If asked, most people are hopeful they will have a happy retirement. They're just not sure they are taking all the necessary steps to get there. We all have those moments in our busy lives where we stop and ponder, am I doing what I need to enjoy retirement? But then our busyness continues and takes over any productive changes we considered. As financial advisors, we work with people in all phases of life and often chat with retirees that have walked this path. The happiest of them agree, there are 4 main areas that contribute to their happiness. If you want to prepare for a happy retirement then listen to this episode to hear 4 secrets to a happy retirement.

Happy retirees take their health seriously

The happiest retirees are able to move their bodies so that they can remain active. Physical exercise has the benefit of getting the endorphins going and creating joy. Staying active is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age. You can’t wait until you retire to become active or it will be too late. Part of creating a healthy body is by moving more now. Even though it can be a challenge to find the time to create a healthy exercise habit, this is an important part of ensuring that your body will work the way you want as you age. Are you doing what you can now to make sure your body will still function the way you want in your golden years?

Happy retirees have enough money because they had a financial plan

Happy retirees have enough money to retire with and are financially independent. Are you doing everything you can to ensure that you will have a comfortable retirement? What savings rates do you need to have to have a comfortable retirement? How do you know that your money won’t run out when you retire? There are so many questions about money and retirement. A financial advisor can help ease your concerns about finances in retirement.

Having enough money means you will have less stress. A financial plan will help you make sure that you are saving enough. This may be obvious to some, but the fact is, only 35% of pre-retirees have a written financial plan. If you are unsure if you are saving enough now is the time to meet with a professional that can give you peace of mind. We recommend finding a fee-only financial planner to help you make sure you are doing all that you can to have the savings you need so that you won’t have to worry your way through retirement.

A strong sense of purpose can ensure a happy retirement

You need not only have a financial plan but a personal plan as well. If you have a strong sense of purpose that drives you this will help you to spend your retirement in a fulfilling way. Volunteering your time is a great way to further your knowledge and pass on your wisdom. Creating a life of purpose doesn’t just ensure that you aren’t sitting at home watching tv all day, it can result in leaving a legacy behind. What are your retirement plans? Are you planning to retire to something rather than away from something?

Relationships are important to a happy retirement

Happy retirees have friends. The happiest retirees interviewed have stated that they have a sufficient amount of friendships. Those with fewer friends are 3 times less likely to be happy. Are you developing friendships right now that will transcend the test of time? Creating friendships through common interests is a great way to ensure that you will have a number of friendships when you finally leave the work world behind. So how are you doing in these 4 areas? Do you feel like you are setting yourself up for a happy retirement?

Outline of This Episode

• [2:17] Happy retirees take their health and wealth seriously
• [4:52] Happy retirees have enough money to retire on and are financially independent
• [9:22] Happy retirees have a strong sense of purpose
• [13:03] The importance of friendships

Resources & People Mentioned

• BOOK - Your Retirement Quest by Alan Specter and Keith Lawrence
• Episode 22 - Don’t Fail in Retirement
• Episode 68 - Your Pre-Retirement Checklist

Connect With Chad and Mike

• https://www.financialsymmetry.com/podcast-archive/
• Connect on Twitter @csmithraleigh@TeamFSINC
• Follow Financial Symmetry on Facebook

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