Retirement planning isn’t just about saving enough — it’s about knowing what “enough” really means to you. Shari Greco Reiches shares three powerful questions to help you reflect on your goals, purpose, and future.
Money isn’t always about numbers, it’s often about mindset.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, explores this concept perfectly:
“At a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island, Kurt Vonnegut informs his pal, Joseph Heller, that their host, a hedge fund manager, had made more money in a single day than Heller had earned from his wildly popular novel Catch-22 over its whole history. Heller responds, “Yes, but I have something he will never have … enough.”
That idea of “enough” is something we discuss regularly when working with our clients. In fact, we’ve found that those who feel most confident about retirement have taken the time to reflect on three essential “enough” questions.
This is the first and most important question to ask, ideally before retirement. While all the answers may not be clear right away, starting the conversation early is key. A financial plan that explores different scenarios, such as varying retirement dates and spending levels, can help bring clarity over time.
This question goes beyond finances – it touches on purpose and fulfillment. For some, a career continues to provide energy, structure, and a sense of identity. For others, the desire to step away and pursue something new becomes increasingly clear. Understanding where things stand can help shape what the next chapter might look like.
This is often the hardest question to answer. Without the structure of a workday, how will time be filled in a meaningful way? Hobbies, volunteer work, travel, or supporting family members can all provide a sense of purpose, but it helps to think through what that might actually look like.
A fulfilling retirement usually begins when these questions are answered with confidence and clarity. If some answers are still uncertain, spending time defining retirement goals can make all the difference.
We're here to help. Want to learn more? Connect with a financial advisor to see how a tailored approach can support your financial future.
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