Planning early helps achieve a smooth transition. This quiz will help you find out how ready you are and where you may need to give attention to your plans. The following are some of the elements essential to a fulfilling retirement. See how well you are preparing for retirement. Be truthful!!!

Try out this quiz

It will give an idea of where you may need to focus your planning for retirement.

It will also give you an idea of what this guide is going to cover.

Don’t worry if you get a lot of ‘No’s, you will do much better once you have worked through the guide. Perhaps come back and try it again later.

Decision to retire
Have you had enough and want to retire?	Yes	No
Are you considering a transition period of working part time?	Yes	No
Are you really excited about this major change in your life?	Yes	No
Are you retiring by your own choice?	Yes	No

Purposeful activities
Have you researched what you intend to do with the extra 2000hrs/year you will have?	Yes	No
Have you found something totally inspiring and rewarding to do that matches your skills and needs?	Yes	No
Do you have activities outside of your work that make you feel valuable?	Yes	No
Do you feel that your self-identity is determined by your work?	Yes	No

Personal growth
Do you intend further exploring something you have had an interest in?	Yes	No

Fun and recreation
Do you participate in activities that bring you into contact with people outside of your work?	Yes	No

Relationships
Do you have close friends outside of your work environment?	Yes	No
Have you decided on possibly exchanging roles with your spouse/ partner?	Yes	No
Have you agreed on times and spaces where you will be separate?	Yes	No

A place to stay
Can you afford to continue living where you are?	Yes	No
Have you a plan to carry out all major maintenance items to your home whilst you can afford them?	Yes	No
Have you considered making your home energy efficient to reduce costs?	Yes	No

Mental and physical health
Are you in good physical health?	Yes	No
Are you following a health plan including diet and exercise?	Yes	No
Do you have regular medical check-ups?	Yes	No
Are you positive about life and the future that retirement holds?	Yes	No

Sorting your stuff
Is your will up to date?	Yes	No
Have you signed a Living Will?	Yes	No
Does your family know where all your important documents are?	Yes	No
Have you a plan to de-clutter and get rid of surplus possessions?	Yes	No

Money
Have you received independent financial advice?	Yes	No
Have you had an estimate of your potential income?	Yes	No
Will you be able to maintain a good standard of living on this income?	Yes	No
Have you compiled a joint retirement budget?	Yes	No
Have you a plan to get rid of your mortgage and other major debt?	Yes	No
Will you be financially independent?	Yes	No
Have you had a trial run to see if you can live comfortably on your retirement budget?	Yes	No

Your plan
Have you compiled a joint plan for your ideal retirement?	Yes	No
Have you set written goals for what you want to achieve?	Yes	No
Can you visualise what your retirement will look like?	Yes	No

Bonus scores
Have you and your spouse/partner discussed all aspects of your plans for retirement?	Yes	No
Have you received pre-retirement advice on the non-financial aspects?	Yes	No
TOTALS

 

This is an excerpt from Rewired Don't Retire, sponsored by Irish Life and Active Retirement Ireland.