couple on boat in lake

7 (More) Great Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement

Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary

Are you ready to retire but unsure what to do with all the extra free time? You’re not alone. Here are seven great ways to spend your time in retirement from a list compiled by GreatSeniorLiving.com. They will inspire both those thinking about retirement and those already in retirement.

1. Start a Small Business

Now that you aren’t focused on making a living, you can focus on selling any product or service you like. Many retirees use their experience to become consultants or freelance employees. You could also consider starting a small business:

  • Selling crafts through an Etsy shop
  • Offering homemade goods at a farmers market
  • Babysitting for a family
  • Walking dogs or pet sitting

2. Attend Summer Camp

Specialized camps for retirees are a growing trend. They offer opportunities like canoeing, ziplining, archery, river rafting, ropes courses, and campfires. Most camps provide comfortable accommodations like air conditioning and private bathrooms. GreatSeniorLiving.com mentions a few to try: Camp Chief OurayHorses and Canoes Summer Camp in the Ozarks, and Camp Isabella Freedman.  

3. Explore Your Family Tree

Dig into your roots. This could involve sorting through old family photos or amassing a collection of stories that have been passed down through the generations. Several online websites can help you track down the details of your family tree. Many require a paid subscription. GreatSeniorLiving.com says prices range from $80 to $200 a year.

4. Get Involved in Politics

Indulge your inner activist by getting involved in politics. There’s no better time than retirement to take a greater interest in issues that impact your city, county, or state. You can become a poll worker, campaign volunteer, organize rallies, attend town hall meetings, or even run for local office.

5. Improve Your Home

You finally have time for those house projects you’ve dreamed of completing. Make your home more beautiful, convenient, or safe. Convert a child’s bedroom to an office or exercise space: update cabinets, floors, or décor. Add a fresh coat of paint or try wallpaper. You can spruce up the exterior of your home by updating shutters, adding a window box, or installing new light fixtures.

6. Write

With more time to think and reflect, you might realize that you have special stories or know-how to share. Now may be the time to write a memoir, cookbook, or how-to guide. You could start a blog dedicated to your retirement experience. Or write down family history or special memories for your kids or grandkids.

7. Relax

There’s no shame in taking some time to relax in retirement. Not every moment needs to be packed with activities. Everyone needs downtime. Don’t feel guilty about a bit of TV or taking a nap. You’ve earned it!   

A lifestyle plan is a compass by which we determine the direction of the rest of the aspects of your comprehensive retirement plan. To make the right decisions about your income, health care, taxes, investments, and legacy, you’ll need to spell out how you want to spend your time in retirement and what means the most to you. You can talk to a retirement planner about how to get started by scheduling a complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call. Click here to schedule your call today! 

Sources: GreatSeniorLiving.com

Retiring With a Pension? Interest Rates are Impacting Your Lump Sum

October 20th, 2022

Attention pension plan owners! This information is for you. As interest rates are […]

Read More

Retirees to Receive Historic Social Security Pay Raise

October 13th, 2022

Social Security beneficiaries are getting a historic benefit increase. The Social Security Administration […]

Read More

A Look at the History of Social Security as COLA Bump Nears

October 6th, 2022

Any day now, retirees should find out what their Social Security raise will […]

Read More

Medicare Part B Premium Will Decrease in 2023

September 29th, 2022

It’s not very often that we get to tell you about the cost […]

Read More

7 Reasons People Retire Earlier Than Planned

September 22nd, 2022

For 32 years, the Employee Benefits Research Institute has been surveying Americans about retirement. […]

Read More

Long-Term Care Readiness

September 15th, 2022

Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some […]

Read More

Spousal Succession Plan

September 8th, 2022

A little planning now can go a long way when life takes unexpected […]

Read More

Medicare Annual Enrollment is Almost Here

September 1st, 2022

It’s easy to think of Medicare as a one-time thing. Three months before […]

Read More

Possible Social Security Changes for 2023

August 18th, 2022

Another big cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could be coming for Social Security recipients in […]

Read More

Understanding Financial Designations

August 11th, 2022

On our website, TV show, podcast, or YouTube channel, you may have noticed […]

Read More

Ready to take your retirement to the next level?

Let's chat! Schedule a RetireReady Call to talk with a retirement planner about your retirement vision.

Ready to take your retirement to the next level?

Let's chat! Schedule a RetireReady Call to talk with a retirement planner about your retirement vision.

Call Now Button