Category: Redworks Blog (all posts)

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Redworks Blog (all posts)

Mind over matter

 

Mind over matter!

I am grateful to say that I’ve found a job which inspires me.

But one of the reasons it inspires me is because I get to learn about the human mind and then put that knowledge to use to help others thrive.

What’s amazing about our brains is that they are actually plastic. We have the power, no matter what age we are, to do something called “pruning”.

Does this make you think of pruning a tree?

Amazingly enough, our brains act similarly to trees. If you practice a new behaviour enough times, it can actually become a habit because you form solid synaptic connections. And these connections get strong, becoming your new pattern.

So, as you head towards retirement, why not form some new patterns? What do you want to leave behind that is no longer serving you?

I am here to help you learn about your power. I know about it because I have experienced it myself. And it is a myth that you can’t get what you want in retirement.

If you have any questions about the brain as it grows in all its stages in life, why not comment below and ask me?

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Loss of partner and then what?

In 2016, Statistics Canada stated that the life expectancy at birth was 79.1 years for men and 83.4 years for women. So, if you are a woman, chances are that you will outlive your partner.

Let’s look at a few things you can do to prepare in advance to alleviate some of the burden on those left behind as well as to decrease any stress or anxiety you may have around this.

Legal Documents

Do you have an estate plan? Do you have a current Last Will and Testament? Have you designated your Powers of Attorney? Your Executors?

There are many factors to consider around this topic, so it is best to consult with your lawyer, financial planner and accountant.

Finances

If your partner normally takes care of all the finances such as investments, paying of bills, keeping the cheque book up to date, etc., then you need to bring yourself up to speed.

Work with your partner and gather together all the information you need to know. Make a list of all your assets including insurance policies, bank accounts, investment accounts, and properties, etc.

An Advance Care Directive

Consider developing an individual Advance Care Directive also known as a Living Will.

This is a legal document that provides instructions to your spouse and family members as to your desires regarding your medical treatment should you no longer be able to express informed consent. This is a very important document as it will alleviate the stress on your family members in making the ‘right’ decision on your behalf.

It’s also important to name a ‘durable powers of attorney for healthcare’ you trust. This is someone who will step in and make decisions for you based on what you have outlined in your Advance Care Directive should you become incapacitated and can no longer speak for yourself.

Ensure that the person you have named agrees with taking on this responsibility and they know what will be required of them and understand your wishes. You don’t want the person pulling the plug if you have explicitly said that you want life-sustaining measures to be put in place. Conversely, you don’t want your life to be unnecessarily prolonged if you expressed that life-sustaining measures be withheld or discontinued.  Speak with your medical professional if you are unsure about what you need to consider.

It is important to discuss your desires for your end-of-life medical care with your partner and your children while you are healthy and before a health care crisis.

Speak with your lawyer and your health care practitioner for more detailed information.

Funeral Pre-Arrangements

Consider making funeral pre-arrangements. This will give clear directions as to your wishes, as well as help decrease the stress level for your partner/spouse and family at what is always a very stressful time. Contact a funeral home in your community.

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Give a little, get a lot.

Give a little, get a lot.

In times that I’ve felt low or disempowered, I’ve often gotten stuck in negative thought spirals…

Yes, even coaches get down in the dumps! ?

Strangely, when we get into those mental ruts, we can isolate ourselves because we’re embarrassed or we just assume others won’t understand.

BUT there is a VERY simple (and active) way to reduce it!

Hello volunteering. Did you know studies have shown that volunteering can help people feel more connected to others and their community? And it can reduce symptoms of loneliness and depression?

Nevermind reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, making friendships, and experiencing a sense of purpose. What’s not to love? ?

Where could you volunteer in your community? What interests you? Or if you do already, what do you notice about your well-being because of volunteering?

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How sending positive messages to yourself will improve your mood!

You know that feeling you get when someone leaves you a surprise note?

It is a tiny bit of magic when someone tucks a note into a place they know you’ll find it.

It makes you feel like you are important enough to be thought of in advance – so much so that someone has considered how you’ll feel in the future and done something about it.

I say we can do that for OURSELVES too!

When I’m in the best version of my relationship with myself, it is my affirmations of me to me that are the most meaningful. Also, I know what I need in various situations.

So. What if you made a habit of writing yourself encouraging notes of what you know your soul needs to hear? Write it down. Tuck it into your bag, cutlery drawer, freezer, mail box. Tape it to the inside of your dustpan, bathroom cupboard, glove compartment, bedside table.

And TA-DA! You have a fool-proof, personalized pick-me-up to be enjoyed at various spontaneous moments!

BONUS! Try asking your friends: “Have any of you sent yourself a card in the mail?” and see what kind of discussions you can strike up!

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Healthy connections are crucial in retirement

Look up!

Ever notice that you look at your phone more than you want to? Ever look up and realize you got caught up in scrolling a little too much?

There is good reason for that. Software engineers are hired by handfuls of tech companies to keep high engagement levels in social media apps.

Turns out, it’s actually no mystery that notifications keep us opening apps over and over again.

The little notification flags, hearts, and “like” symbols have been proven to release dopamine and make us feel a little rush of connection.

Connection is great! And social media can be fun too.

But maybe our next step is to make sure we get the connections we’re looking for. Healthy connections, both online and IRL. Connection through community, relationships, etc.

My program, Power Up Your Retirement Lifestyle, is tailored to people looking for connection while transitioning into retirement. The online program helps focus your thinking on what is important to you.

Check it out and register today!

https://www.powerupyourretirement.com/

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Is it time to change the retirement age?

Interesting article. Should the retirement age be changed from 65 to 67? Let me know your thoughts!

https://tinyurl.com/vnwpkzy

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Professional Development 2020

Are you planning for your professional development in 2020? What topics do you need to know more about to help you achieve your professional goals?

I am planning on offering a series of half-day workshops in 2020 and would love to know what topics interests you the most. Please take a few minutes to answer this short survey. Thank you.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PJ5NV5

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Are you going to be a full-time babysitter in your retirement?

People have told me that one of their fears about retirement is that their adult children will expect them to care for the grandchildren on a day-to-day basis or to change their plans at a moment’s notice.

If this is a concern for you, then you need to think about whether or not this is something you want to do.

Once you are clear on what it is you want and are willing to do, have a conversation with your adult children around expectations and boundaries.

This may be an uncomfortable conversation for you to have. However, doing something you really don’t want to do has a cost on you and your relationship with your adult children.

Be honest with yourself and your adult children even if it means disappointing them. At the very least they will know where you stand.

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Do you talk to your partner about retirement?

Many people have no idea when their partner is going to retire. They just know their own date of retirement.

Since retirement is a HUGE change in someone’s life and will certainly impact a relationship, it’s important to find out what you’re each thinking.

The best action to take is to talk about it openly and honestly and there is certainly a lot to discuss such as:

  • Potential retirement dates
  • Finances / budget / financial planning
  • Tax Planning
  • Insurance needs (house, health, disability, long-term care; etc.)
  • Medical, health and dental benefit plans
  • Revising or writing your Last Will and Testament; Living Will or Health Care Directive; Identifying Power of Attorneys for Financial and Health Care (Health Care Proxy); Trusts
  • Expectations and desires; and
  • Your bucket lists that each of you want to experience together as well as apart.

Once you know what each other is thinking then you will be in a much better position to start planning!

Another situation that can happen is that you have been retired for a few years and soon your better half will be joining you. This will certainly be a transition for both of you which could be difficult and rocky or smooth and exciting or a combination of all of these.

Someone recently told me, “It was on my husband’s first official day of retirement, when he wandered into the kitchen, and questioned my ability of how to fill the dishwasher.” They had a good talk afterwards to work out a few things! 🙂

Again, the more you communicate with your partner the better prepared you both will be – talk about expectations, boundaries, challenges, obstacles and the opportunities that will be available to the both of you!

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How to avoid running out of money in retirement

Running out of money in retirement.

It’s a really scary thought.

It’s actually one of the biggest fears people have about transitioning into this next chapter of their lives.

Many people also worry they won’t have enough money to live the life they want.

And that right there folks is the reason why planning for retirement mentally and emotionally first, and then working with a financial planner to flesh out your plans even further, will help give you the bigger picture.

If you don’t know how you want to live your life in retirement, how will you know if you have enough money?

Planning ahead is the key to alleviating your fears.

– Do you want to travel the world six months out of the year?

– Do you want to buy a motorhome and travel?

– Do you want to buy a recreational property outside of Canada?

– Are you staying close to home because of grandchildren, family and /or volunteer commitments?

– Will you have enough money to maintain your property, pay down your mortgage (if you still have one), pay all of your day-to-day costs such as utilities, food, insurance?

– Will you need money to help out your adult children?

There are so many paths you can take and each path may require a different level of financing. The more clarity you have about how you want to live your life in retirement and know your personal needs and goals — the more accurate your financial plan will be.

If your goals or life circumstances change such as you want to buy a new house, go on a trip of a lifetime, a change in marital status, become ill, etc., it is best to check in with your financial planner.

They will be able to look at your entire financial picture and you will be better informed as to how it may impact you in the long run.

So, as you get closer to retirement, start planning for the next phase of life by identifying your needs and goals to ensure you’re going to be on track financially.

If you realize that some of your goals may require more money than you have set aside, then you have time to make some adjustments which could include increasing your savings, decreasing your spending, working longer, transitioning to part-time, etc.

Your financial planner can help you look at the different options and what might work for you.

And on the mental, emotional, dreamy side of planning for retirement, I’ve got your back.

My Power Up Your Retirement Program is an online educational program which provides a high-quality video training series, group coaching, an online community and other educational resources focused on helping you transition into a successful retirement. The focus of the program is not financial.

Instead, it focuses on helping you plan psychologically for a successful retirement. The goal is to help you plan for your transition from working full-time to retirement post-career and help you manage worry, sadness and fear so your retirement will be happy, meaningful and purposeful.

Check it out today at https://www.powerupyourretirement.com/.

And once you’ve done the hard work, it’s time to book an appointment with your financial advisor.

Happy planning. 🙂