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TIPS & CLIPS

Retirement Tips for Those

Jumping Ship

From Joanne: Before you retire, check out

these retirement tips from Fleet Master

Chief (Ret.) JoAnn Ortloff
Joanne Elliott, YNC
National President By Fleet Master Chief (Ret.) JoAnn Ortloff

1 Most important, start living like you are retired at 6 Reach out to those you know who have recently
least 10 - 12 months out. Estimate your retirement retired. Have lunch or such and have them go over
pay and live on that, put the remainder away in sav- some things they learned.
ings. This way you can ease your way into the lower
income and you can start a pattern of lifestyle early 7 Start planning a retirement ceremony at least a year
vice be thrust into it. out. Doesn’t have to be completely planned a year
out, but at least start talking about it. Don’t pass this
2 Don’t be afraid to retire. About 5 years prior, you- opportunity to share a good time, and thank those
may feel like retirement is “the end.” It’s not. It’s a in your life who helped you reach this point. It is
beginning of something new that you are really well important for you, and them, to have this transition
prepared for through your years in the military. point - to turn the Navy over to the Sailors you have
trained and led, and to embrace your civilian side.
3 Tap Tap Tap. Goes at least a few years prior to your
anticipate retirement, and then go again 10 months 8 Start talking with your PSD about 10 months out
prior, because it is overwhelming your first class. about what your final leave/transit etc., days will
After a few months following the class you will equal so you have time to take leave needed to
realize questions you have - write them down. Then balance out. I stayed on top of this each month so I
at your second class you will be far more relaxed and knew I could take a week over the holidays and still
ready to ask more. No excuses - go. have plenty for terminal to get settled.

4 You take care of so many others throughout your 9 Really Really Really try to take at least a month to
career and often forget yourself or pay little atten- yourself (and family) before going right into a civil-
tion. Well, you have everyone permission to take ian job if you are choosing to. Having some down
care of yourself too. And preparing for retirement time is so important to gather thoughts, shape your
and transition to civilian life is imperative! home life as needed and reward yourself for all of
your work.
5 Start your VA paperwork early - 6 months out. You
may need a single side copy of your medical record
for VFW/DAV (whoever you are using to review) so For more information
be ready. I was busy so I had Staples do it (making it
one sided is quite tedious), it was worth the $120 to on retirement, visit
me. Once that was done, you can more easily do a
copy of that one on your own. https://www.va.gov/

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 11