I have a love hate relationship with Halloween. As a child, I liked the candy but not so much the going door to door. I love haunted houses but not scary movies. Halloween, I saw in college because I went to with a friend who told me when to close my eyes! I love giving out candy to children – their smiles and enthusiasm. I skip the Halloween parties where people approach me and I do not know who they are – or worse, who they dressed up as! Too much for me.
Over the years, I have set my own traditions. There are friends I call because they equally dislike Halloween. And another I call and give out candy with - hundreds of miles from each other. We chat in between the doorbells and then describe the trick or treaters to each other – doubling the fun.
My most favorite Halloween was recently when friends had an outdoor bonfire on the full moon. The event was full of food, new people, old friends, fresh air, and no costumes. All perfect for the social distancing Halloween of 2020.
This year, I will mark the eve in a Celtic way by attending another bonfire. As you may know, the Celts started the concept of Halloween. This may be a nod to ancestors far gone and most recently passed. However, I will be home on the big night, so be sure to send your children to my door!
Much like Halloween, retirement can be a conundrum. You look forward to it. Retirement becomes a long-term goal. Then, it is here and there is more to know than how much you have put aside for retirement. And then there are changes you did not expect.
Understanding that this is a life transition that comes with the good and the bad and the indifferent. Most of all, it is a major change for you and those close to you.
Wherever you fall on the pre-retirement scale – fully ready to pursue your passions and make time is your own, Or faced with fleeting fears – will I have enough? Where should I live? What if my health fails? Or somewhere in between. Get ready by investing some time in the facts and details of this next stage in your life journey.
Preparation is critical. Much like the pending holiday there are so many decisions to make. And instead of costume? No costume?, these have long lasting implications. Whether you need to understand your changing income tax needs, where to pull income, or the estate issues if you move, you will be more ready to retire without surprises.
Here are some things to think about:
Social Security Timing
Rebalancing Your Investments
The Implications of the RMD
Understanding Health Insurance
Considering Long-term Care Insurance
Appreciating the stages of retirement before they happen to you, will make your life easier and healthier.
Make your life better by learning about the nuances of the next stage of life. Retirement is a continuum. Some preparation will make your next steps less frightful and create a new path with ease.