(Newswire.net — December 1, 2013) Syosset, New York — Before buying a new car, you probably take it out for a test drive to see how it feels and make sure that everything is working properly. Have you ever thought of taking a similar “test drive” when it comes to your retirement?
Many people suddenly go from working full-time to retirement, with little or no buffer in between. “The transition can be abrupt, and some people have a hard time adjusting to full-time retirement,” says David Lerner Associates Branch Manager Anthony F. Meere. “One way to ease the transition, as well as see how realistic your retirement plans really are, is to take your retirement for a test drive.”
Or in other words, try out some of your retirement assumptions ahead of time, before you actually enter retirement. Here are four steps to consider as you test drive your retirement:
1. Try to live on your retirement budget.
Many people anticipate that they will be able to live on less money after they retire. This is due to the fact that they will no longer have any expenses associated with working (like commuting, professional clothing for work, eating out everyday for lunch, etc.) and that their children will probably be out of the house and perhaps graduated from college.
“Go ahead and put your retirement budget in place a few years before your actual retirement,” Meere recommends. “This way, you can see how realistic the budget is and make any necessary adjustments before you actually enter retirement.” These adjustments might include working a little longer before you retire, if necessary, in order to build up your retirement nest egg a little more.
2. Simplify Your Lifestyle.
Downsizing is a part of most people’s retirement plans. This applies not just to their home, but to their entire lifestyle — cars, entertainment, etc. Doing so will help reduce living expenses and simplify life in general.
While it might not be practical to move into a smaller temporary home before you retire, you can start cleaning out the clutter in your existing home to get you ready for your eventual move. You can also start adjusting to a more downsized mindset — living on a smaller scale overall.
3. Dip your toe into extracurricular activities.
Some people enter retirement with very little idea of how they’re going to spend their free time. Maybe they spent their entire working lives looking forward to the time when they would no longer have to work — but when this time comes, they quickly become bored and restless.
“Give some seroius thought to the kinds of activities you’d like to participate in after you retire, and then try them out,” says Meere. “Some activities sound better in theory than they turn out to be in reality. For example, lots of men say they want to play golf every day, but after a few months, they are bored and looking for something else to do.”
4. Get to know your new geography.
If you think you want to relocate when you retire, spend as much time as you can in your new location before retirement. This will give you a better feel for the area and confirm whether you truly want to make the move or not.
For example, some people in the north say they want to retire in Florida, but haven’t actually spent much time there. After spending a couple of months in the Sunshine State, some people decide they don’t really care for the heat and humidity and would rather find a more temperate climate.
About David Lerner Associates
Founded in 1976, David Lerner Associates is a privately-held broker/dealer with headquarters in Syosset, New York and branch offices in Westport, CT; Boca Raton, FL; Teaneck and Princeton, NJ; and White Plains, NY. For more information contact David Lerner Associates 1 877 367 5960 http://www.davidlerner.com
Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. Member FINRA & SIPC