By Alan Lim
It can be pretty daunting to think about retirement, but with a few pointers you should be able to make the best choice for yourself.
There are a few things to look at. These are your finances, the climate, health care facilities and, of course, distance from your family.
Let us first take a look at your finances. Ask yourself the following questions: can I afford a move from my location? How much money do I have coming and can I support myself while staying at my present home? Will I be able to pay the taxes, both state and local that I will be accruing?
Take a look at your nest egg and judge what you can afford. If staying at your current residence is cheaper than moving out, by all means stay - you can't enjoy retirement without your hard-earned money. Also, make calculations on what you'll be spending your money on. That way, you can also check if you can afford to move into a decent retirement community.
The climate is another factor. Take into consideration the fact that you're not as spry or healthy anymore - the extremes of warmth and cold can do major damage to an old body. Also, think about what you enjoy - if you have hobbies that are specific to a particular climate, it would be best to choose the right one for your pastime. Enjoy fishing or swimming? Maybe a nice coastal residence with a sunny climate would be the best for you. A majority of retirees prefer warmer climates for their retirement days and thus choose to take residence in the southern states. Florida isn't the only senior-friendly state and you have a wide array to choose from.
The two final factors are the medical facilities and how far away from your relatives do you want to be. Growing old usually means fading health and your choice for spending your golden years should have ample access to health care. Check around for a place with a good hospital or a nice local doctor. Relaxing in your twilight years would be better if you had the good health to enjoy them. Also, take into consideration your immediate family. Do they want to visit often? Do you want them to visit often? Do you want to drop by on them frequently? Try checking for a place that is affordable for you and your family's travel budget and easy enough for them to visit. |
