Retirement – making it the best part of your life!
By David Baruffi, Financial Advisor
Many Australians are choosing to retire by the age of 60, or even earlier, ready to do all the things they could only dream about during their working years. However, with improved health services and medical technology the chance of living to 90 years or beyond could be more realistic than many think. Retirement could comprise 40% or more of a person’s adult life!
If you wish to remain happy and healthy during this next phase of life, planning is critically important. Although much of the focus for retirement is on financial well being, good physical and mental health is equally crucial at this time of life.
It’s imperative to stay active – so what will you do with all this spare time?
To work full time up to a particular date and then retire with no planned activities can be devastating for your physical and mental well being. The thought of spending more hours on the golf course or in the garden may be appealing when spare time is limited but these previously loved activities may become a bore when you do them every day.
Serious planning for what you are going to do in your retirement should start at least a year beforehand. Think about the activities you have enjoyed in the past and add some new ones.
Some ideas to consider
Depending on your personality, health and interests, some suggestions (aside from travelling) include:
- Volunteer. Don’t let your precious skills go to waste. Search the internet for volunteering programs in your state, or even overseas, and see what takes your fancy. It can be extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.
- Part-time work. This can be particularly valuable if your retirement budget is likely to be stretched. Consider work that will be enjoyable and not too demanding on time or health.
- Education. A plethora of training courses is available for retirees to learn new skills, or contribute by demonstrating your own skills as a lecturer or tutor.
- Hobbies and sport. While you may have a current hobby you’re keen to ramp up, just like investing, it’s important to diversify. Apart from obvious interests like gardening and sport, what about arts and crafts, genealogy, food and cooking, just to name a few?
- Exercise. In later years it’s important to keep up regular exercise. If you’re not keen on joining a gym, there are limitless outdoor activities you can do by yourself or as part of a team. Jump online or check out the local clubs to try something new.
With these ideas you may even find you’re busier in retirement than when you worked full-time – but having more fun!
More Information
The date you exit the workforce will probably come down to personal circumstances: health, financial commitments and your ability to fund the lifestyle you want will play a big part.
Take the Blueprint Wealth 30 second Retirement Planning Preparation Quiz to see if you need a Retirement Plan. Or contact us to book an appointment. We would be happy to help you prepare for this next phase of life.
David Baruffi is an authorised representative and credit representative of AMP Financial Planning. Blueprint Planning Pty Ltd (ABN78 097 264 554), trading as Blueprint Wealth, is an Authorised Representative and Credit Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, Australian Financial Services Licensee and Australian Credit Licensee 232 706.
This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information.
If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial adviser, AMP Financial Planning and other companies within the AMP Group may receive fees and other benefits. The fees will be a dollar amount and/or a percentage of either the premium you pay or the value of your investment. Please contact us if you want more information.
