When we think about retirement, we often focus on financial readiness. But an equally important aspect is how you’ll spend your time. Without the structure of a job, it’s essential to have a plan for how you’ll spend your time. One way to prepare is to test-drive your retirement lifestyle before making the big leap. Here’s how to start discovering your ideal retirement routine:

1. Take a Few Unstructured Days Off

While you’re still working, take some vacation days with nothing planned. How will you fill your time? Try going without your usual schedule and see how it feels. What activities did you get into? Were there periods of boredom or were you energized by the flexibility? A few days is all it takes to get a taste of retirement freedom, and whether or not you’re prepared for it.

2. Explore New Hobbies and Interests

Retirement is often seen as a time to pick up new hobbies or dive deeper into existing ones. Use your test drive to experiment with potential activities like painting, gardening, or volunteering. It’s important to identify what excites you now so you can enjoy a fulfilling retirement later.

3. Evaluate Your Social Life

Without colleagues around, your social circle might shrink. During your test run, think about who you’ll spend time with and how you’ll maintain your social connections. Are there friends or family nearby, or do you need to make an effort to meet new people through clubs or community groups?

4. Adjust Your Daily Routine

In retirement, you’ll no longer have the structure of a workday, so experiment with new routines. Maybe start your mornings with exercise, leisurely breakfasts, or creative projects. This trial run helps you understand what kind of daily rhythm makes you feel most energized and happy.

5. Reflect on Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Retirement can be a significant psychological shift. Use your test drive to evaluate how you feel without work obligations. Are you content with how you’re spending your time, or do you feel lost? Identifying emotional gaps now allows you to address them before you retire fully.

6. Consider Your Partner’s Retirement

If you have a partner, consider how your schedules and expectations align. This trial run can also help you figure out how you’ll spend time together or apart, ensuring your individual and shared needs are met.

Test-driving your retirement lifestyle is about more than just managing your time—it’s about preparing mentally, emotionally, and socially for the changes ahead. By trying out new routines, exploring hobbies, and reflecting on your social life, you can make the necessary adjustments now to ensure your retirement years are filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment—not just free time.

Written By  Heather Jordan
Navigating 6 Common Retirement Pitfalls
Heather Jordan  – November 25, 2024
Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling them “missteps” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Either way, becoming aware of these potential pitfalls may help you […]
Keep Reading
Catch-Up Contributions
Heather Jordan  – November 01, 2024
Saving enough money for a comfortable retirement is likely one of your primary financial goals. However, with so many demands on your finances, it’s easy to get off track. If you’re 50 or older and want to make up for lost time, tax laws allow you to ‘catch up’ on your retirement savings. You can […]
Keep Reading
For 401(k) Plan Participants, Consistency is Key
Brett Sebion, Financial Coach  – October 23, 2024
Recent research1 from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and the Investment Company Institute (ICI) found that 401(k) plan account balances increased significantly between 2016 and 2020 for participants who made regular and consistent contributions to their plan accounts. The study reinforces just how helpful it is for plan participants to contribute consistently to their plan […]
Keep Reading

What are you waiting for?

Everything we do boils down to this: by doing what is best for you, we do what’s best for our company. Helping you build financial security and plan for retirement so you can look forward enjoying life.
Open an Account right-arrow-dark Sign Up Now right-arrow-dark