Senior Updates: Thoughts on a meaningful retirement

By John J. Horeled, Law Office of John J. Horeled, Crystal Lake Most of the literature on retirement discusses financial issues. While your stream of income will determine when and where you will retire, the purpose of this article is to go beyond the money. The financial industry is advocating that social security will go broke and that you need 75 percent or more of your income to retire. If you buy into this program, you may never retire. A meaningful retirement places a greater emphasis on satisfactory relationships with family and friends, and activities and hobbies that you enjoy. Prior to retirement, you should map out what groups - such as church, service groups and clubs - will continue to generate significant friendships. (Remember you may not want to leave your friends, but they may leave you anyway). What activities do you want to maintain or re-establish? What will they cost? Can you find them by moving to a lower-cost area? I believe that you will find that moving to a lower-cost area without a mortgage will provide you with the most flexibility. So, start looking at alternative locations. If you live in the suburbs of Chicago, maybe you can just move to the fringe or even an hour away from your current location. Does the new town have a church of your denomination, or are there social groups that you can join? Is there a college nearby that can provide reasonably priced entertainment? Lawyers, who are active in the ISBA, have a distinct advantage because we have a broad network. Call a colleague and ask hot it is to live (not work) in his or her community. Start looking 10 year before your planned retirement. The effort will be worthwhile.