I’ve been told that if you retire early, you’d better get a hobby or volunteer for a worthwhile cause.

For the majority of people, an early retirement is the result of careful financial planning. Investing for the long-term is the name of the game and forget about the “get rich quick” scams.

Getting into a good defined benefit company retirement plan sure helps. These are rare today, with most companies offering contribution-based plans. The other option is your own self-directed RSP. All have their advantages and a quick trip to a financial planner will help you decide which one is best for you. You don’t need to head down to Bay Street to find one. The next time you’re in your local bank, make an appointment to see one of their consultants. You’ll never be sorry or regret planning for the future, that’s for sure.

Speaking of the future and finding a hobby, I recently directed my attention to astronomy. I thought this would be something I could enjoy now, and later in life during my retirement years. So after extensive research I jumped in with both feet. I found the telescope make and model that fit my expertise (zip) and budget (cheap) and started searching the Internet classifieds. A few weeks later, I found what I was looking for and dusted off my hard-earned Truck News bucks to pay for it.

Being a guy, I didn’t read the instructions. This baby is supposed to be “simple” to operate, so being of very average intelligence, I thought I’d have no problems. After all, how difficult could it be? Aim, focus and presto…beware ye little green men of Mars, I’m watching!  

Apparently their definition of “simple” is a little bit different than mine. The only thing I saw that night was the reflection of my ugly mug. I thought I saw the moon at one point but quickly realized I was aiming at a streetlight. I couldn’t see a thing through this beast and I wondered if Galileo had the same problems?

Simple to operate, blah, blah, blah. I’d have been better off looking through a Cracker Jack freebee.

If and when I do retire I’m going to be very happy wearing a volunteer badge at the local hospital. I’m sure it will be a lot less stressful even if bedpans are involved!