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HELP me to RETIRE! It all sounds so good - FREEDOM! Do what you want to do, all day, every day - but with less income... Hmmmm, how does THAT work?

When you are working, assuming you remain employed, you always know there is another check around the corner. When you retire -- income is limited, what you have at the time you retire - is what you have for the rest of your life.

Even if you planned ahead, had a retirement planner -- 2008-2009 hits like a financial tornado and the world turns upside down. All investments: 401K's, IRA plans, money markets, bond funds, home values - down, down, down!

Help Me to Retire but when? What age?

Are you going to remain employed longer to secure your future? Work to 60? Age 62? Age 65+ (so that you can either pay off debt -- or -- increase retirement savings if you work and save your Social Security payments? What is the average retirement age? Do you want to take an early retirement?

One quick comment here -- Folks become disabled for a variety of reasons (heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, back injuries, etc.) at age 30, 40, 50... None of them ever considered that they may not be working a month from now.

My point is: Never assume you'll retire at 60 -- many don't. More on Disability Retirement here.

Help Me to Retire by Understanding Pension Plans

Do you have a pension? Do you understand the difference between a Defined Benefit pension plan and a Defined Contribution pension plan?

401k plans are one type of a Defined Contribution plan. Are you considering a 401K early withdrawal?

You need to really understand your employers retirement options. When your employer explains your options to you, it's best to have a basic understanding so you can ask questions. Many employers simply don't explain and you are the one the poor decision affects. Most retirement options are irrevocable.

Help Me to Retire with Social Security

Do you know when Social Security payments start? Do you understand much about Social Security? Have you reviewed your Social Security statement that is mailed to you annually?

Help Me to Retire by Estimating Expenses for Retirement

OK, you know your retirement income, but what are your retirement expenses? What do I need to retire? Try a retirement budget using personal finance software so you have a clue where you are headed.

Help Me to Retire with Retirement Savings

Now, why do you need to save for retirement? Have you thought about how much you need to save for retirement?

I have some ideas on increasing retirement savings here!

Help Me to Retire with Retirement Income

Are you going to remain employed? - part time? full time?

Do you need a supplemental income? Would you consider a website (I love mine and can't help but show others how to do this too!) Retire to the Internet!

Do you have IRA plans or other Retirement Investments? How will you take withdrawals? Are you considering an early withdrawal?

Will you work or volunteer in retirement? Ever considered Phased Retirement?

Taxes in Retirement

OK, you've got the income figured out, now what happens with your taxes in retirement? Here is help with State Income Taxes. Warning on taking an IRA OR 401K withdrawal too early...

Help Me to Retire - Is Divorce a possibility?

Is divorce a possibility before or during your retirement years?

Help Me to Retire with a Free Credit Report

Have you watched your free credit report to assure your financial identity is A-0K? and that you are truly ready to retire?

Now -- this is an odd set of questions ---

Do you start spending in retirement, finally giving yourself permission to use those monies you've saved for years now? But possibly finding a lack of funds in your later years?
-- OR --
Do you continue to save in retirement and leave your hard earned monies to your heirs (never having enjoyed it yourself)?

Finally, are you anxious about retirement itself? This link might help you to retire. Forget finances, what will you do all day? Who are you after you retire and you lose your work identity?

Enjoy what you see? Here's some more interesting stuff:

Retirement Housing: Where will you live in Retirement?
Help Me To Retire with some Funny Retirement Quotes
Senior Citizen Volunteers

Help Me to Retire: Money Matters

Enjoy what you see? Here's some more interesting stuff:

Help Me to Retire:
Money Matters