Three retirement assumptions that lead to mistakes
And the myth busters that explain why these assumptions are wrong:
- It’s mainly about the money
- It’s all about you and your needs
- You already know the rules
And here are the myth busters that explain why these assumptions are wrong.
It’s not just about the money
You may know the old saying about the person on their death bed who rarely wishes they’d spent more time in the office. It’s their connection with family, friends and a higher purpose that are usually considered to be the greatest achievements.
Similarly with retirement, it’s not the amount of money that you have that defines life satisfaction.
It’s how you organise your days and weeks and years that will matter the most.
The psychological aspects of later life are well covered. Sadly, too few people consider how they will maintain purpose and continue to contribute.
And these are the people, who find, after leaving work, that they don’t really know who they are.
Any of the following three books are well worth the read if you feel this aspect of your retirement deserves more consideration:
The Second Mountain, David Brooks, Allen Lane, 2019
The Artists Way for Retirement, Julia Cameron, Hay House, 2010
Retirement Your Way, Judy Rafferty, self-published, 2019.
It’s not just about you
‘No man is an island’, wrote poet, John Donne.
No woman is either.
And this is as true a statement today as it was 400 years ago when it was first penned.
Without the social glue of work, it’s very easy to become isolated.
Particularly for those who are widowed.
And isolation, typified by a marked increase in loneliness and depression, can become a challenge that kills. It’s not to say that everyone should become a raving extrovert – merely that putting new hobbies, social connections, links to community, maybe even some volunteering projects in place, BEFORE you retire, can mean your transition from full-time work is far smoother.
Very few people know ALL the rules
Assuming you know every legal, financial, retirement income aspect of retirement is a BIG mistake.
This does not mean that you don’t know a lot. You have probably been actively reading and researching retirement living options for some years.
But as our financial advisers will attest, so many retirees don’t know what they don’t know. And many clients are genuinely (and pleasantly) surprised to learn of rules they either didn’t know about or learn of the ways the rules can be interpreted to maximise entitlements and/or income.
Don’t be that person who thinks they know it all. Be the money-smart one who isn’t afraid to ask the right questions.
Want to speak to an adviser to check your understanding of your entitlements?
Good advice, thank you. I’m wittering on whether to throw in the towel, with a manager who just wants to stop including me, or continue working, because my skills are apparently still required full time by the company 25 years on at age 73. Your emails are interesting and insightful. I used up my LSL till yesterday, and I am extremely reinvigorated, ( I think I slept 75% of the last 2 months) I really don’t want to retire entirely. I am in the process of seeking recruitment services, but I need your input as well, to close out when I’ve had enough. My manager may drive me to a snap decision during 2022 if I don’t find a suitable replacement for 3 days a week elsewhere. Then I will gratefully embrace your services.
The fact you slept thru most of your LSL is a pretty good indicator. Start looking asap for alternate activities. Doubt you’ll find another job at 73. So don’t wait to be pushed or have a heart attack.