Your mom recently retired.

She lives by herself.

And now, she calls you all the time.

She’s forgotten how jam-packed your schedule is with work and kids.

Ironically, she didn’t have time to talk either when she was working.

But now retired, she has time.

What do you do?

Maybe it’s time you help your mom find a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, or a new hobby.

The key is to find something meaningful to keep her occupied and expand her circle of friends.


Part-Time Job:

She may enjoy working in a church office or library. Or she may prefer more interactions at a local retail boutique or coffee shop.

If she wants more flexibility, help her start a dog-sitting business.

Be creative and think outside the box.

If she’s reached her full retirement age, her Social Security benefits will not be impacted.

However, if she’s collecting Social Security benefits and is younger than her full retirement age (“FRA” defined by Social Security), her benefits may be impacted.

Social Security sets a limit on earnings. For 2024, that amount is $22,320.

They deduct $1 from your benefit for every $2 earned over the limit.

For a detailed explanation, visit the Social Security website by clicking here.


Volunteer:

If your mom has no desire to work part-time, help her find volunteer opportunities in her community.

An upcoming road race may need volunteers to staff different stations.

If she enjoys live performances, see if her local theater needs volunteer ushers.

If she prefers a more consistent volunteer role, suggest exploring opportunities at a nearby hospital or non-profit organization.


Hobby:

If your mom has no desire to work part-time or volunteer, help her find a new hobby.

The local senior center may have classes to help her find a new hobby. It may be pickleball or quilting.


It’s easy to become frustrated when your retired mom calls all the time. Try to see this change from her perspective.

Since retiring, she probably feels a loss of identity. Most of her friends may have been at work.

As soon as you start seeing signs, be proactive. Help your mom find a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, or a new hobby.

It’ll give her new meaning in life while keeping her mentally and physically healthy.

(Update to original post from January 31, 2018)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing  comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”