If you say I am retiring early to get away from work…be careful. Retire to something not away from work…there is a difference in the two approaches.

I am going to do nothing when I retire. Anything but think about this place…your work. For sure there are a lot of folks unhappy with their jobs…but you need to have goals for what you want to accomplish when you retire.

The first step in early retirement planning is a fun exercise. List what you never want to do again…ie, shovel snow, mow the lawn, etc. Make another list of what you want to do when you retire…learn a second language, read the great classics of literature, etc. It is very important for both spouses to make these lists. Compare the lists. They may have big differences that need to be addressed. One may want to live on Florida beach…the other to experience four seasons…better find out now than later.

Laying on the couch may be your idea of retirement…but you realize that is unhealthy. One of your retirement goals…this applies to every one…is to be retired and healthy for a long time.

Be specific and honest with yourself when making out your lists. It will help to narrow your focus on where and what to do in retirement. If you want to lie on the beach Alaska is not for you. If you want to have fresh elk meat Florida is not your ideal retirement spot.

Clearly define your goals and you will be much happier and healthy in retirement. Your goals should be measurable. Don\’t say, \”When I retire I want to learn to speak Spanish\”…a more proper goal would be to say, \” I will be speaking Spanish, six months from when I retire.

Early retirement planning usually focuses on money. If you focus solely on money you will not enjoy retirement. Your financial planner is a specialist in the money side of retirement, it is up to you to define what you are retiring to.

Do you need some prodding to get your retirement list building started? I have been retired 15 years, my two lists are 20 years old. Want to find out what I have done in regards to my list?

To discover what was on the authors lists for early retirement planning. If you are believeing of retirement, but do not believe you can afford it you need frugal retirement living. Do not quit on retirement before going to this site.