How to Truly Enjoy Your Retirement
Retirement is often painted as the finish line—your reward after decades of hard work. But what happens when you reach that finish line and feel... uncertain? An article from Kiplinger titled “I Thought I’d Be Set, But My $3 Million Isn’t Buying the Retirement I Imagined. What Should I Do?” dives straight into that discomfort. And it’s worth paying attention to.
At first glance, $3 million in retirement savings sounds like more than enough. After all, the average 401(k) balance for Americans 65 and older is around $299,000 and the median balance is just over $95,000. So, if you’ve built a $3 million nest egg, you’re already ahead of the game.
But even with strong numbers, many retirees feel a surprising disconnect between their financial security and their ability to enjoy retirement. Some common feelings we hear from clients include:
“I know I should feel confident, but I’m still anxious.”
“I have the money, but I’m afraid to spend it.”
“Retirement doesn’t feel like I thought it would.”
Where Lifestyle Meets Reality
If your dream retirement lifestyle doesn’t match what your portfolio seems to allow, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It might just mean it’s time to recalibrate.
Start with your expenses. Sometimes all it takes is a little flexibility. The Kiplinger article suggests reducing spending by a modest 3–5%, a small, sustainable change that can create major impact over time.
Begin by revisiting discretionary expenses: travel, home upgrades, dining out, and gift-giving. Then explore your recurring monthly costs to find potential breathing room. The goal isn’t to sacrifice enjoyment—it’s to create clarity and control.
Get Comfortable Spending What You’ve Saved
Transitioning from “save and protect” to “spend and enjoy” is a major mental shift for many retirees. You’ve spent a lifetime building your nest egg. Now, it’s time to use it.
Working with a financial professional can make this easier. Together, you can determine a sustainable withdrawal rate that balances your lifestyle needs with long-term security. Start small if that builds your confidence and reassess every 6 to 12 months. Over time, your spending can increase in step with your comfort level.
Build Your Retirement Paycheck
One strategy that helps many retirees feel more secure is establishing a retirement paycheck, a fixed monthly withdrawal from your investment accounts. This mimics the stability of a traditional income stream.
Next, create a “fun money” bucket: for travel, hobbies, or even big purchases like a second home. This simple structure can transform fear into freedom and help you embrace retirement with enthusiasm.
You’ve Earned This Life
Fear isn’t the only obstacle, guilt can be equally limiting. Some retirees hesitate to enjoy their wealth because they’ve been conditioned to save, not spend. But your savings weren’t meant to sit untouched. They were meant to give you options, security, and joy.
A story from the Kiplinger article illustrates this perfectly. A retiree wanted to buy a boat but struggled with guilt—even though he could easily afford it. After running the numbers multiple ways with his advisor, he eventually gave himself permission. Ten years later, that boat is still one of the best decisions he ever made.
Remember: You can enjoy your retirement and still leave a legacy for your family. With the right strategy, you don’t have to choose between preserving your assets and enjoying your life.
If you’re struggling to balance your financial security with your lifestyle goals, let’s talk. At Olive Branch Wealth Management, we help you build a retirement plan that supports both your future needs and your present joy.
📞 Call us today at (405) 993-6296
🌐 Visit: www.OBWMLLC.com
📅 Schedule a meeting: www.OBWMLLC.com/appointments
Let’s build a plan that gives you the confidence to enjoy the retirement you’ve earned.
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Disclosures:
All content discussed in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Opinions expressed are solely those of Olive Branch Wealth Management, LLC and its staff. The information presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, Olive Branch Wealth Management, LLC makes no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. This article shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase any insurance product in any jurisdiction in which the agent is not licensed. Topics should be discussed with a licensed insurance agent, tax professional, or financial adviser before implementation. Olive Branch Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
