November 22, 2024
Allworth financial advisor Darren Dindinger, MBA, CFP®, CRPC®, provides insights on how to build a fulfilling retirement by focusing on personal goals, creating routines, pursuing new learning opportunities, giving back, and prioritizing relationships.
Retirement isn’t about stepping away from work; it’s about stepping into a new chapter filled with purpose and enjoyment. After years of putting in the hours, it can feel strange to think about what’s next and how to spend your time. But creating a fulfilling retirement is entirely possible—and it starts with having clear goals and objectives that align with what genuinely matters to you.
It’s easy to assume that retirement is just about making sure your money lasts, but financial security is only part of the story. The real question is, what will make you feel fulfilled? Everyone’s answer to this will look a little different, but what matters is that you take time to get specific about your own goals.
Consider questions like:
Take time to think about what brings you joy and gives you a sense of purpose. Setting goals that tap into these areas will help shape a retirement that doesn’t just feel like an extended vacation, but a truly meaningful phase of life.
A lot of people don’t realize that retirement can feel a bit unstructured at first. After years of having a set routine, waking up without a clear agenda can feel unsettling. While it might be nice at first, eventually, most people find they need some structure to their day.
Creating a routine doesn’t mean packing your schedule, but having a basic framework can give your day a sense of purpose and direction. For instance:
A flexible routine will help you make the most of each day and give you a solid foundation to keep moving forward.
Just because your career has ended doesn’t mean your learning has to. Many people find a new sense of purpose in retirement by expanding their knowledge and skills in areas they didn’t have time to explore before. This could mean taking classes, joining a local book club, or attending workshops that inspire you.
Some ideas to consider:
Learning keeps your mind engaged and helps you stay connected with the world around you. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to see yourself grow, even after you’ve left the workplace.
One of the most fulfilling things you can do in retirement is find a way to give back. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally support causes close to your heart, giving back can bring a tremendous sense of purpose. Look for opportunities that feel meaningful to you, whether that’s mentoring younger professionals, getting involved in local community projects, or helping out at your favorite charity.
When we contribute our time, energy, or resources to something we care about, it adds a deeper layer of meaning to our lives. And it doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—even small gestures can make a difference. The key is finding something that aligns with your values and feels rewarding.
Retirement can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to the social aspects of work. But staying connected is crucial to feeling fulfilled. Make it a priority to nurture your relationships and invest time in family, friends, and your community. Schedule regular meet-ups, join clubs, or consider getting involved in a group that aligns with your interests.
Whether it’s weekly coffee dates, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, creating consistent opportunities to connect with the people who matter to you will help you feel grounded and fulfilled. Remember, retirement is as much about relationships as it is about financial stability.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean giving up work altogether. Many people today are embracing a “work optional” retirement, where they transition from working out of necessity to working for enjoyment. This could mean working fewer hours or choosing roles that offer the flexibility to pursue other interests and goals on your retirement list.
If work brings you satisfaction, don’t feel guilty about staying active in a flexible role—as long as it allows you to enjoy the full range of experiences you’ve planned for this stage of life.
As with any major decision, it’s a good idea to discuss the possibility of working in retirement with your spouse, as it will impact their experience too.
A fulfilling retirement isn’t just about leaving work behind; it’s about designing a life that brings you joy, purpose, and connection. By setting goals, building routines, exploring new learning opportunities, giving back, and staying socially connected, you’ll create a life that feels as rich and meaningful as any career ever could.
If you’re ready to start thinking about your own goals for retirement, or if you’d like to talk about the financial side of making these dreams possible, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate this new chapter with confidence and clarity.
I remember seeing my father nearly lose everything during the dot-com bubble. Although he was working with an advisor, he felt ignored and alone during this life changing event.
That’s why I’m passionate about educating my clients every step of the way. I don’t view financial planning as just a job. My goal is to help you to appreciate the wealth you’ve created and use it towards your passions as you transition into your retirement years.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Privacy Policy | Disclosures | Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Advisory services offered through Allworth Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor | Disclosures | Privacy Policy
Securities offered through AW Securities, a Registered Broker/Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Check the background of this firm on FINRA's BrokerCheck.
HMRN Insurance Agency, LLC license #0D34087
1Barron’s 2024 Top 100 RIA Firms. Barron's© magazine is a trademark of Dow Jones L.P. The ranking of independent advisory companies is based on assets managed by the firms, growth, technology spending, succession planning, and other metrics.
2 Retention Rate Source: Allworth Internal Data, FY 2022
3 The NBRI Circle of Excellence Award is bestowed upon NBRI clients meeting one or both of the following criteria: Total Company score at or above the 75th percentile of the NBRI ClearPath Benchmarking Database and/or improvement of five (5) or more benchmarking percentiles in Total Company score over the previous survey.
4 As of 7/1/2024, Allworth Financial, an SEC registered investment adviser and AW Securities, a registered broker/dealer have approximately $22.5 billion in total assets under management and administration.
5 InvestmentNews 2020 and 2021 Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers. The ranking reflects survey responses and scores completed by both employers and employees. Employers report their organization’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. Employees complete a survey designed to measure the employee experience.
6 2021 Value of an Advisor Study / Russel Investments
7 Ranked 9th Top Wealth Managers By Growth in Assets in the U.S. from RIA Channel, 2022. RIA Database and RIA Channel are registered trademarks owned by Labworks, LLC.
8 USA Today Best Financial Advisory Firms 2024. The ranking is based on the growth of the companies’ assets under management (AUM) over the short and long term and the number of recommendations they received from clients and peers.
9 NBRI Best in Class Ethics 2023. The Best in Class level is bestowed upon clients performing at or above 90 percentile of the NBRI ClearPath Benchmarking Database.
✢ Scott Hanson, Investment Advisor 2005, 25 most influential people in the financial services industry. The ranking reflects 25 people who Investment Advisor magazine believes have had or will have the greatest influence on the financial services industry.
✼Pat McClain, InvestmentNews 2014, Invest in Others Community Service Award, presented to an advisor who has made an outstanding impact on a community through managerial contributions to a non-profit organization.
†Financial Times, FT 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers, June 2019. The ranking reflects six areas of consideration including the company's years in existence, industry certifications of key employees, AUM, asset growth, SEC compliance record and online accessibility and calculates a numeric score for each company.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Important Information
The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice or relied upon as such.
Allworth Financial, LP (“Allworth”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of the information presented. While efforts are made to ensure the information’s accuracy, it is subject to change without notice. Allworth conducts a reasonable inquiry to determine that information provided by third party sources is reasonable, but cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Opinions expressed are also subject to change without notice and should not be construed as investment advice.
The information is not intended to convey any implicit or explicit guarantee or sense of assurance that, if followed, any investment strategies referenced will produce a positive or desired outcome. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any investment strategy or decision will achieve its intended objectives or result in a positive return. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.