Pointers on How to Take Advantage of Your Retirement

By Bridgelight Financial Advisors

What exactly happens when you reach retirement? After you’ve succeeded in investing for your future and have managed your wealth properly, you get to throw your alarm clock away and have the freedom to choose how you’ll fill each and every day on your own terms. It’s finally time to relax and enjoy doing what you want, whenever you want! However, it’s normal to eventually find yourself feeling a bit stagnant in your new post-work life. We’re all victims of falling into a routine that we find to be dull and repetitive – especially during our retirement years. So, how do we go about finding that spark? It’s time to start piecing together the ingredients you need to take advantage of your retirement!

Learn a New Skill

It’s never too late to indulge in your passions and try new things. The best time to do it is right now! If you’re looking for a little “me time” that will keep your brain and body nimble, this is right down your alley. Ever thought of learning a new language but just didn’t have the time? Tons of retirees have taken advantage of Rosetta Stone’s online classes to learn new languages fast. Who knows? The travel bug may bite you along the way. Another popular hobby that retirees have picked up along their journey is photography. This new skill allows you to move your body and take the time to be outside. It’s something rewarding that almost anyone can pick up and get hooked on. Painting and creative writing may find themselves going hand-in-hand with photography as you tap into your creative side. Now that you have the time, why not try something new?

Take a Class

This is something that can be very beneficial for your social life.  Although you can absolutely venture out on your own to take a class, this is a great time to get your friends and family involved in something you can all enjoy together. If you’re looking for something you and your partner can do on your own you may want to try yoga. Yoga is not only very beneficial for your body; it also does wonders for the mind. It’s a great way to stay in shape and take the time to relax with your spouse. Want to get your kids and grandchildren involved? Cooking classes are fantastic for family time! It’s informational, you’ll be able to teach your grandchildren new skills, and you get to sit down and eat what you’ve created when you’re done. Cooking classes are the gift that keeps on giving. You can take what you’ve learned and recreate these meals with your family for many dinners to come.

Start Gardening

There are immeasurable benefits to gardening when it comes to a person’s overall health mentally and physically. Many retirees take up gardening because they find it to be therapeutic and relaxing not even realizing just how much exercise they’re getting from it. Not only does it promote movement of the body, it’s been proven that tasks such as mixing soil, filling pots, and watering plants is a very valuable way of actively strengthening adult hands (1). Gardening also encourages a better diet and an overall healthier lifestyle. Those who cultivate vegetables are shown to consume 40% more fruits and vegetables per day than those who don’t (2). Believe it or not, this is also a great way to grow your social network. Gardeners tend to share their wealth in food with friends and neighbors. You could even start showing up to your local farmers market and sell your produce for some profit.

Start Working Part-Time

I know what you’re thinking… “But I just retired, why would I want to go right back to work?”. Retirees diving back into the workforce is actually more common than you would think. You’ve spent a majority of your life going to work as part of your daily routine. Going into retirement can be somewhat of a culture shock for some people. Suddenly you have all of this time on your hands and you just don’t know what to do with it. If your work brought value into your life and you’re itching to go back, there’s nothing wrong with that! Working part-time could absolutely balance some individuals out. You’re able to keep the flow of your work life going while also having ample amount of time to spend with family and indulging on things that you love. This way you’re able to feel value to yourself, your work, and your family. And who doesn’t like a little extra cash on the side?

If you are in need of a financial advisor that specializes in helping you make your retirement a successful one, our team at Bridgelight Financial Advisors would love to help you experience confidence in every aspect of your financial plan. Call (203) 795-7080, email Advice@BridgelightAdvisors.com, or schedule an appointment online to meet and get started.

About Bill

Bill Leavitt is the president of Bridgelight Financial Advisors, an independent, privately owned fiduciary financial advisory and financial planning firm. He specializes in working with pre-retirees, retirees, professionals, and women investors, helping them navigate a complicated and ever-changing investment landscape. With over 25 years of experience, Bill serves his clients using his own unique financial planning model, The Wealth Focus™ Process, where he helps clients develop their customized long-term wealth strategy in four comprehensive steps. A Connecticut native, Bill resides in southern Connecticut with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters. To learn more about Bill, connect with him on LinkedIn.

(1) https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/feb09/gardening20309.html

(2) https://www.sustainweb.org/resources/files/reports/HealthyWeight_Factsheet.pdf