Detailed below are some “tips” to help you prepare for and enjoy your Retirement – whether in 2023, or beyond:
- Pre-retirement (1-2 years before actual retirement) – set some broad “retirement goals” and importantly, prepare a budget – https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/budget-planner.
- Start learning things of interest that can be expanded in retirement – e.g. musical instrument, art & crafts, sport etc.
- Engage a Financial Planner, well before you intend to retire, to ensure you are on the right track with your finances and to check whether you will be entitled to any Centrelink Benefits – Aged Pension, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) etc. A Financial Planner can help you maximise any Centrelink benefits.
- Make retirement a period without money troubles, by owning your own house (debt-free if possible) and utilising superannuation – it’s one of the most effective ways to generate tax-free income in retirement.
- Consider “down-sizing” your family home and investing excess proceeds into superannuation, for extra tax-free income.
- Plan something productive in your week – gardening, golf, fishing, tennis, lawn bowls, volunteering, renovating or whatever helps you maintain a sense of worth.
- The social aspect of work and the sense of purpose it provides, can be hard to replace unless you have a serious set of interests and/or family to be involved with. Keep working (part-time) if you still enjoy your work, as you transition into retirement.
- Be open minded and continue learning new things. Challenge your brain every day, to help keep dementia away.
- Give back to the community where you can.
- Keep physically fit and look after your health. Being a healthy weight and having a basic level of fitness extends your life and your enjoyment. Travel is easier if you are fit and healthy.
- Make sure that you retain a significant circle of friends and see them often.
