Most people find the thought of retirement liberating. It means no more commuting or sitting behind a desk, and plenty of time to do the things you love. However, even if you are excited about retirement, it’s quite natural to finish working then feel mixed emotions about it, or to find you struggle with your new lifestyle. Here’s how you can prepare yourself for retirement.
Get a life outside of work
If you’re someone who works long hours, and has responsibilities such as a family, then you may not have much in the way of hobbies or things to focus on. That means, when you retire, you could potentially be left with nothing to do and might find it difficult to adjust. Start getting some hobbies and interests now so that work isn’t your life.
Find out the finer details of your retirement
Many people assume they know when they can retire and how much they’ll earn as a pension, but then find they are in for a shock when they try to start the retirement process. It’s worth doing your research into the firefighters retirement system or whatever is in place at your work, so that you know exactly when you’re eligible to finish working, what benefits you’ll get and what your options will be.
Organise your finances
Organising your finances is key when retirement is imminent. You should look at:
- When your mortgage will be paid off
- How much your pension will bring in
- What sort of lifestyle you can enjoy in retirement
- What kind of inheritance you’ll be able to leave
It’s important to get your finances sorted pre-retirement, rather than leaving it until after you’ve retired to see what your lifestyle might be like. Some people find themselves in for a shock if they don’t make financial plans, so don’t let that happen to you and ensure you are organised. The sooner you look at it, the easier it is to make changes and to put more money away if needed.
Retirement is a big step, so it’s important that you are prepared mentally and practically. You should take an honest look at your situation and think about how you might live day to day. From how you’ll pay for your lifestyle, to what you’ll do with all your spare hours, if you can plan your retirement you’re more likely to be happy and enjoy your golden years.