{"id":21229,"date":"2025-09-28T14:04:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T14:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=21229"},"modified":"2025-09-28T14:04:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T14:04:08","slug":"19-things-to-do-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=21229","title":{"rendered":"19 Things to Do Now"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Are you nearing retirement? Few life transitions are bigger than this one. The question on everyone\u2019s mind: how do you make sure it\u2019s not just possible, but truly sustainable and fulfilling?<\/p>\n

If you want to know how to retire, here are 19 important things you should do as you approach the big date to ensure a happy and secure future:<\/p>\n

1. Create, Maintain, and Evolve Your Retirement Plan<\/h2>\n

It may sound obvious, but if you\u2019re nearing retirement, a detailed plan is non-negotiable. A good plan maps your resources, goals, and risks so you can step into retirement with clarity and confidence. And once you\u2019ve retired, it\u2019s not a \u201cset it and forget it\u201d exercise \u2014 reviewing and adjusting every few months keeps your plan aligned with life as it changes.<\/p>\n

The research is clear.\u00a0\u00a0People who feel that they have control over the retirement process have better outcomes in retirement. However, Gallup Polls<\/a> found that only 43% of retired investors and a mere 36% of non-retired investors have a written financial plan. <\/p>\n

Do you really want to wing it in retirement and risk running out of savings completely?\u00a0The Boldin Retirement Planner makes it easy to create and maintain a holistic retirement plan.\u00a0This tool\u00a0is named a best retirement calculator by Bankrate, US News and World Report, the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII<\/a>) and many others.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Stop Worrying, Take the Leap of Faith, and Retire!<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s normal to feel anxious in the years leading up to retirement \u2014 research shows stress is at its peak just before you step away from work. But here\u2019s the good news: once people retire, most report feeling happier and more satisfied than they expected. Those who planned thoroughly feel especially confident, yet even those less prepared usually find ways to make it work.<\/p>\n

In fact, studies show optimism soars<\/em> in your 60s \u2014 a decade when lifelong happiness often peaks. While you can\u2019t predict every twist ahead, a flexible retirement plan helps you weather the unexpected and stay on track. So prepare well, trust your plan, and give yourself permission to take the leap.<\/p>\n

3. Celebrate!<\/h2>\n

Retirement is a big reason to celebrate (especially if you have prepared a responsible plan)!\u00a0 Throwing a party to commemorate the occasion can be a wonderful way to launch the next phase of your life.<\/p>\n

Get tips for planning a retirement party.<\/p>\n

4. Find a Cause<\/h2>\n

Having meaning in your life is a critical component of happiness. Many people find purpose in their careers. When you retire, it is important to identify a new purpose for your life.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to save the world; any cause, large or small, can help you maintain your vitality.<\/p>\n

Whether you opt to work full-time on a single cause, volunteer once a week, or just adopt a pet, whatever you do should give you personal satisfaction.\u00a0 When thinking about purpose, think about what kind of legacy you want to leave to your community.<\/p>\n

Here are a couple of resources to help you identify your retirement cause:<\/p>\n

5. Gussy Yourself Up for Your New Life<\/h2>\n

Retirement is not a time to fade into the woodwork.\u00a0 Retirees these days see retirement as a new beginning, so it is an ideal time to freshen up.\u00a0 Your old look might not be compatible with your new life.<\/p>\n

Whether a makeover means a new pair of running shoes or a head-to-toe remake is up to you.\u00a0 Clean out your closets, donate what you no longer need, and make sure you are suited for your new activities.<\/p>\n

Think about a new retirement wardrobe, haircut and sense of self.<\/p>\n

6. Really Imagine Your Future<\/h2>\n

If you want to know how to retire well, perhaps the best thing to do is to visualize your future \u2014 really think about the details of who you will be, where, and why. Being able to imagine now who you will be in the future and what your needs and desires will be at that time is perhaps the most important aspect of planning.<\/p>\n

Here are 7 exercises to help you visualize your future.<\/p>\n

7. Try 3 New Things<\/h2>\n

One of the greatest gifts of retirement is freedom. With more time and fewer constraints, many retirees describe this stage of life as a chance to rediscover curiosity and optimism. It\u2019s the perfect moment to step outside your routine and try something new.<\/p>\n

New experiences aren\u2019t just fun \u2014 they keep life fresh, fight boredom, and push you to grow in ways you may not have expected. My mom recently signed up for dancing and acting classes, and I swear she carries herself with a new spark in her voice and energy in her step.<\/p>\n

Science backs it up: learning new skills strengthens brain function, supports better health, and can boost your vitality for years to come. Whether it\u2019s joining a book club, exploring pickleball, tackling a creative hobby, or traveling somewhere new, challenge yourself to try at least three new things. You may be surprised by how much joy and resilience they add to your retirement.<\/p>\n

8. Set a Goal<\/h2>\n

Having a goal is a good way to make sure that your life is organized in a positive way.<\/p>\n

Your goals do not necessarily have to be important,\u00a0 just satisfying to you.\u00a0Set goals for improving your golf score, seeing grandchildren, smiling at people, watching less TV.<\/p>\n

As you are nearing retirement, you are probably asking how to make travel a big part of your life. Travel is the most popular retirement goal.\u00a0 Here are 20 great ways to make travel part of your retirement.<\/p>\n

9. Plan Big Purchases<\/h2>\n

Will you need a new car?\u00a0 Are you hoping to go on a big trip or buy a boat or RV?\u00a0 Do you want to try to contribute to your grandchildren\u2019s education?\u00a0 Are you buying a fishing cabin?<\/p>\n

Work these big purchases into your overall retirement plan. The Boldin Retirement Planner enables you to document as many different future big purchases as you can imagine.\u00a0 You can also create a highly detailed monthly budget \u2013 reflecting current and future spending.<\/p>\n

10. Consider Your Social Security Start Age Carefully<\/h2>\n

No matter if you are retiring at 62, 55, or 72, you don\u2019t have to start Social Security when you leave the workforce. In fact, the longer you wait, the more your monthly benefit will be.\u00a0 Use a Social Security calculator (part of the Boldin Planner) to figure out the best time to start this benefit. Or, learn more about when to start Social Security and how to apply.<\/p>\n

11. Make Sure Your Healthcare Needs Are Covered throughout Your Life<\/h2>\n

Even with Medicare, healthcare is going to be one of your biggest expenses in retirement. The Boldin Planner will help you estimate these costs, but here are a few tips: <\/p>\n

Medicare:<\/strong> At age 65 you become eligible for Medicare and you\u2019ll want to choose the best supplemental plan for your needs. It can be a big confusing decision, but you can re-evaluate it every year during the open enrollment period. <\/p>\n

Retiring before Medicare eligibility?:<\/strong> An early retirement can mean significant insurance costs. Explore 9 ways to afford healthcare before you turn 65. <\/p>\n

Long-term care: <\/strong>Don\u2019t forget that your healthcare costs may skyrocket near the end of your life due to a long-term care need.<\/p>\n

12. Simplify Accounts<\/h2>\n

Juggling multiple retirement accounts can get messy \u2014 and costly. As you are nearing retirement, consider consolidating your savings. It can cut down on fees, streamline your investments, and make it easier to see the full picture of your retirement plan.<\/p>\n

If you do combine tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, be sure to use the proper rollover process. Done right, it\u2019s a clean transfer; done wrong, it could trigger unnecessary taxes and penalties.<\/p>\n

13. Write or Edit Your Investment Policy Statement<\/h2>\n

An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a written document, usually but not necessarily prepared by a financial advisor.\u00a0 It covers your investment goals, your strategy for achieving those goals, a framework for making changes to your plan, and options for what to do if things don\u2019t go as expected.<\/p>\n

As you move from asset accumulation to turning your savings into retirement income, shifting your investment strategies is an important aspect of \u201chow to retire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learn more about the Investment Policy Statement.<\/p>\n

14. Prepare for a New Routine<\/h2>\n

After retirement, there\u2019s nothing but time, so it might seem that schedules aren\u2019t crucial. But a routine might be as important as ever, and for several different reasons.<\/p>\n

Routines help us stay productive and get things done.\u00a0 We do things that are routine out of habit, and the fact that you don\u2019t really need to think about it reduces stress.\u00a0 Routines are a good foundation for enabling you to be creative.\u00a0 In fact, routines have been proven to increase health and psychological well-being.<\/p>\n

In your first year after retirement, it is especially important that you try to establish healthy routines.\u00a0 Whatever else you include in your routine, be sure to include exercise. Exercise is a critical component of a happy and healthy retirement, and once it becomes routine, it is a true joy.\u00a0 Whether it is daily gardening, a walk around the block or training for a marathon, just make it part of what you do every day.<\/p>\n

15. Clean Out the House or\u2026 Relocate<\/h2>\n

Our homes are usually set up to accommodate our lifestyles.\u00a0 In retirement, life changes pretty dramatically.\u00a0 You will want to first assess whether or not where you live is ideal for what you want out of retirement.\u00a0 If it isn\u2019t, consider downsizing or relocating to a best place to retire.<\/p>\n

If you love where you live, consider taking a sweep through the house to clean up and get rid of things you no longer need. <\/p>\n

KonMari<\/a> was a trend that \u201cswept\u201d (yes, bad pun intended) the nation.\u00a0 It is a charming approach to organizing and paring down your belongings in an ultimate quest for joy. Death cleaning is a perhaps more morbid way of talking about cleaning out closets. Here are 7 reasons to de-clutter in retirement. <\/p>\n

15. Get a Check Up<\/h2>\n

Meeting with your doctors as you near retirement is a great way to kick off your future.\u00a0 Discuss ways to stay healthy, get your flu shot, and create a plan for aging.<\/p>\n

16. Create a Plan for Eating Well, Staying Physically Active and Maintaining Good Health<\/h2>\n

Studies show that good physical health is associated with a range of positive outcomes in retirement, such as life satisfaction and quality of life.<\/p>\n

Keys to good health involve regular check-ups with your physician as well as:<\/p>\n

Regular physical exercise.\u00a0<\/strong> You don\u2019t necessarily have to lift weights or go on five-mile runs.\u00a0According to Dan Buettner, author of \u201cThe Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who\u2019ve Lived the Longest,\u201d the longest living people in the world make movement a natural part of their everyday life.\u00a0 They move in meaningful ways about every 20 minutes, and walking is their primary mode of transportation.<\/p>\n

Eat well:<\/strong>\u00a0It seems like dietary guidelines are changing all the time.\u00a0 So, maybe stick to what has been discovered by Buettner. His recommendations include that 95% of your food be plant-based, stop eating when 80% full, and include beans and nuts in your daily diet.<\/p>\n

17. Create a Social Community<\/h2>\n

Having friends and seeing them on a regular basis is an important way to stay healthy and engaged.\u00a0 However, staying social can be more difficult after retirement.<\/p>\n

Meeting up with people takes a little more effort since it is not automatically part of a routine, as it is when you are working.<\/p>\n

As such, you will want to prepare for retirement by creating social habits.\u00a0 Arrange to meet with friends for coffee each morning.\u00a0 Join a club.\u00a0 Find a volunteer or part-time job opportunity.\u00a0 Whatever you do, be sure to make it a habit and something where you will be held accountable.<\/p>\n

Technology is making it easier and easier to stay at home.\u00a0 However, to retain your mental and emotional well-being, you need to make regular physical contact with others.<\/p>\n

Discover why loneliness is a significant risk to your health.<\/p>\n

18. Make Sure to Think Through Financial Obligations to Your Kids (and Parents) <\/h2>\n

Currently, record numbers of 18-34 year olds are living with their parents.\u00a0 These children can often be a financial burden.\u00a0 Your own parents might be another potential expense that you will need to budget.\u00a0 Will they need financial assistance?\u00a0 Will you need to care for them as they age?<\/p>\n

When you retire, you need to assess all kinds of expenses, including family.<\/p>\n

19. Learn About Retirement Taxes<\/h2>\n

Taxes are often overlooked when it comes to retirement planning. First, how you pay taxes will change since they will no longer be withdrawn from your paycheck. But, more importantly, many retirees underestimate this expense. <\/p>\n

As you near retirement, use the Boldin Planner to evaluate your future tax burden and discover ways to reduce the expense. And here are 25 retirement tax tips.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n

As you near retirement, creating a robust written plan for your finances is essential \u2014 but money is only one part of the picture. What truly matters is building a life that feels meaningful, secure, and aligned with your goals.<\/p>\n

We hope this checklist inspires you to take action, prepare thoughtfully, and embrace retirement with confidence. Plan well, live fully, and give yourself the freedom to enjoy the years ahead.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Are you nearing retirement? Few life transitions are bigger than this one. The question on everyone\u2019s mind: how do you make sure it\u2019s not just possible, but truly sustainable and fulfilling? If you want to know how to retire, here are 19 important things you should do as you approach the big date to ensure<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21230,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[348],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21229","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-retirement"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21229"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21229\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}