On a recent business trip, I found myself in the dreaded middle seat — a spot that rarely offers much beyond cramped elbows and a steady supply of recycled air. But this time, it came with a show.
The gentleman next to me had his tray table down, not for snacks or a laptop, but for what looked like the creation of a battle plan. He was scribbling furiously on a yellow legal pad, page after page of bullet points. Naturally, I glanced over (let’s call it passive research). After a few minutes of respectful eavesdropping, it was clear: This wasn’t a to-do list for work. This was his retirement list.
Places to go. Things to learn. People to visit. No mention of IRAs, 401(k)s, Social Security or budgets — just dreams with checkboxes. When I finally confessed to him that I’d been looking over his shoulder, he smiled and said, “I retire in 60 days. Figured I better have a plan.”
And there it was: retirement planning, version 2.0. Not about dollars and cents but about meaning and purpose. It got me thinking — because I’m coming up on it quickly, and I talk, write and think a lot about the financial side of retirement. But that’s only half the equation. The other half? It’s what you’re retiring to, not just what you’re retiring from.
So, with that as background, let’s break down a few of those non-financial elements of retirement that may be just as critical to your well-being as a solid income plan:
1. Purpose: What Gets You Out of Bed?
When you’ve spent 20, 30 or even 40 years showing up for roll call — whether in uniform, in a suit or both — it’s easy to underestimate how much structure and purpose come with the job. Retirement can feel like slamming on the brakes after years at full throttle. Without something to replace that sense of mission, the novelty of sleeping in and golfing every Tuesday (OK, Tuesday-Sunday) could wear off quickly.
What’s your new mission? Volunteering, mentoring, starting a small side business or finally writing that novel? You don’t need a full calendar, but you do need something that gives your days shape and your life meaning.
2. Community: Who’s in Your Corner?
Work naturally brings social connection. Retirement … not so much. The office banter, the shared gripes, the birthday celebrations — you may not think you’ll miss them, but I think you might.
Building or maintaining a social circle takes intentional effort after you retire. Reconnect with old friends. Join groups that share your interests. Or be the guy who organizes monthly breakfasts for fellow retirees. You’ll thank yourself when the novelty of solo hobbies wears thin. Heck, I’ve already promised to join the group of retired folks from my team here at USAA for their monthly lunch.
3. Health: the Real Wealth
Sure, you’ve heard it before — but retirement is a terrible time to fall apart physically. The good news? You have more time to invest in your health. That doesn’t mean you need to run marathons, but regular exercise, smart eating and staying on top of checkups can pay off big.
Remember: All those places you want to go and things you want to do? They’re a lot more fun when your knees work and you don’t need a pharmacy suitcase.
4. Time Management: Freedom Can Be a Trap
It sounds weird to say that too much free time can be a problem, but ask any new retiree and they’ll tell you: The days can blur. You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule, but having some rhythm to your weeks — whether it’s designated hobby days, lunch outings or projects — keeps you grounded.
Your calendar doesn’t have to look like your pre-retirement planner, but it shouldn’t be blank, either.
That guy on the plane reminded me: While financial preparation opens the door to retirement, it’s the non-financial planning that makes walking through it worthwhile. A great retirement isn’t just about having enough money — it’s about knowing what you’ll do with your time, who you’ll spend it with and how you’ll stay engaged and fulfilled.
So, yes, keep funding that Thrift Savings Plan, review your withdrawal strategy and make sure your health insurance is squared away. But also? Grab a yellow legal pad, like my fellow traveler did, and start your own list.
After all, retiring to something is where the real magic begins.
Related: Ramp Up for Retirement Now – Because Later Never Comes
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