Retirement Series Part 1/2 - 3 Essential Retirement Buckets
When it comes to retirement, there’s way more to think about than just piling up cash. Real talk: if we only focus on the finances, we’re missing out on building a retirement that’s actually worth living. Think of retirement as three buckets you want to fill to live your best life: Health & Wellness, Financial Security, and Personal Fulfillment.
This is part 1 of 2 in our retirement series. Here we discuss about the essential things we need to plan for (3 goals), and in the next series, we will share more about how to achieve them safely.
1. Health & Wellness: The Foundation of It All
Why It Matters:
Honestly, if your health is shot, retirement is going to be rough, no matter how much you’ve saved. Medical costs are only going up, and no one wants to be blindsided by huge bills or physical limitations. Plus, staying healthy means you can actually enjoy retirement, rather than just surviving through it.
What to Include:
Health Insurance & Emergency Fund: The basics. This covers unexpected medical expenses so you’re not eating into your savings.
Preventive Care: Things like regular check-ups, mental wellness practices, and exercise routines all go a long way in keeping you strong as you age. *CAUTION: Only do this after you purchased your health insurance because any “bad” records in the bodycheck reports might result in exclusions or decline in your medical coverage.
2. Financial Security: The Backbone of a Comfortable Life
Why It Matters:
Yes, financial security is huge. It’s the backbone of your retirement plan. We all want enough to live comfortably, cover expenses, and have some fun along the way. But instead of just aiming for the biggest returns, it’s also about protecting what you’ve built. We will discuss this further in Part 2 of the series.
3. Personal Fulfillment: The Heart of a Joyful Retirement
Why It Matters:
Retirement isn’t just about making sure you’ve got enough money; it’s about having a life that feels fulfilling. What’s the point of retiring if you don’t have something that lights you up? Personal fulfilment is the fuel that keeps life interesting and joyful.
What to Include:
Social Activities & Community: Staying connected keeps you engaged and happy. Whether it’s clubs, volunteering, or just meeting friends, staying social is a game-changer.
Hobbies & Passions: Retirement is the time to focus on things you genuinely love. If that’s travel, learning, or a creative pursuit—plan for it.
Family & Relationships: For many, spending time with family is a top priority, whether that means traveling with a partner or getting quality time with the grandkids.
Example:
Look at Ms. Chan, who left her corporate career but never stopped growing. She’s teaching art to kids (for the fun but not for money!) and traveling with friends—her days are full of what she loves. She’s not just sitting around; she’s living a retirement that’s rich with experiences. And that’s what we all deserve, isn’t it?
Putting It All Together: Your Balanced Retirement Plan
Think of these three buckets—Health & Wellness, Financial Security, and Personal Fulfillment—as a trio that holds up your retirement. Each one adds something essential, and when they’re all in place, they make your retirement meaningful and enjoyable.
A Retirement Worth Planning For
At the end of the day, retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about making sure you’re healthy, financially secure, and living a life that brings you joy. With a bit of planning now, you can create a retirement that’s balanced and fulfilling, and not just a financial goal you check off.
Ready to start building the retirement you deserve? Let’s sit down for a free 30-minute consultation to help you get clear on what each of these buckets means for you. It’s your future—let’s make it everything you want it to be!
