gear & Resupply Packages: We spent approximately $4,000 on gear and pre-planned resupply shipments to help manage costs and ensure my husband has the essentials on the trail.
- Town Expenses: We estimate spending around $1,000 on hostel stays, laundry, meals, and transportation (shuttles/Ubers) when my husband stops in towns along the way.
By spreading out these costs over two years, we avoided large financial burdens and ensured my husband could fully enjoy this experience without financial stress.
Aligning the Hike with Retirement Logistics
Once he received his retirement orders, we mapped out key dates—his Change of Responsibility ceremony, VA appointments, potential Career Skills Program (CSP) opportunities, and his official retirement ceremony. All of these factors impacted when he could embark on the trail. Initially, he hoped to hike for 60 days, but after reviewing his commitments, he adjusted his plan to a 35-day trek.
Involving Our Son in the Journey
As we fine-tuned our plans, we realized this experience could be even more meaningful. Our 17-year-old son decided to join his dad for 50 miles of the hike during spring break. We factored this into our financial and travel planning, ensuring I could pick him up at a designated spot while my husband continued his journey.
More Than a Hike—A Financial and Life Transition
For us, this Appalachian Trail journey isn’t just about the hike—it represents a carefully planned transition into retirement. By budgeting for this adventure in advance, aligning it with our financial goals, and ensuring my husband has the time and resources to pursue his dream, we’ve set the stage for an exciting new chapter.
At MainStreet Financial Planning, we believe financial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making dreams achievable. Whether it’s planning for retirement, a big life goal, or a career transition, having a solid financial strategy makes all the difference.
Are you preparing for your next big life adventure? Let’s plan it together.
