Pictured Above: Kim surrounded with books, cards, certificates, awards, swag, and other gifts she’s received over the 31+ years of working in her profession.

My own retirement is getting closer day by day (June 25). And even though I’ve talked with many clients about planning for their retirement, getting ready to launch into this phase of life myself has gotten me thinking about things a little differently than in the past. Building up a sufficient nest egg is important, but there are a lot of other aspects to take into account that don’t get talked about very much. Here are some of the guiding principles I’ve been reflecting on:

It’s important to practice. This is something I’ve done for many years, taking a week or two off work to “practice retirement”, just staying at home and not making any travel plans. Keep in mind that once you’ve retired, you’ll be losing social connections, daily structure, etc. Having a plan for how you’ll spend your days can help maintain a sense of purpose and motivation. Although the idea of having maximum flexibility and no commitments might sound appealing, consider setting goals or scheduling activities to create a fulfilling routine.

Have something (or many things) you are retiring to, not just retiring from. Many people find their sense of purpose and identity tied to their careers. Consider what will give you meaning and fulfillment in retirement, such as volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing personal passions. What do you want to use your newfound time for? Some ideas include learning new skills, taking a class, focusing on your health and wellness, rebuilding friendships, or joining a community group. The opportunities are endless.

Embrace change. Even when we’ve tried to think of every contingency, life is going to happen. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt. This might mean moving closer to family, downsizing, keeping up with evolving technology, managing health changes, or adjusting your lifestyle to fit new financial priorities.

Heart and soul matter. Retirement can bring unexpected social and emotional challenges. If you have a spouse or partner, spending more time together can require adjustments. Ensure you’re on the same page about how you’ll spend time and make decisions. Family roles may change, too, and you may need to provide more support for grandchildren or aging relatives. Lastly, to avoid isolation and loneliness, you may find that you need to make more effort to maintain friendships and social networks once you leave the workforce.

Can I afford this? No article about preparing for retirement from a financial planner would be complete without a final mention of finances! Double and triple-check that you’ve saved enough, including contingencies and infrequent purchases (large health expense outlays, periodic vehicle replacement, major home renovations, bucket-list travel goals). And if you’re like me, you might consider asking your planner to run a “worst case scenario” projection so you can see how things would look if the wheels completely fell off the retirement train.

After a 31-year career in financial planning, this will be the last blog article I write! Although I’m excited about what the next phase of my life will bring, I already know that I will miss helping others plan for and achieve their own retirement goals.

Our Johnson Bixby team is here to continue supporting you on your retirement journey and all your financial goals. Thank you for the privilege and opportunity of being part of your life—it’s been an honor to walk alongside you.