Hardly a week goes by that either one of my friends or one of my clients doesn't ask me "When are you going to retire?" And if it's not me it's one of my clients who lamented that they're not sure when they should retire. Many times, it's not that the income is needed but it's more of breaking a pattern we've all had for some 40-50 years. So, for everybody, finding out what you need to do...makes you...you!
The getting up and getting ready to go to the office after that cup of coffee in the morning. The work and interaction with other people and customers. Then, going home to spend time with family and friends. It's been the routine and routines are hard to break.
When Retirement Changes Everything
The wife of one of my clients was complaining that she was used to "alone time" during the day when her husband was at work, and now that's he's retired, he's at home under foot all the time. "I want him to go back to work!" she cried good naturedly. She's had her routine upset and found it annoying. We all had a good laugh, but there was some truth to the issue.
I've gotten phone calls from clients and friends who have retired asking "I don't know what to do with myself now that I'm retired." I cover the normal list of volunteering.
Finding What Makes You...You
If that fails to get a response, I ask, "What was your favorite pastime or hobby when you were kids?" This is where some answers start coming into focus. Bicycle riding? Get a job repairing bikes at a bike shop. Sewing or crafts? This worked for one client when she called the local Children's Hospital and found that a group of ladies knitted blankets for the kids to take home. She got a brand-new group of friends in the deal! Another collected train sets with his brother as kids, and he got a part time job at a local train park. There's something out there for everyone.
So, whatever you decide what to do with your time...it'll be unique and make you...you! The key is finding what brings you purpose and joy beyond your working years.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David touches on something really important here—retirement planning isn't just about having enough money saved up. Most people are surprised when they learn that the emotional and lifestyle adjustment can be just as challenging as the financial piece. When you're thinking about retirement timing, you're really juggling several factors at once.
Let's take a look at this together: if you're considering retirement in 2026, you'll want to think about your full retirement age for Social Security benefits (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on when you were born), when you'll need to start Required Minimum Distributions from your traditional 401k or IRA (that's age 73 now), and when you become eligible for Medicare at 65. A lot of people ask me, "Can I retire before 65 if I need health insurance?" The answer is yes, but you'll need a bridge plan until Medicare kicks in, and that can cost $800-1500 per month for individual coverage.
Here's the good news: you don't have to figure this all out alone. Start by mapping out your ideal retirement day—what would you actually DO with your time? Then work backward to see what financial resources and healthcare coverage you'll need to make that lifestyle possible. Once you see how it works, it's actually pretty simple.