May 8, 2023
Dieters, frustrated novelists and daydreamers all know that there’s a big difference between intention and action, action and follow through. Those preparing for retirement do, too. So the next time you hear yourself or a soon-to-retire friend say that they’re ready to let some big things go, take pause.
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Then ask: “Really?”
For those serious about retirement done right, the preparation isn’t just financial. You can try golfing away the rest of your life or resting on the laurels of your work accomplishments. But the experience won’t be nearly as rich or rooted in your new reality.
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So what should you prepare to part with? And can you do it? Let’s see if you resonate with or resist these three realities.
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Say sayonara to stuff
If you really believe that he or she who dies with the most toys wins, then maybe you haven’t thought much about whether that comes with an eternal storage locker.
The fact is that excess stuff will only weigh you down, especially if you want to travel or spend more time tending to your relationships (more on that in a bit).
Retirement marks an ideal time to take inventory. Just how many trinkets have you accumulated? Do you really need them? (In most cases, probably not) What keeps you from parting with them — logistics, emotions or some combination?
Taking the first step to thin the herd of excess possessions, especially collectibles and big-ticket items, can also add to bottom line retirement savings.
About 33% of baby boomers are anticipating their mortgage or rent will be their largest expense during their retirement years. So parting with things will also help if downsizing your home is something you think will be a possibility or financial reality for you once you stop working, according to a recent survey from Retirable .
Read more: Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market — and are betting on these 3 assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds
You are no longer your career
Retiring means a welcome end to overachieving and borrowed identity. We are not our work selves, and getting back eight hours a day leaves many folks surprisingly stumped in terms of how to redeem it.
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And no wonder. If you’ve worked practically your entire life to reach a career goal, win the awards, gain the status and reap the benefits, then chances are a good deal of your identity is tied up in your career. Plenty tied up. Letting go of a rewarding occupation is tough.
Further: Are you ready to give up the adrenaline rush of hard work? Or the recognition that comes with someone asking, “What do you do?” Or the fulfillment your job gave you?
If you’re not so sure, then you’re in good company. A survey cited in USA Today found that 47% of retirees still worked in retirement, with a whopping 72% of pre-retirees stating they would want to keep working.
The 2023 Retirable survey showed that of respondents who reported interest in having a part-time job during retirement, 71% are seeking extra income outside of retirement savings and (65%) say they just want to stay busy or active.
Indeed, some people never retire in the traditional sense; athletes commonly come out of retirement, too. In figuring out what works for you, keep in mind that however you structure your golden years, immersing too much identity in your career will raise questions you won’t want to ignore.
Read More: Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
All that disposable income
A top reason many retirees don’t want to give up work has to do with income security. What if you get sick? Your partner loses their job? Or another emergency lands that means you need cash on hand? Having a job often takes the sting out of such scenarios.
Meeting with a financial adviser before retirement — decades before, if possible — is crucial. They can help you determine a dollar savings target to ensure the quality of life you want, and figure out a balance between checking off bucket list items and saving for emergencies.
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At present, 48% of workers believe they don’t make enough money to be able to save for retirement, according to statistics cited by Annuity.org. What’s worse, 22% of Americans only have $5,000 or less saved for retirement, while 15% have nothing at all. Taken together, that’s more than a third of the workforce.
While Americans struggle with low savings, Social Security, pensions (where applicable) and other financial assets can provide financial relief. On the other side, expenditures that escaped notice for years — true money wasters such as unused memberships and subscriptions, for example — are now ripe for a bit of culling.
Need a plan? Get expert help
When it comes down to it, the greatest threat to your comfort in retirement is not the stock market, how much you have saved or exorbitant spending — it’s not having a plan.
According to data from the Federal Reserve Board, only 40% of non-retirees feel confident about their retirement savings — a clear sign many Americans could use help navigating their finances and making sure their assets are protected.
One solution to help you sleep better: Find a financial advisor who can help you navigate your finances and make sure your assets are safeguarded.
Researching and calling multiple financial planners can be a time-consuming hassle, but there are ways you can easily browse vetted advisors online that fit your needs.
If you're unsure how to safeguard your savings during a recession, it’s better to get answers sooner than later.
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Amy Legate-Wolfe is an experienced personal finance writer and journalist. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Toronto, a Freelance Writing Certificate in Journalism from the University of Toronto Schools, and a Master of Arts in Journalism from Western University. Amy has worked for Huffington Post, CTVNews.ca, CBC, Motley Fool Canada, and Financial Post. She is skilled at analyzing trends and creating content for digital and print platforms. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading and watching British dramas on BritBox. She is a mother and dog-mom to a Wheaten Terrier.
