It’s almost Thanksgiving, and if you’re hosting this year, you know that preparation and organization are key to a successful feast. First, you need to know how many mouths there will be to feed, then figure out what kind of meal you’re going to serve them and how you’ll make it. On top of all that, you need to have everything timed out so the food will hit the table on schedule. As you can see, coordinating a Thanksgiving dinner is challenging and usually requires a recipe, much like retirement planning.
Thanksgiving and retirement planning have much in common, from the need to plan in advance to the importance of thinking about loved ones. When it comes to Thanksgiving and retirement, you might have a picture in your head of what you want to achieve, but you also have to account for the unexpected. You need to manage your assets and play into your strengths, be it your signature drizzled asparagus or making selections in your company’s 401(k) plan. And whether you’re prepping dish after dish or working day in and day out, you can accomplish your goal if you stick to your plan.
Your retirement recipe may include spending more time with your loved ones, especially this holiday season. One of the most meaningful ways to accomplish this is by spending time with the younger generation. Consider including them in your holiday baking, watching the parade or football with them, teaching them your secret stuffing recipe, or sharing some wise words about aging.
It’s also important to stay engaged with people beyond your family. When you stop working, it doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer in the way of your time and talents. Whether it’s being involved in a charity, mentoring younger workers, or volunteering at a local gardening club, you have the opportunity to help others and create new social connections in retirement. There are many good reasons to consider volunteering in retirement, including possibly decreasing your chance of developing heart disease.[1]
Just like every good Thanksgiving recipe, your retirement plan needs to be well thought out and contain the right ingredients in just the right amounts. Putting it all together in a comprehensive retirement plan is just part of how we help our clients achieve their retirement goals. If you want to learn how we can help you create a comprehensive retirement plan, come talk to us. We’ll discuss your lifestyle and financial goals and show you how we can help design a personalized retirement plan just for you.
