By David S. Edge

Don’t forget to enjoy life!

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While we assist lots of folks with their initial financial planning, we often look forward to seeing them for their plans annual review. It’s a chance to catch up on their lives and make any minor corrections to their financial plans if something has changed.

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It’s amazing to find out how they are enjoying their retirement.

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Here is just a short list of retirement activities they have told us they enjoy.

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1) Do something you did as a kid.

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Often in my monthly articles of “Why Am I Me”, I relate experiences for people to think about, that made each of us, us! What were you good at or what did you have a passion about while growing up? What is keeping you from enjoying that “thing” now? Get re-engaged with that hobby or skill!

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2) Don’t make excuses!

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Once retired, you are in command of your time. Ensure you have no one else telling or demanding your time unless you want to do it! Our grown kids are really good at using guilt on us to watch the grandkids, or to do something that you may not want to do. Don’t allow others to manipulate your schedule.

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3) Don’t waste time!

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When saying “NO” it gives you time for what youwant to do.While you have this time, do something with it!!! Spend more time with people you like and who like you. Grumpy people only drain your positive energy and those people are always unhappy about something, sometimes anything. Stay away from Negative Nellies. Embrace fun people. If you don’t know any, go find some! One of the biggest opportunities in your retired years is to make new friends. Ever wanted to learn square dancing? Ride a horse? Learn to knit? Scuba dive? Go for it!

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4) Go back to School!

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Keeping your brain active will assist you in fighting off memory loss, and keep you sharp. Go to class, start earning a new degree, learn a new skill, or even teach your skills to someone else. Point is, stay active and keep your brain active. And yes, even a daily group card game helps!

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“Being retired doesn’t mean you’re tired!”

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Part of being healthy is staying active! Biking, walking, wine making, volunteering at a local school to assist in teaching kids to read. Or, volunteer to work at your local hospital, shelter, or library! Get a part time job! The list is endless! You just have to make up your mind that you are going to stay vigorous doing something! That something will help keep you healthy!