As you approach retirement, start envisioning what you want to do during your retirement years.

We all have different views of how we want to spend our time. Work will no longer consume 8+ hours of your day.

So, what will you do in retirement?


Initially, you may think you want to have no schedule. You want to sleep in and stay up late.

But if you’re accustomed to a schedule and getting things accomplished, this option will be difficult for you to maintain.

You may have a list of things you want to do around the house. Or, you may want to spend more time with your friends and family.

Both are good options. But what do you want to do for yourself?


Spend a few moments and brainstorm. Write down everything – whether or not it’s practical.

To start, answer these questions:

Are there places you want to travel domestically? internationally?

Is there a hobby or skill you want to learn – photography? gourmet cooking? oil painting? another language? ballroom dancing?

Do you want to read every book on the bestseller list?

Do you want to write a book?

Do you want to volunteer at your favorite charity?

Do you want to return to college and pursue another degree?

Do you want to visit every baseball stadium and watch your favorite team play?

Do you want to play every golf course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail?

Do you want to visit all national parks?

Do you want to trace your family history?

Many of us are fortunate to retire while in good health. Take advantage of it and pursue something you’ve always wanted to do.

Review your list and decide when you want to accomplish each item. If you can’t afford an item, figure out if you can save for it. For example, if you want to take a world cruise costing $70,000, can you save for it and maybe take it later in retirement?

It’s your life. You have control over how you want to live it. You can choose to maximize your active retirement years with things you want to do … or you can choose to let your time drift away.

Stay PEF (positive, enthusiastic, and focused), and make 2023 your best year ever!

(Update to original post from September 28, 2017)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing  comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”