Fun advice on retirement begins years before you can actually retire. In fact, you've probably talked for years about what you're going to do when you retire. As you approach retirement, you'll be receiving advice from all quarters about your finances, your lifestyle and life after retirement.
More Fun Advice on Retirement
Looking for some fun advice on retirement begins not with the advice, but with the questions about who you want to be, where you want to be and how you want to get there.
For example, retirement is not just about staying home for the rest of your life; it's about opening up your options. To chart the best course for your retirement, begin by answering these questions:
- What is your concept of retirement?
- What hobbies do you enjoy?
- What have you always wanted to do?
- Do you want to work part time?
- Do you have to work part time?
- Do you feel like you'll have to watch your grandchildren?
- Do you plan to travel?
- Is your spouse/partner retiring as well?
You might wonder about the financial aspect of your retirement, and how it factors into your planning. The simple truth is, if you couldn't afford to retire, you wouldn't be looking for fun advice on your retirement. A part-time job may be a supplement to your retirement planning, and it may also be just a way to stay active and involved. Whatever part-time job you choose, however, be sure it is something that you enjoy.
Retirement Concepts
Your concept of retirement plays a vital role in your retirement planning. Is retirement about doing all the things you haven't had time to do? Is it about relaxing and whiling away the days without having to punch a clock or keep a schedule? Is it about traveling and exploring? Is it about beginning an exciting new phase of your life that lets you go places you've never been before?
The last is the best advice to take when trying to frame your concept of retirement. By viewing it as an exciting and new time in your life, you are setting yourself up for success. You can do anything, from go back to school (colleges offer lots of continuing education classes) to learn or to teach. You can take up a new craft. You can redo your garden, your house or even yourself.
Remember to Have Fun
One of the tough parts about growing up is learning to be responsible and taking care of all the tasks that need to be done. People become so preoccupied with getting up every day, getting to work, doing the job, then coming home that they forget how to have fun and be spontaneous when they have hours and hours of empty time in front of them. If you're not sure what to do with all those hours, start small and fill them gradually.
So inject fun into your retirement, especially if it's a little off the wall:
- Take dance classes
- Take an art class
- Visit tourist attractions around town
- Go on road trips
- Join a book club, a game club
- Socialize
When you plan your retirement, also plan to be spontaneous. Be the guy or the gal who goes up to the open mic night at the comedy club or who goes for a spin on the dance floor. Remember that when you retire, it's a great excuse to live outloud.
