Once you’ve positively answered that all-important question, “Am I actually ready to retire?” you can look forward to life as a pensioner: time to relax, travel, spend more time in the garden, get the golf handicap down, volunteer in the local community, or do any number of other activities that you have always been wanting to do. Many of those in retirement talk of being busier than ever with all their new commitments!

The long and happy retirement that many have dreamed of over the years is on average becoming longer…and longer. Do your financial plans cover this eventuality? You also need to consider and plan for other circumstances that may arise, such as long-term care or house modifications as you get older.