5 Elements of Retirement Wellness
“Retirement wellness is about more than having enough money. It’s a lifestyle and mindset change that focuses not just on money and resources, but also creating memories and experiences. Balance is critical to enjoy this next chapter.” -David Adams
We know you look to us for more than just financial guidance — especially as you plan for the major life changes ahead. Retirement, for example, isn’t just about putting your money in the right pots; it represents a milestone, a whole new lifestyle. And you want to feel prepared for not only the bills but also the health challenges, shifting sense of purpose, and new social dynamics as you leave the workplace behind.
Financial wellness is intertwined with the many other areas of your life, and we want to help you live well on every level. That’s why we created a retirement plan that looks at the big picture.
Many of you know my father’s story that I wrote about in my new book, “The Currency of Time” (available on Amazon or in our office). His story lead me to create a new concept and way of thinking about money called “Retire While You Work.” Below is one of many ways to think about money, time, and life, and I hope you will visit our blog for more articles on this topic.
Here are the Five Elements of Retirement Wellness we believe will make a difference as you begin this new, exciting chapter.
Financial Structure
Before you retire, it’s essential to have a strong financial foundation. This means getting and keeping the right job, opening accounts within the mainstream financial system, building an appropriate emergency fund, and keeping debt under control[1].
Once you’ve established a healthy foundation, you can begin to think about retirement. For this next financial phase of your life, you’ll need enough money and resources to cover at least two decades, while maintaining the kind of lifestyle that makes you feel safe, well cared for, and happy. You’ll also may need a system, or a plan, to help you manage your money, so your resources are spent gradually over an extended period of time.
Purpose
Pursuing your purpose and passion is what gives meaning to life. You’ve worked hard throughout your professional career because, one day, you want to be able to focus on your passions entirely. In retirement, you’ll have more time to revel in life’s beauty and meaning. Whatever it is that brings you to life — family, friends, travel, sports, volunteering, creative endeavors — is exactly how you should be spending your days.
Social
One of the best ways to bring meaning and joy into your day is to spend time with the people you cherish. It’s essential to maintain your relationships, and even broaden your network, in retirement. These connections will help you continue a path of personal growth and development; they’ll keep you from feeling like you’re slowing down too much. Engaging with different generations helps you maintain a sense of belonging in a world that’s quickly changing.
Physical Well-being
Not only does your health affect your wallet, but it also plays a factor in deciding what you can enjoy and for how long. Many people hope to travel in retirement, for example, but that means you also must maintain your physical health well enough to be able to do so with ease and vitality. Getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising often and avoiding risky behaviors — such as smoking or drinking in excess — will help you get the most out of your retirement.
Community
Lastly, the community you call home can have a significant impact on your ability to enjoy the later years of life. Local transportation, crime rates and accessibility will play a role in your ability to accomplish day-to-day tasks and engage with people. Housing is also a major factor. Your home should be adequately prepared for aging in place, if that’s your goal, and your housing situation should support your life activities and personal needs.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Financial well-being: The goal of financial education.” (December 2015).
- Forbes. “Retirement Wellness: Toward A More Complete Framework.” Anna Rappaport. (December 2016).
Any opinions are those of the financial advisor and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and does not constitute a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. All investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Asset allocation and diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
