YOUR RETIREMENT
PLAN, SAVE & MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST
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Not ready to retire, but not sure what you want to do next? These five steps will get you on the path to a job you'll love.
1. Contact age-friendly employers
RetirementJobs.com and AARP identify companies that are eager to recruit and retain workers older than 50. Some companies on the list: Best Buy, Borders, John Hancock, Quest Diagnostics, REI and Wells Fargo.
2. Get tech-savvy
If you want to be a self-employed consultant or start your own business, an online presence is essential. The easiest way to set one up is to purchase an off-the-shelf package from Yahoo Small Business, Web.com or GoDaddy.com (see Put Your Business Online).
3. Build a cash stash
Financial insecurity is the number-one reason workers are reluctant to take a chance on a second career, says Brian Kurth, founder of VocationVacations. Donna Morris and Bill Sweat squirreled away their work bonuses in a "dream job" fund to cover their living expenses while they got their vineyard off the ground (see Retire to Your Dream Job).
4. Cover your health insurance
If you don't have coverage through your job (or your spouse's), look into an individual policy with a high deductible to keep your premiums manageable, combined with a tax-favored health savings account to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. Shop for a policy at eHealthInsurance.com or through an independent agent (find one at www.nahu.org).
5. Be professional
Update your resume and references, research prospective employers, mine your past contacts, and keep at it. Today, "the persistent bird gets the worm," advises RetirementJobs.com.
