Handling
life changes
Retirement is a major life change. Adjusting to it requires more
planning than looking for a job, getting married or buying a new
house. Two of the most important elements of your life that will
change are time and money. These two factors will have an impact
on the other areas of your life - family, friends, home, interests,
leisure activities and health.
Keeping busy is key in a happy retirement. Although your time
will likely be less structured, managing your time is as necessary
for success in retirement planning as it was while you were
working. The years before retirement are an ideal time to think
about the things you want to do during retirement and to plan
whether you will have the financial resources to do them. As
a starting point, think of all the things you like to do outside
of work. How will you fit those activities/events into your
daily and weekly schedule? How will you deal with your spouse
and family if you will be at home more of the time? Do you
have dreams and interests that you haven't had time to pursue
but want to investigate in retirement? Now is a good time to
start thinking about them and see if you can incorporate them
into your retirement.
There are a multitude of books, videos and internet sites
on planning for retirement. They can provide different ways
to examine the lifestyle issues that occur in retirement. Thinking
about how you envision the future will help you to plan for
it and achieve your retirement goals.
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