So what are the things I can do right now to prepare for that?
Obviously, the first thing about retirement planning is saving money right now, investing it and letting it grow.
But the forgotten thing about retirement planning is investing in your health right now. Preventative measures taken early and sustained throughout life will reap huge dividends in old age- in terms of quality of life and significantly reduced health-care costs.
Ramen noodles may be cheap now but eat them long term and you'll be paying big. Avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables may be easier on your wallet and your tastebuds (for some) but eat them anyway! Living on preservative-laden boxed and canned food products because you can get them practically for free with double coupons and sales may bring your grocery budget down to a fraction of what it was... but be careful! Working long hours so you can bring in more money at the expense of your mental and physical health may be a huge source of regret later.
So when you're tempted to save a few bucks by short-changing your health, don't do it!
Make time and room in your budget for:
- healthful foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins (and supplements if you want)
- menu planning and meal preparation so you're not tempted to buy and eat the easy but not-so-healthful prepackaged or fast food meals
- daily exercise where you break a sweat and provide resistance to your muscles
- relaxation and mental health
- quitting addictions such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and sugar (mine!)
2 comments:
Good eating habits should help you not only during retirement period but during the working period also. Good health means less sick days and feeling good mentally too. BTW HSA is a good retirement plan
So true! There are many benefits to taking care of your health- for the present and the future.
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