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Date Created:
March 27, 2008
Category:
Money & Work »
Retirement Planning
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AARP.org
Retirement possibilities
Today's future retiree's have almost limitless possibilities to consider in making their retirement choices; Where do I want to live? What are my housing options? What are the most important factors in making my decisions? What will I do after I retire? What are other people doing? Let's discuss the possibilities
  Post to Topic     Print   What are the top mistakes people make when retiring?
http://www.aarp.org/community/groups/displayTopic.bt?groupId=2852&topicId=372242
tfieber said:
on June 21, 2008 10:27 PM ET
edited on February 3, 2009 04:47 PM ET

I'm not sure if this is appropriate to post, but thought I'd ask. If its not, please let me know (but please don't blast me, I've seen some forums where the people get downright nasty with each other, and I wouldn't want to be a part of that -- on the giving end or the receiving!), and I'll learn what to do and not to do in this forum.

I'm new to this online group, have been receiving the AARP online newsletters for years and LOVE to read all of the articles and information. What a great way to learn about what it will be like for those of us who are near retirement (within 5 years or so) and for those that have recently retired! Not that it isn't useful once you're retired, but throughout life, I find that researching things before doing them definitely helps me to be more prepared for the actual event. The articles and forums are very welcome to me, since there are many different topics to choose to read and learn from.

I'm wondering if you can give me some insight into what you see as the top mistakes people make when you retire? What mistakes have you made, or have you seen others make when it comes to retirement? By knowing these (I know they will be different for each individual), I'm hoping to avoid (or at least be prepared for) them to help ensure success in retirement. My background is as a manager in the HR field, and I work with fellow co-workers who are nearing retirement. I see their struggle with knowing when to retire, and it seems everyone is primarily concerned with finances in retirement. Isn't there so much more to planning for retirement?? I mean, finances aside, one thing I worry about is what I will do to occupy my time once I retire. I've raised children, taken classes, worked my way up in the work world, always focussing on 'external' things, giving of my time unendingly (is that a word?). So when I think about retirement, I'm trying to figure out what it will mean for me.

In order to find out some answers, I've taken an online retirement assessment to see where I am now, and where I expect to be when I retire. Its given me some insight into my own expectations of retirement, and where I am now in relation to these expectations. I defintely have some work to do before I retire!

This assessment has helped me so much, that I became certified to give the assessment to others. It certainly doesn't give me all of the answers, but it helps me to think of some of the questions I need to think about and answer before I retire, and to help others do the same.

I'd like to start writing articles to help people prepare for retirement, avoid mistakes, figure out a plan, so any questions you can help me ask and answer would be greatly appreciated! Even if you only have the questions, I'd welcome them and I'll research to find answers. I think retirement has not been talked about enough, and by writing articles (and maybe interviewing people who are nearing retirement or who have already retired), we can share some insight to help each other.

Make sense?

I look forward to your thoughts and opinions on this, and hope for many to post comments.

Thanks,

Tracey

39 posts by 14 users
Post #39
maidishose02 replied to Always2late's Post #36 :
on October 29, 2009 12:51 PM ET

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Post #38
ASTRAEA replied to tfieber's Post #37 :
on September 2, 2009 03:13 PM ET

Perhaps your situation has changed, since you first created this Topic, because as I posted before, it sounded like you were trying to learn from listening to people here, but as soon as anyone posted something .. you began to make suggestions about how they should do things. Maybe you should start a new Topic & word it based on where you are now, and whether you're asking for help, or offering it.


Post #37
tfieber replied to ASTRAEA's Post #35 :
on September 2, 2009 03:04 PM ET

I'm simply trying to help (which others have replied did help). A few
years back I was in the shoes of many, contemplating retirement and figuring out when
would be right for me (and my husband). At first I was confused and frustrated
because of the lack of information. I mean, how many thousands of people had
retired and yet there was very little 'good' information available. I really had
to dig and I talked to ALOT of people, trying to find answers. I'm hoping that
somehow I can share on these forums so others don't have to dig like I did and go through
the frustration.

Yes, I am a retirement transition coach (please forgive me if that's a bad thing??), I said in my original post some of the things I'm doing to help others. Isn't that the sort of person who you would want help from or free advice, someone who has experience in a variety of areas, who has dedicated time to research and who can help or guide you to give you ideas when you feel stuck or are just not sure where to turn for answers? Too often we take the advice of others who are simply giving their opinion, and then when things go awry we wonder why. I don't know about you, but I know I've done that before (especially investing information, I lost a few thousand dollars because I listened to a
buddy who had a hot tip that, in his view, couldn't go wrong. Guess what, it did!). Retirement transition coaching is really a 'bringing-together' of my entire life. I can see how all of the things I've done throughout my life have
prepared me for this next stage and journey. I've been a Manager (human resources, marketing, operations) and have always connected to people older than me. My transition journey started a few years back, and like many of you, I've transitioned into my next stage. Since I first wrote the post in 2008, much has changed in my life, I left my corporate job a few months ago and I'm helping others with their transition. It's funny, some coworkers found that, as the date drew nearer, they tended to push it off. I wondered, "Hmmm, what's with that?" I didn't want that to happen to me. Instead, I raised my awareness of this possibility, it seems to have helped me prepare even more.

Retirement can be a bit scary, yet very exciting too! I've just started to hold free teleclasses, my focus thus far has been helping people with the information I've found or learned. Yes, I do get paid by some for helping them. I have a website and a free ezine to help others. Again, I give free information to anyone who wants it. I'm having other 'experts' on calls to help in areas that could be useful to those of us in this transition. If you have any ideas on what you'd like to see, please let me know.

You know, I started this conversation (post) a year ago this past June, and now that I've moved more fully into the next stage, I'm confused why suddenly I'm feeling that I'm not welcome to continue this conversation when people post in response to the one I started... It's starting the conversations we need to be having...

I don't want people turned off from participating in this group or any other, that's why I ventured into retirement coaching, because I heard the struggle from many others. I had taken coaching certification and was helping people with their financial aspect (I worked in a financial institution), and the conversation, even though we were dealing with the financial part, would always turn to 'life' in retirement, irregardless of finances. People who had their finances taken care of still worried about what they would do with their time, how they would keep busy, what they could do to stimulate their mind so they don't begin to deteriorate. It seems to be a worry for many, no matter what their financial
circumstance is. I can tell numerous stories from the people I've listened to, some who were financially wealthy,
yet still struggled with the 'life' aspect of retirement. Some are so miserable they actually drive people away. We discuss to see if they'res open to someone helping in this area. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be like that,
or see others who get to that point. I truly believe there are things we can do and steps we can take to make sure that doesn't happen to us. And this group can be an excellent way to start those conversations.

This forum is a friendly atmosphere in which new retirees can air their issues, which is exactly the first step we need to do, get people talking about retirement. I viewed it as a place to talk openly with others who are going through this transition. I have heard other forums that had another coach join the group whose purpose was other than to help. As in any business, there are some who do not operate from a place of integrity and authenticity, and they seem to believe that all interactions always lead to $$$. And when they don't they usually abandon the group. I believe
more along the lines of 'pay it forward'. By me 'giving' and 'helping' in ways that I can, offering ideas for trouble areas or confusion that you or others may be having, I believe the Universe will give back to me in unexpected ways.
THAT'S the way I've been my whole life, and in retirement or retirement coaching, I don't have plans to change that. It's worked well for me so far.

Now having said that, if you want me to 'unsubscribe' from this group, please let me know and I will honor the group's request. I don't want to offend anyone, and if my presence here does that, I will respect your wishes. I must say, I'm still confused with the fact that I started this conversation, which has had a variety of contributions due to that original post, yet now that I have transitioned (like many others here), something's changed??

Thank you for allowing me to participate thus far. I don't want to participate in a group where I need to keep defending myself continuously. I prefer to put my energies into positive interactions, so please let me know either way.
 
When I offer to help, it's not to sell you something. It's truly meant to help. And having a phone conversation is a way to truly listen to the person, since their voice, their tone, the inflections, and even sometimes what they're not saying can be heard. It's my preferred method of communication, rather than through typing which leaves so much out of the conversation. Call me old-fashioned, but I still like the connection through the phone or face-to-face.

Tracey
 


Post #36
Always2late said:
on September 2, 2009 07:05 AM ET

I like to thank you for your space here, and I do beg for your patience and understanding because this may be rather long, -1st off, if i cannot get ahold of AARP it's self, this spot should help me-due to make background as a jack of all trades, and the inability to self improve(did once-but lost due to unforeseen circumstances), however I did on numerous times to do just that;to improve. No I was unable to go to college, my grades are too low, even when I attempted a few years ago. anyway, due to my serious lack of funds, my retirement won't be a bowl full of cherries. I do hope in the very near future to have a job/career online(still struggling on that one). since high school back in 1973-;I have been either at or just above minimum wage. Yes I have financially struggled all my life. NOT easy. And because of that, I do fear the worst for my retirement-only have 9 more years to go, and It won't go easily. Also there have been numurous failures and lossess(not trying to cry my heart out here-just explaining my situation). How did i come across this computer? it took an awfull lot. Now for the million $ question-how much is a grave site and the steps involved in that-no I won't be able to afford a coffin, and I don't want one, just a pine box and bury me. I have as yet to make out a will, have the kit-but still deciding on what to do. I may have to make living arrangements with a family member when i retire, YES, It's gone that far, my SSI won't allow me to live comfortable on my own. You are however furtunately employed rather successfully, I only wish and hope you future success. I've never been married nor any children. I do work the grave yard. Yes-I am worried about my future. also about the idea of a POSSIBLE grave site. why worry about my grave site now? because there's no money to afford one. I'm currently working my way out of debt, but it will take that long to resolve that matter. (made the erroruneous mistake of getting credit cards years ago, but since a couple of years ago got rid of them)-knew better but got'em anyway. I do thank you for your time. and hope to hear from you soon on a couple of those issues. And may peace and happiness be with us.


Post #35
ASTRAEA said:
on August 31, 2009 08:27 AM ET
edited on August 31, 2009 08:28 AM ET

The more I compare your original Topic with your responses to people's posts, there seems to be a major disconnect between your stated purpose in the Topic .. and what you're actually doing. From your Topic:

 

"I'm wondering if you can give me some insight into what you see as the top mistakes people make when you retire? What mistakes have you made, or have you seen others make when it comes to retirement? By knowing these (I know they will be different for each individual), I'm hoping to avoid (or at least be prepared for) them to help ensure success in retirement."

 

You've specifically solicited information about mistakes people know about in retiring, so you can avoid them. But when anyone mentions a common mistake .. possibly one they've seen, rather than experienced personally .. you immediately offer to help them fix the problem! I thought you were here to learn the potential pitfalls, to be able to handle YOUR OWN retirement more smoothly?!

 

Are you sure you're not just trawling for potential clients to coach?! Soliciting business here is a violation of the Terms of Service, even if you try to camouflage it, as just asking for help for yourself.


Post #34
Karean replied to ASTRAEA's Post #33 :
on August 31, 2009 08:21 AM ET

 

Astraea,

I totally agree with you.  I feel this person is looking for clients.  She also has an empty profile with a "blue head," so I think she is a solicitor.  I felt offended when she suggested ways for me to fix what isn't broken.  I hope she moves on to prey on some else's website.

 

Thanks for your input and your impression.


Post #33
ASTRAEA replied to tfieber's Post #32 :
on August 31, 2009 07:43 AM ET

I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself, trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist!

 

The discussion was about getting a job in retirement, and I said I didn't need to for the money. I think you suggested working from home, and I said my only interest in any sort of work would be for interaction with people, not working by myself at home.

 

I didn't say I was isolated, only that the one thing that might motivate me to work, would be face-to-face interaction with people.

 

It's beginning to sound like your soliciting "clients"!


Post #32
tfieber replied to ASTRAEA's Post #29 :
on August 30, 2009 10:31 PM ET

Staying in contact with people is an important part of a healthy retirement.

Sounds like the part-time job has a specific purpose in your life -- to fill the need for human contact. Are there other ways you can fill this need? Volunteering? Joining a group? Or is the income an important consideration? Why did you choose administrative support for real estate, for example? Do you have a connection to real estate, or is this one example you identified when you bought your house years ago, and thought, "I'd like to do that when I retire"? If so, are there other industries who would have this need for administrative help? I can think of a few off the top of my head, and I'm sure there must be more.

These are the answers I can help you find to help you determine what's right for you. If you'd like to provide more details here, or prefer a quick chat, I'd love to see if I can help.

Tracey