Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Stuff Before I Retired
Category: Retirement Planning
March 15, 2023 — It seems like a person shouldn’t be allowed to start retirement until they went through a course. There are so many important decisions – when to take Social Security, where to live, what to do all day, how to budget for the long haul, etc. To help with those as well as items that go well beyond those usually recognized issues, I’ve prepared a list of some of the top observations that I wish someone had shared with me long before my retirement began 16 years ago. Your suggestions are welcomed in the Comments section at the end.
11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired.
Recognize that retirement has many phases. The best approach is to have a long range plan that will work for each period of retirement. That means considering what your first place to retire might be like if you lived there as an old person. Will the healthcare situation be right as your needs change? Are there assisted living or CCRC facilities in the area, so you don’t have to move far away and start over again with friends, doctors, church, etc. Is there public transportation when you can’t drive anymore?
Comments on "Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Stuff Before I Retired"
Scott L says:
My retirement came early, and involuntarily. I had a stroke at age 60 that left me permanently disabled.
I didn't have the chance for my plans to work out as I'd expected. But I'm grateful to be alive and well enough for some travel.
My wife and I traveled a lot before I became disabled, so we didn't miss out on all our dreams. And our finances are okay.
So, it could be worse. We take it a day at a time.
There are no guarantees.
Admin says:
So sorry about your stroke Scott. I am glad that you did have a chance to get some travel in. Your positive outlook is inspiring - taking it one day at a time! Thanks for sharing, a good message for all of us to seize the day and keep on smiling no matter what!
Jini says:
Discussing your dreams ahead of time is good advice. I was so looking forward to all the travel I couldn’t do while working, only to find that my husband had no desire to travel and didn’t feel secure enough financially for me to do so. Now years later we have more than enough financially and I’m looking for girlfriends and family to travel with before I get any older and it becomes too hard. Go while you can!! Follow your dreams!
Myquest55 says:
Jini - there IS a travel group for women traveling alone. My widowed sister has taken a couple tours with them and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Check out: https://www.womentraveling.com/
My husband also has decided he no longer wants to travel - anywhere - so I'll be looking at that too. For now, my sisters and cousins have begun meeting for a week, every other year and it has been so much fun to re-connect with family members.
Otherwise - these tips are spot on! Biggest issue is talking to your spouse! Start a few years before you intend to retire. We had done that when DH was diagnosed with Parkinsons. Now good specialized medical was in the mix and when our target area turned out to support that - we had plans in place. DH ultimately came home from work one day (3 years later) to say, "I cannot do this any more". We called the realtor, we had previously met with, and told her the check book was out! It worked famously!
Another personal tip - it is EASIER to buy a retirement home while still working. It is not impossible to purchase once retired but it can be more difficult and take longer. The day we closed on our new home in our target town, DH gave his notice. That was 5+ years ago - we're living our dream in Maine!
Susan Weber says:
I think the most important aspect of retirement and aging is to eat a mostly whole-food plant based diet. If you don't have your health, nothing else matters. I have been shocked to find out the truth about how what we put in our mouths matters. Every single day. It can mean a retirement spent in doctors office's, lots of money spent on pharmaceuticals, body aches and pains, or living life to the fullest engaging in every activity you can imagine. We all have to age, but how we do it is up to us. Feeling good in your body every single day makes life so much more enjoyable!
Sandra Wetzel says:
Susan Weber I absolutely agree with you. Have changed my food to more fruits and vegetables. More alkaline diet instead of acidic. Also eat less.