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Wednesday, 4 February 2015

Advice On How To Retire Comfortably And Happy

By Ines Flores


Planning for retirement is very important. Many people are living longer today, and therefore, it is possible for a person to live another twenty or thirty years after they stop working. To ensure that this period of your life is a good one, there are lots of tips you might want to consider for how to retire comfortably and happy.

The first thing you need to do is choose the date you are planning to retire. Most workers leave the workforce when they are ready to, normally at sixty-five, but many are forced to leave early for various situations, such as a company layoff or health issues. For this reason, it is always good to plan ahead. If you have a retirement date in mind, work toward that goal, but create a contingency plan if your date is moved up unexpectedly.

If retirement seems like a big leap for you, then you can always ease into it gradually. Some financial planners recommend people take mini-retirements to get used to not working. This could involve taking an extended vacation or a sabbatical from work for a couple of months to travel, pursue new activities, or just relax from the routine of everyday life.

It is also helpful if you can stay in good health after you stop working. This is important because you do not want to dwindle your nest egg paying for health expenses that may have been avoidable. Make sure you eat healthy and get regular exercise. Staying healthy will allow you to do the things you enjoy, such as travel and volunteer at different places, now that you are not confined to a job.

When planning for retirement, remember to beware of the effects of inflation. Make sure you know the difference between various types of investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Learn about what your options are and ask lots of questions.

Another way to be happy in retirement is if you maintain the friends you had while you were working, or make new friend outside of work. This can prevent you from feeling lonely in your later years. Join social groups or arrange to meet your working friends for lunch periodically. Do not be afraid to try new activities now that you have more free time.

Studies show that people who remain mentally and physically active when they stop working tend to live longer and happier lives. If your career did not give you enough time to pursue your personal hobbies, this is a perfect time to spend more time on what interests you.

You should also find out about your Social Security benefits that you may be entitled to. Social Security normally pays you a benefit that is equal to forty percent of your earnings before you retire. You can estimate your benefits by using the Social Security Administration website or calling them for more information.




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