Retirement wonít solve
all of lifeís problems
Posted 3/27/03

You don't like your jobóor you're afraid you may lose it before you're eligible for retirement. If only you could retire now.

It can be easy to think that retirement will solve your problems, says Sharon Danes, family economist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. "But negative perspectives aren't necessarily altered by lifestyle changes such as retirement," Danes says.

"There's no better predictor of your approach to retirement than how you view life before you retire," Danes says. She's the author of a new publication from the U of M Extension Service titled, "Planning Ahead for Retirement."

"Money is important, but it's not the only important part of retirement planning," Danes says. The publication has worksheets that can help individuals and couples sort out the important things in life. "If you have a partner, it can be easy to assume you want the same thing," Danes says. But no two people have an identical picture of their later years.

Whether your attitude toward retirement is positive or negative, retirement is change, which can be very stressful. "The more you plan for retirement, the less stress you'll be likely to experience," Danes says.

The 80-page comprehensive guide to retirement planning includes everything you need to know to plan the retirement you want. The book gives you information on setting meaningful goals, estimating the income you will need to retire, understanding financial products, making investment choices, financial planners, and health and life insurance. Also included are several charts and tables, glossaries and resource lists.

Copies of the publication are available from county offices of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. They may also be ordered with a credit card by calling toll-free (800) 876-8636, or (612) 624-4900 in the Twin Cities area. Ask for number 07775.