What Does It Look Like to Retire Intentionally? 7 Steps to Purposefully Plan for a Fulfilling Future

Finding fulfillment during retirement means you can do what you want rather than punching the clock for a paycheck. Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Most adults 50 and over are looking toward their retirement years, at least in passing. The idea can be frightening for those who haven’t intentionally set aside funds to see them into their golden years. They may lack enough money to do what they’d like or maintain their standard of living.

Life expectancy keeps rising, and the number of years you’ll need enough funds to survive increases. Add to those worries fears of inflation and whether or not Social Security will survive, and you can see why it’s crucial to be intentional about retirement—whether you have a few years left to plan or decades.

What Does Purposeful Retirement Look Like?

Finding fulfillment during retirement means you can do what you want rather than punching the clock for a paycheck. You might learn something new, expand your education, spend time with family and friends, travel, or volunteer with a charity.