For some, retirement is a long-awaited reward. A chance to trade meetings and deadlines for travel and grandkids. For others, work has been a source of meaning and purpose, and they plan to stay active well into their 70s or beyond. But no matter your vision, one thing is clear: retirement isn’t just a financial event. It’s a life transition.
At Transcend Wealth, we often meet people who’ve done the hard work of saving and investing wisely. They’ve built financial security—but haven’t given much thought to what life looks like after work.
So the question becomes: Are you ready for the freedom you’ve worked so hard to earn?
Let me share two real-life retirement stories.
Mark retired in his early 60s with a clear plan for what was next. These days, he volunteers with a local nonprofit, mentors young professionals, and still finds time to travel and stay active. His days are purposeful, and he’s found ways to stay engaged and connected.
Dave also stepped away from full-time work around the same time. At first he enjoyed the freedom, but it didn’t take long before the lack of routine began to weigh on him. He missed the social aspect of work and felt unsure about how to fill his days.
Both were financially ready. Only one had a vision for what this next phase of life could look like.
If you’ve ever watched a college graduate wrestle with the transition from school to career, you know that moving from one structured life stage to another isn’t always seamless. Retirement is no different. Without a daily routine, goals to pursue, or relationships to nurture, many retirees feel adrift.
And here’s the thing: Freedom without structure isn’t always liberating—it can be paralyzing.
Those who thrive in retirement do so because they stay active, connected, and engaged. Their days have rhythm. They find meaning not just in leisure, but in growth, contribution, and community.
It starts by asking better questions. Not just “When can I retire?” or “Do I have enough?” but also:
You might consider easing into retirement with part-time work, consulting, or volunteering. According to the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey, nearly three-quarters of pre-retirees expect to work in some capacity after they retire. It’s not always about the money—it’s about staying relevant and connected.
Here are some ways to spark inspiration?
The clients who feel most fulfilled in retirement aren’t just the ones with the biggest portfolios. They’re the ones who thought ahead about how they want to live—not just how much they need.
If you're within a few years of retirement, now is the time to start crafting a vision for what this next chapter could look like.
And if you want help designing a retirement you can look forward to—not just afford—we’re here to guide the way.