Some good retirement rules

To make retirement a great time in one's life, a couple of ingredients need to be mixed together well. Things like health, quality of life and resources are the first that come to mind and if managed properly can make a huge difference in what could be called the third leg of one's journey. Since health is both manageable and unpredictable, let's talk about what we can control it; staying in shape, eating well and not taking unnecessary risks. This latter element wasn't much part of my modus operandi until I broke 3 ribs and tore my Achilles tendon while skiing. Now, I've learned the hard way and I know a little bit better. The quality of life aspect is quite simple; it's living in a pleasant place, looking at the positive side of things, having pleasant relationships and making the very best of every day by not worrying unnecessarily. Finally the resource part is a bit trickier to manage well. Many of us have tight financial situations and need to live simply in order to make their savings last.

Those who are extremely well-off can look at things differently and consider living more “largely” and enjoying many pleasures self-denied while raising a family and building up careers. All can of course worry about making money last with the challenge of never knowing when the end will come. So what is a sane person to do with that quandary? The answer is I believe, make with what's available, be creative with entertainment, do the fun and more expensive stuff while one is still mobile and alert enough, take a job if necessary and always remember that the best things in life are... free!