Four ways to prepare for retirement

Getting ready for retirement should be one of the most exciting times of your life. It's almost time to leave the world of stress, deadlines and work obligations behind you, trading them in for - as you prefer - the golf course, travel or simply relaxation. However, if you haven't planned ahead, retirement can become extremely stressful. The CSi Property Group provides a list of four things you can do in the lead-up to your retirement to ensure that the process is smooth and stress-free.

Consider a trial run

If you're thinking about retiring to a different part of South Africa, try to spend as much time there as possible. Go for more than just a weekend - knowledge is power and the best way to learn about a place is to spend time there as a resident, rather than as a holidaymaker. If you get the opportunity, rent an Airbnb for a few weeks and live in your new area as a local would. Semigrating to the coast for one's retirement can be a great idea for some people, but for others, the familiarity of one's home town - as well as the presence of family and friends - winds up being an even bigger drawcard.

Think about hobbies and travel goals

Once work isn't filling your days, you'll need to have a plan for what will fill them. The best approach is to get involved in a range of hobbies and activities for seniors. This range could include any number of activities from reading, crossword puzzles, volunteer work, consulting with professionals in your former line of work or researching your family history. There is also a huge variety of outdoor activities you can get involved in - and you don't necessarily have to be in great shape. Think gentle strolls, birdwatching, golf or an occasional gentle game of tennis.

If travel has been on your bucket list but work has been getting in the way, now is the time to plan those trips you've always wanted to take. It's also worth remembering that if you're retiring in Gauteng, there are plenty of great places to check out right on your doorstep.

Plan for your expenses

You've been saving for decades and now it's time to make your money work for you. Ensure that you have a good financial adviser who is managing your finances and investments effectively on your behalf. Look at the costs associated with the retirement home that you've chosen and ensure that you will continue to live within your means. If you are living in a retirement home, levies are likely to be an extra expense that you need to budget for.

Choose the right retirement home

Finding the place that you'll call home in your retirement years can be one of the most daunting parts of making this monumental change. Things to think about include proximity to friends and family, access to the things you love doing, affordability and the level of care on offer. It's likely to be difficult to even imagine a time when you might need help with day-to-day living, but buying or renting in a retirement village that can cater for any needs you may have in the future provides security and peace of mind.

Getting ready for your big retirement day should be joyful - not stressful. If you're planning to retire in Gauteng, allow the CSi Property Group to help you find the right retirement home. Get in touch today and let us introduce you to some of Gauteng's best-loved retirement villages.