When Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers hands down the budget on 14 May, the pressing need for fiscal responsibility is likely to trump spending programs.
In an era of fake news, it’s getting more difficult to separate fact from fiction. Yet it’s imperative we do so because the consequences for being deceived can be enormous.
Six great books to help you overcome the anxiety of retirement
Retirement is a major life change, and it’s not always the easiest thing to plan for. After 40 or 50 years of routines, commutes, daily tasks and objectives, suddenly you’re faced with no set hours, no meetings and no deadlines to meet. It can create anxiety and stress, for both you and your partner (who, remember, has also gone through a major change and is suddenly spending a lot more time with you).
As with any major transition period in life, retirement is best tackled with some knowledge behind you. Reading some of these books to better understand this period of life will help you to focus your mind and give you some concrete steps to enjoy these years in comfort.
Thankfully, there are plenty of good books out there that can help you come to terms with the transition and embrace your new lifestyle.
The Joy of NOT Working by Ernie J. Zelinski
This seminal book is all about finding happiness and fulfilment outside of the traditional workforce, and while it’s designed to help people who are struggling with overworking and finding a way to give them time to themselves, it is also very useful for retirees who suddenly find themselves without a job. It offers practical advice on how to pursue your passions, discover new interests and stay physically and mentally active.
the golden years by Jamie Nemtsas and Drew Meredith
A recent addition to the books looking at this issue, these two experienced financial advisers have drawn on their many years of experiences helping retirees navigate the financial and lifestyle problems of retirement to give their insights into how to plan a happy and financially secure retirement. Tightly written, it continually draws on real-life experiences to explain the challenges – and rewards – of this phase of our lives.
Finding Joy in Retirement by Jon Glass and David Kennedy
For people who like to have plans in place, Finding Joy in Retirement is a must-read book. Specifically designed to address the question of why people retire, only to head back to work six months later, this book outlines why a planned approach to retirement can help someone overcome the mental and emotional challenges of those first days of retirement.
Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francsec Miralles
The Japanese are the world’s longest-living people, and they enjoy the lifespans they have, in part, because of their philosophy towards life. Ikigai is an excellent book to better understand the Japanese mindset. The word means “a reason to live” or “a reason to jump out of bed in the morning,” and, for retirees, it’s an excellent way to better understand how to make the most of your time post-retirement.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Julie Smith
One of the retirement challenges is that bad news does happen. You’ll have health issues, and friends and close ones will start to pass on. Keeping a positive mindset in your twilight years can require focus and energy, and this book is an excellent and highly accessible way of developing coping techniques and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Retirement Living Handbook by Rachel Lane and Noel Whittaker
This is an enormously useful resource for retirees considering a sea change or downsizing. The book provides information on more than 1000 retirement communities across Australia, and backs that up with practical guidance on how to access care, fund the retirement lifestyle, and comfortably make the transition.
