We see a common theme amongst our happiest retirees. If happiness is what you’re seeking in retirement, consider using the happiest amongst us as a guideline for how to live out your retirement years.
While a lot of things can cause temporary joy or excitement, we are talking about the long-term happiness that some people just seem to exude. Without further ado, let’s look at 4 secrets of happy retirees.
1) They Are Debt Free
Proverbs says the borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7). One thing we often find in finance is a mentality that debt is a necessary evil - and indeed at times we find that it is. But when people prioritize debt payoff as part of their wealth building strategy they never regret it. When debt is paid off, what can almost be described as a physical burden is lifted and the future feels brighter.
2) They Have Found Purpose
We encourage our clients to not think about what they are retiring from, but what they are retiring to. Do you find your identity is tied to your work? One thing we see too often is people retiring from their 9 to 5 job and they lose their sense of purpose and identity. Loss of identity can lead to many negative consequences such as hopelessness and depression.
3) They Prioritize Their Health
Health declines as we age, there’s nothing we can do to win the battle against Father Time. However, we can put up a good fight, and in the meantime extend our years and make the ones we are living more enjoyable. Studies show living a healthy, active lifestyle in retirement is one of the leading causes of a happy retirement.
Perhaps it is not health itself which constitutes happiness, but the opportunities that being healthy opens up. Think of your interests and potential hobbies that you might like to explore more of in retirement. Almost everything you can think of will likely require you to be in good mental and physical health to enjoy it.
4) They are Financially Secure
This goes along with our first point about being debt free. Health and wealth are two of the most pointed-to factors in building a happy retirement. But let’s look at the word security. Security is defined as the state of being free from danger or threat. How do you know that you are free from danger or threat financially? Many people do not know this until they sit down with a financial planning professional (here comes the plug!). In order to find financial security in retirement, you need to know what risks pose a threat to you. Do you have enough to retire? Could healthcare, or stock market fluctuations, or longevity pose a threat to your nest egg? These are the types of things a professional can answer for you.
We hope you find wealth, health and purpose on your journey to a happy retirement! Give us a call when you're ready to put a plan together.