Part 3 - The Road To Shangri-La: An Indepth Look At Reitirement Planning

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Whether you’re a mom, dad, or professional, most of us define ourselves by what we are and what we do. Despite the (frequent) complaints and extreme desire for more down time and personal time away from the office, many find much truth in the old axiom “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”.

You may have survived “empty nest syndrome” potentially perhaps BECAUSE of your job, it’s demands on you and the duties, responsibilities, and interpersonal relationships and associations that kept your mind (positively) occupied and off your worries and woes.

You may have even looked forward to retirement, not fully understanding or valuing the significance of your job in your life. Experts assert that while most enthusiastically joke about their joyful anticipation of retirement (some even opt for early retirement), there’s a fine line between “fantasy” and reality most don’t consider or give much credence to (until perhaps it’s too late).

They remind men and women alike, that maintaining a job/career often provides a great sense of accomplishment and offers a increased sense of youthfulness, belonging (to today’s society) and purpose; and with more and more people working (even part-time) well into their Golden Years, there no rush to rush out the office door.

Professionals further point out that those who’ve carefully thought about and carefully and cleverly planned for retirement are more likely to positively embrace the transition. Others who’ve been “forced” into retirement without a financial plan or due to medical reasons/conditions generally find it much more difficult to manage and accept.

Besides the additional time, and perhaps lack of finances allowing for an adventurous and fun-filled retirement, any husbands and wives even find it difficult and stressful dealing with their spouse (a virtual stranger) on this “new” level and for so many hours each day. In fact, it is a significant underlying cause for many grievances, arguments, and even episodes of depression (from mild to severe) between “stay-at-home” couples.
In fact, experts suggest, contemplating retirement and it’s ramifications well in advance and they recommend determining how well you’re prepared for this lifestyle modification and how you will adapt, by taking an extended vacation.

They emphasize that with life expectancy increasing sitting at home with limited resources, interests and activities may lead to boredom, depression, and resentment. You need not only plan wisely ahead concerning financial resources but also about how you want and intend to spend (preferably ENJOY) your time off and away from the “rat race”.

Long Island Investment Tips Articles > Part 3 - The Road To Shangri-La: An Indepth Look At Reitirement Planning