Have you started to plan for retirement? Start putting yourself in the right mindset as you start with these basic steps to begin planning.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of VSP Individual Plans.
What are your goals for retirement? Do you want to travel? Devote hours on end to your hobbies? Tackle projects that were put on the back burner while life was busy happening?
VSP Vision Care asked me to share a bit about retirement planning and it got me thinking that as the years pass by, I realize I’m getting closer and closer to retirement. It’s likely to sneak up and be here sooner than I know it.
Mario and I are looking forward to retirement and hope to spend more time traveling and getting more relaxation than we do now.
As with many things in life, retirement requires planning to be successful. It’s a big life change and we can’t wait until it happens and jump right in.
There are lots of variables to consider to ensure our retirement years really are our golden years
Planning for Retirement
Bump Up Savings
We all know the most important aspect of retirement planning is to ensure we’re financially prepared. The further you are away from retirement, the better your position to make this happen.
But, as you get closer to retirement, consider bumping up the amount of your contributions.
The earlier you can add money to your accounts, the more time it will have to grow before you need to use it in retirement.
Review Your Expenses
One key to living a comfortable retirement is to live within your means. And, if you’re not doing it already, now is a good time to get started.
Try to track all of the expenses you make for a full month (utilities, insurance, shopping, groceries, entertainment, etc.). Once you have everything recorded, look to see which expenses can be reduced or eliminated.
Do you really watch all the channels in that 300+ channel TV package? Is your morning coffee stop really that much better than an inexpensive cup of coffee from home?
Plan Your Housing
While you might continue living in your current home after retirement, you might also decide to make a change.
Without kids in the house you can consider downsizing and you may have the option of moving if you no longer need to live near your place of work.
And if you’re planning for deep into your retirement years, will you want a house with multi-levels and lots of stairs? Will you even want the upkeep of a house vs. an apartment or condo?
If you think you might be selling your house, start thinking ahead to improvements or repairs you’ll need to make to your home to make it ready to sell down the road.
Think About a New Job
Even though retirement means we retire from our career, it doesn’t mean you have to stop working completely.
Having a part-time job or doing a bit of consulting is a great way to continue to earn some income during those years and also a way to stay involved and active.
I personally love my job as a blogger and know if I were to retire today, I would still want to stay involved in the field, even if it was on a scaled back level.
Research Insurance
Many people rely solely on the insurance provided by their (or their spouse’s) employer. Now is the time to start planning and determine how you will be insured during retirement.
The older we get, the more medical care we need. Having those costs addressed can be a big part of a financially viable retirement.
Being able to have the same level of care and being able to continue to see the same medical professionals after you retire is also important. This includes vision care!
While Traditional Medicare covers many health needs, there are some things it doesn’t, such as routine eye exams. If you’re like me, the need for vision care increases with age and having access to – care is a necessity.
With VSP Vision Care, the national leader in eye care benefits, you can take control of your vision care and get the coverage you want with the largest network of independent doctors in the vision care world – which means you have the best chance available to keep your current doctor.
VSP Individual Vision Plans can cost as low as $17 a month and provide an average savings of more than $200 per year. Annual benefits cover an array of vision needs including:
- A comprehensive eye exam
- Prescription lenses with covered lens enhancements enhancements like progressives
- A generous allowance for frames and/or contacts
- A wide selection of brand name frames
- Access to the largest network of independent doctors
For more information, go to GetVSPDirect.com or call 877-988-4746 to speak to a customer care representative.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of VSP Individual Plans.
Kelly Hanley says
This is all super helpful and easy enough to do most of those!
Donna says
Great tips! I planned for years before I finally pulled the plug. The whole thing is stressful, but it’s less stressful knowing you’ve done your homework. I started doing lots of little things to save money and adopt an affordability mindset. Even small things like limiting your dry cleaning bill, finding a low-maintenance hairstyle and drinking water instead of sodas — it all helps!
Cynthia R says
We actually really want to quit our job, unfortunately it’s a pension plan so losing all those years is going to effect our monthly payment too much. Wish we had a 401k like everyone else, portable is nice!
Kwi says
Im a millennial and they say there will be no social security by the time I am time to have retirement. Its important for me to plan for it now.
Bernie Wallace says
My wife and I are always talking about our retirement. Thanks for sharing. I will have her read this article.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great points! Planning for your retirement early is such a great move.
Theresa says
Early preparation for retirement sounds like the key to being able to retire with as little stress as possible. Having good vision insurance is a must too. My eyes are already deteriorating and I’m only 38! I want to keep my peeper in the best shape possible for as long as possible, so a good vision plan is a must.
Carol Cassara says
So much to consider about retirement but if you want it to be stress-free you should definitely plan for it. I think these are important things to cover!
Monica says
There is SO much to think about financially in terms of saving for retirement, sending my kids to college and more. It feels overwhelming – but I really need to start asking myself some of the questions you mentioned like – do I really need to buy coffee out of the house? So much to think about including my vision coverage needs moving forward!
Cinny says
I see so many issues with health insurances and coverage so I can see that being such an issue when people retire. It’s so important to plan ahead, great tips.
Liz Mays says
I like these ideas and I definitely think researching and finding the right insurance can save you a lot of trouble. I feel much better when I’m covered for important things like vision!
Melissa Chapman says
Retirement is a daunting task but planning ahead is so important. Health insurance is one of my biggest concerns so these ideas are very helpful.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That’s a great deal on vision insurance! That stuff is so expensive. Or at least, it can be if you don’t use this.