Without doubt, 2023 was a financial challenge for far too many people in the UK, whether working or retired. However, rather than focus on funding and retirement pension pots, my regular retirement articles in 2023 sought to shine light on a whole range of aspects of retirement in the UK.
Here are my top 5 favourites.
1. Beating boredom in retirement
Do you miss the excitement and mental challenges of work, but don’t want the daily stress and time pressures? UK businesses are crying out for non-executive board directors who can provide that crucial ‘outsiders viewpoint’.
As my blog explains:
“Most (businesses) are very conscious of their boards needing to reflect the society they serve or do business with. They are constantly looking to recruit new NEDs (non-executive directors) to improve their diversity and gender balance.”
You don’t need to be retired to be a NED, it may only take up a few days a year, and a NED position is usually paid too!
2. Have you got a yearly leisure budget?
This is something I feel very passionate about. One of the key parts of retirement that people look forward to is being able to take longer holidays when they want, any time of year.
In reality, all that choice may actually cause you to NOT book, plan or allocate funds! In this article I guide you through the benefits of creating a 3-year leisure budget for better breaks and happier holidays.
3. The Freddo Financial Fluctuation principle
Inflation will have affected millions of soon to be retirees’ financial planning in one way or another. For homeowners with mortgages, repayments have been up, up, up. For those with larger savings pots, rapidly rising interest rates also bring the unwelcome possibility of having to pay tax on the interest, unthinkable just 2 years ago.
And the chocolate Freddo link? Read my blog to find out!
4. Walking away from the classroom
Many of my clients are teachers – or more accurately, former teachers. In 2023, I discovered that 20% of highly experienced teachers want to retire earlier.
So, with another resignation deadline approaching, you can revisit the discussion around early retirement and discover why “A full curriculum of life after the classroom needs to be considered, not just your pension.”
5. Take the slow lane
If this Christmas period has reminded me of anything, it’s just so stressful it can be when we rush! Retirement offers an opportunity to do things in your own time – and not to worry about it. This blog also features perhaps my favourite retirement quote (thanks, British Heart Foundation) which is to: “Make peace and move on.”
As I explain, “Retirement planning can help you make peace by creating a personalised framework for the next 30+ years.”
Want to talk through your retirement plans?
As an experienced and empathetic retirement coach, I can help you see the holistic picture of everything retirement can offer.