Retiring between ages 62 and 67 is a no-brainer for many people. You\u2019ve saved and planned, and you\u2019re finally ready to enjoy the freedom you worked decades to earn.<\/p>\n
Read Next: 8 Things To Stop Doing After 60, According To Kevin Lum<\/a><\/p>\n Check Out: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home<\/a><\/p>\n However, this phase can come with blind spots that many new retirees<\/a> don\u2019t see until they\u2019re in it. GOBankingRates spoke to William Connor from SAX Wealth Advisors<\/a> about what catches people off guard in those critical first years of retirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Many people imagine retirement as an instant lifestyle change \u2014 from working life to permanent leisure. In reality, it takes time to figure out what you truly want your days to look like. \u201cRetirement is a big transition for most people, and it can be hard to truly understand what you want until you are actually retired,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Activities that sound appealing may become boring as years go by. Connor recommended treating your first year or two as a trial period to figure out what you really desire.<\/p>\n Find Out: What a Wealthy Retiree\u2019s Monthly Budget Looks Like at Age 78<\/a><\/p>\n When to claim Social Security<\/a> is one of the most debated retirement decisions. Delaying your benefits is often worth it. As Connor put it, \u201cIt pays to wait; you\u2019ll earn about an extra 8% annually in your benefit by delaying the start. This extra income can potentially result in greater retirement security.\u201d<\/p>\n However, he stressed this decision needs a holistic evaluation, including your health outlook and whether you need to leave money for heirs. \u201cSocial Security terminates at death, while retirement accounts and other assets can be passed on,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n