01: Looking forward to the golden years

If you look around, you'll find that there are piles and piles of books available on the subject of retirement - either named or aiming at teaching the reader the secrets of How to retire in style . Being retired is, what we call in colloquial terms: in, and much work is going into helping people make this period as luxurious and interesting as possible.

It seems that it is one of those things you can't shy away from, and retirement planning is something you've got to do even if you are a dreamer or the kind of person that takes it easy all the way. So boot up, because the end is near! Yes, were being cynical, but it's best to have a plan in mind so that you can look forward to those Golden Years.

Retirement is change and its best that you adapt to this change by retiring in style instead of facing the negative reality proposed by Oscar Wilde, when he said, "experience is just the name we give our mistakes." Wilde's negative statement is as saddening as the news we have for you: In a recent survey conducted by Putnam Investments, seventy percent of the two thousand retirees polled said that they wish they had saved more funds during their working years; and fifty nine percent said that they should have begun saving ahead. Of course, the good news is that you could end up among the thirty percent that didn't have to say anything in the first instance or among the forty one percent that were peacefully contemplating the substance of foresight as the second question was put forth.

So now you're probably wondering how you'll make it in your Golden Years. Don't worry! Retirement's always a sour subject with people yearning to preserve their youth (or middle-age!) and the apprehension you're feeling is completely normal. However, it's best to ask yourself what you're actually planning for in those long years that lie ahead, since not only will this give you a good idea of the steps you need to take to ensure the kind of lifestyle you're imagining - but will also strengthen your immunity system (which - at your age - could definitely use a boost!).

The following questions should be helpful: (1) If you don't plan for the future, what kind of lifestyle are you anticipating?; (2) What kind of lifestyle do you truly want in your Golden Years and how do you expect yourself to achieve your goal?; (3) What are the chief interests you long to pursue upon retirement?; (4) Do you want to move to another location or change your housing after retiring?; (5) Does your health influence your time of retirement?; (6) Do you foresee that you would be working part-time after retirement in order to make ends meet, and how would that have an effect on your benefits?; (7) Do you wish to start your own business as many do after retirement, and how would that affect your benefits?; (8) What support systems do you have or will have in place?

You may want to let these eight important planning questions boil down to only two: How much money do you think you'll have in your Golden Years and how much do you think you will need? Learn from our Golden Years stars, Courtney Crowell and Michael Golden from Fort Mill, South Carolina. Married just one year, the couple in its thirties has nearly $400,000 set aside for the future! Whether they've weighed up the factor of inflation or not, retirement in style is a real possibility in their lives.

Don't ask us if the Goldens will be spending their retirement years in an Ohioan mobile home or a beach house in Florida whilst your own future is in focus, since you're bound to get a little disappointed. To decrease any chances of future disappointment - and unfulfilled dreams of pancake tours - it's best to toy with the idea of whether or not you need to consult a suitable financial advisor to discuss your objectives for the Golden Years. If you do decide that a financial consultant is what you need at the moment, it is recommended that you interview several such consultants before settling for one. Interview them just as you would interview potential employees, setting your needs before them at the time you peruse their resumes and lists of clients. It also helps to request dependable friends and other professionals to refer you to trustworthy financial consultants, to help you on your quest to find the best. Whatever the case, when you're deciding on an ideal financial planner yourself, do not hesitate to confirm that he/she is an honest professional, since it's best to not to compromise.

We insist that you retire in style, so you'd better follow our advice - and pull out all the stops to ensure that you do us proud!