Retirement Read Time: 3 min

Retirement Is a Beginning

How do you know you are psychologically ready to retire? As a start, ask yourself four questions.

One, is your work meaningful?

If it is emotionally and psychologically fulfilling, if it gives you a strong sense of purpose and identity, then there may be a voice inside your head telling you not to retire yet. You may want to listen to it.

It can be tempting to see retirement as a “finish line”: no more long workdays, long commutes, or stressful deadlines. But it is really a starting line: the start of a new phase of life. Ideally, you cross the “finish line” knowing what comes next, what will be important to you in the future.

Two, do you value work or leisure more at this point in your life?

If the answer is leisure, score one for retirement. If the answer is work, maybe you need a new job or a new way of working rather than an exit from your company or your profession.

An old saying says that retirement feels like “six Saturdays and a Sunday.” Fantastic, right? It is, as long you don’t miss Monday through Friday. Some people really enjoy their careers; you may be one of them.

Three, where do your friends come from?

If very little of your social life involves the people you work with, then score another point for retirement. If your friends are mainly your coworkers, those friendships may be tested if you retire.

Creating a financial strategy for retirement is important. But there are also other important factors, including your physical health, your mental health, your relationships with family and friends, your travels and adventures, and your outlets to express your creativity. Building a life away from work can be a plus.

Four, what do you think your retirement will be like?

If you think it will be spectacularly different from your current life, ask yourself if your expectations are realistic. If after further consideration they seem unrealistic, you may want to keep working for a while until you are in a better financial position to try and realize them or until your expectations shift.

Ideally, you retire when you are financially, emotionally, and psychologically ready. Why you are retiring is as important as when you choose to retire. When you are motivated to retire, you see retirement as a beginning rather than an end.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2022 FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Should You Ever Retire?

Should You Ever Retire?

A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.

Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business?

For some, the idea of establishing a retirement strategy evokes worries about complicated reporting and administration.

Data Thieves from Outer Space

Learn about the dangers of internet fraud with this highly educational and fun “pulp” comic.

View all articles

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

View all calculators

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

View all presentations

How to Retire Early

Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.

When Do You Need a Will?

When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.

Rightsizing for Retirement

What does your home really cost?

View all videos