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Easing Into Retirement: A Smarter Way to Work Less and Enjoy More

Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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Semiretirement is becoming a popular choice for people who want to slow down but aren't ready to stop working completely. It's a middle ground between full-time work and full retirement. This approach lets people reduce their work hours or switch to less demanding jobs while still earning money.

Different Paths to Semiretirement

There are different ways to achieve semiretirement:

  • Cutting back on hours at your current job
  • Taking on part-time roles
  • Freelance work
  • Starting small businesses

Benefits of Semiretirement

The main benefits include:

  • Financial security
  • Better mental and physical health
  • More flexibility
  • A smoother transition into full retirement

Planning for Semiretirement

To make semiretirement work, careful planning is essential:

  1. Assess your financial situation
    • Determine how much you need to save
    • Calculate how much you can earn from part-time work
  2. Consider healthcare options
    • Especially if you're leaving a job with benefits
  3. Think about Social Security benefits
    • Decide when to start taking them
  4. Ensure you have the right skills
    • If changing careers or taking on freelance work
  5. Practice living on a semiretirement budget
    • See if it's sustainable

Creating a Balanced Lifestyle

By planning ahead, you can create a lifestyle that balances work and personal time, making the transition to full retirement easier.

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