Planning for Retirement Gina Evans is the founder of The Write Answer, a technical communication and training consulting company. She develops printed and online documentation, creates training materials, and designs computer-based training.
Most of us have daydreamed about what we’ll do after we retire: sleep in, volunteer work, travel to exotic locales. In order to make those dreams come true, we have to create a plan. If you don’t have a plan, and if you don’t actively follow through with that plan, then the retirement dream is likely to remain just that—a dream.
This chapter offers things to consider as you create your plan and resources to consult for more in-depth and specific information. It is also based upon retirement in the United States; I strongly encourage readers in other countries to learn about the resources available to them and plan accordingly. Nothing in this chapter is meant to replace consulting a professional. In fact, I strongly encourage readers to consult appropriate professionals—I certainly do.