Federal Employee's CSRS & FERS Federal Civil Service Retirement
& Financial Planning Resources
Getting Started
The following 11 part series will help readers prepare for retirement,
understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal
"Survivor's Guide" binder. These articles are excerpted from the weekly articles
I published on this site after retiring and they are a part of my retirement
journal. They are designed to help you think about the entire picture and not
just your annuity and when you can leave. There is considerably more to
retirement than meets the eye and this guide will help you focus on the critical
issues that we all must address at this time in our lives.
Estate Planning Guide Index
Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty
While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in providing
retirement and benefits information, they make no representations or
warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the content of
this forum and Website, replies to site visitor questions, or prepared
articles, and they specifically disclaim any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The advice and
strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You
should consult with a financial or human resource professional where
appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or
any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special,
incidental, consequential, or other damages.
If you are an emotional wreck before retirement there is a distinct
possibility that you will remain that way after you leave if you don’t make
changes NOW! You are who you are....... RIGHT?
Maybe to a degree this is correct, we are the by-product of our gene pool and
the environment we live in. However, the good news is that we have the ability
to make significant changes in how we deal with life in general and there is
hope even for a workaholic like me - it’s Sunday morning and I’m writing this
column and working on deadline for a new book. The key to being emotionally
prepared is to plan for your departure well in advance of leaving. You can’t, or
I should say it isn’t wise to leave what you will do in retirement to chance.
Some do, and it works out fine, and others are left adrift without oars in a sea
of adversity. Leaving a stressful job doesn’t mean that you will leave that
stress behind. It tends to ride right with you wherever you go unless you learn
how to let it go and get on with your life.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is that retirement in and of itself will not
solve your perceived problems unless you take action to relieve the stress,
whatever it is. By the way, I’m not a philosopher either, just a fellow retiree
who has experienced this first hand and now feels fairly comfortable with his
new life style. All change is stressful and when you retire the stress - change
- is there and you have to deal with it and make some serious decisions. I
suggest making a short list to address these basic questions long before you
leave:
1. Why am I retiring?
2. Can I afford to leave? (Part 3 of this series)
3. Am I physically prepared for the rigors of retirement? (Part 2 of this
series)
4. Is my will, estate, and directives in order? (Part 4 of this series)
5. What will I do with my time?
6. How will my life change when I leave?
7. What are my significant others expectations?
8. Do I want to work in retirement and if so doing what? (Visit our job center)
9. What do I need to do before I retire to enhance my retirement goals?
The last question will be formulated after you address the first 8. If you
decide that you want to start a small business now is the time to explore that
option part time while you are working full time for Uncle Sam. No matter what
you aspire to do; work, pursue hobbies, golf, travel more, volunteer at your
local church, NOW is the time to put those plans into action so when you leave
it isn’t all left to chance. If you take action now and start the process you
won’t be stressed about it when you leave and will at least know what direction
you are heading when you walk out the door.
I know this is a simple concept however many don’t take it far enough. So.....
in closing, if you are preparing to retire ask yourself these questions, put
pencil to paper, make a plan, have meaningful discussions with your loved ones
and make it happen.
Download our FREE Report
How to be Emotionally and
Physically Prepared When You Retire
Part 2 (Continuation)
Back to article index
