Pension and annuity retirement policies were first implemented as a means to encourage older workers in employment to look for another jobs. Retirement has become a norm, the expected life of the stage, which has an institutionalized part of most modern societies. Workers expect to retire actively choose to withdraw from workforce as quickly as they are financially feasible. Once they are retired, they are expected to enjoy their life and get satisfaction with their lives. (more…)

The only way to pass a TIAA-CREF account beyond the current generation requires that you elect not to annuitize. You must instead elect the Minimum Distribution Option, because that avoids the conversion of the account into a premium. The first benefit, assuming that this comports with your values and resources, is that you will have responsibility for your own financial destiny. To underline the point, you have rejected the safety net of a lifetime annuity and have chosen instead to take distributions at your own pace, subject to the governmentally prescribed minimum. (more…)

Older workers of today are healthier, better educated, more highly skilled, and a larger proportion of the labor market than in any previous era. Yet, many employers continue to view older workers through a lens distorted by negative stereotypes that developed during the early days of the industrialization process. High rates of unemployment and a sense that human capital, developed in early adulthood, should be sufficient to see workers through their careers made “shedding” older workers a seemingly affordable solution. The long-term costs of that “solution” are now being realized, not only in terms of the pension liabilities that encumber the finances of firms, but also in terms of the organizational loss that occurs when senior workers disappear. (more…)

Relatively little statistical research has been done on the factors that influence people’s participation in volunteer activities. Most of the recent information is descriptive in nature: who volunteers, how much time is spent, and the types of organizations for which they volunteer. (more…)

The first thing to be successful in filling retirement time is people recognize is that leisure time in retirement does not mean inactivity. Leisure is not idleness, although some time is set aside for total relaxation and meditation. Leisure, in a practical sense, is being able to choose among a variety of pleasures, such as those enjoyable exciting activities. (more…)

“Why is it when midlifers talk of fulfilling their lifelong dreams before they’re too old to do them, they’re never talking about dreams like publishing a book or singing at the Met?” Barbara Sher

You have grown up in a goal oriented society. We have been taught from a very early age about achievement and success. Most of us, whether we reached it or not, had a sense of what was expected of us. (more…)

Retirees have experience, knowledge, and skills that society needs. They constitute a giant reservoir of ability and talent. But finding the right retirement part time jobs is not always easy. It is estimated that for every two retirees who work retirement part time jobs, at least one more person would like to work. With Plan B, you have some choices. For example, you can continue to use skills you already possess or learn to do something fresh and different. Here are some ideas or area to consider: (more…)

There are many myths and misconceptions get in the way of realizing the full potential of retirement. Bellow are a few of the most common ones. Watch for them and don’t allow them to ruin your chances for meaningful and reap the benefit of your retirement.

The Retirement/Early Death Myth

You probably know people who were not around long after their retirement parties. The unhappy news causes strange reactions. “It’s too bad Joe didn’t work longer.” “The moment people retire, they grow old.” “I’d still have Fred if he hadn’t retired so early.” (more…)