Why you must retire before the age of 65

Retire before 65: Unlocking the Freedom and Fulfillment of Early Retirement

Den Guevarra
The Fresh Writes
8 min readJun 12, 2023

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Many people dream of retiring early. The idea of leaving the workforce before the age of 65 and enjoying the freedom to pursue hobbies and interests is an attractive one.

But is it really possible? The answer is yes! You can retire early and take advantage of all the benefits that come with it with careful planning and wise financial decisions.

In this article, we’ll explore why it’s best to retire before the age of 65 and provide tips on how to make it happen.

We’ll cover everything from retirement planning and savings to investing and budgeting for retirement. So if you’re ready to take control of your financial future and retire early, keep reading!

Benefits of early retirement:

Retiring early has many benefits that make it a smart financial decision. For one, you’ll have more time to pursue hobbies and interests that you may not have had time for while working.

You’ll also have more time to spend with family and friends, which can be especially important as you get older.

Additionally, retiring early can lead to better health outcomes, as you’ll have more time to exercise and take care of yourself.

Finally, retiring early can help you avoid burnout and stress from work, which can have negative effects on your mental and physical health.

So why retire before the age of 65? The answer is simple: the earlier you retire, the more time you’ll have to enjoy all these benefits. By retiring early, you’ll be able to take control of your life and enjoy all the things that matter most to you.

How to retire early:

Retiring early may seem like a pipe dream, but with careful planning and smart financial decisions, it’s possible to make it a reality.

Here are some tips on how to retire early:

  • Save more money: The more money you save, the earlier you can retire. Consider cutting back on expenses and increasing your income to save more money each month.
  • Invest wisely: Investing your money can help it grow faster and provide you with more income in retirement. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that works for you.
  • Reduce expenses: The less money you spend each month, the less you’ll need in retirement. Consider downsizing your home or moving to a less expensive area.
  • Consider part-time work: Working part-time in retirement can provide you with additional income and help you transition into retirement more slowly.
  • Start planning early: The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better off you’ll be.
  • Start saving and investing as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of retiring early.

By following these tips, you can retire early and enjoy all the benefits that come with it

Retirement planning:

Retirement planning is an essential part of retiring early.

Here are some tips on how to plan for retirement:

  • Determine your retirement goals: What do you want to do in retirement? How much money will you need to achieve those goals? Answering these questions can help you determine how much money you’ll need to save.
  • Calculate your retirement income: How much income will you have in retirement? Consider all sources of income, including Social Security, pensions, and investment income.
  • Develop a savings plan: Once you know how much money you’ll need in retirement, develop a savings plan to help you reach that goal. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a plan that works for you.
  • Review and adjust your plan regularly. Your retirement plan should be reviewed and adjusted regularly to ensure that you’re on track to meet your goals.

By following these tips, you can develop a retirement plan that works for you and helps you achieve your goal of retiring early.

Retirement savings:

Retirement savings are important because they help you prepare for a comfortable life after you retire.

It is important to start saving early so that you can take advantage of compound interest.

You should also contribute to your employer’s retirement plan if they offer one and take advantage of catch-up contributions if you’re 50 or older.

Automating your savings can also help you save more consistently. It is also important to rein in spending and set a goal for how much you want to save for retirement.

Investing for retirement:

Investing for retirement is important because it can help you grow your savings and keep up with inflation.

It is important to determine an appropriate asset mix that is suitable for your timeline and goals.

You should also be careful about withdrawing too much from your nest egg, as you can’t earn it back without a steady paycheck.

Here are more tips:

  • Determine an appropriate asset mix that is suitable for your timeline and goals.
  • Simplify your retirement investing by using mutual funds and ETFs that target growth and income.
  • Start saving early.
  • Understand your options.
  • Calculate your net worth regularly.

Budgeting for retirement:

Budgeting for retirement is important because it can help you plan for your future expenses and ensure that you have enough money to cover your needs.

It is important to make a retirement budget that takes into account your fixed expenses, such as housing and healthcare costs, as well as your discretionary expenses, such as travel and entertainment.

You should also be aware of the different financial phases of retirement and adjust your budget accordingly.

Here are some tips on how to budget for retirement:

  • Plan and budget your food costs.
  • Shop around to trim the cost of regular bills.
  • Move to an area with lower costs.
  • Use public transportation.
  • Track your spending.
  • Don’t ignore senior discounts.
  • Get creative with activities and entertainment.

Lifestyle changes for retirement:

Lifestyle changes can help you retire early by reducing your expenses and increasing your savings.

Downsizing your home can be a great way to save money in retirement. It can help you reduce your housing costs and free up money for other expenses.

Moving to a less expensive area can also be a good way to save money in retirement. It can help you reduce your living expenses and stretch your retirement savings further.

But it is important to consider the costs of moving and the impact on your lifestyle before making a decision.

Here are some tips on how to make these lifestyle changes:

  • Plan ahead.
  • Consider the costs of moving.
  • Think about the impact on your social life and support network.
  • Be prepared for the emotional impact of downsizing.
  • Get rid of clutter and unnecessary possessions.
  • Consider renting before buying.
  • Look for communities that offer amenities and services that meet your needs.

Summing Up

In conclusion, retiring before 65 opens up a world of possibilities. Take control of your financial future and start planning for early retirement today.

Embrace the benefits of more time for hobbies, cherished moments with loved ones, and improved well-being.

Save diligently, invest wisely, and make strategic budgeting decisions. With determination and discipline, you can achieve your dream of retiring early.

So, what are you waiting for? Begin your journey towards a fulfilling and rewarding retirement by taking action now. Your future self will thank you.

Meta Description: Explore the benefits of retiring early and learn how to make it a reality with smart financial strategies. Take control of your future, pursue passions, and spend quality time with loved ones. Start planning now for a fulfilling and rewarding retirement journey.

References:

“Net Worth.” Play Money Smart, FDIC, 2022, playmoneysmart.fdic.gov/tools/22

Newman, J. (2022, September 9). Retirement Downsizing in Real Estate. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/09/business/retirement/retirement-downsizing-real-estate.html. Web. March 8, 2023

10 Reasons Renting Is Better Than Buying.” Investopedia, Dotdash, 12 Nov. 2012, https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1112/reasons-renting-is-better-than-buying.aspx

6 Asset Allocation Strategies That Work.” Investopedia, Dotdash, n.d., https://www.investopedia.com/investing/6-asset-allocation-strategies-work/

Compound Interest.” Investopedia, Dotdash, n.d., https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/compoundinterest.asp#:~:text=Compound%20interest%20is%20calculated%20by,subtracted%20from%20the%20resulting%20value

The Benefits of Working Part-Time in Retirement.” Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur Media Inc., 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.entrepreneur.com/finance/the-benefits-of-working-part-time-in-retirement/446700

How to Automate Your Savings.” Forbes Advisor, Forbes Media LLC., 8 Mar. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/savings/how-to-automate-your-savings/#:~:text=Most%20banks%20let%20you%20set,or%20403(b)%20plan

Retirement Budgeting: How to Plan for Your Future.” Annuity.org, Consumer Brands LLC., n.d., https://www.annuity.org/retirement/planning/retirement-budget/

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Den Guevarra
The Fresh Writes

I write about the easily overlooked, the mundane and reveal it as the important and meaningful notion that it is. My aim is to inspire growth and authenticity.