Achieving retirement is a significant accomplishment. It takes a substantial amount of work and dedication to accumulate enough to retire. Now it’s smart to give some thought to how you can make the most of all that you saved.
Enjoying Your Freedom
If you've done enough planning, you’ve probably figured out what you’ll do with your new-found freedom. If not, these tips will help you plan so you can enjoy your time to the fullest:
Lifestyle
- Figure out what type of lifestyle you want in retirement and how much you think it will cost on a monthly basis.
- Make a retirement living plan and look for things you can do ongoing that bring joy and structure to your life—travel, hobbies, or even training for a new career.
Budget
- Reassess your priorities and make sure you’re keeping your budget in line with what’s most important. Some of the best things in life are free!
- Create a retirement budget that includes everything from essentials like food, utilities, and housing costs to the nonessentials that make life more enjoyable, such as travel and entertainment.
- Don’t forget about unexpected expenses—medical bills not covered by Medicare, repairs, increased living costs, etc. (To get a sense of what your future medical costs might be, try AARP ‘s Health Care Costs Calculator.)
- You also have some decisions to make about your home. Do you plan to relocate? Downsize to a smaller home?
- You might have added expenses for supplemental insurance, prescription drugs, and nursing home care.
Retirement Income
For many, retirement means big adjustments in their finances and life. Sources of income will change, as well as expenses. Values and priorities change as you move from building your savings to living off your hard-earned retirement dollars. Managing retirement income can be a whole new ball game, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of some important basics up front:
- First, think about how retirement may change your cash flow. Regular paychecks will be replaced by several sources: Social Security, pension, annuities, etc.
- Think about using direct deposit and electronic transfers to manage your income sources resourcefully. (Some financial institutions offer mobile deposit—meaning you can use your smartphone to take a photo of a check.)
- Research and understand how to manage your state and federal income taxes. (You may be responsible for quarterly estimated taxes.)
- Check with the Social Security Administration (call 800.772.1213 or go to www.ssa.gov) to learn how much Social Security income you should receive each month.
- Consult with a reputable, certified professional to talk about adjustments to your investments that might help protect your income.
Pitfalls to Avoid
There are certain obstacles that can make retirement less enjoyable. Here are some thoughts on how you can overcome the common pitfalls:
Debt
Pay off most or all of your credit card balances and other loans to save on interest charges and avoid being burdened with repayment during your retirement years. (Visit Paying Down Debt to develop a plan.)
Scams
Be on the lookout for scammers. Most thieves look to prey on your caring nature and often target retirement communities and older populations. Always verify and be certain of people with whom you work. (Take a look at these suggestions by the Federal Trade Commission about how to protect yourself.)
Boredom
- Compile a list of at least ten different activities and interests that you know will keep you engaged in life.
- Consider volunteering. It’s rewarding, and you can use the skills and experience you’ve gained to make a difference for a good cause. (Check out volunteering opportunities in your area by going to www.volunteermatch.org.)
- Continue your purpose. Using the knowledge and skills you learned over the years at work to do something you’re passionate about will keep you on track and fulfilled. (For ideas about healthy retirement activities, visit www.aarp.org.)
- Spending more because of boredom is an important risk to acknowledge as well. Continue to keep track of spending and activities that can become budget busters.
