JoAnne Muegge
Aug, 2009 Issue
Five Non-Financial Tips for
Retirement Living
Retiring in the picturesque southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia was an easy choice to make. Now that you have acquired a gorgeous new home, introduced yourself to the community and explored the area-what's next? Here are a few retirement living tips to help ease your transition from employee to retiree:

 
 
Be Prepared
Be Realistic
Part Time Work
Positive Attitude
Cheap Travel
  
"Retire from work, but not from life." -M.K. Soni

1. Prepare
The earlier that you begin to think about your retirement the better but the general rule is to begin planning five years before you expect to leave the workforce. This will ensure that you have enough time to get your finances in order as well as a plan for how you will spend your time. A clear plan will make retirement less intimidating.
  
Think about what you want your life to look like and how you want to feel. It might be a good idea to make a list of everything you've wanted to do but haven't had the time for and begin checking them off as you gain new experiences. Pick a couple of activities that you enjoy doing like gardening, taking a cooking class or volunteering your time to establish some structure. Just be sure that you still have time for yourself to read or do nothing at all.

2. Be Realistic
If you've crunched the numbers only to discover that you can't afford to retire yet, consider partial retirement. Work part-time or simply cut back on non-essentials and develop a way to earn an income from one of your hobbies. Everyone raves about your cooking, what about starting a small catering business? Love garage sales? Collect some things you think are special and establish your own eBay store.

You could also make a difference in your finances through healthy living and thereby saving on health care costs. Health care does seem to be an issue at some point during everyone's retirement years, especially with increasing life spans. Gain the upper hand and begin taking care of yourself early because staying healthy does equal more money in the bank.

3. Work
Working during your retirement wasn't as common in the past as it is now. Today it seems that most baby boomers are intending to work at least part-time during their retirement years. Reasons for this can vary from wanting to earn a supplemental income and taking advantage of employer-sponsored medical coverage, to the fear of just not knowing what to do with the time. Of course there are also some of us that enjoy our work so much that it and its built-in network of colleagues are too hard to give up.

4. It's All in Your Attitude
 
Your attitude will play a big part in whether or not you'll be happy during your retirement years. Take care of yourself by getting the proper nutrition, activity and social interaction you need. When you feel good, it's
also easier to stay positive and open to new experiences. If you begin to recognize signs of depression such as extended periods of sadness and hopelessness speak up.

5. Travel
You can afford this luxury if you get creative. Even though spending is quickly taken up by housing, transportation, food and taxes don't let it deter you from traveling. Web sites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia combine the best hotel, car and flight deals for you to compare, which means a lot of savings for you.

If you can't find the right package try Craigslist and search for temporary housing or rooms for rent in any city, province or country. Still no luck? Swap your house with another family through Home Exchange!

Think about these tips and how they affect your life. If your retirement hasn't been what you've expected-do something about it! Take advantage of the wildlife that surrounds you in the southern Gulf Islands and go whale watching or lay out with the seals. There's plenty to discover and you have the time. Your retirement years have the potential to be some of the best of your life so relax and enjoy them!

Sources:
http://www.retirementcommunity.com/news/finance/retirement/3040-Non-Financial-Tips-for-Retiring-Boomers.html
http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/
2009/06/08/break-your-routine-without-breaking-the-bank.aspx
http://www.womans-connection.com/ac_invest_in_yourself.htm
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business
/1393821/10_nonfinancial_tips_for_retiring_boomers/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/
1715941/10_nonfinancial_retirement_tips_for.html
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/retirement/a/retirement_livi.htm
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/workandcareers/a/retirementjobs.htm

Did You Know?

The average age for retirement in Canada has fallen from 65 to 62 years old?
Carol Budnyk
Carol Budnyk
Realtor
Cell:   250-588-3378
Toll Free:   800-461-5353
Office:   250-477-5353
Independently Owned And Operated
ROYAL LePAGE Coast Capital Realty
Message From Carol
Welcome! Planning for retirement thirty years in advance isn't always possible; luckily some clever budgeting will help. Read further for ways to begin building the foundation for your retirement. Be sure to watch for future issues as they will be full of information that will benefit you when making some of these essential retirement decisions.
 
All the best,
Carol Budnyk
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Retire in the Southern Gulf Islands
Retirement is synonymous with relocating to a warmer climate, and it just happens to be that Canadians don't have to go very far to enjoy one. A move to British Columbia's friendly Southern Gulf Islands will let you enjoy a milder version of all four seasons. With an eight month frost-free season the Southern Gulf Islands are host to the warmest weather in Canada. The only decision lies in which island you choose to call home. Each island is unique but you will find the common thread to be the many resident artists who are inspired by the beauty and energy of this special part of the world.
 
Salt Spring Island - Often visited by travelers this islands mellow pace draws people from all pursuits. Located on Salt Spring, Ganges, the largest town on the islands offers an array of shops to please all tastes.

Saturna Island - The southern-most and least populated island, Saturna offers seclusion and privacy. If it's a rural lifestyle that you seek consider this island.
Pender Islands - A popular holiday destination, the Penders offer many beaches and coves to explore, along with a thriving community and all the comforts and attractions you need to make your visit enjoyable.

Galiano Island - The Galiano Island, closest to the mainland of British Columbia, boasts the reputation of being very welcoming to visitors. This is also where you will find the Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park. 

Gabriola Island - A common destination for travelers being easily accessed from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island offers quiet beaches, the Malaspina Galleries, provincial parks, and much more. 
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/ti.asp?regionID=4
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- Carol Budnyk