Information compiled and provided by The Wealth Defender
Making the decision to downsize for retirement is no easy task. It requires a lot of forethought and planning, and can stir up a lot of emotions as well. But no matter your reason for downsizing, there are resources and tips out there to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
3 Reasons for Downsizing in Your 60s
As you approach your 60s, it’s natural to wonder how retirement will change your financial situation and overall lifestyle. Here are some of the most common reasons older adults choose to downsize when they hit retirement age:
Financial Benefits
One of the top reasons retirees choose to downsize is to save money. As the nest empties and less space is needed to live comfortably, opting to transition to cheaper housing is a great way to lower costs and increase retirement savings. Cashflow from selling your current home, a cheaper mortgage or monthly rent, and lower utility bills are all financial benefits you can expect when you downsize.
Simpler Living
Downsizing to a smaller home or apartment often means less maintenance and upkeep that can become more of a hassle as you get older. And by saving money on a cheaper mortgage or rent, there’s more budget to dedicate to services like lawn care, housekeeping, maintenance, etc. which means you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying yourself, and less time on chores and house work.
Greater Support
Another important consideration when making the decision to downsize is your health and wellbeing. It’s a fact of life that, as you age, tasks that were once simple can become more difficult, especially for seniors with physical or cognitive impairments like dementia. For seniors who may want or need greater support in their day-to-day, a senior living community is a great downsizing option.
How to Downsize for Retirement
With so many moving parts and factors to consider, downsizing for retirement can feel really overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for each step of the process.
Here are some of the major steps you’ll go through in the downsizing process that you’ll want to adequately prepare for:
Document a Plan
Before you make any actionable decisions, it’s important to organize your thoughts and ideas in one place you can reference as you downsize. The first few questions you’ll want to ask yourself are:
What does the timeline for downsizing look like?
Do you want to stay in your current area, or are you considering relocating?
What kind of home would you like or need? A house? A condo? An apartment?
How much space do you need to be comfortable? One bedroom? Two? Three?
Are there other must-haves that will factor into your decision?
How much money can you budget for downsizing and relocation?
Creating a clear, organized plan that you and your partner (if you have one) are comfortable with is key to getting the downsizing process started on the right foot.
Sell Your Current Home
It can take some time to get your home ready to list and sell. Working with a real estate agent can help make the process a bit easier, but keep in mind that a portion of the sale price will go toward their commission, which will impact your total financial gains.
Declutter by Donating or Selling Items
One of the hardest steps of downsizing is getting rid of items you no longer need and won’t have the space to keep. Letting go of possessions you’ve acquired over the last 20, 30, 50 years is an emotional process. Give yourself time and grace to deal with feelings of sadness and anxiety, and lean on those you care about most for support. If you’re struggling to part with certain items right away, consider renting a storage unit for a few months following your move to give yourself more time to make those decisions.
Once you’ve decided which possessions you can live without, there are many resources and platforms to help you get rid of those items. Apps and websites marketplaces. A good old fashioned yard sale is also a great way to get rid of clutter and make some extra cash you can put toward other downsizing costs. In addition to selling items, you can also donate to organizations.
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SPECIAL NOTE:
Withdrawing funds from the cash value of a life insurance policy may have negative effects on the death benefit and other features of the product. Any examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and is not guaranteed. This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not meant to be legal or tax advice. It is not intended to be the primary basis for financial decisions and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the needs of an individual situation. Please seek the guidance of a professional regarding your specific financial needs. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax or legal advice.
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