The Medicare Authority - October 2023

IT’S TIME TO CONQUER YOUR FEARS! 3 Strategies to Overcome Life’s Real Terrors

When you were little, did you ever run as fast as you could to your room so the monsters wouldn’t grab you and take you away? As kids, these fears were genuine — even if they were figments of our imagination. However, some real-life terrors and concerns can affect how you live your life.

So, this begs the question: How do you overcome fear?

There’s a reason they call the first few years of retirement the “go-go years.” The initial days of your retirement will likely be the most active and eventful. Once freed from the constraints of your career, you begin checking items and experiences off your bucket list and spending is at an all-time high. However, watch out for a few big purchases that most retirees almost always regret. Let’s take a look! A LARGE HOUSE Throughout your life, you likely grew accustomed to upsizing your home along the way. Now, at the peak of your net worth, you may have your eyes and goals set on your dream home. Retirees may be attracted to spacious properties or even vacation homes, only to find the upkeep and expenses are more than they can handle down the road. When the benefits don’t outweigh the cost, a large house often becomes a regret. LAVISH TRAVEL Retirement should be all about travel and bucket list items, right? Right! But, if you spend a large chunk of your savings on an amazing around- the-world vacation right out of the gate, you may cripple your financial health later into your golden years. Many retirees often regret paying for expensive airfare, accommodations, meals, and other expenses. Opt for local wonders of the world to explore instead. EXPENSIVE GIFTS It’s only natural to want to spoil your loved ones — especially as grandchildren come into the picture. However, many retirees often regret the extravagant gifts they generously gave early in their retirement because of the financial strain it created later. Your golden years should be a time of fulfillment and happiness, unburdened by financial stress and regrettable decisions. So, before you make any large purchases, whether it’s a luxury car, home, or vacation, be prudent with your spending and remember that your nest egg must last you for decades. Before you swipe the card or hand over the cash, make sure you have a long-term view in mind: no regrets. RETIREMENT REGRETS: Big Purchases That Can Haunt Your Golden Years

TAKE TIME TO DECOMPRESS. When you’re faced with concerns, your brain will throw scenarios at you to protect you. However, this can make finding a strategy to overcome your obstacles very difficult — especially if your fear is what you’ve been thinking about constantly! The first thing you should do is take time to decompress and not focus on the situation at hand. If there is a hobby you enjoy or an activity that relaxes you, take time to do those things! Once you’ve prioritized self-care, return to the situation and see if your perspective or judgment has changed. ANALYZE WHY YOU FEEL THE WAY YOU DO. Do you truly understand why you’re afraid of something? If the thought of something causes you to become stressed, makes your hands feel clammy, and gets your heart racing, stop yourself and ask why you’re feeling this way. Is there a deep-seated reason you fear something? Or is it the thought of the unknown that terrifies you? Acceptance and admittance is the key to understanding why you feel the way you do and can help you implement solutions and strategies. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed — you’re not alone in your battles!

CREATE GOALS YOU VALUE. Sometimes, fear occurs and spirals because you’re not achieving and following the goals you set for yourself. To prevent this from happening, ask yourself: What does the life I desire look like? Is it tangible? Am I actively pursuing it? For example, if you want to save enough money in your retirement accounts but fear losing money or spending more than you can afford, develop strategies to help you adjust your habits and mindset. Most fears will drift away when you create steps to help you implement change and achieve your goals. If Medicare is one of your fears due to its confusing terminology and moving parts, please allow The Medicare Authority to assist you! Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.

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