Suspect ‘the big M’ but want official confirmation? Here’s how to know for sure

✔️ Track your periods – If you haven’t had a period for 12 months straight, congratulations (or condolences?), you are officially in menopause.

✔️ Check with your doctor – Blood tests measuring hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estrogen levels can help confirm what your body is up to.

✔️ Assess your symptoms – If your body is throwing all the classic menopause signs your way, it’s probably the real deal.

Thinking about retirement when you’ve hardly met your life goals, can feel overwhelming.

For many parents, retirement planning often takes a back seat to more immediate financial priorities like school fees, loan repayments, or daily household expenses. Yet, just like the oven analogy—where time waits for no one — it’s crucial to start asking the right questions now to secure your future. Here are key considerations to guide you:

1. What Does Retirement Mean to Me?

Retirement doesn’t always mean completely stopping work. It could involve farming, running a small business, or even part-time consulting. Define your retirement vision to align your plans with your reality.

2. Am I Clear About My Financial Gaps?

Analyze your financial standing. When you reach your retirement age, how much will you have saved through your private pension scheme, government pension scheme, or personal investments? Are there gaps in what you’ll need to sustain your lifestyle? Calculating this early helps you avoid surprises.

3. Can I Adapt My Lifestyle?

Retiring well often means adjusting your spending. Are you ready to downsize your living arrangements, move to a more affordable location, or cut back on non-essential expenses to stretch your resources?

4. What Income Streams Can I Build?

It’s common for retirees to explore multiple income streams, such as rental properties, agribusiness, or investment groups. Identify opportunities that suit your skills and interests.

5. How Can I Manage My Debt?

Entering retirement with debts, such as loans or bank overdrafts, can strain your finances. Develop a repayment plan now to free up your future income for living expenses.

6. How Will I Stay Active and Fulfilled?

Retirement isn’t just about money. Will you spend time farming, volunteering in your local church or community, or travelling? Staying mentally and physically active is key to enjoying your later years.

7. Am I Ready for Unexpected Challenges?

Life’s uncertainties — rising healthcare costs, economic instability, or emergencies — can derail plans. Build an emergency fund and consider public health insurance options or private schemes.

8. Who Can Help Me Plan Effectively?

Speak to a financial advisor or join a local pension scheme. These resources can help tailor a plan that fits your specific needs and goals.

9. How Will My Plans Impact My Family?

Retirement often affects dependents, including children still in school or a spouse relying on shared finances. Have honest discussions about what your retirement might mean for family dynamics and support.

10. Is Phased Retirement a Viable Option?

Rather than stopping work abruptly, consider options like freelancing, consultancy, or starting a small business. These can ease the financial and emotional transition into retirement.