How would you define "the golden years"? Most of us imagine long, relaxing days of retired living. After 50+ years of worrying about job stability, paying the bills, childrearing and other aspects of life, a senior should be able to find some peace in his/her sixth decade. However, achieving such a lifestyle takes some serious planning. Although most of us would like to believe that life as a senior is one that is completely worry-free, there are still quite a few financial loose ends to tie up before every afternoon can be devoted to the golf course. We would like you to enjoy your mature years, so we have compiled a list of 15 crucial money moves for seniors.

1. Manage Your Estate

   Let us start with the morbid end of business so we can quickly move past it. Your life is far from over and you may feel like a million bucks, but all adults should have a living will and testament. Furthermore, you should be covered for life insurance, as a premature death could leave some of your loved ones in dire straits. If you happen to be the sole survivor of your family, then you may not need life insurance; rather, you may have unorthodox plans for your estate. In any case, your last wishes should be legally documented while you are of sound mind and body. Once that is out of the way, then just relax and forget all of this nasty business about dying. After all, life begins at 50.
   



2. Meet With a Financial Planner

   Ideally, you should have met with a financial planner long ago to discuss asset allocation strategies. Beginning a long-term plan in your twenties would have really helped you to sustain a comfortable lifestyle after retirement. People rarely take care of such things when they are young, however, so you aren't alone if you didn't start thinking about investments until now. Even if you are already retired and have never met with a financial planner, it is never too late. You need to protect your fixed income, as well as your savings. Too many people jump into retirement with little to no investments to aid them in the future.
   



3. Get Healthy and Stay Healthy

   You have discovered, no doubt, that your body has been changing quite a bit in recent years. Never before has regular doctor visits and healthy living been more important to your body, mind and finances. With moderate exercise and a sensible diet, your retirement years will be all the more enjoyable for you. Not only will you save in medical expenses by fighting off chronic conditions, you will feel years younger. Medical insurance with a fair drug plan is essential, as many seniors take at least one medication with regularity. If you retire before you are eligible for Medicare, then consider a spouse's insurance plan or COBRA, which can be used for up to 18 months after you retire. If neither of those options are available and you can't afford private insurance, apply for Medicaid.
   



4. Aggressively Pay Off Debt

   Before you enter retirement, you should try to pay off your debts as aggressively as possible, lest you spend the rest of your life fighting interest fees. Credit card debt, in particular, is plaguing many seniors today. A balance transfer from a high-interest card to a zero-interest card is the first step in reducing your bills. Also, in regards to any kind of debt, try to pay more than the minimum balance due each month. Remember, a premature death could result in passing your debt onto loved ones.
   



5. Apply For Social Security

   The U.S. government recommends that you apply for Social Security three months before you are eligible. You can start collecting your benefits at the age of 62, although they will be greater each month if you wait until you are 65. Ideally, you should have other investments in place to supplement the Social Security, but many seniors live off their benefits alone.
   



6. Cut the Apron Strings

   Do you still have grown children living at home who don't help with the bills? Or, perhaps they live elsewhere with a little financial help from you? While your unconditional love and support is commendable, you must reduce your number of dependents in order to survive as a senior on a fixed income. A little tough love will be good for any children or grandchildren who see you as their meal ticket.
   



7. Join the AARP

   The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, offers many benefits to its members. You are eligible if you are over the age of 50, regardless of your retirement status. Many businesses participate in rewards programs for AARP cardholders, which will save you money on anything from food to hotel rooms. Also, the organization offers many insurance programs, including homeowners, auto, dental and medical. The latter is most welcome, as seniors often find it difficult, if not impossible, to qualify for private medical insurance.
   



8. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

   If you become a member of the AARP, you will be eligible for countless discounts. However, there are some businesses which offer rewards to all seniors, whether they are AARP cardholders or not. From restaurants to movie theaters, always check to see if you qualify for senior discounts. This will probably only save you a few dollars here and there, but those dollars would be better spent (or saved) somewhere else.
   



9. Consider a Part-Time Job

   Just because you have reached "retirement age", it doesn't mean you have to retire. Some seniors can't afford to quit working completely, while others simply don't want to. If you are in a similar situation, then consider a part-time job. There are many companies, Wal-Mart for example, that value mature employees and offer tailored positions for senior citizens.
   



10. Don't Underestimate Your Lifespan

    While young adults often feel immortal, studies show that most seniors underestimate how long they will live. The result? They spend like there is literally no tomorrow. If you are already age 65 or older, then chances are very good that you will be over 80 when you pass away. Does that surprise you? It shouldn't, as modern medicine is making new discoveries about the human body every day. So, do your bank account a favor and keep planning for those rainy days, as you have many left ahead of you.
    



11. Check Your Credit Report

    It is important to check your credit history at least once a year. Not only will this keep you aware of how much debt you currently owe, it will also present indicators if you have been the victim of identity theft or fraud. Unfortunately, identity theft is on the rise, with seniors becoming specific targets. Criminals consider senior citizens easier to steal from for two reasons: people from older generations are often more trusting and they are also less savvy when it comes to technology. A free credit report can be obtained from the government once a year through this Web site.
    



12. Start a Budget and Stick to It

    Starting a household budget is crucial for those who wish to live frugally, a lifestyle which befits most seniors. If you don't know where to begin, then start with a simple checklist of expenses. Remember, drafting the budget is the easy part. In order to stick to it, you must have common sense and determination. Luckily, those who successfully reach their golden years will have both in spades.
    



13. Consider a Smaller House

    This can be a sensitive subject for many seniors, as letting go of the family home is very difficult. However, you may be left with a house that is much too big for your needs after the children have grown and left the nest. Even if your mortgage is paid off, utility bills and property taxes can be lowered significantly with the purchase of a smaller home. If your budget is tight and your home is large and empty, this is probably your best solution.
    



14. Avoid Shopping as a Hobby

    After retirement, you will have a lot of free time on your hands. Shopping becomes a hobby for many seniors, whether it is for entertainment purposes or because spoiling the grandchildren is so rewarding. With television viewing also a major pastime for seniors, paid commercials and shopping channels can contribute to a newly-acquired shopping bug. It is important to stay busy and to have fun, but you need to stick to your household budget.
    



15. Beware of Scams

    As we said before, senior citizens are often targets for identity theft and fraud. There are two ways in which seniors are commonly preyed upon: over the telephone and over the Internet. Remember to protect your personal information from anyone who calls you on the telephone, as well as someone who solicits you with an email. As you become more familiar and comfortable with new technology, you will be able to recognize scams more easily. Doing so can save you from potential financial ruin.
    

Face it, you've worked very hard for many years and you deserve some rest and relaxation. This can't be achieved without some forethought, however. It is never too early to start planning for retirement but, unfortunately, many people wait too long before they start to take it seriously.  Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. If you have reached an age where you want to slow down and you realize you haven't taken the proper steps to afford you such a position, then it is all the more important to follow the above advice.