Freedom, Real Estate and Retirement: Tom’s 55+ Game Plan

FREEDOM, REAL ESTATE, AND RETIREMENT: TOM’S 55+ GAME PLAN

Watch the Youtube video:  Tom’s 55+ Game Plan

Retirement: it’s a word that conjures up images of relaxation, travel, and pursuing long-held passions. But the path to retirement, and life after, is rarely a straight line. It’s a journey of planning, adapting, and discovering what truly matters. This blog post explores some key aspects of approaching retirement, drawing inspiration from a recent conversation with someone navigating this exciting phase of life.

The Unexpected Detour and the Power of Planning

Life often throws curveballs, and career paths are no exception. As the Tom notes, being “no longer needed where I was” (00:01:17) at 50 years old became a “blessing in disguise” (00:01:21). This unexpected change served as a catalyst to intensely focus on retirement planning (00:01:41). This highlights the importance of having a plan in place, even if it needs adjustments along the way.

The Dream of the Open Road: RV Travel

For many, retirement is synonymous with travel. Tom shares an exciting plan to “buy an RV and travel around all 48 states and maybe Alaska” (00:14:02) for three years. This ambitious goal speaks to the desire for freedom, exploration, and creating lasting memories. Tom plans to “visit all the states” (00:14:15), carefully considering the best times to visit each location. This kind of detailed planning is essential for a successful long-term RV adventure.

Home Base and the Evolving Definition of “Home”

While the allure of constant travel is strong, the need for a home base remains. Tom acknowledges the potential for downsizing, seeking a home that is “configured more for the lifestyle that we’ll have with no kids living at the house” (00:15:53). The desire to “lower our expenses a little bit” (00:16:00) by moving from an expensive HOA community is a practical consideration for many retirees. The plan is to “continue to travel, but obviously not as dedicated” (00:16:07) after the initial three-year RV journey.

Exploring the 55+ Community Option

55+ communities offer a unique lifestyle with age-restricted housing and amenities geared towards active adults. Tom has explored this option, even creating a “video on his YouTube channel” (00:17:33) covering “10 or 12 different 55 plus communities” (00:17:33) in Central Florida. However, a tour of one such community raised questions about whether the advertised lifestyle matched the reality. The speaker observed that the “facility that they had, the common area facility was gigantic” (00:18:05), but “there was hardly anybody that was actually using the building” (00:18:19). This highlights the importance of thorough research and visiting multiple communities to find the right fit. Tom notes that if he were to consider such a community, it would have to have “tons of activities and and people engaging in those activities” (00:18:40).

It’s Never Too Late to Start

Whether you’re in your 20s or approaching your 60s, it’s never too late to start planning for the future. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building the “habit” (00:21:18) of saving, even if it’s just a small amount. He encourages those who feel behind to “start, right?” (00:21:32).

Retirement is not a destination, but a journey of continuous learning and growth (00:19:59). It’s about embracing new experiences, pursuing passions, and creating a fulfilling life on your own terms.

Watch the Youtube video:  Tom’s 55+ Game Plan

CLICK HERE to download our short Ebook — “3 Keys to Opening Your Retirement Dreams” 

Or jump on a call with us by clicking on our CALENDLY LINK.