Sunday, September 26, 2010

10 Things You Should Do When You Retire

1. Rest and Enjoy It.
It is always important to have some time when you can just turn it all off, and just relax. Some people when they retire try to continue at the same pace of their working days. They think that they must always be busy. The point of retiring is to not be so busy, especially with work. So sit back and learn to relax a bit.

2. Learn Something New.
Retirement offers the greatest chance to try all sorts of new things. You know the things that you always wished you'd had more time to do. When you retire, this is the time to start living. Take up painting, learn to play an instrument, learn a new language, go sailing! What ever it is that you always wanted to try, now is your chance.

3. Read More.
You would be surprised at what you can learn, and how interesting things can be, when you actually take the time to read or study about them. Try reading some new magazines, or pick up a best seller off the top 10, and dive in. There is more information out there than you could ever possibly take in.

4. Start Eating Well.
Part of the secret of a long and happy retirement is living a long and happy life. Keeping fit and well during retirement is all a part of a healthy lifestyle. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, low fat and high protein items as well as a good source of fat from avocado and nuts, will help to keep you healthy and prevent illness.

5. Exercise.
When you retire it is important to keep active. Daily exercise is key to an active lifestyle, and an important part of staying healthy. Try a daily walk or swim.

6. Don't Smoke.
The best advice that can be given here is if you smoke quit. If you don't, good for you.

7. Watch Your Alcohol Intake.
Retirement can feel like a long holiday and many tend to drink more. Remember, you are not on vacation. This is a new lifestyle that you want to last. Don't over indulge. Alcohol is fine occasionally, just remember moderation in everything.

8.Entertainment.
Stay active by taking in some local entertainment. Go to the movies, watch a baseball game, go to a concert, take a drive, go to the beach. You have lots of time.

9. Become More Observant.
Ask questions and take a second look. There is so much to see and do when you are retired, but sometimes you might need a suggestion or two. Take advantage of the local news, the newspaper, and free papers in your area. Usually they are filled with fact finding articles, events, and coupons. Do something that you never did before.

10. Have Fun and Enjoy.
Now that you are retired, just have some fun and enjoy yourself. Forget about the day to day routine. leave your watch at home. Get on a bike and ride off, and see what happens. You never know where you might end up, or who you might meet. Explore! 

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Living The Retirement Lifestyle

Early Retirement

I remember when I was in my early twenties and thinking about all the things I wanted to do as I got older. I knew way back then that I wanted to retire early. I watched my dad work his entire life, always dreaming about the day he could retire, so mom and him could travel, and take it easy.

That day never came for him and my mom. Unfortunately my dad died of cancer at an early age, and never realized his dream. I realized then that no matter what happens in life, you have to live your dreams, and seize the opportunities.

As a young man I held many jobs, and worked many places. Several times throughout my career I held steady jobs, and made good money. I always knew deep down that no matter what, I would retire early and be able to live the Retirement Lifestyle that I wanted.

If you plan ahead, and create the right frame of mind, you can achieve whatever you desire. I have read countless articles, and information on planning for retirement, but even with all the information that is available, you have to decide which path is right for you.

Many people save their entire lives building a nest egg, only to find out that they still don't have enough to carry them through the retirement years. Due to circumstances beyond their control, their savings and retirement plans fall short. One thing that is for certain, you cannot plan for everything that might happen, but you can plan for what you want to happen.

What I mean by that statement is that if you want to retire young, you need to create a plan that is not only workable, but also takes into consideration possible roadblocks. When you are twenty, there is no way to predict the future. You may be able to estimate what the dollar will be worth 40 years ahead, but those estimates will have way too many variables that could take place during that time.

A standard 401k or other retirement fund is a good place to start, especially if you are young. Saving as little as 3%-5% every paycheck, and putting that in a fund, that is matched by your employer, will put you on the right track towards your Retirement Goals.

Retirement can be everything that you have ever dreamed of, if you take a little time to create a retirement plan, and start early enough to watch your savings grow. Even if you are in your forties, it is not too late to start saving and making plans for retirement.

In future articles, I will discuss retirement strategies, retirement planning, costs, retirement savings, places to retire, and retirement lifestyles that are easy to achieve, and maintain.

Dr. Daniel W. Leighly Msc.D