Retirement Planning Tips

Planning for retirement can be sticky. We have not been in a position to save due to high medical costs. But there are a few things you can do.

• Pay off your home well before retirement, even if it means settling for something smaller than you had planned. Start young. Twenty is not too soon.
• Learn to garden and can. Other than hiring someone to till up your garden each spring, most of the associated tasks are possible for most people. It is a thrill to see all that food lined up in jars, and also in the freezer!
• Keep debt to the absolute minimum. Hold down expenses so you can always pay them off monthly. This includes utilities, credit cards, and car repair bills.
• If you qualify for medical assistance don't be shy about it. You paid into it with your taxes. If you need it, apply and fight for it.
• Keep house, car, etc. in good condition.
• Save money as you are able. It is unnecessary to spend the national average of almost $900 for Christmas, for example. In some cases a card and a current photo of you will be more welcome than a new stereo.

Hope this helps someone.

By Coreen Hart