Get Ready for Retirement!?
The title of this blog is a call to action but also a
question. Baby Boomers are entering
their retirement years in droves and need to make changes to prepare for the
change from work to more play, but also think about making a change to a more
accommodating home. So how do you get
ready to retire? Here are three areas of
consideration:
- It appears
that people who develop interests outside of work, and have a desire to
continue those interests, enjoy their retirement more than those who
don’t. They will also be more
likely to actually take the plunge into the non-working world. If our hobbies and activities are
enjoyable, healthy, fulfilling, stimulating and rewarding, we are on the
right track. Everyone wants
something different out of retirement but we all need to determine how
best to spend the rest of our lives whether it be working a part time job,
volunteering, babysitting grandchildren, taking care of our parents,
traveling, learning a new skill and/or pursuing a new interest. Our time will hopefully be spent in a
perfect mix of family, friends and fun.
We shouldn’t expect to just start from scratch the first day of
retirement.
- Right-sizing
is a task best taken on early and often so that we become nimbler in order
to move when ready. If I had a dime
for every time someone has said that they need to “get rid of a lot of
stuff before moving” I might have retired early myself. Removing clutter from your home not only
makes you readier to move, it also makes your home more saleable (and
easier to stage). Clean out your
closets (attic, basement, garage shed, office, etc.), throw out stuff you
have not used in years, donate anything you can, and get your offspring to
come take the stuff they have stored for free in your home! You might find the children don’t want
any of their stuff (or your stuff either!).
- Think ahead and be proactive about a move to a more accommodating home. What should it look and feel like? Test out different styles of homes by renting different places while you travel or vacation. Vacation Rentals by Owner and AirBNB’s are great opportunities to sample how it would be to live in other types of homes. Are you looking to up or downsize? Do you want single family or attached home? Will one floor be your best option or can you still deal with stairs? Would an individual home or one in a retirement community better suit your new lifestyle? The earlier you start giving serious thought to what and where you want to live, the better prepared you will be to make a move.
Knowing you are ready to make a move has everything to
do with how you feel about your current home.
If you are feeling that it is no longer working for you, you are also
likely thinking about what you do want in your next home. This is an important step in considering why
you are thinking of making a move in the first place. Moving can be physically and mentally
exhausting but the right motivation to move will get you through it.
By preparing for your retirement years well ahead of
actually retiring, you will better know when you are really ready to make the
move. And like saving for retirement,
it’s never too late to start! Please
feel free to use our Need Help Deciding questions to help.
Kris Jensen III
Get in on the Good Life!®
800-458-6832
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