Retiring Happy

by Lydia Quinn

Because retirement is a chance to essentially embark upon a new life journey, some retirees find the prospect of a looming retirement both rewarding and somewhat intimidating. Just as college graduates feel a simultaneous sense of grand accomplishment because they earned their diplomas - but also a fear or dread of the great unknown that awaits them in the "real world," experiencing stress at the threshold of retirement is only natural. But to minimize the worry that often accompanies the transition, seniors should examine four distinct aspects of retirement planning.

Finances:

Take a complete inventory of financial assets, and determine the ratio of cash to less liquid assets such as real estate and insurance policies. Contact the Social Security Administration or your company's pension plan to calculate the amount of fixed income you'll receive, and consult a financial planner to explore more proactive alternatives such as income from starting a business or accepting a part time job.

Housing:

Consult a Realtor and find out what options are yours regarding housing. Maybe you can downsize to a smaller place that requires less maintenance and overhead, and walk away from the sale of your home with a cash nest egg. Or stay at home but take advantage of a steady income stream and no mortgage by having the bank pay you through a reverse mortgage. Senior living facilities are another option, and they can provide the convenience of active independent living or the comfort and security of assisted living and medical care. Now is your chance to relocate! If there are places you've dreamed of living, visit them, if only for a weekend. If retirement planning programs are in your dream location, make a point of attending them.

Health Care:

Get a complete physical. A great deal of peace of mind can come from having doctors do a work-up and give you an accurate, updated baseline evaluation of your health. If you want dental work, Botox treatments, or a chance to work out with a personal trainer or schedule weekly visits to the spa, now is the time to ponder those possibilities and prepare to be pumped up and pampered.

Creative Adventures and Education:

Lifelong learning keeps our vibrant sense of curiosity alive and well, and it also helps to ensure our mental acuity and health. Travel or live abroad, become a volunteer, write your memoirs, teach classes to young people, or enroll in university courses yourself. Choose a learning curve and then hit the ground running to continue learning in retirement while you accomplish lifelong goals and live your heartfelt dreams.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1381579