Things a Woman Should Do When Turning 50
Turning 50 is a milestone for any woman. Around 50 is usually when kids are going off to college or moving out. Women are facing the empty nest and searching for things to occupy their time other than shuttling the kids back and forth from their extracurricular activities. It's also a great time for a woman to reassess her life plans and make sure her future is secured. Does this Spark an idea?
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Get a Checkup
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See your doctor for a complete checkup. Breast exams, blood pressure screenings and cholesterol tests should be included in your yearly checkup. Colonoscopies, which screen for colorectal cancer, are recommended every 10 years beginning at age 50. Your doctor may recommend them more often if you have a family history or other issues.
Visit a dermatologist for a full body screening to rule out any suspicious moles, growths or lesions. This is especially important if you've spent a lot of time in the sun.
Know your BMI (Body Mass Index). A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.5. Anything over that indicates obesity, which can lead to other health problems.
Reassessing your health insures you're in shape to face the future.
Revamp Your Finances
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Take stock of your finances and set goals. If you don't already have one, open an IRA or Roth IRA account, and make sure your contributions will bring you the return you will need in the future. Although basically the same, a Roth IRA and traditional IRA are slightly different. Consult a financial planner who can advise you on the right investments that will help you reach your goals. Open a savings account for day-to-day emergencies. Pay into this account each payday to insure your savings will grow.
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Career Assessment
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Fifty is a great time to assess your career. Decide if you are happy where you are now or if there is a way to advance your career. At 50, many women think about going back to school to advance their degree or add new skills. Think about signing up for additional training that will make you more valuable in the workplace or advance your career.
Think Ahead
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Make a will. Most people put off getting a will for as long as possible. A will makes sure your estate is distributed the way you want it to be. You can specify care of minor children, who will manage your estate and how your assets are to be divided in the event of your death. It doesn't matter how much or how little you have, if you don't make a will, the state you live in will decide who gets your belongings. Wills can be drawn up by a lawyer, or you can find sites that make a will online. If you do use an online site to make your will, make sure it is a reputable site before entering any information.
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References
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