Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone—retirement! As you embark on this new chapter of life, it’s essential to envision and plan for the lifestyle you desire. How will you use the hours in a day?

This handout is designed to help you reflect on various aspects of your daily, weekly, and monthly routine. Take your time to consider these questions and use them as a starting point to shape your ideal retirement. We recommend doing this with a spouse or loved one!

1. Daily Routine:              

• What time do you want to wake up in the morning?
• How will you start your day? (e.g., morning routine, breakfast habits)
• How often do you want to get out of the house?
• What activities/chores would you like to outsource?(e.g., yard maintenance, house cleaning, food/nutrition, technology, etc.)
• Do you have any specific rituals or activities for winding down in the evening?

2. Hobbies and Interests:

• What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
• Are there new hobbies you want to explore in retirement?
• How much time & money do you envision dedicating to your hobbies each day or week?

3. Social Life:

• How often do you want to socialize with friends and family?
• Are there clubs, groups, or organizations you’d like to join?
• Do you prefer smaller gatherings or larger social events?
• How often do you want to go out with your spouse/significant other?

4. Exercise and Wellness:

• What forms of exercise do you enjoy? (e.g., walking, lifting, swimming, yoga)
• What new forms of exercise would you like to try?
• How often do you plan to engage in physical activity?
• Are there specific wellness activities you want to incorporate into your routine?
• What will your diet look like on a day to day basis?
• How often do you want to cook food per day/week?

5. Travel and Adventure:

• Do you have a travel bucket list? What destinations are a priority?
• How frequently do you plan to travel?
• Do you want to travel internationally or more domestic?
• Are there any specific types of travel experiences you want to have?

6. Learning and Personal Development:

• Are there subjects or skills you’ve always wanted to explore or learn?
• How do you plan to continue your intellectual growth in retirement?
• Are there educational programs, courses, books, or workshops you’re interested in?

7.Technology:

• How comfortable are you with using new technology? How comfortable would you like to be?
• What devices or apps would you like to learn more about?(smart phones, health trackers, etc.)
• How will you use technology to stay connected and enhance daily life?(social media, online banking, etc.)
• Are you interested in smart home tech, online safety, or digital hobbies?

8. Volunteering and Giving Back:

• Are there causes or organizations you’re passionate about supporting?
• How much time do you want to dedicate to volunteering each month?
• Do you wish to gift to loved ones?
• Would you like to leave a legacy?

9. Financial Considerations:

• How confident are you that your retirement savings will support your lifestyle?
• Do you have a clear strategy for managing taxes, investments, and withdrawals in retirement?
• Have you planned for potential healthcare costs, long-term care, and unexpected expenses?
• How will your financial plan adapt to changing market conditions and economic shifts?
• Are you maximizing your Social Security and pension benefits to ensure long-term stability?
• Have you considered how estate planning and wealth transfer will impact your loved ones?

Take your time to reflect on these questions and use your answers as a foundation for creating a retirement plan that aligns with your values and aspirations. Remember, retirement is an opportunity to design a life that brings you joy and fulfillment. Enjoy the journey!