Life begins at retirement—or so the greeting cards regularly proclaim. However, though many have spent years planning for this transition from career to leisure, retirees still encounter the unexpected. Consider these surprises many consider among the biggest in retirement.
Surprise: You may not enjoy all that spare time.
Sure, many retirees look forward to having more time to do the things they find fun once they no longer have to satisfy work obligations. And daily golf games, weeks visiting with the grandkids and afternoon naps can certainly be enjoyable. But that may not last forever. Some retirees find that they miss the structure of the office, the social connections they had at work, and the sense of purpose that comes with a job. If this happens to you, a part time position or volunteer opportunity is one way to recoup some of what you’ve lost.
Surprise: You may want a break from your spouse.
No matter how well you got along during the previous years of your partnership, spending too much time together post-retirement can lead to arguments, disagreements and frazzled nerves. Don’t hesitate to ask for the space you need. Honesty in this regard can actually strengthen your evolving relationship. Bonus: doing a few things alone (like the part time job or volunteer work mentioned earlier) will give you exciting new topics to discuss when you’re together.
Surprise: You may need a different home.
You may now have all the time in the world for yard work and other home maintenance, but if you no longer enjoy it or it has become too difficult, you might find yourself considering other options. The same goes for single retirees who find themselves lonely without the daily social interaction they previously enjoyed at work. Downsizing into a smaller home, or a move into a retirement community, townhouse or apartment are all viable options you may wish to contemplate.
Surprise: You may still worry about money.
Even with nest eggs that should last several decades, many retirees find they worry about money and are reluctant to spend it. It’s an easy predicament to understand in today’s uncertain economy. However, you shouldn’t let extreme frugality prevent you from investing in the things you really need in retirement such as adequate medical coverage and maintaining your life and long-term care insurance policies.
Surprise: Healthcare may cost more than you expected.
Too many retirees underestimate how much their out of pocket healthcare costs will be post-retirement and are unpleasantly surprised as a result. According to RetiredBrains.com, these costs after Medicare eligibility average $276,000 during a couple’s lifetime. In one survey by the website, 50 percent of couples surveyed estimated that those costs would be less than $25,000.
Whether you’re 30, 50, or have already retired, I’d like to help you make the most of your golden years. Give me a call today to discuss ways to plan for these (and other) common retirement surprises.