Throwing a Retirement Party (and Looking Ahead)
Celebrate a friend’s retirement but keep an eye on your own
Retirement is a big deal so it is very appropriate to throw a party to mark the occasion. However retirement parties can be tricky to manage, the retiree may feel anxious about leaving work, especially if their retirement plans aren’t particularly solid, and co-workers may feel awkward since retirement brings up thoughts of aging and their own retirement plans. The way to beat the blues is two-fold: put on a well planned party and make sure your retirement is on track!
Most party-planners focus on decorations, food, and drink. While these are necessary for a successful party, especially the food and beverages, it is common to overlook the activity aspect of the party. A theme can be good, especially if you can base it on the retiree’s interests or retirement plans (try golfing, Florida, luau, etc). Whatever you do, the center of the party will probably be the dreaded (and hilarious) retirement toasts.
Toasts are a two-edged sword that can make or break a retirement party. Try to keep them under three minutes (Oscars style!), get everyone to jot down a few notes on a post it, and (if possible) vet them for content. A little embarrassment is par for the course with retirement toasts, but everyone appreciates it if you cut out the truly awkward ones.
A sensitive topic at many retirement parties can be the financial situation of the retiree, especially because it can reflect the finances of everyone else in the workplace. Step carefully around topics like post-retirement jobs and more modest lifestyle changes. If someone hasn’t adequately prepared for their golden years it is no joke!
If the retirement atmosphere has you looking at your own situation, try using HelloWallet to get a handle on your retirement goals. HelloWallet is an online financial guidance provider that can help with your savings, budgeting, and other financial services needs. HelloWallet can securely download your bank information and give you an accurate projection of your retirement funds.
HelloWallet’s unique WalletGrower service can actually compare your retirement assets to other instruments in our database of over 130,000 bank products and suggest ways to optimize your retirement savings strategy. HelloWallet provides professional financial guidance and helps you maximize the value you get out of your savings, it is entirely possible for you to double your net-worth prior to retirement
Have fun planning your friend’s retirement celebration in the knowledge that your retirement is taken care of. Try HelloWallet for free and secure your golden years.
Leave a Reply
