Make sure your debts are paid off
A debt-free retirement is something everyone should work towards. Debt obligations will drain your income (an amount that is most likely to be less than your pre-retirement income). Aim to pay off your debt before you retire – including credit cards and equity loans. It’s also important to make sure your home loan is paid off or close to paid off before you retire. Being debt-free or having less debt will give you so much more flexibility with your monthly income needs.
Know your retirement needs
What do you think you’ll be spending money on during retirement? When planning for retirement, consider what your main expenses will be. Are you going to pursue a hobby? Travel? Housing? It’s important to estimate all the costs – travel, food, transportation, and any other daily expenses. You can use your current expenses to get an idea of what you will pay once you retire. If you’re debt-free, your expenses might be smaller than what you pay now. The more specific you can be in anticipating what your future life might look like – and cost – the better you can plan.
Living arrangements
Do you plan on staying in your home? Downsizing? Moving abroad? These are all things you need to consider when planning for retirement. Many retirees also choose to stay in a retirement community. And if you’re thinking more long-term, you might need to consider a nursing home or assisted living community. If you’re factoring this in, remember that you’ll need to save a bit extra. Certain annuities and long-term insurance policies could benefit you here, but be sure to make provisions for situations like this.
Social interaction
You spend most of your adult life with your co-workers. Once you retire, you might miss the daily social interaction. Are you planning to live close to family and friends? Consider moving closer if you want to spend more time with them. If you haven’t developed relationships that can last through retirement, it’s not too late to start. Maintaining social connections is a critical part of healthy aging.
Free time
So now that you won’t be working, what will you be doing with your free time? Volunteer? Spend time with your grandchildren? Paint? You now have the time to take up old hobbies or pursue new ones. Some retirees even choose to take on a part-time job to keep them busy and supplement their income. Travelling during retirement is always a great idea. Things like exploring new cities, visiting museums, having conversations with new people, practicing new languages, and learning about different cultures can stimulate and challenge the brain. If you’re worried about finances, you can buy or rent a motorhome and travel for longer periods on a budget.
If travel is in your plans, make sure you factor in all the necessary the costs. Long-stay holidays can work out quite cheap, especially when you’re travelling with a motorhome or caravan. Marjal Costa Blanca Camping and resort is a popular destination for retirees. It has modern facilities, endless entertainment for all ages, comfortable bungalow and caravan accommodation, and beautiful weather – plus it gives you something to look forward to when planning for retirement.
