It might sound crazy… but money isn’t everything. Yes, it’s important to be financially secure, but for you to have a happy and healthy retirement there are many other factors that you need to consider.
All the money in the world doesn’t guarantee good health… and it certainly doesn’t replace the joy you experience when you are surrounded by family and friends.
Those relationships are a vital part of making your life truly fulfilling once you are no longer tied to the nine-to-five routine.
And today we look at some of the elements that go into making a future filled with cheer.
What makes you happy?
It’s a simple question, but when was the last time you thought about what really makes you happy? Often, we are so caught up in the regular toing and froing of life that we forget about those activities that make our hearts sing.
Do you love to spend time in the garden? Perhaps you enjoy playing the piano… or maybe the drums? Are you passionate about travelling, or do you prefer staying in one place and being an integral part of your local community?
Retirement is the time to find and focus on the things that make you feel good about yourself… the things that leave you in a blissful state of mind or invigorate your spirit. You want to make your retirement years the best you’ve ever had!
Prioritise your health
No matter your fitness level, it’s essential that you always prioritise your health. If you have a niggling pain, then don’t just think it’ll go away on its own. Here in Australia, we are lucky to have a world class healthcare system, so make sure you speak to your doctor about any health concerns when they arise… that goes for both physical and mental health.
While Medicare offers great cover, it’s still wise to think about how you would manage if you received any unexpected medical expenses. Seeking professional advice to create a well-prepared financial plan and discuss relevant insurances is a good idea in the lead up to your retirement day.
Talk to your spouse
The transition to retirement can sometimes be challenging and even the strongest relationships can feel the strain. After all, it’s unlikely that you spent 24 hours a day with your partner before you retired, so it’s not uncommon to start getting on each other’s nerves just a little.
The impact on your relationship might be difficult to navigate, but this is when it will help to talk to your spouse and maybe set some new expectations together. Openly discuss what you each want to get out of retirement and how you can both enjoy your days together.
Don’t forget to talk about basic things like household chores or shared activities to make sure you are both on the same page… you don’t want to end up arguing over who does the dishes or takes out the rubbish!
Retirement isn’t a competition
Some people often try to ‘keep up with the Joneses’… but it’s important to remember that retirement isn’t a competition. It can be very easy to overspend and derail your retirement plan if you are always comparing yourself to other people. This is especially true if some of your social circle are still working or have a greater disposable income.
Don’t try to live larger than you can comfortably afford. In the long run it will make your golden years far harder than they need to be.
Seek professional advice
Financial preparedness is key to achieving a happy and healthy retirement. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have millions in your nest egg… but it does require good planning.
Engaging the services of a financial adviser well before you plan to retire will set you on the right path for your future security. If you’d like to find out more about how our team can help you with your retirement planning, please contact us today.