Successful retirement don’t just happen, you do something…

One major financial project you are likely looking forward to is retirement. However, a successful retirement, whichever way you want to look at it, is not likely to just happen. You will need a plan in order to reach your retirement goals. To help you better plan for your retirement, here are things you need to consider.

Debt: As you plan for retirement, you will need a plan to reduce your debt by as much as possible. Debt obligations represent a drain on your income, plus, you are paying interest to someone else, rather than using the money for your benefit. Before retirement, do your best to pay down your debt, including your mortgage. The fewer burden you have for your money, the more likely you are to enjoy a successful retirement.

Expenses: Think about what you will be spending money on during retirement. Consider what you want to do with your money during retirement. Estimate the costs related to travel, housing, food, transportation and more. You can use your expenses now as a guide for what you will pay later. If you plan to have your debt paid off, your expenses might be smaller than what you pay now. Downsizing your home and your lifestyle can also limit your expenses.

Income: You will still need some income while you are in retirement. Many people think about this in terms of saving up a large enough nest egg in some sort of investment account that makes it possible for regular withdrawals without overly depleting the capital. However, this is not the only way to plan for regular income during retirement. Consider your monthly needs, and how you can meet them.

Long term living arrangements: We don’t like to think that there may come a time when we are incapacitated, but it could happen. Carefully consider how much you might need to take care of long-term arrangements, and consider your options. In some cases, certain annuities and long-term care insurance policies can work well. However, it is important to carefully read the terms of these contracts, since not all annuities and long-term care policies are the same.

Estate planning: Not only should you consider your money situation leading up to retirement, and during retirement, but you should also think about what happens after you pass on. Unless you don’t care what happens to your estate, and what sorts of expenses and taxes your heirs will be saddled with, estate planning is a good idea. Figure out what you want to have happen to your estate, and whether there is some way to protect your assets as much as possible. You might also need to consider what happens to a spouse or other dependent, and make arrangements to cover a shortfall in pension payments or other income when you pass on. A good attorney can help you sort out your options.

Social interaction: This last factor doesn’t have much to do with money, but it is quite important. Few people plan for a lonely retirement. Consider your friends and family, and your social options. Now is a good time to cultivate relationships that can last through retirement, and that can provide you with a support system and social interaction

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