Make Retirement Work For You

By Toni Star

 

I'm going to make a proposal! How about looking at retirement and as a "new beginning" instead of an end? I've been trying it lately and looking at life has taken on a whole new meaning—actually many meanings! By rearranging my mind and priorities, I'm finding that my future looks brighter, with more potential for happiness and growth.

Like many, I've had the notion for years that retirement was for those who felt used up, "sissies," –individuals who were ready to pack it in and throw in the towel. Well, having hit the big "60" recently, I can safely say that for me and many others, that just doesn't ring true!

Light years ago in the 20th century and beyond, retirement was thought of as taking it easy, slowing down, and preparing for one's demise. And, with some people, this is still rings true. And, this may be right and good for some…

However, when you think about it—really think about it --retirement has many meanings and opportunities. Let's explore what retirement means to most people.

But first, what about you? How do you want to spend your retirement? Or, a better question might be, do you even think about retirement?

I know that I didn't even consider the thought of retirement until well into my fifties and being a writer, I often thought, and still do sometimes, that retirement won't affect me because I can…and do, take my writing--everywhere I go. And, in my case, this may be true, to a point..

And, for others who work at home, they might feel like I do. I mean, think about it. If you work at home—with a computer, have a hobby that has become an income bringer, or are able to take that job you're now working and set up shop in your home—why, retirement looks better and brighter.

Ever since I began looking at retirement from this angle, my mind and heart are seeing opportunities that have never been seen or thought of, before. And, even if you don't work at home, there are still many good possibilities of incorporating what you like to do, in your own home.

Consider these ideas for your new beginning: online degrees, online writing courses and shops, online computer work, writing contests, working at home, with something you love. And then, think about the hobbies one could pursue—house projects—inside and out, sewing, cooking, online work, gardening, volunteer work, car maintenance, exercise programs, etc. The list is endless.

There is so much one can do with the retirement; it is limited only by your mind!

So, why not start thinking of retirement and all it stands for as Your New Beginning?

Of course, one should not go "half cocked" and not do any prep work for retirement. It's always good to prepare for the next stage in live. From About Seniors (2007) comes some positive advice: "Positive planning is based on the recognition that leaving full-time employment is like entering a new, and very rewarding, life stage. It's all about starting, not stopping."

The key word here is "starting," not stopping! If one can get this into his or her mind and truly believe it, then the possibilities for a great life, are endless!

And, from About: Retirement Planning (2007) comes this: "Start you planning (for your retirement) by making a list of your interests and goals. Prioritize this list with what is most important first." This is a great idea because everyone has interests that have not been fulfilled because of family and job expectations…So, take time and write down what you want to do with that free time..You'll be surprised and amazed with what you come up with!

The Christian Science Monitor (2007) offers advice concerning money matters: "In an age of shrinking pensions, rising healthcare costs, and increasing longevity, many current and future retirees rank money as their biggest concern." If this is true for you, then give sound good thought about your preparedness for the above concerns. And, if you find that you're behind in these areas, then seek professional financial help. Don't wait till the last minute on these issues—for doing so will decrease your happiness and independence.

It seems that one of the most vital parts of retirement planning is making sure that one's income will be sufficient for the coming years of retirement. Talking with one's spouse, going to one's bank to check out IRA's and so forth is an excellent idea, as well as making sure your savings will meet your future needs. And, keeping those IRA's and savings going and active, is definitely a good idea.

From U.S. News & World Report (2007) come five great ideas for a healthy and happy retirement: eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats and no fat dairy, get at least 30 minute daily of exercise, don't smoke and if you, do—quit, manage stress with exercise, stretching, relaxation, breathing or medication and get regular check-ups with your Dr. Not bad advice; just something one should do!

And, from Social Security Online (2007) comes even more helpful advice for the approaching retiree: "The three major elements of your retirement portfolio are benefits from pensions, savings and investments, and Social Security benefits."

Again, from About: Retirement Planning (2007) comes a good piece of advice and easy to follow: "To help you plan for retirement, each year we send you your personal Social Security Statement, which gives you an estimate of the monthly benefit amounts you and your family may quality for now and in the future."

ForbesOnTech (2007) offers some good ideas—albeit for those who can afford it—for upcoming retirement years: "Get serious about a hobby, travel, indulge yourself at a college for credit, or not, stay active and avoid a sickly white tuber and volunteer your time..Money or not, most of these ideas are good for just about anyone…And, there are several online free college course sites…One is.. www.freeeducation.com

I found the Internal Revenue Service site (2007) very helpful—for those needing a little extra guidance for monetary issues. Some of the ideas presented are: set a goal, open an IRA, Learn about Your Employer's Retirement Plan, Review Your Individual Benefit Statement, and Review Your Social Security Statement.

The U.S. Department of Labor (2007) site offers more ideas to help you save money for your new life. Some of these ideas are: know your retirement needs, find out about your social security benefits, learn about your employer's pension or profit sharing plan and contribute to a Tax-Sheltered Savings plan.

From NeworkWorld (2007) comes some interesting thoughts from John Challenger, executive vice president of recruitment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas: "Test your retirement on a trial basis by taking an extended vacation, if you're thinking of relocating, consider this: Most retirees retire successfully by staying in the community in which they live—not moving, Post retirement counseling is most helpful if you don't begin it until about three months after retirement, and Maintain opportunities for social interaction with like-minded people." In other words, keep moving, doing, communicating, experimenting until you find what's right for you!

A good site to check out when delving into retirement is the Elderhostel site. It is a nonprofit organization that provides "learning adventures" for those aged 55 or over. According to the site, Elderhostel is for people on the move, who believe that learning is a lifetime process. Those interested can travel all over the world doing research or do some classroom learning…(Check this out for yourself.)

Weston (2007) in her article, "Why bad 401(k) advice is better than none," gives some sound advice to retirees on 401(k): seek advice from your employer—from computer programs and managed accounts. In addition, invest enough to at least get your full company match, don't' let your contributions languish—check into lifestyle or target maturity funds, don't overdose on company stock and consider getting a second opinion. Two examples of help for second opinions are two online sites: Financial Engines' and The Garrett Planning Network.

Weston (2007) in another online article, "8 money moves you must make at 50" offer more good advice. Read and digest her words: "Accelerate debt repayment, Get your kids off the dole, Review your life insurance needs, Review your other insurance, Schedule all those checkups, make preparations for health changes and retirement, Reconsider your career—consider talking with a career counselor, etc and Put retirement on the front burner.

But seriously, putting money and other action plans aside, try not to think of retirement as the end of life, but as a brand new life for you and your family--one that can bring happiness, joy and the freedom to do what you've been wanting to do for years…And, if you don't have a clue as to what you would like to do, then sit down in your favorite chair, relax—write down anything that comes to mind that you might enjoy--would be fun, and what would you like to contribute to life—be a part of –for the rest of your life…

You may be surprised and very happy with what you come up with…I know I was!

References

About Seniors (2007) What is Retirement? Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.aboutseniors.com.au/index.php/articles/category/what_is_retirement/

ForbesOnTech (2006). Retirement To-Do Things—Projects Planned or Completed. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://forbesontech.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/10/retirement_todo.html

Gardner, M. (2006). Lesson on retirement from the experts: retirees. AARP. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0517/p13s02-lign.html.

Internal Revenue Service (2007). Retirement Tips for individuals. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.irs.gov/retirement/participant/article/o,,id=133069,00.html.

McKinney, J. & McKinney, P. (2007). About: Retirement Planning. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://retireplan.about.com/od/lifestyles/a/ready_or_not.htm.

McKay, D. (2007). Career Planning. Retired. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/diversityresources/a/retirement.htm.

Weston, L. (2007). 8 money moves you must make at 50. MoneyCentral.msn.com. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/8MoneyMovesYou.

Weston, L. (2007).Why bad 401(k) advice is better than none. MoneyCentral.msn.com Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/InvestForRetirement/WhyBad4

Social Security Online (2007). How should I prepare for retirement? Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.ssa.gov/retirement/

U.S. Department of Labor (2007). Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/10_ways_to_prepare.html

U.S. News & World Report (2005). Healthy Retirement Tips. Retrieved March 2, 2007 from:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/050613/13longer.b.htm.

Toni Star is a freelance writer/author and a master's graduate from Capella University. She hopes to do some online teaching upon graduation. You can see more of her work and books in the links below: Pathways to Christ: http://pathwaystochrist.blogspot.com Lulu Bookstore: http://www.lulu.com/tstar Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toni_Star