Retirement Choices

 

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On average, 10,000 people a day retire in the U.S.  We all go through major transitions in our lifetimes, and retirement is one of the biggest ones.  A hundred years ago, retirement was a signal that your life was coming to a close.  Today, though, it is a signal for new and exciting times for a new phase of your life.  I can remember when my step-dad retired some fifteen years ago.  He worked hard for Amoco Oil Production for most of his adult life.  During that time he was always cranky.  After retirement, his inner kid came out.  He took up golfing and started going to the coffee shop every day with other retirees.  I have never seen a happier person.  I was out golfing with him one day and he made the comment (while giggling and I don’t remember him ever giggling) that he just didn’t know how he had ever had time to go to work!

One of the biggest decisions that has to be made during this transition is whether or not to move.  There are several factors that might motivate you to make the choice to move.  Probably the biggest factor is the kids and/or grandkids.  Some people want to be closer to their children to help them and their children.  Some people want to live further away from their families.  Some people want to move because of their empty nest and just want a smaller, more easily maintained home.  Another reason retirees move is health concerns.  Bad knees or bad backs make it difficult for some to climb stairs and they want to move to a single-story home.  Others just want to get their equity in cash and downsize.  Another reason to move is simply that some people just want to make a complete lifestyle change with more travel and lots less responsibility.  Whatever the reasons are to move, active adult communities are often an attractive option for the activities and social opportunities they offer with people with like-minds.

There are four major things that should be considered before making a decision on where to live after you retire.  The biggest factor is really all about the lifestyle you want to live.  This requires some thought about how you really want to spend your time.  Do you want to golf everyday?  Do you want to see the grandkids everyday?  Do you just want to hang out with persons in your same situation?  Move to where you can do whatever it is you want to do and that will narrow your choices down.  The weather is another factor to consider.  If you dislike snow, the Northern states probably aren’t for you.  If you dislike the heat, maybe Texas and Arizona aren’t for you. Wikipedia has climate information with temperature averages for most states.  Taxes are something else to consider.  Some states are kinder to retirees than others.  Most states have an income tax but some don’t tax retirement income.  Some states have exemptions from real estate taxes for retirees.  Personal property taxes and sales taxes should also be explored.  Most state and city governments have websites that state their tax policies. 

Another factor to consider when deciding where to live when you retire is health care.  It’s no secret that as we age, health issues are more commonplace.  If you have an existing condition, you will want to be sure appropriate care is available near you.  If you are generally healthy, you might want to consider having nearby general care services with more serious care within driving range.  Most active adult community representatives can tell you what health services are in proximity to their properties.

While all these things may seem obvious, what isn’t so obvious is the reality of how to fill your time when you don’t have to punch the proverbial clock anymore.  The real key is figuring out how to enjoy the time off to its fullest.  A lot of free time can actually get boring after awhile.  While you may have prepared financially for retirement, you also need to prepare for it emotionally.  You now have to identify yourself outside of the workplace.  It’s now the time to stop working just to enjoy life and to start get busy living life.  How you spend your retirement is very personal and it should be tailored to your wants and needs.  It should be your time for true enjoyment with no time constraints on enjoyment, relaxation, adventure and freedom.

You also need to consider how your retirement affects your mate.  You may suddenly be together way more than you used to be.  My mother retired a few years after my step-father.  It was something of a problem for her to adjust to his having lots of free time and even time alone when she didn’t.  After she retired, they had to make adjustments in their relationship to accommodate being together almost all the time. 

All that said, retirement is a time to renew old friendships, make new friends that share your new interests, spend more time with family, start a part-time job on your terms and even take on new hobbies.  Whatever you decide, it is your time to dare to be happy.