Are You Satisfied with Your Retirement?

Filed under: Retirement

For many years, you might have envisioned your retirement as a destination. But once you reach that finish line, you should find that your journey is not finished! Retirement shouldn’t mean that things always stay the same; in fact, when you consider the length of your retirement years, you should expect some fluctuations! You might find that your needs and values change over time, and therefore your retirement dream should change as well.

Once you retire, ask yourself these questions. Then, revisit them every few years to make sure your retirement is still everything it could be.

Is this the lifestyle you pictured? We hope that you will transition smoothly from your working years to your retirement years, and begin living out your retirement goals. If you haven’t accomplished that goal, why not?

What has changed over the first few years of your retirement? When you first retired, you might have thrown yourself into the activities and hobbies you always wanted to do. But for some people, their priorities shift over time. If you’re happy with your lifestyle, it’s perfectly okay if you aren’t doing the things you once pictured. On the other hand, if money is stopping you or forcing changes in your lifestyle, you might need to adjust your budget.

What do you want to change? Now that you’re actually living the life that you pictured, is it everything you hoped it would be? Sometimes things don’t work out exactly as we had hoped. If you have changed your mind about certain goals, you can always make new ones! Of course, your financial plans should also change to reflect your new priorities.

Has anything taken you by surprise? Most retirees experience at least one surprise. A big change in the market, health crisis, windfall inheritance, or some other unexpected event can dramatically impact your budget. You might need to make different decisions about your money. Even if things are going smoothly so far, assess your financial plan to make sure that you’re prepared for emergencies.

Is your retirement plan flexible? Do you have a backup plan? Are you able to shift gears and give up hobbies that no longer interest you, or move to a new location if you don’t like your current one? It’s always a good idea to have a Plan B in case you have a change of heart or priorities.

At some point during your retirement years, you might find that you need help adjusting your long-term plan. That’s why we’re here! Call our office to schedule an appointment, and we can help guide you toward new possibilities.