By Asher Hagan
First responders are a special breed. Earning a living from hard work, sacrifice, and risk is not something most people choose to do. You have made special efforts to be fit and knowledgeable, to be the answer in a crisis, and to help people through their most desperate moments. You have seen a lot and learned a lot and you have served the people well. But when it comes time to hang up your boots, badge, or stethoscope, there are a lot of considerations and potential problems ahead. firstresponderretirement.com is a place you can go for comprehensive solutions to your retirement questions
Mental health: First responders are often predisposed to several health issues like substance abuse, mood problems, insomnia and even PTSD. As the stress of the job begins to dissipate, it can be replaced with a variety of new concerns. Adjusting to a self-directed lifestyle can be stressful for some. Many former first responders find that it takes a long time to deal with memories of a career defined by emergency and trauma. A mental health assessment at the beginning of retirement is an excellent way to get in front of some of the potential problems early
Financial planning: Financial planning is your strategy to achieve both short and long-term advantages. A well-considered approach to wealth management will help you optimize your income and build residual earning potential. It is important to know how much to set aside for monthly and annual expenses as well as to make allowances for a long life and leaving an inheritance. It is also important to understand the risks involved with investing. All aspects of building a solid financial plan can be achieved through consultation with a qualified financial advisor,
Second career: Your time as a first responder is ending, but you still have a lot of life to live. Your broad experiences as a first responder has been equipping you with a multifaceted set of skills and knowledge, not to mention strong discipline, leadership, and organization. You may want to go into business for yourself, or perhaps you want to begin a new career as an analyst for safety or security. Expert advice can help you get started in the right direction.
This is the time to take care of your own needs. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. There are very good resources available, specific to Firefighter retirement concerns. Getting expert help with mental and financial health as well as career or retirement advice is your best, first choice.
