Retirement is like a vacation in which you get to enjoy your whole time without worrying about getting back to work. It would, indeed, be a happy day as you bid adieu to a structured lifestyle and welcome your newfound freedom. It’s the moment you need to spend time for yourself, enjoy your hard-earned money, or travel.
Most retirees are not only spending time with their families at home, but they also splurge. Some go on a cruise ship experience with their family or a much deserved Hawaiian escapade.
People usually talk about goals and make a list of what they want to accomplish in their life. But as everyone ages, priorities change. For those who want to enjoy their retirement, a bucket list is an option. In the movie Bucket List, actors Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are two terminally ill old men who decided to enjoy life and create a list of things they have never tried before. It’s a story of exploring life and enjoying it before your time runs out.
So if you’re thinking of your future retirement or perhaps retiring in a few years, why not create your retirement bucket list? Usually, people make their bucket list 5 years before they retire so they could make plans ahead. If you’re planning to retire 5 years from now, you need to:
a. Get organized. Organize your financial information.
b. Optimize some of those financial assets that you have. This will help cash flow that will help you to save more money for your retirement.
c. Know your healthcare options. You are not getting any younger so better make sure you know how much health care is going to cost.
d. Draft out the retirement budget. Think about your plan for income and where would the money be coming from.
e. Consider the semi-retirement option. It’s easing your way into a retirement situation where you go for a part-time status or work as a consultant for a few years. It is an idea where the long hours of working and suddenly never worked again seem abrupt. It is a process where you don’t give up working that fast.
Now, retirement is just a step away and finally, you are ready to enjoy life to the fullest. What will be your plans? In making your bucket list, you have to:
a. First, think about the things you want to do since you were young but have no time and money. What are your life dreams? Your bucket list should reflect you. No one should dictate what to put on your list, it’s yours. Take time in writing all the things you want and prioritize.
b. Be realistic. At this retirement age, you have to consider several factors like your health, physical condition, and finances. You may be financially secure but you have to check your health situation. As we grow old, we all know that our body weakens. It is helpful to ask your doctors first before dipping your toe on any kind of adventure. If you have financial concerns then better limit your budget.
c. Make it manageable and attainable. Set a deadline on when you want to do a certain activity.
And what would be the five best things to include in your bucket list when you retire?
Travel
Everyone loves to explore. There’s really something about trying new things (and food!), learning different cultures and seeing new places. Go to places you used to dream of going to. See the beauty of the world and enjoy.
Start a Hobby
Try something new and be crafty. Do the things you always want to do since you were a kid. It’s never too late to bring out your artistic side and showcase it to others.
Achieve Specific Life Milestones
Like living in the place you like or make it until your 60th birthday, these are milestones that you can include in your bucket list. They may be simple, but if they bring you joy, why not?
Spend Quality Time with Family and Friends
You might want to spend more time with your family and catch up. Perhaps you were always so busy with work and not had much time with your kids. Now you can make it up to your grandchildren. Spend your time with people you love and your retirement will surely feel worth it.
Do Something Scary but Fun
Go paragliding or jump off a plane with a parachute. You only live once. Your retirement is the perfect time to embrace being scared and have fun at the same time.
There are a lot of things you could put on your list. But the most important thing is to just be happy and enjoy your retirement life.