UMass Amherst Libraries Mentoring Program

Words of wisdom from UMass Amherst librarians:

Firstly, my advice is: don't retire. Find something else to do that is important to you. Doesn't have to be for pay unless you need the money. But keep working. Keep learning.

Tips for navigating personnel matters 1. If you have TIAA-Cref from more than one institution, note that UMass will not sign your paperwork if the other institution's is attached. Has to be completely separate package. 2. If you want to keep your UMass email account, you have to respond within 30(?) days to a query that came in my case about 6 weeks after I retired. Then you re-register every 2 years.

The best person to speak with for a particular matter 1.Talk to Kelly Pleasant about UMass retirement matters. With your spouse/partner in tow if you have one.

Articles/books you recommend How to retire happy by Stan Hinden Die broke by Stephen Pollan

Lifestyle adjustment 1. Even if you are retiring shortly, SAVE money. Use TIAA-Cref. People who rely on living on their pension are going to be very poor if they live long. Inflation will eat up your pension. 2. I think those with a spouse or partner have the hardest time. My husband retired before I did. I found it very helpful to “interview” women who were in this position for what helped. 3. Lots and lots of talking between you and your spouse about housework/maintenance priorities, dreams. 4. We found it helpful to “take turns” about selecting vacations instead of having to agree. 5. We have always found it helpful that each of us gets an “allowance” that we can spend as we choose and not have to account for to our partner. 6. Start thinking about (and remedying) accessibility issues in your home, or moving to a more sensible house for elders. 7. Get long term care insurance asap, if you don't have it. Medicare doesn't pay for nursing homes except in short term cases.