Reading wthenslers post on Retirement got me thinking about what tips those that are retired can offer to those thinking or planning for it. I greatly value folks actual experiences and have relied on them for many things, filtering them to fit my own needs and values if that makes sense.

Here goes:

For those that have worked a long structured career that may have concerns about “what will I do with my time”, I think it’s very helpful to have other interests outside of your career. I’m extremely fortunate in that I enjoy a number of things like golf, cycling, house projects etc. I’ve been retired for two years and have never looked for anything to do. I’ve never been bored. I get my social outlet from play golf and riding friends. How about you?

Financials, I’m finding I need close to the same income as when I was working. Everyone’s situation is different so I’d be interested to hear other’s thoughts. Inflation continues and I don’t think anything has reduced in cost since I retired. Medical insurance for my wife is substantially higher than I’d planned but we’ve found another option.....I still need bike parts, groceries etc. I even wanted to expand my cycling interests so I purchased a gravel frame and built up yet another bike......We have a solid financial plan and experts helping us execute it. I haven’t lost sleep or stressed over finances, but I think we’re reasonable with our lifestyle. I just need to keep the wife in check on spending our retirement on our grandkids????

i think it’s important to incorporate “fun” and rewarding things into your life. I’ve planned and ridden my bike across the US. I do supported bicycle tours around the US. I built a new bike and enjoying riding gravel/dirt roads. I’m learning and experiencing doing unsupported overnight rides. We’re doing trips to other countries with our friends and relatives.

I did an overnight bike ride this past week and met and talked to a number other cyclists on the trail doing overnight rides. The theme was very similar. Everyone was loving life, smiling, enjoying retirement, glad to not be working and thrilled with being able to ride their bikes. Sound familiar?

What thoughts can you offer?