Your mom is retired.
She lives by herself.
She’s bored and calls you all the time.
She’s forgotten how jam-packed schedules can be with work and kids. She’s forgotten how she didn’t’ have time to talk either when she was working. But now, she has time.
What do you do?
Maybe it’s time for your mom to find a part-time job. It can be a paying job or non-paying job as a volunteer.
The key is to find something meaningful to keep her occupied and expand her circle of friends.
For jobs that pay, look at working in a church office or library for less strenuous tasks. Some mothers may prefer a quicker pace such as a local retail boutique or coffee shop.
If she wants her flexibility, help her start a dog sitting business. Be creative and think outside the box.
If she’s full retirement age, her Social Security benefits will not be impacted. If she’s younger than full retirement age and collecting Social Security benefits, her benefits may be impacted.
If she exceeds the limit, then Social Security will reduce her current benefits. That money will return to your mother when she reaches her full retirement age. She will see an increase in her benefit amount.
For jobs that do not pay, look for volunteer opportunities in your community. There may be an upcoming road race that needs volunteers to staff different stations. If she enjoys live performances, check and see if your local theater needs volunteer ushers.
It’s easy to become frustrated when your retired mom calls all the time. Shift your perspective and see it from her end. She’s probably bored and feels a loss of identity. Most of her friends may have been from work. As soon as you start seeing signs, be proactive and suggest she return to work. Not in the capacity she was in before, but to something less demanding. It’ll keep her occupied while keeping her mentally and physically alert.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”