How Do You Picture Your Future Retirement?
- Greg Lewis
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Close your eyes and imagine it: your retirement.
Is it mornings with a cup of coffee and no rush to be anywhere? Maybe it’s finally writing that book, starting a small business, volunteering, or seeing the world one trip at a time.
However you envision it, one thing’s certain — your retirement is what you make it. Whether you’ve been planning for years or haven’t given it much thought yet, it’s worth pausing to picture what those years could look like. Here are a few questions to help you get started.
What Do You Really Want to Accomplish?
If you could only check off four or five things from your retirement bucket list, what would they be?
These “must-do” goals could be travel destinations, personal milestones, or simply spending more quality time with loved ones. Even if they have little to do with money, your financial choices today can make all the difference in bringing them to life.
What Will Keep You Energized?
For some, retirement means finally slowing down. For others, it’s the start of something new — a second act.
You might rediscover passions that took a backseat to your career, or find brand new ones that surprise you. With more time to reflect, your old dreams may evolve into fresh adventures. After all, your most valuable asset in retirement isn’t money — it’s time.
Who Will You Share It With?
Most people say “family,” but family means different things to everyone. Maybe that includes lifelong friends, former coworkers, or the community you’ve built over the years.
Retirement gives you the freedom to choose who you spend your best days with — and how often.
How Much Will You Need?
While some expenses are out of our control, others aren’t.
Downsizing your home, for example, could mean lower maintenance costs — and maybe even the end of a mortgage payment altogether. The key is to plan thoughtfully, so your lifestyle feels comfortable and sustainable for the long haul.
What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?
Whether it’s helping your grandkids pay for college, donating to causes close to your heart, or leaving a family home behind — legacy planning takes more than good intentions.
Because tax laws change frequently, the strategies that once worked might not be as effective today. That’s why it’s important to check in with a trusted tax or legal professional before making major estate decisions.
Are You Prepared?
This might be the most important question of all.
If you’re not sure where you stand, or if your life has changed recently — new home, career shift, family updates — it might be time to revisit your retirement plan. A financial professional can help you evaluate your goals, make adjustments, and ensure your retirement years are everything you’ve imagined — and more.
