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 RETIREMENT - WHEN, WHERE AND TO DO WHAT?


When we think of retirement, we often think of beautiful beaches and warm weather.  But for many, retirement may not be that pleasant.  For a majority of us, the thought of retirement is very concerning.  When, where and to do what?

After two careers spanning about 30 years, I have started thinking about retirement.  There are many financial tools that help you make financial decisions for life after retirement.  Fidelity has an excellent retirement planning tool. But I have not seen any tool that can tell me whether I am ready physically and mentally to retire.  I am 60 years old and not in excellent health.  Waking up at 4 am every day, to leave for work at 6 am and return only at 7:30 pm has had an impact on my body and brain.  I am tired and would like to retire in couple of years.  I have heard of many people struggling with decisions about retirement.

Also, I live in Northern Virginia.  Living in Northern Virginia is expensive and life will continue to be hectic.  However, I enjoy the multicultural cuisine, time with friends that I have made during the last 20 years, and benefit from excellent medical facilities.  Do I relocate and if so where? There are several tools to help locate a place to live.  AARP has destinations to consider.  Livability scores are a useful guide.


But what will I do after I retire?  How will I keep myself occupied?  I spent about 14 hours at work and in commuting.  After I retire, I will have too much time in my hands.  More importantly, the work gives me an identity and a purpose in life. What I do has an impact and makes a difference in the life of many people.  How can I use my experience and interest to do something that will give me a new identity? A purpose?  Can sharing my experience and knowledge with decision making through this blog serve as a purpose?  I hope to log my retirement decisions on this page and provide appropriate links to sites and tools that I have used.

RESOURCES:
1.  Where to Retire - 1

2.  How to Study a new language
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