1. Gradual Departure From Work 

• Don’t have to go cold turkey on your industry or job, can still maintain the interest in retirement by maintaining education or maintaining regular catch-ups with industry contacts 
• Can you negotiate a shift to part-time work or consulting before retiring completely? 
• Clients may be apprehensive about retiring due to feelings of boredom, loss of relevance, and loss of status within the industry. 
• View retirement as just the next part of your journey, rather than a destination.

2. Advance Financial Planning 

• Create a retirement ‘wish list’ so you can mentally prepare for what your ideal retirement is going to look and feel like. 
• What does your lifestyle look like – golf, grandkids, travel, hobbies, volunteering? 
• In the lead-up to retirement, start asking yourself ‘What is important to you, what do you value?’ 

3. Make Big Retirement decisions early 

• Do large assets like rental properties need to be liquidated in advance to create an income stream (cash flow) to provide you with peace of mind heading into retirement  
• Don’t be forced to sell assets when it’s inconvenient for you, but rather come up with a game plan to offload assets in advance. 

4. Build a Structure of Activities 

• We talk about building a diversified financial portfolio, but what about a diversified lifestyle portfolio (I’ve just come up with that one, it sounds good, trademarked Ben Cole 2024).  
• Build a new sense of identity and boost self-worth 
• Can only golf and garden so much before boredom sets in 
• What new skills can you learn in a structured manner week to week, month to month 
• Continue to maintain a routine, just like you were going to work, maintain a wake-up time and a daily routine.  

5. Foster Social Connections 

• Join community groups 

To seek retirement guidance, book a session with Amanda Golder, the leading FPA Aged Care Specialist in Cairns. Simply dial Fowler’s Group at 1300 855 849 to schedule your appointment.

Listen in below, as Jason converses with Macca on 4CA Cairns.

Referenced article here.