Monday, May 2, 2011

Living an Extraordinary Second Half

With over 76 million baby boomers entering their "golden years", some folks find it a little daunting to imagine what life will be like during retirement.  This is a compilation of some strategies and ideas that I have gleaned from my readings:

1)  Money is all about numbers.  Happiness is all about attitudes and behaviors.
2)  Live below your means if you want to be comfortable in retirement.  Pay yourself first and build your lifestyle around these two habits. 
3)  Have a plan.  A road map to retirement is as necessary as breathing oxygen. 
4)  Start saving early.  But remember that it is never too late to try and catch up. 
5)  Take care of your health.  A nutritious and low fat diet combined with exercise and stress reduction will ensure that you make it to retirement.
6)  Hang out with people who make you feel good and enrich your life.  Ditch the negative influences.
7)  Invest like a millionaire.  Work with a fee-only advisor with no conflicts of interest.  Take a long term view and keep your costs as low as possible.  Don't chase the "hot tips" your friends or the media tout. 
8)  Stimulate your brain with constant learning, taking trips, reading, trying new things, making new friends. 
9)  Create your bucket list.  Go for it.  Be engaged in life. 
10)  Give back with your time, talents and treasure.  Create a legacy

Following these ideas will truly allow you to enjoy those golden years and live a full and glorious life.

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