As you approach retirement, you may be thinking, “I’m too young to retire!”
Mentally, you feel great.
Maybe you’ve become tired earlier than you used to, but overall, you feel as if you’re still in your thirties.
You can still take on the world!
Many people are still mentally sharp when they begin retirement, and they don’t want to slow down.
So, how do you spend your time when you believe you’re too young to retire?
This phase of life is such an exciting time because you can do whatever you want.
Whether or not you have a strict budget, you now have time.
Here are some ideas of things to do for yourself during this exciting phase of life.
1- Sign up for art classes. Look at local community colleges or community activity centers. Many may offer senior discounts.
2- Spend time volunteering at a food shelter or with your favorite charity.
3- Read that stack of books piled up over the years or downloaded to your tablet.
4- Learn a new language.
5- Organize your home.
6- Expand your cooking or baking skills by experimenting in the kitchen.
7- Write that book you’ve always imagined writing.
8 – Grow a garden – whether it’s herbs or vegetables – whether you have a backyard or patio.
From my experience working with many retired individuals, one thing is clear – you must schedule your time, or else it quickly disappears. It becomes consumed by distractions.
When individuals first retire, they are amazed at how quickly their day goes by.
They don’t know how or why their time disappears. Many wonder how they were able to do everything while working.
The best way to take control of time during retirement years is to schedule things you want to do.
And more importantly, stick to it.
Learn to say “no” and treat your commitments to yourself as a job.
You deserve to be selfish during this part of life – you finally have time and are still healthy.
Focus on your commitments to yourself.
Stay PEF (positive, enthused, focused) and enjoy the journey of retirement.
(Update to original post from March 29, 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.’”