As this time approaches, these are my thoughts in considering my planning for these golden years during retirement.
There are many examples of normal people who came to this period in their lives and truly made a remarkable difference for themselves and for others. Mary Kay at retirement decided to start her own cosmetics company and now markets Internationally, health and beauty products all because she wanted to prove that by treating people with respect that she could make a difference. All heard of KFC “Kentucky Fried Chicken” well this International chain was started by a retiree, Colonel Sanders by marketing his secret recipe.
So the children have all grown up and left home. You have time in your hands which you want to enjoy so how are you going to plan to make the most of these golden years. What now?
1.
Downsizing….You might be thinking of downsizing your home to something smaller and more comfortable that’s easier to maintain. This will probably be the home that you will keep until deep into retirement. Consider wheel chair access if you or a member of your house hold ever became immobile. A ramp entrance for your visitors?
If your chosen property is a double story, would you be able to make your downstairs your living area with bathroom/ toilet facilities and bedroom?
Are here fixed features in the kitchen, living area that would make it difficult to bring in extra equipment for a disabled person?
2.
Declutter…You will have to declutter to be able to fit into a smaller living space. How will you go about deciding what to keep you and how to go about that? Ask your self, will I ever use this item? If you have not used it consider selling it on E bay for some extra cash or giving it away to your children or charity. (just make sure you find out its current value first, you never can tell)…Some things just require more work eg. ornaments that are just dust collectors and too many can take time to clean.
3.
Location….Some people would like the country so they can have space with freedom to be creative, some would prefer the city near the hustle and bustle of every day life, near the theater for instance. Which ever, just consider the ease of getting emergency or or any other treatment………
Having said all this some people have down sized and have been very unhappy because they have given up too much..
Are you sure that this is the right move?
4.
Your health….Keeping fit and active. Decide on a routine ie. starting your day with a healthy breakfast and then a brisk half hour walk (maybe even building up to a jog), or exercises. Breakfast is the most important meal of your day, and needs to be taken within a hour of rising to raise your metabolism. A walk is great as the fresh air and surroundings are stimulating. Its good for the soul and gets you going for the rest of the day. Remember you only need to do something for three to four weeks for it to become a habit. A habit that’s worth keeping. Remember good habits makes for a healthy life style.
5.
You don’t use it, you lose it…Keep your mind busy, keep it sharp. Find new interesting things to become involved in. Remember you are never too old to learn a new skill or become involved with some new project. The mind is powerful…with exercise it gets even better.
Get those juices going. Stay active.
6.
Making the most of your time…..This time is now yours, you can make it your golden years. Are there projects in you that you always wanted to do but never had the time, well!!! Now is YOUR TIME……..
This brings me to my final point.
7.
The internet….. This is great tool to keep up to date with, to get ideas with and even start a new business with.
The opportunities are endless, the world is now becoming your oyster. Why not make the most of it. You might think is too difficult and say “I don’t know how!!! I can’t do it”. The truth is with the right encouragement and training just about any one could start a small business and who knows with drive you could become the next Mary Kay or Colonel Sanders!!!!
Everything is possible…. I hope this has been of some benefit to you as you plan for Your Golden Years.
Click on our Recession Busting Income system page at:
www.RecessionBustingIncome.com
**Christina Saunders**
This articles was featured in: www.ezinearticles.com