Durban authors tackle retirement challenges
Retired businessmen Andrew Blaine and Barry Smith have penned a book to help retirees find their feet after leaving the work world.
THERE’S far more to preparing for retirement than financial and investment planning – and a wide range of different feelings about retirement.
While many countdown to finishing their working careers with feelings of uncertainty, fear of the unknown or even impending doom, others eagerly look forward to a time when they can relax and do everything that they’ve always wanted to do.
Durban authors Andrew Blaine and Barry Smith have launched a book entitled The Next Step – the Road Through Retirement, which is aimed at addressing both ends of this spectrum and encouraging readers to plan ahead.
The book, which leaves the money issues to more qualified financial planners, begins with the premise that retirement is simply another phase of life that offers its own unique, exciting opportunities. It is based on research tempered by their own experiences.
Although they individually deal with a host of different practical, enjoyable and even sometimes unpleasant aspects of retirement, they are united in their belief that the road towards retirement should be completed well in advance in order to get the best possible start.
In his signature forthright and practical style, Blaine addresses the philosophy and mechanics of the planning process during the first part of the book, discussing issues such as identifying the right time to retire, succession planning, taking that first step and finding one’s individual path.
Smith offers an alternative viewpoint as well as tips. He highlights important things to bear in mind when formulating a retirement plan. He discusses remaining healthy in retirement, adjusting one’s lifestyle, having fun and activities in which one could become involved. He also deals with more sticky issues that include the dangers of being exploited in retirement and downsizing.
“I believe it is essential for people to plan for this very important aspect of retirement. In my case, I admit that I did not plan sufficiently. However, I have been very lucky as I have been fortunate that so many great opportunities have come my way. Nevertheless, I believe that, before one retires, one must have a good idea of who they are going to spend this important time so that they can maintain a real purpose for living,” Smith said.
The friends and co-authors began discussing writing The Next Step – the Road Through Retirement in July 2014, and got down to writing it in mid-2015.
“Our decision to write this book was based on the need to address the current problem of people retiring with no or very little planning and ultimately considering retirement to be the end of life! We have known, or know of, too many of our peers who simply surrender, blob and then prematurely sign out through lack of ambition and interest. The prospective retiree, even those who are able to afford anything they choose, will always need to be equipped to fill their spare time positively and constructively. There are too many retired persons who waste time finding things that do not really inspire or satisfy. This leads to a feeling of inadequacy and the onset of self-criticism, depression and withdrawal,” added Blaine.
Both authors are over 65 and agree that their life experiences couldn’t have been more different. Smith’s career with one of South Africa’s major banks spanned 43 years. Blaine, on the other hand, has always worked for himself, running a variety of business in KwaZulu-Natal. Today, Smith is a business consultant while Blaine guides small business owners.
The authors believe that The Next Step – the Road Through Retirement should enable readers planning their retirements to learn from their mistakes and experiences, use the practical planning tools that they provide in their book and ensure that this is the most productive and enjoyable stretch of their journeys so far.
The book, which is expected to retail for R190, will be available at Edu Kidz (Kloof and Hillcrest) and Pick ‘n Pay, Village Market, Westville and Pick n Pay Westville Junction initially with more outlets across Durban to follow shortly. It is also available on Amazon.com under Kindle Store.
