There are things we can all do to ensure we’re protected in the future, from saving for our retirement to looking after our bodies and ensuring we eat the right foods. As the winter months approach, it’s a great time to start planning for the future and get a head start on those New Year resolutions and by planning today, you can prepare for a brighter tomorrow! Here are a few ideas if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Healthy Eating
It can be hard to eat healthily in the winter months – it’s too cold for salad and you don’t feel like snacking on raw fruits and vegetables. But winter is actually a great time to start a healthy eating regime. During the cold weather we typically spend more time at home, and if you’ve recently retired, you might find you have plenty of free time to cook hearty meals. Whip up tasty stews and casseroles or warming winter soups to ensure you’re getting your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Medical Insurance
You might think that you already have all the medical insurance cover that you need, but the chances are that’s probably not the case. Whilst your standard insurance will cover you for most eventualities, you may need extra cover, and just prior to or just after retiring from work is a great time to consider taking out Medigap insurance. This type of insurance covers you for any medical costs not already covered by your Medicare policy, such as treatment for a serious illness or expensive prescription medication which you need on an on-going basis. For six months after you turn 65, there’s open enrolment onto a Medigap Supplement Plan, which means there is no need to answer any questions about your past medical history. It’s a good idea to seek advice from a company such as MediGapAdvisors.com who will be able to offer advice and assistance to ensure that you take out the right type of supplement plan for your individual needs. They can also check that you’re eligible for a Medigap policy, as you’ll need to be enrolled in Part A and Part B of Medicare before you can enrol for a Medigap plan.
Financial Security
Whilst you’ve probably saved in your pension fund for your retirement, it’s important to ensure that you have some extra money put aside for a rainy day too. Hiring a financial advisor who can offer advice on investments is a sound move, although with the current economy, the stock market is not always a wise choice for those looking to protect their financial futures. Many people choose to invest in property, whether for a son or daughter who has moved away to college or as a rental property to supplement their income after retiring. There are plenty of options when it comes to investing for your financial future.
Get Active
Just as it’s important to find the best Medigap insurance for your needs, it’s also important to protect your health by making sure you take enough exercise. By staying fit and active, you’ll not only feel and look great, you’ll also enjoy a better quality of life, and that means your health will improve. It’s important to pick active hobbies which you enjoy, and by turning your hobbies into a social event, you’ll meet new people and have even more fun! Team sports or sociable activities such as golf or bowls are a great way to find new friends, or why not take up yoga or Pilates, if you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind whilst also getting fit and healthy. You could even consider taking up walking or running and there’s sure to be a local group that meet near you that you could join! Walking holidays are a great way to get active whilst exploring the world – you could visit all those places you’ve never been before.
Protecting yourself for a brighter future starts today, so there’s no point in putting it off until tomorrow. By planning and ensuring that you have adequate medical care in place to cover you no matter what happens and taking positive steps towards a healthier diet and lifestyle, as well as putting some thought into your financial future, you can ensure that you’ll have be able to relax and enjoy your golden years. So why not get a head start with your New Year’s resolutions and implement some of these ideas today!
About the Author: George Torres is a freelance writer swiftly approaching his golden years. He writes widely on a range of topics relevant to the older generation, from finance to diet and nutrition and has recently taken out a Medigap Supplement Policy, which he wouldn’t be without!
