Findings have shown that many retirees never again have as much money as they used to have while in service. And that very few of them – if there is any at all – are happy with this turn of events.
Some other studies have found that many retirees find it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that they’ve parted for life with their dear career. Those in this category often descend into depression or anxiety.
These are issues that threaten well-being. They are some of the reasons why you must start making provisions for retirement now. And not later.
Since this path is a must-trodden one, how do you then plan for the experience well ahead of time?
1. Save up for your retirement
Retirement means serious reduction in income for most people. But it doesn’t necessary mean a reduction in wants. In fact, it may mean your wants increase.
When you start planning for your retirement, the place where you want to spend your retirement days becomes an index of how much money you will need.
Your choice should be a driving force for you in terms of saving.
And if you’re into travelling and touring, you’ll most certainly need a lot of money.
Despite all this, retirement often means less cash at your disposal.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You just save up money now and make the right investment later. In no time you start earning passively and this will continue into your retirement!
2. Pay special attention to your basic needs
Many economists have opined that there are just three basic needs of man: food, clothes and shelter. They believe that once you have these three things you are comfortable. And you will see that these basic things are not even denied prisoners! How much more you, a free citizen.
But as basic as these three are, there’re still grades and classes. If they are not to your taste they can’t be satisfactory.
Not every house is a house. Not every clothe is good. Not every food is food.
Of these three, I must particularly mention shelter (housing) because it is fast becoming difficult to get. You need to take your mortgage seriously in time so that you don’t carry it into your retirement.
This is the time to ensure you get the house of your reasonable choice. If necessary, sell off your current house and use the proceeds to purchase another one.
According to Mr Roof, “Looking for a new house can be an exciting experience, but selling your house can be a bit more challenging …”
3. Prepare yourself mentally
Changing a 30-year routine will never be easy, but possible and achievable. However, to achieve one requires tactics.
Like opening up to people around you and advising them on steps to take in preparation for retirement. And playing up the good sides of retirement e.g. having enough time to go on vacations etc.
You may also want to write down your plans as you formulate them. This makes the change more easily acceptable to your psyche when it finally comes.
4. Choose a recreation
Recreations can perfectly stand in for careers. But it may not be easy to abruptly pick up a recreation at retirement. So why not pick up one now that you still have the time!
Remember your career must have become a sort of a habit. And if you must change a habit you must have a replacement of equal strength.
Finally, don’t forget to bond well with your loved ones. Nothing compares with human connections. No matter how long you live, old age will set in at a point and death will wrap it all up.
You’ll so dearly need your people around then.