Month: January 2026

When most people think of retirement, they imagine the finish line . . . the end of a career, the end of responsibility, the end of a routine. But I see it differently. Retirement is not the end at all. It’s a new beginning. A third of your life may still be ahead of you. It’s not about retiring from something; it’s about retiring to something more meaningful.

When I sit down with clients and build out a 30-year retirement plan, the shift is tangible. They begin to realize that retirement isn’t a short phase. It’s potentially 30 years of purpose, contribution, and joy.

Seeing Retirement as a New Chapter

Education is the first step. I take time to walk clients through what retirement really looks like, both financially and emotionally. When they see the plan laid out, it clicks: this is a big part of life, not a postscript.

For many of our clients, retirement becomes a sacred opportunity to serve. Senior missions, humanitarian work, and community service become not only possible but deeply fulfilling. Others find themselves drawn to family, traveling frequently to spend quality time with children and grandchildren.

Some of the happiest retirees I know are the ones who come back to me two or three years after retiring and say, “I don’t know how I ever found time to work.” They’re busy, but they’re fulfilled. They’re giving back, they’re traveling, and they’re using their time intentionally.

Preparing for Retirement in the Final Stretch

So what should you focus on in the 5 to 10 years leading up to retirement? There are three key areas: emotional, structural, and financial.

1. Define What You’re Retiring To

It’s easy to say you’re retiring from a job. But what’s harder—and far more important—is deciding what you’re retiring to.

I encourage clients to think beyond the honeymoon phase of retirement. After the initial freedom and excitement wears off, what brings lasting purpose? Whether it’s serving others, spending more time with loved ones, or finally pursuing that long-postponed passion project, this clarity makes all the difference.

Unfortunately, there’s no script. Everyone has to write it themselves. But those who find a sense of mission tend to thrive.

2. Adjust Your Investment Strategy

Many people nearing retirement are still heavily invested in the stock market, sometimes 100% in equities. That’s probably fine in your 40s, but in your early 60s, it’s most likely time to shift to a more conservative strategy.

Our proprietary Perennial Income Model™ helps clients do just that. By segmenting retirement into six distinct five-year periods, the model provides predictable income early in retirement from conservative investments, while allowing later segments to grow. This structure protects you from having to sell in a down market and gives you peace of mind that your income is secure.

3. Know Your Retirement Budget

One of the most important, but often overlooked, steps is estimating your retirement spending. You won’t get it exactly right—no one does the first time—but having a solid estimate gives you a benchmark to measure against.

With a clear budget, we can determine if your current savings, pensions, and Social Security will support your lifestyle or if adjustments are needed.

Retirement With Purpose and a Plan

At the heart of our philosophy at Peterson Wealth is the belief that structure leads to freedom. With a clear financial plan, you can spend your time and money with confidence—supporting missions, donating to causes, traveling with family, or even helping a grandchild through college.

You’ve worked hard to get here. Now it’s time to live with intention. Retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about waking up with the freedom to do what matters most to you.

Whether you’re five years out or retiring this year, we’re ready to help you define and prepare for the next chapter—one filled with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

 

Ready to plan not just for retirement, but for a life well-lived? Schedule a retirement consultation with a Peterson Wealth Advisor today.