What comes to mind when you think about how you’ll spend your days in retirement? During your working years, it can be easy to get lost in thoughts of simply sleeping in or lazing on a beach chair. But this can get old. Fast. So, this article is all about retirement planning, a very quick guide of things you may want to do. Having a plan for how to spend your days in retirement is crucial.
While the early days of your retirement might actually be filled with relaxing peace and quiet, that honeymoon period eventually wears off. You may find yourself with a sunburn, or well rested with nothing to do.
If you really think about it, you’ve probably got some ideas to keep you busy when you retire, but in case you need some inspiration, we’ve compiled some common ways retirees fill their time in retirement.
Relocate
Although relocating may be more of a one-time thing, it is something that retirees often consider for a number of reasons, and can lead to a whole new range of things to do.
For retirement planning in San Antonio, read our recent blog post: Top 8 Reasons Why San Antonio is a Good Place to Retire.
Sometimes the decision to move is about space – the kids have left home and there’s no longer a need for a large house that you must continue to clean and maintain. Other times, a move is an opportunity for a change of scenery and warmer (or colder) weather, or to be closer to family and friends. It can also be a financial decision – in many cases, a move can help you escape high property taxes or find a lower cost of living.
It’s wise to discuss your plans with a financial advisor so you have the financial plan to support your decision.
Spend Time with Family
One word: Grandkids!
“If I had known grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first.” The Internet is full of quotes like this and memes about how spending time with grandchildren can make you feel young again, how there is no joy like being introduced to your baby’s baby, and so on. There are many positive effects that spending time with family can have on you as you age, including nurturing a sense of belonging, creating memories and increasing longevity. It can even help fight off depression and maintain mental sharpness. That’s not to mention the affects you can have on them – wisdom, trust, support and love.
Travel
For many retirees, retirement is the time to finally take that cruise to Alaska they’ve been dreaming about, travel around the states or visit Europe. We’ve even heard stories of retirees simply throwing a dart at a world map and visiting the random location that fate has chosen. You never know what you might discover.
Travel can offer many social, mood-lifting and stress-reducing benefits for older adults, including several positive effects you might not have considered, like encouraging you to be more physically active, deepening marital and familial bonds, stimulating your brain and improving cognitive function.
Again, it’s wise to discuss your plans with a financial advisor to make sure you have budgeted for such trips. While you may not have an exact location in mind yet, if you know you want to travel, you’ll need money to do it.
Take on a Hobby
During retirement, you may finally find the time to do the things you previously enjoyed but couldn’t while working. Were you interested in painting or pottery? With the proper planning, you may even have the discretionary income to turn a spare bedroom or a corner of the garage into a studio.
If you didn’t already have a hobby you were passionate about, think about taking up a new one – or several! Activities that are popular among the retired include golfing, gardening, hiking, photography, journaling, woodworking, fishing and cooking, but the sky is really the limit here. Find something you love and get out there and do it.
Start a Business
Some retirees are able to turn that woodworking or pottery hobby into a small business. Others take the knowledge and experience they earned during their working years and begin coaching or consulting.
Starting a business can fill your time, supplement your retirement income, keep your mind sharp and keep your body active. It can also give you a way to pass on your skills to a younger generation.
Talk to your financial advisor to find out whether your retirement plan and income would allow for you to pursue your business idea without jeopardizing your financial future.
Work Part-Time
Even if you don’t need to work for the paycheck, getting a part-time job in retirement can provide social interaction and give you a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. The extra income may just be the icing on the cake.
If you can get a part-time job doing something you really enjoy, like working with children or cooking and baking, the better.
Remodel
If you plan to stay in your home after you retire, there are some renovation projects you might consider with retirement in mind, like adding a first-floor bedroom, updating the kitchen or bathroom or making entranceways more accessible.
Be sure to discuss your plans ahead of time with your financial advisor, because renovations can be a considerable one-time expenditure that should be carefully planned for.
Volunteer
There are an incredible number of benefits to volunteering, and not all of them are felt by the organization for which you choose to volunteer. Donating your time and effort can make you feel great about yourself and give you a sense of purpose. If you don’t have an organization in mind, the VolunteerMatch network can connect you with local volunteer opportunities in dozens of different categories.
Do Nothing
Simply maintaining your lifestyle without working is another common goal. It may sound boring to some, but after years of commuting, traveling and talking with people for work, many retirees really just want to enjoy the peace and quiet.
If a simple retirement is your goal, you may need less retirement income than if you planned to travel the world. But you’ll still want to discuss your plans with a financial advisor to help ensure you can afford to maintain your lifestyle and won’t outlive your retirement income.
Conclusion
Whatever your retirement dreams are, it is recommended that you find a financial advisor you trust to discuss how you’ll want to spend your time in retirement. A financial advisor can help you plan for your retirement years by determining how much discretionary income you might need for activities. Remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the future.
It’s important to have a vision for your lifestyle in retirement, because in this day and age, Social Security isn’t usually enough to live on. A financial advisor can help you map out a realistic retirement plan that is specific to your situation, determine your financial needs in retirement and plan for healthcare and long-term care costs.
This material is provided by PAX Financial Group, LLC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The information herein has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All market indices discussed are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Indices do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested into directly. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results.
