Getting the Most out of Your Retirement

Getting the Most out of Your Retirement

So here it is… Retirement!

Did you know that this new phase of your life rewards you with up to an additional 2000 hours a year? Retirement is not just sitting around. So what are you going to do to fill these hours?

Adopting a “wait and see” attitude may not be the best option for some people so here are some key points that may help you along the way.

Make a Plan

This idea sounds quite broad but it means just that. Obviously at the start of your retirement you will appreciate a few days to sit around and do nothing, because you can!

What I would recommend is start your plan before you finish up work so that you have an idea about how you want to fill your hours. It can be little things to start off with but then you could see yourself putting in larger ideas such as signing up for a course or heading away on a long term holiday.

It’s also important to think about how much money you will need each month, remembering to include one off expenditures such as gifts, car troubles etc. If you have a “Rainy Day” fund it’s good to ensure that you have a reserve of approx 6 months living expenses.

Organise yourself

You are going to spending more time than usual at home.

This can be a good time to clear out unwanted items such a clothing or home-wares. These could be sold online or in a car boot sale to provide some income or you can donate them to your local charity shop.

Do a walk-through of your home and ensuring that there are no repairs needed.

Review your Estate and Will

If you don’t have a Will in place, get one. This will protect your assets while you are alive and you can then choose how your estate will be divided when you pass on.

New Job/Volunteer

Yes you’ve just left your current job but this might be as good a time as any to try something new. Is there any role that jumped out at you in the past? If you had an office job, did you wonder what it would be like to work with your hands?

Volunteering is also another avenue. Most of us get a warm feeling from helping others. There are mentoring positions available in most towns and cities. Why not help out at the local library or join a gardening group.

Activities

A lot of people are not able to take up a sport or activity during their working years or if they are they may not be able to dedicate a lot of their free time to it. There are great benefits from taking up a sport or hobby in your retirement, meeting new people who have the same interests and also the fitness element. Activities such as golfing, tennis or fishing are great for getting outdoors.

Are you mentally ready?

If you work 40 hours a week from the age of 20-65 you will have spent, on average, 90,360 hours in your job. Let me say that again:

90,360 hours!

We build relationships and attachments in this time so it’s no wonder that a large change like retirement can be a difficult emotional adjustment. If you feel that the prospect of Retirement is daunting and causing you to worry, try to talk to a partner, close friend or even your GP.