The first few years after retiring can be a difficult time for seniors. When they enter retirement, most seniors stop earning income and it's common to experience a difficult transition to retired life. The first few years of retirement can be a time of life full of surprises. The challenges and changes they experience during this time can throw them off their plan. While they have certainly planned what they'd like to do in retirement, sometimes their old, ingrained habits of savings and thrift hold fast, and they don't enjoy the fruits of their labor.

It's known as "Senior Savings Syndrome." Which is a term I coined to describe what I see so often with some of my retired clients. Many of them just cannot make the transition and they don't enjoy their retirement years as much as they might or more importantly, as much as they'd planned to.

And that is just plain sad.

Every retired person I have ever worked with had made plans for their retirement years. Whether it was paying off debt, traveling, or whatever. And most follow through, but unfortunately, a significant percentage don't. I'm certainly not suggesting that retirees spend their money recklessly, only that they use their money for its planned use - for their security and for their enjoyment.

Retirement counseling might be a good thing for some folks to give them an idea about what to expect, especially as it relates to the transition from employee to retiree, and how to best achieve their goals in retirement without feeling guilty or foolish for enjoying their lives by using the nest egg they worked so hard and so long to acquire.

If you think retirement counseling might be something you'd benefit from, start your research by locating a financial planner in your area who specializes in counseling for retirees. There are organizations as well as universities and colleges that offer this type of service, so ask around to see if there's someone where you work or even at your church or synagogue. Once the right person has been located, schedule an appointment with them to discuss what options best suit your needs and goals. At first, it may seem a bit intrusive, but let me assure you that once the session is over, you'll feel empowered about making smart choices throughout your life and especially leading up to what could possibly be one of the most important times of living - retirement!

Steve Buitron