| The beginning of a change is often the hardest part. | | | | those years of hard work. But try to reign in the |
| Though retirement is usually a welcomed change and | | | | impulse to spend and remember to sleep on any |
| the first few months may feel like vacation, the first | | | | large purchases. Take some time to figure out if the |
| few years may prove to be difficult or awkward. But | | | | purchase is impulsive or if it corresponds to your |
| those first couple of years will set the tone for the | | | | long-term retirement goals. |
| rest of your retirement and the rest of your life. | | | | 4. Create new, healthy habits. |
| Here are some ideas on how to start off this new | | | | Retirement is lifestyle change, so take full advantage |
| and exciting period of life on the right foot. | | | | of the transition and use the adjustment to create |
| 1. Wait a year to make any permanent changes. | | | | new routines that may be over-due. Similarly to |
| A year waiting period is good for any major life | | | | making New Year's Resolutions, let the beginning of |
| transition. While you wait, spend the year exploring | | | | retirement be the opportunity to begin healthier |
| your options and doing your research by talking to | | | | habits. Begin the rest of retirement on a solid |
| friends, using the internet, or traveling. Take | | | | foundation by eating better, getting more physical |
| advantage of things like Terra Vista's overnight-stay | | | | activity, get your legal documents in order, and all the |
| with county and community tours. Though retirement | | | | other things you have been putting off for lack of |
| may feel like vacation in the beginning, it is actually a | | | | time. Set goals and figure out a plan to accomplish |
| major alteration in lifestyle. This new lifestyle should | | | | them. |
| start well and end well, so take the time to plan your | | | | 5. Try new things. |
| future well. | | | | Utilize your free time and flexibility to discover new |
| 2. Celebrate the transition. | | | | aspects to life. Try a new hobby and discover fresh |
| As already stated, retirement is a new season of life, | | | | ways to be creative. Retirement can be a great |
| and this new season should be celebrated. Many | | | | opportunity for growth through adult learning classes |
| people have a party and use this transition as a | | | | or researching some short-term projects. Look for |
| reason to get family and friends together to | | | | ways and opportunities to make new friends, or |
| celebrate what has already been accomplished and to | | | | re-connect with old ones that you may have lost |
| share in the anticipation of what is to come. Others | | | | touch with over the years. |
| plan a quieter, more intimate vacation. Whatever you | | | | In the end, relax, take your time, and enjoy the |
| decide to do, it should commemorate the beginning | | | | process of figuring out this new season of life. Don't |
| of this new stage of life. | | | | let yourself get stressed, but allow time to rest and |
| 3. Watch what you spend. | | | | process your many years of hard work. Remember |
| With savings, more free time, and that retirement | | | | what you have accomplished, do what needs to be |
| package, it may be tempting to spend more money | | | | done, and look forward to the future. |
| or make large purchases to reward yourself for all | | | | |