Even though you have been preparing to retire for years, the reality of one day finishing work for good can be a huge shock to some. The quick transition to retirement can overshadow what should be a happy period of your life if not managed successfully. So, here are Future Life’s top tips for the first thirty days of your retirement:

1. Don’t delay in making plans – This goes for the short-term and long term. If you don’t have any concrete plans, it’s a good idea to start making those sooner rather than later to give your life away from work a sense of purpose. Also think about your day-to-day plans - get in contact with friends and family to meet up for coffee. Organise day trips and long weekend breaks. An active social life doesn’t happen on its own, so start planning early.
2. Limit your screen time – Suddenly you’ll have so much free time on your hands, and it can be tempting to relax on the sofa, making your way through one box set after another. It’s important to have the mindset that TV is there to make it easier to fit viewing around your other activities, not to become your life!
   
3. Take some time to de-stress – You may have left your working life behind, but that doesn’t mean all your stresses will disappear overnight. In fact, it’s quite likely that you’ve been putting off tackling some of the stressful elements of your life outside of work, perhaps due to a lack of time to deal with them. Coming up with a strategy to resolve these problems as early as possible once you retire will help you to enjoy what should be the most relaxed period of your life.
   
4. Celebrate! – It’s surprising how many people let the occasion of their retirement pass them by. After decades of hard work to get into this position, why not celebrate! You could mark the occasion with a weekend away, a fancy meal or even just an expensive bottle of bubbly.

If you are planning for retirement, get in touch with us today on 01246 435996 to see how we can help.

No individual investment advice is given, nor intended to be given in this article and liability will be accepted in respect of any action you may take as a result of reading this article. If you are unsure you are urged to take independent investment advice.