Planning for retirement is very important. Many people are living longer today, and therefore, it is possible for a person to live another twenty or thirty years after they stop working. To ensure that this period of your life is a good one, there are lots of tips you might want to consider for how to retire comfortably and happy.
If you are worried that you will not have enough money in retirement or that you will be bored once you stop working, you may want to consider continuing work in some form. You can shift from working full-time to part-time, which gives you more time to yourself and some income as well. It also will help to keep your mind sharp as you continue to engage in intellectual activities and interact with others.
If your employer does not have a retirement plan, ask them to start one. If they refuse, put your money in an Individual Retirement Account. You are allowed to put $5,500 each year into your IRA. Once you are over fifty, you can contribute more than that. An IRA offers certain tax advantages for individuals who want to grow their money for the future.
For many retirees, volunteering becomes a big part of their life and takes up many of the hours that a regular job would have. Many of them view this as a means of giving back to their community. However, this does not necessarily mean that you have to volunteer in a soup kitchen. You can volunteer as a consultant for a non-profit organization, a substitute teacher, or a mentor to young people.
When planning for retirement, remember to beware of the effects of inflation. Make sure you know the difference between various types of investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Learn about what your options are and ask lots of questions.
Another way to be happy in retirement is if you maintain the friends you had while you were working, or make new friend outside of work. This can prevent you from feeling lonely in your later years. Join social groups or arrange to meet your working friends for lunch periodically. Do not be afraid to try new activities now that you have more free time.
Also, do not touch your savings when you build it up. Withdrawing from your savings can cause you to lose principal and the benefits of compound interest. You might also lose the tax benefits or have to pay a penalty for withdrawing early. Do not cash out your 401(k) or pension account if you leave your job. It is wiser to leave the funds invested there or roll the money over to an IRA or a pension account at your new job.
Remember that your retirement is what you choose to make it. This period will signal a new chapter in your life, so plan ahead to make the most of it.
If you are worried that you will not have enough money in retirement or that you will be bored once you stop working, you may want to consider continuing work in some form. You can shift from working full-time to part-time, which gives you more time to yourself and some income as well. It also will help to keep your mind sharp as you continue to engage in intellectual activities and interact with others.
If your employer does not have a retirement plan, ask them to start one. If they refuse, put your money in an Individual Retirement Account. You are allowed to put $5,500 each year into your IRA. Once you are over fifty, you can contribute more than that. An IRA offers certain tax advantages for individuals who want to grow their money for the future.
For many retirees, volunteering becomes a big part of their life and takes up many of the hours that a regular job would have. Many of them view this as a means of giving back to their community. However, this does not necessarily mean that you have to volunteer in a soup kitchen. You can volunteer as a consultant for a non-profit organization, a substitute teacher, or a mentor to young people.
When planning for retirement, remember to beware of the effects of inflation. Make sure you know the difference between various types of investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Learn about what your options are and ask lots of questions.
Another way to be happy in retirement is if you maintain the friends you had while you were working, or make new friend outside of work. This can prevent you from feeling lonely in your later years. Join social groups or arrange to meet your working friends for lunch periodically. Do not be afraid to try new activities now that you have more free time.
Also, do not touch your savings when you build it up. Withdrawing from your savings can cause you to lose principal and the benefits of compound interest. You might also lose the tax benefits or have to pay a penalty for withdrawing early. Do not cash out your 401(k) or pension account if you leave your job. It is wiser to leave the funds invested there or roll the money over to an IRA or a pension account at your new job.
Remember that your retirement is what you choose to make it. This period will signal a new chapter in your life, so plan ahead to make the most of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment