After years toiling away in the office, retirement is something everyone should look forward to. Whether you want some peace and quiet, or to tick a few things off your bucket list, retirement planning is vital to getting the lifestyle you deserve. Looking for help with your retirement planning? Our retirement guide has everything you need to get your new life started!
Retirement planning tips
- Decide what you are you going to do
- Pay off any debt
- Pick a pension plan that works for you
- Work out where to live
- Seek professional guidance
Decide what you are you going to do
Before you can start making plans for your retirement, you have to decide on the lifestyle you want. Do you want to explore the world, take up a new hobby or simply sit back and relax? As well as answering questions like these, you will also have to prepare for retirement expenses like healthcare. By working out what you want from your retirement, you can get a good idea of how much retirement income you need.
Pay off any debt
Sorting out any lingering debts is a vital part of your retirement planning. By removing any debts that you have, from mortgage to car payments, you can reduce the amount of retirement income that goes towards repaying debt. When you’ve focused on your debt repayments, you can start your retirement fresh and free of stress!
Work out your State Pension
Once you know the kind of retirement lifestyle you want, it’s time to work out how to prepare financially for your retirement. Firstly, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your pension providers to let them know you are retiring - this way you can get a lot of helpful information about your pension.
Then, you’ll have to work out how much money that will come in from your pension, and whether it’s the right time for you to make a withdrawal. In the UK, you can start withdrawing from your pension at age 55, but doing so may deplete your pension pot in the long run! For best results, draw up a budget plan to work out how much income you will have to use per month.
Work out where to live
Deciding where to live is a big part of your retirement planning. As well as the issue of cost - different areas will of course have different price tags - you also need to pick a location that will suit your retirement needs. Do you want somewhere with acres of countryside, or somewhere with a range of amenities nearby? Also, if you have children and grandchildren, you may want to pick a location that is nearer to them!
Picking a place to retire isn’t easy, but Churchill Living can make the decision a lot easier. Our apartments are located in areas that have something for all kinds of lifestyle. You could be located moments away from a beach or even a big historical attraction - the opportunities are endless!
Get a grasp on technology
It might seem daunting at first, but getting a good grasp of how to use technology will help you get the most out of your retirement. As well as keeping you occupied in your downtime, it is a great way to stay connected with friends and family all over the world!
Seek retirement planning advice
If you are really unsure about how to plan for retirement, seek help from the professionals! You might have some difficult financial choices to make about retiring. Luckily, there are loads of financial advisors that can help you about the best direction to go with your retirement.
Need help preparing for your retirement? Churchill Retirement can help you during every step of your new life, from financial decisions to deciding on your retirement lifestyle.