Retirement

Being financially ready for retirement is crucial for ensuring a secure, fulfilling life post-work. Early preparation allows individuals to manage expenses and reduces financial stress, enabling them to enjoy choices rather than limitations. Planning fosters independence, protects relationships, and ensures quality of life in the longer retirement years ahead.

By ELIZABETH O’BRIEN Maybe you’ve always dreamed about retiring when you hit 60—or even before you get your AARP card at 50. Or perhaps you have watched the stock market climb for the past eight years in a row, with the S&P 500 index more than tripling since its 2009 low, and suddenly an early exit from the workplace seems as if it …