A recent study conducted by the California State Employee Association (CSEA), the 2024 California State Employees Financial Preparedness Report, found that 79% of California State Retirees said they are satisfied, or very satisfied with their retirement, and are confident or very confident that their retirement funds will last. Nearly 1,200 retirees participated in the study and shared reasons for their satisfaction — how they are spending their time, and, in some cases, how they are supplementing their income.
When asked what advice they would share with those getting ready to retire, successfully retired State employees recommended six things to consider before taking the leap into retirement.
- Know your numbers. Retirees stressed that financial freedom in retirement is possible. Accurately predicting your retirement income, determining the right timing for Social Security, understanding tax implications, and ensuring a budget for the unexpected all have an important role in ensuring you’re ready to retire.
Many recommended attending CalPERS retirement seminars and encourage potential retirees to set up an appointment to get a projection of your first post-retirement check. “Persist with your questions until they’re answered,” others shared. Some suggested talking to a professional financial advisor and telling them everything — all debt, savings and checking account balances, 401k balances, and other sources of income, so they can advise you on your retirement goals and funding. - Be patient. While many retirees advised their peers to “retire as soon as possible,” others urged caution. “Ask others about their experience,” some suggested. And if you find that you must work longer to get to where you need to be, retirees suggest that you do so. “If you’re healthy, you can work extra years to get more Social Security and service years.” They also stressed the importance of planning and actively seeking out promotions to get into the highest pay category you can prior to retirement.
- Plan your time. “Have at least three things you want to do when you retire,” said one retiree. The days are long, and you can miss working, the people you used to see daily, and the work challenges you once faced. One suggestion was to make a bucket list of everything you may want to do, even if some are small or seem insignificant now. “Make sure that you have a plan for what you will do to keep yourself occupied after the travel [is done] and the garage is clean,” said one retiree. Also consider your skills and where you may be able to contribute as a volunteer. Identify potential volunteer opportunities in advance of retirement, to ease your transition in volunteerism.
- Prioritize your health. Many of the 8% who are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their retirement have found themselves dealing with chronic health problems of their own, or are spending their retirement serving as a caregiver to another individual. A common suggestion was to focus on your own health and any health conditions you may have before retirement. Find activities to keep you mentally and physically engaged, while focusing on your health. Others stressed the need to take time for personal care, perhaps by joining an exercise group or taking classes at the park district or community college. Many of the 8% who are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their retirement have found themselves dealing with chronic health problems of their own, or are spending their retirement serving as a caregiver to another individual. A common suggestion was to focus on your own health and any health conditions you may have before retirement. Find activities to keep you mentally and physically engaged, while focusing on your health. Others stressed the need to take time for personal care, perhaps by joining an exercise group or taking classes at the park district or community college.
- Get your ducks in a row. Successfully retired CA state workers emphasized the need to get estate plans in order. This can include designating your beneficiaries on bank and investment accounts, setting up a Trust, writing a will, having your power of attorney (POA) documents prepared, etc. This is critical to insure that, if you have a spouse or partner, they will know how things will change if one or the other dies. Map it out, they suggest. Understand your insurance needs and obtain coverage as soon as possible. Some survey participants noted that getting a policy sooner is better than later, since costs will go up as you age.
- Adopt a new mindset. “Don’t retire to escape the daily grind,” was a common refrain. Ask yourself if you are actually ready to retire or just need a vacation. Another suggested taking mini vacations as your retirement date grows closer.
“Try to think about retirement as very important for your health so you do not get bored,” a retiree suggested. Retire while you are healthy enough to enjoy it, but be sensible, too, and make sure you plan ahead so you can live comfortably. “Be prepared for a bit of “culture shock” sometime in the first 6 months” following retirement, one added. “Don’t despair, it’ll soon pass.”
If retirement funds are shorter that you expected, many suggested looking into Retired Annuitant positions, or pursuing other forms of employment or business activities to provide additional funds, even if it is to fund your discretionary spending. Even a small side gig can provide a little financial cushion, especially when inflation impacts your budget.
“Think before you leap,” suggested a retiree. “Retirement is great if you have no debt and enough savings to do what you want.”
The study also showed that the dissatisfied group included many younger retirees who said they felt they had retired too soon, are bored, or don’t have the financial resources they counted on having in retirement. For more data and insights, see Snapshot: California State Retirees
Other comments and recommendations from California State Retirees included:
“Your retirement date should be a business decision, not an emotional one.”
“Enjoy the little things in life and save for the big things.”
“Tell your loved ones you love them every day!!!”
“You’re going to love retirement.”
“Enjoy the end of your job/career and reflect on all the wonderful people you met during your service. You will see them out in the community and it’s great to be proud of the service you provided!”
For more information on California State Retirees, and opportunities to get involved, visit the CSR website.
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Retiring from the State? 6 Things You Should Think About Before Taking the Leap
On Track or Ahead of Schedule for Retirement? Chances Are You Do These 7 Things
Retired Too Soon? How Some State Retirees Are Supplementing Their Income
About the Survey: The project was sponsored by the nonprofit California State Employees Association (CSEA) which provides member benefits to members of SEIU Local 1000, CSUEU Local 2579, Association of California State Supervisors and California State Retirees.
The 2024 Report is based on the quantitative study of California State employees across the state, examining their personal financial planning needs, concerns, attitudes, and behaviors for a secure retirement. The report includes insights gleaned from nearly 5,000 active and retired State employees surveyed in November 2023. Individual responses were strictly anonymous. N=3,817 Active employees analyzed at 95% confidence, ±2%. N=1,172 Retirees, 95% level of confidence, ±2% margin of error.
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