From time to time, I attend craft fairs, vendor shows, and conferences to showcase my planner items. Often, someone will walk past my table and politely comment that they don’t need a planner because they are retired. I smile and nod. However, I believe it’s important to have a planner even during retirement. Here are three reasons why:
1. Financial Organization: Even in retirement, bills still need to be managed. A planner helps organize finances and keep track of due dates. This is especially important as memory may not be as sharp as it once was, making a planner critical for remembering financial information.
2. Personal Well-being: A planner can aid in maintaining one's well-being. During retirement, it's crucial to think about diet and activities. For instance, dietary needs often change with age. When I was younger, I had a higher tolerance for spicy foods, but this has changed as I've aged. A planner can help track these changes and ensure you maintain health and vitality by monitoring what you eat and how you spend your time.
3. Daily Structure: A planner provides structure to your day. My mother, who is retired, often tells me that it's easy to waste days away without a plan. A planner helps ensure you make time for important activities, such as visiting family, traveling, or pursuing hobbies you couldn’t engage in during your working or "raising a family" years. Structuring your day can prevent the feeling of wasting time and help you make the most of your retirement.
In summary, while a retiree may not need a thick planner with numerous pages, even a simple planner can be highly beneficial. It allows them to organize their finances, maintain their health, and structure their days to make the most of their retirement years.