Carmen Hall: Do I want to work past retirement?... Hell no

You should be able to have fun in your retirement and not worry about money. Photo / Getty Images

OPINION:
I love my job but it's not my ambition to work beyond retirement age.

I hope to spend that time taking up new hobbies, doing volunteer work, spending more time with my grandchildren and travelling.

I take my hat off to those pensioners who stay in their jobs for pure passion. But I sympathise with those who are forced to do it due to the lack of savings or other life-changing circumstances.

Stats NZ estimates about 16,300 people in the Bay aged 65-plus are still employed - up from 12,300 in the September 2019 quarter.

Successful Resumes Bay of Plenty branch principal Miriam O'Connor said she had noticed people aged 65-plus seeking work - particularly over the past year.

Some felt they had to work longer than expected because they are uncertain about their economic future.

Meanwhile, Tauranga Budget Advisory Service manager Shirley McCombe said the main issue for people aged 65-plus seeking help was the cost of living, particularly rent, which was "very difficult" on New Zealand superannuation.

I think it is sad that we have older people in our community who struggle with the basics - like paying for a roof over their heads.

In an ideal world, they would own their own homes and the pension would be pocket money. However, the reality is people are living longer and some are heading into old age with no assets, no investments and no fat to trim off the bone.

Not everyone has the luxury of preparing well for our twilight years but in my view the majority of us do.

Financial advisers I have spoken to also say if people want to become homeowners and build wealth - they can - all it takes is discipline, hard work and a sound plan.

This does not come without sacrifice but changes like taking your lunch to work, avoiding credit card debt and being less materialistic will help.

The earlier you start the better.

Rotorua Budget Advisory Service manager Pakanui Tuhura said if you want to enjoy trips, holidays and activities in retirement, a good starting point is KiwiSaver.

I agree, I have KiwiSaver and so do my children.

I believe this scheme should be compulsory and would certainly help create less heartache in retirement but that is another story.