Lisa Peake, RN – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: I’m retiring next year. How do I prepare for that?
A: Congratulations! After years of working, you now have the chance to decide how to spend your time! But before the countdown until your last paycheck, take some time to get ready for this new chapter.
Get a financial checkup
Review your monthly expenses and estimate what life will cost without a regular paycheck. Consider housing, utilities, groceries, travel, insurance, and unexpected repairs. Taking Social Security right away? Visit SSA.gov to review your benefits and understand your claiming options. Meet with a qualified financial advisor to discuss retirement income, savings, taxes, and how long your money may need to last.
Understand your health insurance
If retiring before age 65, determine how to maintain health coverage until Medicare eligibility. If you are approaching 65, learn about important Medicare enrollment deadlines, coverage options, and prescription costs. Waiting too long can result in penalties for late enrollment.
Evaluate where to live
Here in Central Florida, many new retirees hope to remain in their homes and enjoy the sunshine. However, consider rising insurance premiums, property taxes, maintenance and hurricane preparedness. Is your home manageable for the long term? Would downsizing, moving closer to family, or exploring a retirement community make life easier? Planning now helps avoid a crisis-driven decision later.
Think beyond the paycheck
Work brings structure, friendships, and a sense of purpose. Without it, some retirees can feel lost. Think about hobbies, volunteer opportunities, exercise classes, faith communities, or local enrichment programs. There are many opportunities to stay involved and connected. Consider what will make your days meaningful—not just how to fill them.
Get the important stuff done
Review (or get) your will, powers of attorney, health care surrogate designation, and advance directives. Make sure trusted loved ones know where important documents are kept and understand your wishes. Organize medical information, insurance policies, and financial records so they are easy to locate when needed.
Talk about retirement expectations
One person may envision traveling, while another looks forward to a quieter life at home. Discussing those hopes now with your spouse or family can prevent emotional friction, financial misalignment, and lifestyle shock when daily routines change.
Retirement is more than just leaving a job—it’s the start of something entirely new. A little preparation now means less time worrying about tomorrow and more time enjoying the possibilities ahead.
And when you’re ready, One Senior Place in Viera and Altamonte Springs has the resources and answers you’ll need to navigate your next chapter.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. A member of the Aging Life Care Association, Ms. Peake hosts ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa’ monthly. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
