Retirement is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a sense of uncertainty. Many people approach this stage knowing what they are retiring from, but not yet knowing what they are retiring to. Taking some time to clarify what you want life to look like can make the transition far smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are four simple steps to help you shape a retirement that reflects your goals, values and lifestyle.
1. Picture your life after work
There is no single blueprint for retirement. Your ideal lifestyle will depend on the things you enjoy, the routines you value and the pace you want to live at.
A helpful place to start is imagining your ideal week. Think about how you would like to spend your mornings, afternoons and evenings. Consider which hobbies you want more time for, how you will maintain social connection, and what will give structure to each day.
Some people can easily visualise this because they have been looking forward to retirement for years. Others need more time and may find it useful to speak with family, friends or people who have already retired.
2. Create a sense of purpose
Work naturally provides goals, accountability and achievement. Without it, the days can easily blend together unless you intentionally create new sources of meaning.
Purpose does not need to be complicated. It may come from contributing to your community, spending more time with family, exploring a creative interest, improving your wellbeing, or revisiting long-held ambitions.
To get clarity, try asking yourself:
- What brings me joy
- Which achievements am I most proud of
- What have I always wanted to try but never had time for
- What impact or legacy do I want to create
- What will make each week feel fulfilling
Creating purpose is one of the most powerful ways to make retirement feel rewarding rather than unstructured.
3. Keep your mind active
Staying mentally engaged plays an important role in long-term wellbeing. Research suggests that activities which challenge the brain may help support cognitive health as we age.
This can include learning something new, such as a language or musical instrument, exploring creative arts, reading, playing strategy games, or simply maintaining regular social interaction.
The goal is not achievement, but stimulation. Whatever your interests, try to include activities that keep your mind active and curious.
4. Turn your vision into a financial plan
Once you have a picture of the retirement you want, a financial adviser can help you assess how your income, superannuation, investments and savings can support it.
An adviser can assist by:
- Mapping your expected spending needs
- Modelling different retirement scenarios
- Helping you balance lifestyle enjoyment with long-term sustainability
- Identifying strategies to strengthen your retirement income
- Bringing clarity to how long your funds need to last
Sharing your plan with your family can also help align expectations and provide clarity for future decisions.
Source: This article was originally published on Advisely with the title “Designing your ideal retirement in 4 steps” on 22 October 2025.
Next steps
A well-planned retirement should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
If you would like help designing a retirement plan that reflects your lifestyle and gives you confidence about the years ahead, contact us to arrange a conversation with one of our advisers.
This information provided in this article is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your own objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a financial decision based on this advice, you must consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own needs, objectives, and financial circumstances, and where relevant, obtain personal financial, taxation or legal advice. Where a financial product has been mentioned, you should obtain and read a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) prior to making any decisions about whether to acquire a product.