Invest in Yourself
Written by Ellen Freudenheim
Eight non-financial tips for retiring boomers
If you’re one of the millions of baby boomers beginning to think about retirement, here are New Year’s tips from expert Ellen Freudenheim, author of Looking Forward: An Optimist’s Guide to Retirement, recommended by the Wall St. Journal Online Encore section:
- Think big: Life’s about more than money
Take a look at the non-financial dimension of retirement. For the New Year, make a list of what makes you happy – friends, projects, activities. Focus on what makes your life fulfilling – not just what satisfies your bank account.
- Find your anchor activity
Identify one or two things around which you can structure your time. Volunteering, retraining for a new career, grandchildren, travel and personal hobbies are all perennials.
- Give back
Getting involved in volunteer activities is a great way to meet new people, do useful work and put your own life in perspective.
- Make time for fun
Kick back! Make sure your schedule doesn’t get so busy there’s no time for you! Make time to read, garden, meet new people – and dance!
- Be realistic about finances
Get a handle on your finances – and if you can’t afford to retire yet, consider partial retirement, plan a way to earn income from your hobbies or downsize your life so you can save more. Start today!
- Invest in your social portfolio
Retirement is more than just a matter of financial investment. It’s important to invest in your social portfolio – your friends, family, relationships, too.
- Staying healthy = money in the bank
Health care costs are the bugaboo of everyone’s retirement. So invest in a healthy regimen by getting enough exercise, losing weight if necessary, eating healthily. Exercise staves off depression, keeps your blood pressure down and is even good for your sex life! You may save thousands of dollars in health care costs just by living healthily.
Tags: Ellen Freudenheim, finances, health, LIFE, Men, new year's, Women, World
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