TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/14/12)- As the February 29th deadline approaches to make a contribution to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and as part of its ongoing commitment to improving financial literacy, BMO Financial Group will be providing daily retirement tips during the month of February from BMO Retirement Institute Head Tina Di Vito's new book 52 Ways To Wreck Your Retirement...And How To Rescue It.

Tip Number 27:

Focus your energy on things that really matter to you in retirement

Many people are wary of retirement and may go through different emotional stages, including impatience, fear, excitement, disappointment and/or happiness. Rather than fearing the unknown, embrace this new phase of your life. Retirement can be a rewarding and fulfilling time, if you let it. Consider the following if you are feeling unsure about retiring:

-- Instead of worrying about how you will fill your newly open schedule,
look forward to controlling your 24-hour clock.
-- Leaving your profession does not mean losing your identity - titles are
just titles and do not define who you are.
-- Try a "mini-retirement" or ease into retirement by gradually reducing
your work hours.
-- Do not wait until you retire to try new activities - start them now.

Tip Number 28:

Plan for retirement together and talk to your partner about what you want to do.

You and your spouse may not be on the same page with regards to how you want to spend your retirement. It is critical that you openly discuss your ideas and views for your retirement with your partner so that you are able to plan together. Consider these topics when discussing your retirement plans:

-- Will you both be retiring at the same time?
-- What activities do each of you want to do? List both individual
activities and shared activities.
-- How will family be a part of your retirement?
-- How will you continue to develop friendships and grow your social
networks?
-- What roles will you each play? Will your role at home change once you
retire?

For more information on retirement: http://www.bmo.com/retirement.

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BMO Retirement Tips of the Day: Don't Fear Retirement & Talk to Your Partner About Your Views on Retirement