Tips and Traps When Choosing a Retirement Location
Right now, you might have a rough idea of where you want to live your better days, but nothing is set in stone. Or maybe you have a thorough list.
Either way, we’re here to help you choose your ideal location.
TIP: Plan, Plan, Plan
Begin planning your retirement as early as you can. Your plans will evolve over time, but nevertheless, keep planning. You can never be too prepared.
Finding what is not right for you is as important as finding what is right for you. Use our checklist as a guide and tweak it to your liking.
TRAP: It’s not an Extended Holiday
When you think about retirement, do you imagine it to be one long holiday? You got one thing right, it is long.
The reason we enjoy our short vacations are simply because they are an escape from our busy life. But wouldn’t it get boring if you lived that way Every. Single. Day?
We all need a purpose in life. Even though you’re not working full time, you need to find something to keep you busy. Your retirement should be your own kind of paradise, where you enjoy your own balance of doing everything you love.
TIP: Have a Trial Run
In a blog post from ‘Retiring Not Shy’, Jan Wild wrote about a story she once heard about a client of a retirement coach. The client claimed all he wanted to do during retirement was to “play golf”. The coach advised him to take leave and play golf every day for a month and by the end of it, the client ultimately realised that he needed more than golf to enjoy his retirement.
Scout and test drive the few locations you have narrowed down to. Stay a few weeks to have a sense of what the day-to-day life would be like. Weigh the pros and cons of each area and have a checklist of your requirements.
Get out of the tourist mentality and go visit the locals. It is important to get a sense of how the community is and what your lifestyle would be like.
Is it as amazing as you always hoped it would be? Or did it get monotonous?
TRAP: Too Remote
TIP: Accessibility
At this point, you may be able to drive around easily. However, in case of any issues, you need to be able to easily walk to the supermarket, café, clinic, park, public transport, etc.
You don’t ever want to feel trapped because you can’t go anywhere without a car.
TRAP: Too Far Out of Your Comfort Zone
TIP: Be Frank
If you have left all the planning to your spouse or your children, that may not be the best thing for you. Even though he/she may know you extremely well, there is always the chance that the location would not tick off enough of your boxes.
You must be vocal about what you want and be actively involved in the decision-making process. Communicate and take the time to do your research until you find a place that suits yours and your spouse’s needs equally.
TRAP: Peer Pressure
Your friends and relatives can sing praises about the place they have chosen/are choosing to retire. Don’t let them influence your decision because what works for them might not work for you.
Everyone has different needs, and you must find which place works best for you as an individual or as a couple.
TIP: Sense of Belonging
TRAP: Thinking Short Term
Of course, we can’t predict the future. But we can anticipate what it might look like. The fact of ageing is that we will need assistance at some point. Choose a location where there is accessibility to skilled-nursing care, transportation aid, home-delivery meals, and help with house chores.
TIP: Serve Your Community
We all want to make meaningful contributions to society. It doesn’t have to stop as you grow older.
When searching for a location, look out for job and volunteer opportunities that catch your interest. You want to be a part of something that fills your soul with joy.
Listen to Your Gut
Are you excited to live there?
Be thorough with your research and planning, and your mind and body will align and tell you what feels right for you.
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