Retirement Is MORE Than Just Your Money—4 Things You MUST Consider Before Retiring
Executive Summary
You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and built a solid financial foundation for retirement. The numbers check out—you have no debt, a healthy portfolio, and even a paid-off home. But if that’s all you’ve planned for, you might be in for a surprise.
If you step into this next chapter without a plan for how you’ll spend your time, maintain relationships, and find purpose, even the best financial strategy won’t keep you from feeling adrift. True retirement planning isn’t just about leaving work behind—it’s about stepping into something fulfilling.
Want to watch an in-depth exploration of this topic? Check out this video on my YouTube channel, @savvysteward: Retirement Is MORE Than Just Your Money—4 Things You MUST Consider Before Retiring
Retirement Is MORE Than Just Your Money—4 Things You MUST Consider Before Retiring
I ran into an old acquaintance last year—let’s call him John. He had retired six months earlier, and when we last spoke, he was eagerly counting down the days until he could finally step away from work. He had spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, had saved aggressively, and was financially set for life. If anyone had a textbook retirement plan, it was John.
So, when I saw him, I expected him to be thriving. Instead, he seemed… off.
When I asked how retirement was going, he shrugged. “It’s fine, I guess,” he said. “I thought I’d love it, but honestly… it feels kind of empty.”
Here was a guy who had done everything right—he had more than enough money, no financial stress, and total freedom over his time. But now that he was actually living in retirement, something wasn’t clicking.
He admitted he was struggling to fill his days. He had assumed he’d take up woodworking and had even bought all the equipment, but it hadn’t held his interest. He and his wife, who had been looking forward to this chapter together, were now stepping on each other’s toes, trying to navigate a daily routine that felt unfamiliar. He had lost the structure and purpose that had guided him for years, and now, he felt unmoored.
John’s situation is more common than you’d think. Retirement planning isn’t just about money; the goal is designing a life that feels meaningful, engaging, and connected.
Let’s talk about the four key pieces that make retirement fulfilling beyond just financial security.
How Do You Know If You’re Financially Ready to Retire?
Let’s get this part out of the way—money does matter in retirement. You can have all the purpose in the world, but if your finances aren’t in order, stress will creep in quickly.
Knowing you’re financially ready isn’t just about hitting a savings target. It’s about understanding how your assets, income, and expenses work together to sustain you for decades.
Have you mapped out your cash flow? Do you have a strategy for taxes and withdrawals? Are your investments structured to support you long-term, not just for the first few years?
Even if you feel confident in your financial standing, it’s worth reviewing everything with a financial professional. A solid financial plan is the foundation!
What Should You Do Before Retirement to Avoid Boredom?
Most people underestimate how much time they’ll have in retirement. Work fills up most of the week for decades, and suddenly, it’s gone. What are you going to do with all that time?
It might sound like a dream to have nothing but free time, but without a plan, it quickly turns into restlessness. I’ve seen it happen—someone spends years counting down to retirement, only to find themselves bored out of their mind within the first six months.
This is why it’s critical to start exploring before you retire.
Test out hobbies, travel in a way that mimics your retirement lifestyle, and take note of what genuinely excites you. If you’re thinking about volunteering, start now. If you’ve considered part-time consulting, try taking on a project before you leave work. Don’t just assume you’ll figure it out later!
How Does Retirement Affect Your Relationships and Social Life?
Your job isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a built-in social network. You talk to colleagues every day, engage in workplace events, and interact with a steady stream of people.
Then, retirement hits. And suddenly, that daily connection disappears.
Retirement can be incredibly isolating if you don’t actively cultivate relationships. If you’re married, how will you and your spouse adjust to spending significantly more time together? If you’re single, how will you maintain and build friendships?
John, the acquaintance I mentioned earlier, expected to spend a lot more time with his wife—but he didn’t realize how different their routines and expectations would be. The adjustment wasn’t as seamless as he thought, and it was creating friction instead of the closeness he had imagined.
Think about your social life before you retire. Are there friendships you want to strengthen? Groups you want to join? A sense of community you want to cultivate? Relationships don’t maintain themselves—you have to be intentional about them.
What Makes Retirement Feel Purposeful and Fulfilling?
This is the biggest piece of the retirement puzzle. What will give your days meaning?
I’ll tell you what won’t—random distractions. Staying “busy” isn’t the same as having purpose.
Some people find purpose in mentorship—passing down knowledge, working with younger professionals, or teaching. Others find it in volunteering, supporting causes, or investing in their community. Some people finally pursue creative passions they never had time for.
Whatever it is, it should feel bigger than yourself. Something that gets you out of bed with excitement. Purpose doesn’t just appear—you have to seek it out.
Remember, the best retirement plans go beyond the numbers. Money is just a tool—the real success of your retirement depends on how you use it to build a meaningful life.
Contact Information
Keith Demetriades, CFP®, CKA®, is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations integrate faith-based principles into their financial planning. Oikonomia is a foundational concept in his practice, reflecting his commitment to ethical and values-driven financial management.
For more information or to start a conversation about your financial future, contact Keith Demetriades at (806) 223-1105 or visit his website at https://www.kingsview.com/advisor/keith-demetriades/.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss your specific situation and needs. Past performance does not indicate future results, and all investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal. Any financial product or strategy references are purely illustrative and should not be construed as endorsements or recommendations.
