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Getting (Mentally) Ready To Retire

By: RANDALL J. RICHARD, CEPA®
Posted in: Financial Planning, Retirement Security
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Even the Wealthiest of Individuals Must Prepare for a Lifestyle Adjustment

A successful retirement is not merely measured in financial terms. Even those who retire with small fortunes can face boredom or depression. They may also fear drawing down their savings too fast. How can new retirees try to calm these worries? In this post, we’ll explore the mental side of retirement and ways to best prepare for the next chapter of your life. Retirement preparation is crucial for a smooth transition.

Two factors may help: a gradual retirement transition and guidance from a financial professional.

Mature couple in a swimming pool

An Abrupt Break From the Workplace May be Unsettling

Take, for example, a well-paid finance manager at an auto dealership who strongly identifies with his role. His best friends are all at the dealership. After retiring, he suddenly finds himself without his friends or a sense of purpose. With no compelling reason to leave the house, his days begin to feel empty. Each morning arrives without anything to look forward to. Guess what? Retirement challenges him in unexpected ways.

Alternatively, if he starts preparing for retirement well before his farewell party—by exploring an encore career, pursuing self-employment, or volunteering—he can look forward to a future filled with purpose. Expanding his social circle to include regular interactions with friends, family, and people of different ages in various settings can also make his retirement far more fulfilling.

The interests and needs of a retiree can change with age or as they disengages from the working world. Retired households may need to adjust their lifestyles in response to this evolution. Successful retirement preparation involves anticipating and adapting to these changes.

Practically All Retirees Have Some Financial Anxiety

It relates to the fact of no longer earning a conventional paycheck. You see it in couples who have $60,000 saved for retirement; you see it in couples who have $6 million saved for retirement. The realities of retirement are about to challenge their strategies. All that careful preparation is ready to come to fruition, but there are always unknowns. This underscores the importance of comprehensive retirement preparation.

Some retirees are afraid to spend. This is a real phenomenon. People will spend most of their working lives saving and accumulating wealth. Many enter the distribution phase of life without fully preparing for the mindset shift it demands.. This involves moving from a weekly or bi-weekly paycheck to living off of one’s retirement savings. They fear spending too much too soon. What is the right amount to be taking from my retirement accounts? Where will my retirement paycheck being coming from? These are common questions retirees must consider and be confident in. With help from a financial professional, they can create a strategy to provide clarity. This can help retirees to feel more confident in their finances. Professional guidance is a key element of effective retirement preparation.

Retirement Challenges People in Two Ways

The obvious challenge is financial. The less obvious challenge is mental. Foresight and dedication will help them tackle both tests successfully. It all starts with having a flexible plan that can adjust to changing needs over time. Not only will this roadmap provide peace of mind, but it will also increase the odds of achieving an ideal retirement. Comprehensive retirement preparation addresses both financial and mental aspects.

Interested in learning more about how to improve your financial situation? Connect with us today to meet with one of our advisors. 


This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and may not reflect the views of the presenting party or their affiliates. The information comes from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. The publisher does not provide legal, accounting, or other professional services. Readers seeking assistance should consult a competent professional. This information is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied on to avoid any Federal tax penalty. It is neither a solicitation nor a recommendation to buy or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be treated as such. All indices are unmanaged and do not represent any specific investment.

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