10 Hobbies You Will Love In Retirement

You have been looking forward to the day you retire for most of your working life.

Now that you are transitioning into retirement, you have all the time in the world. While your top priority might be getting some much-needed rest, it is beneficial to have a place to go and maintain a schedule.

Here are 10 hobbies that you will love in retirement:

1. Volunteering

Volunteering is often the most rewarding activity for retirees. Volunteering can come in many forms, from giving museum tours or spending time helping those in need at something like a food pantry. Volunteering is highly social and is a great way to continue to have purpose as a new retiree.

2. Photography

Photography is a great hobby to pick up. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you can capture your most treasured moments and be able to share your retirement adventures with all your loved ones. You can start with something as easy as a smart phone or buy a professional camera. Photography can lead you to new sightseeing adventures and experiencing new things with the people you love.

3. Blogging Or Journaling

If you have a clever personality, blogging or journaling could be for you. Blogging can help improve your writing skills and connect you with likeminded retirees which benefits your social life.

If you chose to lead a more private life, journaling is a great alternative. Writing down your memories and life experiences is a great way to provide your children and grandchildren a chance to get to know you and their family history.

If you just want to document your retirement, you can bring your journal with you when you go on vacations and document all your adventures with your loved ones.

4. Playing A Musical Instrument

A great hobby for retirees is taking music lessons. This classic pastime is something retirees may be hesitant to start because of the learning curve but now is the time for new adventures! Learning a new skill keeps you mentally active and challenging your brain improves health and could even lower the risk of age-related diseases like dementia. Learning a new instrument will give you a great sense of pride and accomplishment!

5. Painting And Drawing

Staying creative in retirement should be a top priority. If you are just starting to explore your creative side, you can purchase a starters paint kit with different sorts of paints or if you prefer to learn with others, you and your loved ones can go to a sip and paint class.

You can also watch tutorials on the internet on how to paint with alternative techniques. This way, you can explore what side of painting or drawing you enjoy the most.

6. Bicycling

Biking is a great hobby that will keep you physically active. Many retirees agree that bicycling brings back the feelings of freedom they experienced as children when they biked everywhere. Bicycling is dynamic because it can provide a social group and be great exercise.

Cycling is also less impactful on joints, knees, ankles, and feet. So, it could be a better exercise option than running or walking when you’re nearing retirement age.

7. Hiking

If you live near beautiful landscapes like lakes, mountains, or forests, hiking could be for you. Or if you live somewhere that does not have these landscapes, you can combine hiking with another hobby, traveling. You could create a National Park list to begin your exploring journey! If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the national parks, it’s highly recommended to see the beautiful landscapes and wildlife they have to offer. What mountain or trail are you most looking forward to exploring?

8. Golf

Golf is an ageless sport that is still being played after its inception in the late 1200’s. Incredibly, golf is still expanding in popularity worldwide. It’s never too late to take up the game! While golfing is traditionally a hobby for retirees, many younger folks are flocking to the sport. Golf offers great outdoor exercise and a great place to expand your social circle.

9. Crafts

Finding a creative hobby can be extremely rewarding. Crafting is very popular and covers an incredible number of creative hobbies. Those who love crafting do so because you can start a new craft, finish it, and then start something completely new again. Crafting covers everything from knitting or creating jewelry. More importantly, you are keeping your brain active and challenging yourself in new ways. If your skills grow, you could even sell your creations on the internet!

10. Cooking and Baking

Cooking and baking can be enjoyable if you make a hobby out of it. You can read cooking books or watch cooking shows to brainstorm new ideas, and then try out some recipes that stood out to you. It is greatly rewarding to make a meal or baked goods and bring them to loved ones or neighbors as a surprise or special occasion. These gestures will be treasured by your loved ones and can give you a sense of purpose and joy in retirement.

Or if you are not yet confident in your cooking or baking skills, you could take a class. Classes are available online or if you are looking for a social event, in person classes may be available in your area.

Trying new things and creating memories with your loved ones can be the foundation of a fulfilling retirement. We want you to do more of what you love with the people you love.

The first step to a fulfilling retirement is preparing. Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful times of your life.

At Retire Safety First we believe everyone has a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement.

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Consumer Prices Remain High In October

By Bret Laporte • November 11, 2022

The consumer price index increased 0.4% for the month and is up 7.7 percent from a year ago according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While price increases are still rapid and painful for many households, they are finally beginning to show signs of progress. The inflation index picked up by 7.7 percent in the year through October*, less than the 7.9 percent that some analysts had expected. Even with this positive news, inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target and several areas of the report show that the cost of living remains high. Shelter costs, which make up about one-third of the CPI, rose 0.8% for the month, the largest monthly increase since 1990, and up 6.9% from a year ago, their highest annual level since 1982*. Also, fuel oil prices jumped 19.8% higher for the month and are up 68.5% over the past 12 months*. “One month of data does not a victory make, and I think it’s really important to be thoughtful that this is just one piece of positive information, but we’re looking at a whole set of information,” San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said in response to the CPI data. _ Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful time of your life. To answer some of your questions about inflation and retire on your terms, Contact us or Call 860-757-3644 for a complimentary consultation. At Retire Safety First we believe you have a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement. *All Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Consumer Prices Rise In September

October 14, 2022

New inflation data released on Thursday showed that consumer prices climbed far more quickly than expected with a rise of .4% in September (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) as inflation pressures continue to weigh on retirees and the economy at large. The food index alone rose 0.8% for the month and is up 11.2% from a year ago. That increase helped offset a 2.1% decline in energy prices that included a 4.9% drop in gasoline. Energy prices have moved higher in October, with the price of regular gasoline at the pump nearly 20 cents higher than a month ago, according to AAA.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023

October 14, 2022

The Social Security Administration announced that cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023, the highest increase in 40 years. The average Social Security retiree benefit will increase $146 per month from $1,681 in to $1,827 in 2023. However, with inflation continuing to rise at dangerous levels, it is important to be aware of the possibility that these cost-of-living adjustments may not be enough to maintain your lifestyle throughout retirement.

2023 Medicare Premium Changes

By Bret Laporte • October 5, 2022

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that 2023 monthly Part B premiums will decrease to $164.90 from $170.10. This change represents the second time in the past two decades that Part B premiums will decrease from the prior year. Pair that decrease with the expected 8.7% increase in Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), many retirees could see a substantial increase in their monthly Social Security checks in 2023.

The Incredible Benefits Of Spending Time With Your Grandchildren

January 13, 2022

Now that you are transitioning into retirement, you are free to do more of what you love with the people you love. Creating memories with your grandchildren will be something each of you cherish and hold on to. Did you know two out of three grandparents think being a grandparent is the most important and satisfying thing in their lives? Here are some of the incredible benefits of spending time with your grandchildren: 1. Increase Happiness For Everyone A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has shown to decrease symptoms of depression for both generations. Grandparents in the study were found to be less depressed when they received or gave tangible help to their grandchildren. Anything from rides to school, advice on life, or helping financially were contributors to lessened depressive symptoms found in older adults. Children with a high level of positive grandparental involvement have shown fewer emotional and behavioral problems and are seen to be more secure and significantly happier. 2. Sharing Family History Grandparents have incredible insight to family history. Teaching your grandchildren about where they come from, and the struggles and successes of the family helps grandchildren better understand their unique history. Grandparents may have family heirlooms to pass down, like photo albums and family recipes that grandchildren would greatly value. Grandparents who share their fondest stories can keep their memories alive. Every family is unique in its makeup and journey. Grandparents can unlock their history and make it a part of the present for younger generations. 3. Keeps You Socially And Physically Active Playing with grandchildren can be a fun and rewarding way to remain physically active. Whether you’re playing a game of catch, walking around the shopping mall, or taking a relaxing walk around the park, the exercise and memories created are great for each of you. Taking your grandchild out could provide opportunities for meeting other adults, and grandparents. This social interaction can help you find and grow your social circle throughout retirement. 4. Becoming A Role Model As retiree’s age, they can struggle to find purpose. Becoming a role model to your grandchildren is one of the most fulfilling and loving things you can do. You’ll be able to share all your life experiences to help teach a new generation. Afterall, now is the time to do more of what you love with the people you love.