The Baby Boomer generation has transformed every life stage they’ve entered, and retirement is no exception. As more Boomers approach retirement age, early retirement has become a frequent topic of discussion. During the pandemic alone, more than 3 million Baby Boomers went for the exit, choosing early retirement to protect themselves from the risks of infection.
Does the thought of bidding farewell to long work hours and constant stress to enjoy a life of leisure in retirement sound appealing? Although it might, we know that early retirement isn’t necessarily the right move for everyone. Continue reading this article as we weigh the pros and cons of early retirement.
For many, the biggest advantage of early retirement is the newfound freedom to pursue hobbies, travel, spend time with loved ones, or even start a new career or business. If you’ve worked hard throughout your life, now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some additional benefits of early retirement.
While retiring early can eliminate work-related stress, it can also bring about financial stress that you’ve never had before. If you choose a longer retirement, then you’ll need a larger nest egg to sustain your ideal lifestyle. If you run out of savings in the future, you may have to adjust your daily habits to fit a tighter budget. Here are some additional cons of early retirement.
Whether or not you retire early is a significant decision that depends on several factors. Some of these factors include:
Continue reading to explore each of these factors in more detail.
Are You Financially Prepared?
While the assessment of your overall financial situation is considered the most important point in determining your readiness for early retirement, several other factors also deserve your attention. These include understanding your future tax obligations, developing a strategy to draw from different income sources, and budgeting for unexpected costs.
Having a strategy for when and how to withdraw from your retirement accounts is key. Decisions around required minimum distributions (RMDs) and the timing of taking Social Security benefits must be made carefully to minimize taxes and maximize income.
Also, remember that “unexpected” doesn’t mean “unlikely.” A leaky roof or a car that breaks down are possibilities that most homeowners and car owners face at some point. But, by having a dedicated fund for such unplanned expenses, you can save yourself from some financial stress in your retirement years.
Look Closer at Your Health
In the retirement planning business, health status can be a double-edged sword. Good health could lead to a longer and more active retirement. It also implies that you may have a longer lifespan for which you need to fund.
On the flip side, poor health might necessitate your early retirement and add to healthcare costs, especially if you retire before becoming eligible for Medicare. It’s necessary to plan for the rising cost of healthcare as you age, including the possibility of needing long-term care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services in their remaining years.
Consider Post-Retirement Plans
Retirement is a significant life transition, and its success depends largely on how well you’ve prepared for it – not just financially, but also in terms of envisioning your post-retirement life.
During your golden years you may want to explore new hobbies or deepen existing ones; perhaps traveling is on your wish list. Or, you might want to continue working part-time in your current field or train for a second career. Retirement is also an excellent time to learn new skills, go back to school, or write a book like you’ve always dreamed of doing.
Retirement is also your chance to give back to the community, something many retirees find to be very rewarding. Volunteering at local organizations or providing mentorship in your area of expertise can be fulfilling and help you maintain a sense of purpose as you age.
Lastly, but most importantly, remember to include some downtime in your post-retirement plans. The beauty of retirement lies in its leisurely pace, a significant shift from the rushed days of working life. Embrace this change and don’t let it pass you by.
Build and Nurture a Social Network
Social connections play a vital role in our mental and emotional well-being, and work often provides a social network that retires along with us. Because of this, it’s crucial that you build and nurture new relationships outside of work circles as you approach retirement. Reports have shown that retirees with limited socialization often experience faster declines in mental health and mobility.
Ways to do this include joining clubs or organizations related to your hobbies, volunteering, becoming more active in your community, or even getting a part-time job that aligns with your interests. Not only will these activities help you establish a new routine, but they can also help build a new social network that works well with your new laid-back pace of living.
For retirees with a partner, it’s essential to understand that retirement will change the dynamics of your relationship, as you’ll likely be spending more time together. Open discussions and mutual understanding about expectations for this new phase can help smoothen this transition. Have talks together planning future trips, considering home renovations, or scheduling social gatherings.
Are You Ready to Retire Early?
Early retirement is a big decision that requires careful thought and planning, and while it offers the enticing prospect of a long and fulfilling life beyond work, it also can come with its own set of challenges. Rest assured that with diligent planning and professional guidance, you can make the transition into your golden years smoothly, no matter what age you decide to make the move.
At Suzuki & Associates, we’re committed to helping our clients chart a path toward their ideal retirement scenarios. Let us join you on this journey, and assist you in making informed financial decisions that align with your goals and aspirations. Contact us today, and we’ll begin crafting your personalized retirement plan.
