By now, you’re hopefully aware that my new book, Keys to a Successful Retirement, is launching on May 5th!
Today, I’m launching a FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY to three lucky readers! This is your only opportunity to get a copy of the book from me before the May release date, so I encourage you to enter the giveaway. I’m also sharing a free sneak peek of what’s inside in today’s post. If you’d like a free copy of my book, today’s post is for you!
I'm giving away 3 Free Pre-Release copies of my new book, Keys to a Successful Retirement! The deadline is 4/10, so enter today! Click To TweetAll you have to do to win a free copy of my book is:
Leave a comment on this post answering this question: “What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?”
The deadline for responses is this Friday, April 10th at 5:00 pm EST. Winners will be notified on Saturday, 4/11.
Even if you enter the contest, I encourage you to consider pre-ordering the book here (Amazon affiliate link). We’re hoping to get as many pre-orders as possible to increase the ranking of this book at it’s May 5th release. Your help is appreciated.
A Free Sneak Peek at What’s Inside The Book!
I believe this book will help many people achieve a great retirement (my byline). The book has been a big part of my life over the past 6 months, and I sincerely hope my labor will impact people for good. If you’d like more insight into the background of the book, read my post announcing the launch of the book.
While you wait until May 5th to read the entire book, my publisher has agreed for me to share several sneak peeks with you. Today is the first, with another planned before the May 5th release.
Today, in the first sneak peek into Keys to a Successful Retirement, an introduction into what this book is all about. Click To Tweet
With that…here’s how the book begins:
Introduction
You’re standing on the cusp of a new horizon, a journey to a place you’ve never been. It’s been a tough road to get here, and you should be proud for making it this far. As you start this book, allow me to offer you a sincere congratulations for a job well done. You’ve conquered many milestones as you’ve put yourself into the place where retirement is now a reality. You’ve paid attention to the financial side of things, saved as much as possible and “paid yourself first” for decades.
You’re ready to go.
The road ahead, however, is nothing like the road you’ve traveled thus far. You’re likely a bit curious at this point about what lies ahead, perhaps even a bit apprehensive. I know I was. You know things are going to be different, but you don’t really know how different they’ll be. If I had to summarize the difference in one word, I’d choose…
Freedom.
A Freedom unlike anything you’ve experienced since before you started school as a young child. For the past 50+ years, you’ve had other people telling you what to do. Your teacher, your coach, your boss.
That stops now.
Welcome to a coffee break that will last for the rest of your life. In fact, that first cup of coffee on your first morning of retirement will be one of the best cups of coffee you’ve ever had in your life.
You’re about to experience a new level of freedom that is both exhilarating and intimidating. A future that you have the freedom to shape. A future that can be anything you choose for it to be, along with the personal responsibility that comes with having to make that choice.
What do you want your life to be? That’s a tough question to answer, and I’d be willing to bet you’re going to be asking yourself that question a lot over the days ahead. It’s a question only you can answer, and it’s an answer that will only happen if you make it happen.
You hold in your hands a roadmap for a journey that will last the rest of your lifetime. A roadmap to help you rest assured that you won’t run out of money. More importantly, a roadmap to help you determine what you want to make of your retirement – and of your life. It’s a map that’s been drawn by the thousands of people who have walked this journey ahead of you. This journey is unlike any you’ve taken before and one which no one can understand until they’ve ridden a few miles down this strange new road called retirement. This book will help you navigate through the curves up ahead, and help to ensure that you’ll enjoy the ride.
I’ve been writing about this journey every week for the past five years at The Retirement Manifesto , an online blog I founded to share our experience as we prepared for and transitioned into retirement. I’ve learned a lot through the experience and am excited to compile the most valuable learnings into this book. My goal is to provide some wisdom to smooth your transition, with the ultimate goal of helping people achieve a great retirement. For some, retirement is an individual undertaking. For others, it involves input and shared decision-making with a partner. My wife, Jackie, has been integral in my retirement journey, and as such, within this book I often include advice and example that include more than simply my point of view.
To start, let me give you a glimpse of the first few curves you’re going to face on this road we call retirement. When you first leave The Starting Line, you’re going to feel an exhilaration you haven’t felt since that Spring Break in college when you and a carload of friends headed south to whatever beach was “in” that year. You’ve completed your Final Exam, and you’re FREE.
I recall like yesterday the smile that seemed to be frozen on my face for the first month of my retirement. “I don’t have to go to work again, EVER!”, was a common thought. The Freedom of no alarm clock after decades of waking up at 5:30 am to beat the morning commute into the city. Not only do I no longer have to deal with the alarm clock, I don’t even have to deal with a commute!
For the first three to six months of retirement, you’ll likely be knocking off a lot of items on a “to-do” list around the house. You’ll still have that smile, and you’ll be feeling some satisfaction at the things you’re completing. However, this phase will eventually end. There are only so many things that need done around the house, and eventually you’ll have completed the list.
At about the one-year mark, I want you to pull this book back off your shelf. (Go ahead and make a calendar entry now to remind yourself. I’ll wait…). It’s at that point in your retirement that the words you’re about to read will become most important. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know what I’m talking about when you take that turn in the road. There’s a point in your retirement where you realize that this is your new reality. This is now your life. You’ll likely get more introspective than you’ve been in a long time, and that’s a good thing.
That’s when I’m asking you to read this book again.
If you want to get the maximum benefit from this book, I’d offer the following suggestion.
- Start applying some of the lessons in this book as you read them over the coming days.
- Buy a notebook, and start writing things down.
- Buy a yellow highlighter, and mark the heck out of this book as you read it the first time.
Enjoy that first cup of coffee on your first morning of retirement. You’ve certainly earned it. Most of the big ideas take a while to simmer. The longer you give them to simmer, the better this coffee will taste.
Then, when you hit that sharp turn about a year up the road, come on back and have another look at the map you’re holding in your hands at this very moment. This map is the most I can offer to help you on your journey.
The rest is up to you.
Conclusion
So…you’ve now read the first 1,000 words of my book! If you like what you just read, please enter to win a free copy of my book by leaving a comment below on what you believe is the most important key to a successful retirement. If you don’t win, please consider pre-ordering here (Amazon affiliate link). What the heck, you could order it even if you think you’re going to win a free copy. If you end up being lucky and winning the book, you could always give a copy away to someone who could benefit, right? After all, that’s exactly what I’m doing today. Wink.
Good luck winning a free copy of my book. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the most important key to a successful retirement. (Note, I suspect there will be more “comments” than normal in today’s post, so I’m not planning to answer all of them as I usually do. I trust you understand).
Thanks for the book preview Fritz!
My answer to the question is a short one “Serving others”
Cheers!
Flexibility – to help adjust to all of the changes that we both can and cannot control.
Thanks!
Understanding and applying the balance of financial literacy and personal happiness
Hi Fritz! great read so far. This is a tough question to answer for someone who usually sees several sides of something but I’m thinking for me and Randy, being prepared… laying the foundation before we actually retire will be one of the most important things we can do. kinda like preparing for a vacation of a life- time. though we’re going somewhere we’ve never been, research and preparedness ensures a well balanced trip, all the while leaving room for the unexpected excursions… often being the best ones!.. so in one word…preparedness❤
A consistent monthly tax free income, starting @ age 65… if we can find a way to do this!
Knowing your why and starting with the end in mind.
Don’t be afraid to spend the money you have worked so hard to save. The point of an enjoyable retirement is to have fun and “enjoy” each and ever day because we are not ever promised tomorrow.
After being home in “stay in place” order, I realize a game plan for what we will do with your time will be crucial.
Thank you for your generosity!!! I believe the most important key to a successful retirement is to plan properly beforehand – just fly by the seat of your pants!!!
I think you must have skin in the game to win at retirement. You must continue to save in good and bad times, the only difference is the amount. If you stop contributing when time get tough you will also stop when times get good. Even if the amount seems insignificant at the time keep contributing.
I used to have many words that would describe a successful retirement, but now it’s been reduced to one, INCOME
Thanks and be safe.
Know what title will be on your new ‘retired’ business card.
Key to retirement: flexibility
Key to retirement: Planning, planning, planning!
While financial security is important; the most important factor is the mental adjustment. Going from being significant with your co-workers, community and other associates. To becoming insignificant in their lives. Realizing your business friends etc were never really friends.
Having not retired yet – I hope planning and purpose are key.
Thanks for the book offer – very generous!
I think the most important thing is lots of open communication with your spouse /partner ahead of time (if you have one). Talks about money of course, but also what you will do with your time, how household duties will be split in retirement, goals and travel plans, etc
Knowing what kind of purpose you might carry out in retirement. Not work related, just in life.
Appreciate the book preview.
I think a successful retirement involves thoughtful planning and having the right mindset. Understanding that being flexible is a good thing. Take time to “smell the coffee”. Keep learning new things and help others when possible. Teach your kids and grandkids to do the right thing instead of the popular thing.
Short answer: Debt Free and Expenses
Balance is the key. Not only do you need to make sure your financial affairs are in order and able to sustain you thru retirement, but you must also know your ‘purpose’. What will sustain you, what will be your passion, how will you serve others, what will you do for fun and adventure. BTW, I already preordered your book…so excited. Proud of you and your journey Fritz!
Understanding what motivates you.
The key to a successful retirement:
To realize that retirement is not an end but a beginning. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a plan for your new life. The future holds great opportunity for fun and fulfillment. But, it will not happen magically. You need to have some concept of what you want and how you will get it. It requires effort. In the end, it will be worth the effort.
Flexibility! You can run scenarios and have contingencies for days. Life is real and doesn’t care about your scenario analysis, you’re likely going to need to be flexible to thrive in retirement!
Key for retirement: patience, it takes time to figure out your new life, be kind to yourself!
Multiple options for the different stages of retirement.
Understanding your expenses, both fixed and variable.
My thought is “generosity”. Thanks for all your work in putting your thoughts together.
Make sure you have some purpose or “relevance” in your new life.
The most important aspect: having something to retire TO.
We are set to retire early (in our 50’s) on April 30th. A few months ago my answer would have been different. I would have said that the most important requirement for a successful retirement would be having vision/goals related to self development. And “self development ” includes enhancing the world/community around you in some meaningful way. Now, however, in light of this pandemic and fallout, my financial optimism has wavered. Do I really know as much as I thought I knew? Are our numbers and estimates solid? So maybe continual assessment/education/flexibility come first. One must have that solid basis to even be retired. Only with that solid base do we then get to enjoy the freedom to dive into self development. It takes some degree of vigilance to maintain that solid financial base. I’m sure this is obvious to everyone here. I guess with this insane worldwide situation occurring just a few weeks prior to our retirement, I am now questioning everything. Following principles of FIRE have definitely put us in a better position to weather this storm than the majority of the population. I’ve rambled long enough. I hope I actually answered the question! 😁😁
Retirement is very much like life overall – you’ve planned the work, now work the plan!
I think the most important thing is having good health and being a role model for your family and your community.
Not sure you can say “most” in a singular way.
You have to have financial prep to survive, but also have some mental/emotional/social prep.
It’s a “three legged stool”. If any one of the legs is weak, the whole stool is shaky.
“the three legs of successful retirement”…
-financial
-emotional/spiritual
-health
Keep on writing Fritz!
Having a sense of purpose and dreams before you retire (which can be realized when you’re free from mandatory work).
If I knew, I’d have written the book! Seriously, success at any stage of the game is a balance between controlling what you can control and accepting that there will be things one can’t control, and yes, the wisdom to know the difference, and the wisdom to apply action and adjust as one goes on…..okay….that’s the best I can do.
My answer would be “Have a plan, but stay flexible”
Thank you for sharing a small excerpt of your book. My answer is planning and education. And I am not just talking about financially. One thing that I have learned during this pandemic is that I need structure and discipline in my life and although I may be ready to retire from a financial aspect, I need a plan for what I am going to do to occupy my time and mind so that I am fulfilled.
Planning is the most important key to a successful retirement, (followed shortly by execution, then by versatility and flexibility….)
Always look forward and not back. Enjoy what you planned for a good portion of your life.
I am roughly 15 years away from officially retiring. I do however see how my retired mum (she lives with us) spends her days, and I don’t want THAT. I wouldn’t want to wait around and hope others keep me entertained. So, I want to start preparing now, to be able to enjoy my retirement.
Sometimes our plans are disrupted by things like I was with the sudden death of my father and issues with my mother who has Alzheimers.
Freedom to do whatever you want to not because you have to.
Helping out those who really needs it by giving them education. Thanks for all you do not everyone will have patience and endurance to do this. You are a huge blessing in our society.
The ability to stay the course in challenging times.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and recommendations!
My answer is giving back to my community.
Keeping active. That’s my idea. Just past the 5 year anniversary of my retirement.
Very timely Fritz,
I love your blog and your positive attitude. I think the most important key to a successful retirement is having a partner with whom you can share the journey. I have had the good fortune to be approaching my 4th anniversary of retirement; I started without a partner, and now I have one. It makes all the difference as the rest is just numbers. Best to you and good luck with the book!
Thanks for the preview. I think planning is what is most needed. Not only financial planning, but planning what you want your life to be like. What activities you want to enjoy.
Prior Planning, say from 40 onward…would have helped.
I value your insight and appreciate nudging!
Best Regards,
Terry Parker
The most important key to a successful retirement is flexibility – As Mike Tyson said, “everybody has a plan until you get punched in the mouth”. Flexibility is the best way to adapt to the many punches in the mouth that live will give you over 30, 40 and 50 years of retirement.
Biggest key to retirement is to know what retirement means for you.
My answer would be “peace,” and acceptance of how wonderful life can be!
Thank you Fritz! I think the key is the gap between what you make and what you spend and how you grow and invest that money gap. The foundation of a good retirement starts from there! But equally important to financial planning is thinking about how you will spend your time and creating hobbies or activities that you enjoy once you are not tied down to a job all day.
Planning doesn’t stop just because you’re retired!
Planning for a new adventure does!
Can’t wait!
Fritz,
Really enjoyed your words in the Preview. Like your use of the word Freedom
Have pre-ordered two of your books, therefore do not include me
in winning a book.
My advice: Keep your mind and body active.
Feeling fulfilled by helping others and finding joy in your life
Thank you for your wonderful website Fritz!
My answer is Passion – that is to maintain a passion for learning and a passion for well being as I move into my retirement years.
Flexibility
Plan for the worst
Hope for the best
Deal with the reality
Flexibility will all you to do all of the above.
The most important thing to prepare for retirement is “what am I going to do” in this next phase of my life. Retirement is not sitting around watching tv all day but having something meaningful to do that contributes to your family, yourself and others.
The most important key to a successful retirement is that you retire “to” something, and not “from” something. A successful retirement has an intentional and articulated purpose.
The most important key to a successful retirement is planning – financially, mentally, physically, spiritually.
finding/doing what brings joy in your life
The most important question beyond the technical/financial steps is what are you retiring to…and Fritz, you were the one who first taught me that…and I have been thinking about it ever since.
Diversification. Multiple streams of income. Enough to share with others.
What is the Most Important Key to a Successful Retirement……………based on what I have read of your first 1000 words, I focused on the fact that it would be helpful to do the prep work with your partner, not just on your own. Whether that partner is already retired, or still working they will play an integral role in assisting with the financial, mental, social, emotional, and physical health of this transition. In our industry, there is quite a bit of buzz around the Gray Divorce – from what I understand if this hasn’t already happened this transition to retirement can increase the chances. Good Communication will be essential in a marriage for retirement success!
The most important “key” I am finding is a pass key. Use it with an open mind and confidence to open doors you may not have felt comfortable opening; to educate you (and your spouse) on your retirement process (embracing the assistance of others), including not only the financial plan but also a family and service plan. If you planned well, how are you going to help others open doors.
Thank you for the preview. I love your blog although I can’t read it every week. To me having enough money is my key to a successful retirement. I want to travel and see the World before I leave it.
Thank you for the chance to win a free book.
Dana O’Donoghue
I was going to say “adaptability,” especially in the face of the changing times and crises like the present one we’re all facing, but since Jason took that answer, I’m going to say “courage” because ultimately it takes courage to adapt to change and retirement is all about change.
Consistency.
Financially, create your budget and stick to it. Physically, be active. Slow down. Don’t slow down physically, slow down and look at things, have real conversations, explore all things physically and intellectually.
I like where you start, as I also believe the first six months are the “To-Do’s”, then you start figuring out a rhythm. I would say the key is maintaining both physical and mental health.
I think social connection is the most important think for a happy retirement or as much social connection as a person wants.
I think the key to a successful retirement is to have a sense of purpose, something to wake up for each day.
Minimize costs and stay flexible. Oops, that’s two.
I believe the key to a successful retirement is attitude, Fritz. You’ve got to be able to roll with the punches. Thank you for your insight.
Having a plan with specific goals
Realize the value of your time – you can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.
I estimated I had 30 years of time left. I broke that down into three 10 year categories –
The first 10 years are the active years where I want to travel and do adventures that require me to be in good physical condition – things like bike tours in Europe, week long backpacking trips, etc.
The second 10 years will be less active years where I can still travel but the activity level will be lower – the bike rides will be less than 100 miles , and day hikes instead of multi-day backpacking.
The last ten years will be less active, walks in the park, travel will be less and with easier activities.
Realize that every additional year you work is taking away from your “Most active” 10 years…
Have a plan – a plan for spending, managing assets and for taking your activity level UP a notch doing what you love with those that you love. Oh, and make sure to stick for the plan!
Planning, planning, and more planning. Trying to wing it without proper forethought creates a problem waiting to happen.
The key to a successful retirement is to figure out a way to stay engaged. Not become a hermit. Find a “cause”, a “purpose”, some reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Planning and praying
Fritz,
I am not yet retired, but close. I would say the most important key is planning.
My advice would be to fill your days and life with purpose. That could mean serving others, could mean keeping your mind and body active, could mean spending time with family and friends. The best would be a good combination of whatever is important to you and gives you purpose which may be different things on different days.
Adaptability. Go into this with a good game plan. (Thanks to people like you who lay it our for us.) And be ready to shift focus according to what the market and current events throw your way. The basic foundation stays true but I believe you need to be able to stand back and reevaluate the portfolio on a bi-annual basis.
Good Luck with the Book and thanks for adding more content out there for those of us following along.
A single goal you pursue with passion
A loving family, a worthy purpose and a deep contentment.
I retired on January 31 of this year and I am 2 months into all my catch-up home projects. The stay at home orders are speeding up the pace of my projects too much! At this very early point I am most pleased that I retired with zero debt, a very large bucket number one (10 years), and very flexible lifestyle expenses which are currently near zero( thanks Covid19).
So far I’ve had a hernia surgery, a pandemic, and a market meltdown in the first 60 days! Is retirement always this exciting?
Prepare for you and your spouse to live to 100. Budget for some fun and live below your means.
Having a solid estimate on your expenses. I learned this the hard way.
Fritz, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blogs over the last few month’s although not all of them are relevant to someone living in England.
However, I’m sure that your insights in to retirement in your new book will be largely relevant, regardless of where you live.
I’m getting a taste of retirement due to the Coronavirus lockdown, albeit a little early!
I’ll have to see if I can order through Kindle as it looks as though you don’t deliver to England just yet.
Good luck.
Freedom! To do what you want when you want where you want and with whom you want!
Without a doubt, good health. You can have unlimited assets, rewarding hobbies, a great circle of friends and family, faith in your God, etc. Without good health, how can you really enjoy any of those things?
Thanks for all the hard work and good information you have put into your book. I have read your blog posts for about 2 years now and I have gotten so much information!
I just ordered mine! Good luck
Planning and replanning. I had planned for Retiring into a potential down market. Now I am replanning for the next wave. Retirement is a process not a steady state.
For me the most important part of retirement planning is having a plan and the determination to stick to it. My wife and I talk regularly about our goals and check our progress towards those goals. We pay ourselves first into our retirement and savings and then have a budget for the rest of our funds. We have shared retirement goals and milestones to hit to measure our progress along the way.
Of the many people I follow, you are the best at drilling down into the details that matter.
I just ordered mine. Thanks for all the information!
I believe that the most important key to a successful retirement is continuing to develop meaningful relationships with people (spouse, children, other family, friends, ex-co-workers, new acquaintances, etc.).
Relational commitment encourages continued engagement in a community. This prevents loneliness and isolation, bringing welcome security and belonging. We are actively living through our relationships and are exposed to new ideas and a sense of vibrancy.
Thanks for your guiding words during this retirement transition, Fritz.
Socialization, Exercize, Healthy Eating, & Financial Security are 4 Keys to a Successful Retirement.
So glad I found your blog. You are ahead of me in this journey and I find your experience helpful.
A most important key for me is giving your retirement budget a test run before you actually retire, along with truly evaluating your monthly expenses both essential and desired but non essential.
Most important? Preparation. Think through it all, make adjustments, and enjoy the journey. And always keep in mind, as Mike Tyson once said…”everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Thank you and congratulations again on the book!
Dan
Thanks for the preview of your book!
In my opinion, I think it’s important to get in the habit of living below your means, saving and investing for the long-term.
Know Thyself!
Congrats on the new book! I am coming up on two years of retirement and it has truly been a great time. My thoughts on this is that you need to have a plan to insure the financial items get taken care of so that you can enjoy the freedom and joy that retirement offers.
Planning: for your finances, for your health, for your dreams!
I just look to my wife for guidance on how to handle retirement. Heck, she hasn’t worked in 29 years now. She didn’t have to, she’s got me! Right?
Adequate income from multiple sources to support your desired lifestyle.
Having a plan!
Be on the same page as your spouse.
Fritz,
I look forward to reading your book when it arrives in May! I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that having a “Purpose” is what I believe is the most important key to a successful retirement. I know your book will cover this topic as you have certainly found your purpose in retirement.
Take Care,
Tim
Independence and lower stress level; not having to worry about office politics or answering to anyone except my wife. COVID-19 is making my EDR a little shaky though.
Prepare for the worse, hope for the best.
Thank you for the preview. Flexibly, preparation and having a plan are the most important steps to a successful retirement
Smile, it’s the First Day of the rest of your Life!
Plot your course. Review periodically for adjustments. Expect the unexpected. Enjoy!
Fritz,
One aspect of successful retirement is to always be learning. Continue to develop,, discover, grow.
Enjoyed your opening and ready to learn more!
A sense of Adventure
Plan how you want to spend your retirement and estimate your expenses accordingly- preparation and planning is key!
The most important thing for me to have a successful retirement will be to keep busy! If I’m busy, I’m happy.
Patience and time.
Be on the same page as your significant other.
Have a plan while having no plans.
Planning
Discipline
Flexibility
Spending Habits
Enjoy Life
Congrats on your book. I look forward o reading more.
Planning and flexibility.
Planning. It’s all about Planning.
Tom
Determination! You should be determined to find and follow the sound principles that lead to a long and happy retirement. Determined to do the (retirement) work to enjoy the rest of your life.
I think the most important key is to have purpose for your life after you retire.
Ensuring your nest egg is large enough to fulfill your desired budget….A budget that allows you to do anything and everything that makes you happy.
I believe that the key to a successful retirement is developing multiple streams of income, which includes income that does not rely on the stock market.
Having a positive outlook (for your finances, health, relationships, activities, etc.). Can’t wait to read your book!
I just discovered you and feel I’m 2 years behind🙂!! I am on my 6th day of retirement…so for me, right now, the most important thing is learning to slow down! Time is more on my side than it has ever been and I need to get my head around it. Reading your blog is helping me put that into perspective. Thank you!
Engagement. Comes in many forms, but so important.
Planning!
Plan for financial security in order to continue a fulfilling life during retirement.
What worked to prepare us for retirement was preparing an annual budget, tracking our spending so we stayed close to our budget (modifying as needed) and tracking our net worth. Ensuring we saved 10-20% of our income and included all bonuses and severance packages when possible. Lastly, preparing for retirement to determine what we were retiring to! Deciding what made us most happy and where we wanted to spend all the extra time after leaving the workforce.
Already ordered the book Fritz. If I’m lucky enough to win, I already have someone in mind to give it too. I feel the most important part of retirement for me when I get there, is to have plan in place AND follow through. This will be true for what to do in retirement as it pertains to quality of life as well as how to finance our retirement. Looking forward to the book.
Rich
Thanks for sharing the first 1,000 words. Chances are if you read this blog along with your book you will be more prepared than most. For that reason my answer would be self-care.
Your time in the market NOT timing the market.
Having a great partner to retire with is essential for retirement.
Happiness is a key for a successful retirement.
Hi Fritz,
Thank you for sharing. A successful retirement is achieved by not navigating retirement alone. You should continue to keep close those who support you whether they be family, friends, pastors, mentors, advisors, etc. You will need them now more than ever.
Hello Fritz – love the “tag team” of both you and J.Collins over the past few days! Since I have read your blog and many more for so many years, there is no completely correct answer! I would say for our family it has been about teamwork (which began by marrying well), kindness to all and generosity…my thanks to you and your dedication to teaching all of us the lessons you have learned in your journey. Be well, Rich B / CO Native
One key element is to build a social network outside your workplace well before retiring. You will need friends away from the office. It may come via church, community, or leisure activities, but work on it at least 5 years in advance.
Stay consistent and add to savings % each raise.
You must have a purpose already being worked on, a passion that you can now devote your time to after you step off, and you must be prepared for the curveballs. I am studying Spanish and trying to be fluent now, and also working part time as a Broker and financial education specialist, while working full time as a pharmacist. Not sure what retirement looks like if I decide to step away early five years from now but I am sure I will continue helping families invest for their golden years and obtain insurance for today. That is my second passion next to being a Pharmacist on the front lines today.
I am 45 and I am retiring from “corporate” on 31 May! In order: Having a routine, building and maintaining relationships, and spending time on health and wellness.
Hi Fritz! Congratulations on the new book. My answer: Be a Lifelong Learner. LEARN everything you can about money, the markets and investing so that you can be confident and follow your plan to a successful life, career and retirement. Never stop LEARNING because things change, markets and opportunities change (wow, look at where we are currently!), and you want to take full advantage of it. And when you are a Lifelong Learner you will never be bored in retirement because you will always find something new to do!
The key to a successful retirement is to save enough for you to be able to live a retirement lifestyle that leaves you feeling secure and fulfilled.
I believe planning is absolutely the most important thing in preparing for retirement. But this planning should include a lot of parameters. Financial, health, both physical and mental, social, your purpose in retirement and many others. One of the most important is planning for flexibility.
Though not yet retired, this pandemic has revealed to me that doing purposeful things will keep me going
A plan for the day, each day, keep physically active—stay healthy , enjoy meal preparation, family time, journal, help others
Purpose and realization of what makes you happy
Hi Fritz,
I can’t thank you enough for your wisdom and approach. I found your blog back in October 2019 and have only 47 left to read. For me it goes back to April 12, 2015 with your first post on Contentment. I believe you have to understand the financial and the softer side but if your not content with yourself it will be very difficult to enjoy the journey in retirement. God Bless!
Thanks for the preview of your book, it will be a best seller!
Answer to your question. Live like your retired before you retire. Serve God and love others.
To have a successful retirement I think one needs to have a plan such as/but not limited too…. A plan of income source. A plan of interests/hobbies/activities. A plan of social & community involvement. A plan of what, when, where & how.
The most important thing to a successful retirement: Good Health!
Preparation, flexibility and resolve have helped me adjust to retirement. And NOW, with our NEW normal, all three are even more important. Watching our IRA’s shrink hasn’t been enjoyable, but thanks to your Bucket Strategy post, we’re weathering the storm.
Waking up every day still having a purpose.
Preparation is the most important key!
The key is to a successful retirement is to have a plan.
Start investing early! Dollar cost averaging! Pay yourself first!
Having the financial, mental, spiritual and physical health to live life to the fullest! Thanks for sharing and look forward to reading.
Having a clear Lifestyle/Retirement plan that the Financial plan supports!
Just completed my first year of retirement. It was much busier than I could have ever imagined. A few take aways, #1. Haven’t taken a business trip in a year and lost 10 pounds #2. Overcommitted on volunteering and will be stepping back a bit next month. #3. Finally completed a comprehensive budget this week!
Despite having worked with a financial planner and modeling a number of “what if” assumptions, we really have set aside the needed funds. Now that there is more time, we were able to significantly reduce our expenses. Thank you Fritz for keeping us focused on the things that really count!
The most important aspect in retirement to me is to have a purpose. Have something you still have a passion for doing. Doesn’t matter if it makes you money or is just something fun or gives back to your community. Just have a purpose. Its what gets you up each and every day.
The most important key to a successful retirement is planning in partnership with your spouse.
Find balance in the journey and, like running a marathon, a pace that you can maintain. Living too far below your means to get there quicker is like trying to sprint 26 miles!
Definately Living Below your Means. This past month has taught us how much you can really save when all the temptations are withdrawn.
Loved the first 1000 words! The most important key for me was “planning ahead”! Planning ahead by knowing my budget; by paying off all the remaining debt; by knowing where the retirement income was going to come from and by knowing what I wanted to do with that extra free time.
You are right…the FREEDOM is wonderful.
I’d say the most important thing is to have a plan, but still be willing to be flexible- life can throw all sorts of curve balls!
Enjoy the next chapter of life! (In whatever way this means to you) Leave no regrets.
Make sure you and your partner have a plan for retirement that includes financial information as well as leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
A good balance pf financial security and meaningful active life.
Planning (in as many areas as you can possibly think of) – don’t just “let it happen” by having to just float down the river following the current.
A sense of purpose.
Know your life “purpose” during retirement – and, if possible, identify it before starting retirement.
Sharpen the saw, staying fit mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
4 1/2 years from retirement. Financial, physical and emotional plans for the short, mid, and long term of a 30 year retirement.
I think some important things to have is an understanding of your finances and how they will support you throughout, happiness with the activities and lifestyle you choose to live and being near family to share special moments with.
The key to a successful retirement is to plan ahead financially, emotionally, and logically so that when you hit the 6 month mark you Already know what’s aHead for the next 6 months, 6 years, and beyond! I look forward to reading your book!
Medicare/Medigap planning the first 3 months of turning 65 per your guest post a few months ago. A few years away from 65, but learned alot from that post.
If we have learned nothing else from the last couple of months, a robust emergency/cash fund is what will carry you through the unexpected. We live on dividends alone but we are temporarily dripping them back into our accounts and using our emergency cash to make the stock market work for us as best it can under the circumstances. Best to all!
The most important: Plan, Save, ENJOY…
Have a plan.
A positive attitude
Attitude drives engagement
Attitude affects and results in significant relationships
Attitude drives purpose and meaning
Attitude affects a sense of accomplishment
Attitude affect positive health
Attitude undergirds resilience
And rather than a perfect plan a commitment of the planning / reflection process to adjust money issues and insure all the attitude issues above are engaged and healthy.
The key to a successful retirement is to ‘know your why’ and to retire into something you love
Thank you so much for sharing some of your book😊
I think PLANNING has been the most valuable for us. We’ve used your blueprint, and as such our buckets will be ready when my husband pulls the plug this summer, (both 65) not early retirees, but just finished putting last 2 (of 5) kids through college, and really wanted to wait for Medicare. If the pandemic has taught us nothing else, we should all be more aware that tomorrow is not promised. Maybe as a result fewer people will fixate on “one more year” syndrome , and live their dream, while they can.
Stay well 😷 and keep the great advice and encouragement coming.
Keep learning…..trying new things!
Lots of good advice here. Thanks!
Plan
Be on the same page with your partner
Discipline to follow the plan
Enjoy the time we have left!
Best of luck to everyone!
“Be on the same page with your partner”
Great point!
I think the most important thing in retirement is a need to care for others. Once you have a need to care for others you will engage and find a purpose to occupy your time.
Readiness! I work for the military and everything I do is all about readiness. Yes it’s planning, envisioning scenarios, focus, flexibility and more. But the single word , readiness, I think wraps it up perfectly.
Discipline, a work horse attitude and a positive mindset. I also love the words grind, toil and humility.
As I stand at 61 on that threshold of retirement …hesitating.. I know the numbers work …but what else likes in store that I should be considering? I look forward to reading the rest of your book to find out.
With 115 days (72 working days) remaining until that first cup of coffee my words for a successful retirement are open and recognition. Open to all the new changes coming my way and recognize the good and avoid the traps that you and all the other folks who have come before me have outlined so well…thanks and here’s to that first cup of coffee 🙂
Bob
What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?
Financial and mental preparation.
Having a solid income base to free your mind to explore the “softer side” of retirement.
A strong marriage/relationship and a spouse/partner who is on the same page.
Be & remain Debt Free while serving others…
Time and patience to let your plan work and not get discouraged..
Live within your means. Enjoy living, not buying. Stay the course.
Planning, life goal clarity, flexibility to adjust.
Delayed gratification when you’re young to allow for saving more than you think you can. Once in retirement, a firm grasp of spending patterns and hence withdrawal needs.
Planning!
Freedom of choice in your life seems essential. That means enough flexibility to match lifestyle to means and needs. Enough wealth to empower choice. Including, as necessary, the ability to live with less or differently than you did in your work life. Maintaining health as long as possible is another important contributor to success, strongly influenced by choice but as coronavirus highlights, not wholly within our control. And finally, a sense of mission or purpose. We’re social animals and need to serve something greater than self. That can be family or community or even caring for a garden or animals, but we do better when others are counting on us than vice versa. So sharing gifts remains important to success or happiness in retirement. We summarize these as High Wealth, High Health, High Purpose.
Am I mentally ready for retirement? I am financially ready, now to get my mind set for it.
Loved the book preview – can’t wait to get the book – wife ordered it last week for me. I would like to think that retirement would enhance what and who you already are! Saver, Spender, Giver, Volunteer, etc. as you would have more time!
My answer is: a zest for life!
Companionship is what I think is most significant. Whether its a spouse or great friendships, I think people need people. It helps not only with your mental wellbeing but also your physical wellbeing. It gives you motivation to be a part of the world instead of sitting in your easy chair watching TV all day.
Mindset. Not running away from the working phase of life but moving towards the rest of your life. For us the rest includes a lot of travel as we’ll finally have the freedom to camp all across this great country.
Congratulations on the book!
Planning ahead keeping your goals in mind.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a spouse, the most important key to a successful retirement is remember that you’re not in this alone. Address retirement as a team. That includes preparation for and execution of that piece of freedom you’ve worked so hard to earn. You’re not alone. You’re a team! Hey! Remember, there is no “I” in team!
Thanks for the preview, Fritz. We’re less than 90 days out, Mary and I.
My answer is Preparation!
Thank you for all you do!
Carey M.
Have a passion to pursue after your retirement. My husband is anxious to retire within the next 12months-he keeps pushing the date back- but is afraid of the loss off stimulation retirement can bring.
Good luck with your book. I pre-ordered!
Hi Fritz!
I love your blog and look forward to reading each new post! You have so much useful information and have been so helpful in our journey! We have been retired for seven months and we love it! It is times like this when bucket number one and its value cannot be overstated!
I think the most important thing is to be grateful! If you can do that, all the challenges and joys along the way will be that much easier to handle!
Having and sticking to a plan…
Purpose
Key to a wonderful retirement is letting go of the rails and dreaming big, believing you can make out-of-the-ordinary things happen, and still be a responsible person! 😄
Having a life to retire to, not just a job to retire from. If you have your post retirement life fully visualized, developed, and practiced, your transition into the retired life will be smooth.
Not retiring a month before a worldwide pandemic!
Looking forward to the book! I would say the key to a successful retirement is to have a plan, but be willing to change the plan since there will be things you couldn’t plan for.
Prepare, prepare and prepare! If you are prepared financially, socially, spiritually, emotionally, etc. your retirement will work out just fine.
The key to a successful retirement: Prepare, prepare, prepare, especially in light of today’s environment. Also, have an understanding of what you want to do in retirement so boredom doesn’t take over your mind.
It’s best to start early, but you can catch up.
Discipline and having a plan in place.
Thanks Fritz,
To be Positive, both in attitude and cash flow.
Staying joyful and actively engaged in life. Financial Security may be a myth at some level, but critical to stay actively engaged in living in balance with those dollars, pre and post retirement.
Thanks for the preview. My answer is prepare in advance. You never know what you will find when you retire. My first week of retirement a few weeks ago saw the biggest market crash of my life.
Continue to live a life of purpose. i say continue because our lives in present tense should be a life of purpose and just because we stop working doesn’t mean we stop having purpose.
Fritz, you are such a help. I believe having a plan of what my day will look like when I get to retire is the most important. I watch my mom just slowly deteriorate because her plan was “I’m retired, I get to watch tv all day”. I want to live in my retirement.
From a financial perspective: Understanding the difference between essential, discretionary, and spending shock expenses and funding accordingly.
Hi Fritz!
Having a retirement plan that’s financialy flexible for times just like the one we are currently facing.
Proper planning. Withour proper planning for all aspects of retirement, you are simply rolling the dice!
Start investing when young, primarily in index funds, avoid temptation to time the market, stay the course, and live beneath your means.
Most important? I’d say preparation.
Two subcategories within preparation would be 1) be financially able 1 also) retire to something.
Same thing that was most important before retirement- attitude.
Plan while you’re young. Save more than you spend. Volunteer and have hobbies so that you’ll have them when you retire. Keep in touch with friends. Have goals that include daily – good nutrition and exercise and gratefulness.
Live with a freedom attitude. Enjoy each season If your life!
Find a financial planner you trust, save a large percentage of your raises, don’t save at the expense of enjoying some pleasures in life along the way as we are not promised a tomorrow. Also some dumb luck careerwise and my perfect full age timing for retirement didn’t hurt either!
Have a purpose, a reason for living; preferably not just for yourself, but for others as well.
You can have all the boxes checked; financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, family, goals, etc…but if you don’t have an avenue to use them, your life will go down to the tubes FAST! I believe this holds true even before retirement.
The key to a successful retirement is preparation.
Finding a way to live your dream-through planning, financial security, staying healthy and being aligned with your spouse (if you have one).
Fritz – looking forward to reading your “best of” – should save me a ton of time going through all your old posts! 🙂
Although time is something I have plenty of….
I think the flexibility to adapt is the key to a successful retirement.
We all make plans – which are good until that first punch in the mouth. Then adapt and re-evaluate.
My most important key to our successful retirement was jointly planning and monitoring both our financial ‘number’ goal and our mental readiness to retire from a lifetime of working full-time.
We hit our ‘number’ (conservatively calculated as just the balance, not the balance plus projected growth) in fall 2016, I retired Feb. 2017 and my wife retired May 2017. I went back to work June 2017 at a different employer, then sitting drinking my coffee at the beach, I decided that I wanted that zen-like tranquil peace every day,and all day, so I retired again on Sept 2017.
We have each done some part-time gigs and volunteer efforts to continue helping others, plus since we have the energy (so far), help babysit our grand children and help with cooked meals for their parents.
One LT project is to reduce clutter, to avoid the leaving a legacy task of purging piles of our ‘stuff.’
Bob Holland in Silver Spring, MD 4/6/2020
A successful retirement needs to have a balance of good health, fulfilling hobby, and passive streams of income.
Preparation.
I think the key is to have a purpose – a reason to live for and move forward so you don’t just stagnate.
Ability to pursue an evolving fulfillment through experience and action
Have a plan. Without a plan you stand no chance of reaching your retirement goals.
Have to start saving early, even just a little bit!
Hello Fritz, I enjoy your blog and find your thoughts both interesting and informative. I discovered your posts a few years ago and I was hooked. I have read everything you have written on this blog since you began, many of the posts several times.
I share many similarities with you in that I too planned for decades on how my retirement would look when I got there. I had a target retirement age of 55, although I pulled the pin at 56 (one more year syndrome). My wife and I sold the “big for us house” and moved full time to our cabin in the White mountains of Arizona when we retired. We went through the adventure of down-sizing tons of stuff , and yes, it was a wonderfully “freeing experience”. We decided to upgrade from the ‘good’ cabin to the ‘great’ cabin after we had been there for a year, and yes, it fell out of escrow on the day we were closing on the ‘good’ cabin, about three weeks after we had closed and moved into the ‘great cabin’. It seemed like big deal for a few minutes, but we laughed about the dilemma pretty quickly. We up graded from a life time of tenting and sleeping bags to an actual R.V. with a bed and hot and cold running water, we felt as though we were camping like rich people! This June will be our 6 year anniversary of being retired, we enjoy our ‘great American road trips’ twice a year, for about 10 weeks in the Spring and 10 weeks in the Fall. We have traveled in all the lower 48 States(never the same road twice, and that’s hard to do), mountain biked all the major National parks, kayaked portions of most of the major rivers in the Continental U.S., and hiked with our dogs until they had a smile on their faces!
I always expected my retirement years to be a non-stop check list of fun and exciting things to do, and so far it has greatly exceeded my expectations. None of this has happened by accident, as my Dad would tell me if he was still around, it all happens through the ‘MAGIC’ of hard work and being focused on a plan. When I was in college some 40 odd years ago I was fortunate enough to take an economics course on long range planning. The professor that taught that course told us on the first day that everything we were going be working on that semester would be focused on our own individual retirement plan. He said he couldn’t think of anything in the world that was more ‘long range’ for a 20 year old college student than planning for his own retirement.
That economics class did not change my life, but it did help me crystallize the concepts that my parents had been trying to instill in me all my life. So, my answer to the question you posed at the beginning of your blog is this, HAVE A PLAN. Fritz, I know you have covered that topic in depth in previous articles, and I’m sure you go into it in your book (yes, I pre-ordered it the day you made your announcement that it was on Amazon). I never would have been able to make our retirement what we are experiencing now If I had not had a plan that was both long term and short term, with measurable goals along the way as well as a vision of what the final product was going to look like.
Congratulations on the completion of your book, it’s a mile stone in ones life and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for creating this blog for all of your readers, and for the countless hours you have dedicated to enriching all of our lives.
Don’t just retire from something, retire to something.
the most important thing about retirement… is to think about it at least 10 years out. there are so many things to know and learn about being prepared with money, hobbies, knowing your expenses, conversions, having 3 years worth of spend ready… all of these take time for preparation, and you can’t know it all ahead of time. so, starting to think about it in advance, will allow you to better prepare, save, move, plan.
Thank you Fritz for a “taste” of your book! It looks great and especially needed during these trying times.
As you’re aware, I’ve written a fair amount about retirement and love all the comments your readers have left. In my opinion, a positive mindset and attitude is the bedrock to achieving success.
With a positive outlook you prepare and make better choices. Planning, finances, relationships, purpose, health, etc. tend to fall into place promoting true and lasting happiness.
The first thought to come to mind is flexibility. Being able to both make and change your route on the roadmap is crucial.
I think that the most important key to a successful retirement is awareness — of your finances, sure, but also of your health, your loved ones’ health, and the world around you. “If you can keep your head when all about you are loosing theirs…”
Knowledge!
Knowledge is power. The more knowledge you attain, the better equipped you’ll be in retirement. A close second is the willingness to continue learning.
Understand your spending relative to your desired lifestyle and plan accordingly.
I think a successful retirement requires that my wife and I are on the same page regarding our retirement plans.
Knowing yourself — You can plan all you like, but if those planned items are not what make life rewarding, you are just alive, but not necessarily living. You want to be the latter when the clock runs out.
I am loving the cover. Even better – it is available in the UK – the global economy is clearly still alive and kicking through this current global turmoil.
I expect the postage costs count me out of the competition but my key is to ensure you have the non financial side of retirement properly planned out.
[I am assuming people responding to this blog are already on top of the financials with the great advice and information given here]
Having a plan for what to do with your time!
“What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?”
Build a plan in which you are true to yourself and that’s in sync with your spouse.
Have a plan but be flexible!
Question: “What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?”
1 Health 2 Spouse 3 Family 4 God and 5 Money to get by.
The key to a successful retirement is having a plan on what you are going to do IN retirement to replace the time you spent working. It could be developing a new hobby or interest like cooking or volunteer work, something that allows you to continue growing and is an outlet for your creative energy and effort. I think too many focus on just not going to work instead of how you will write the next chapter of your life.
I believe that successful retirement is defined differently for each person. I personally think that my success is retiring to something not from something. I believe having a why in retirement is also important.
I’m starting late in the game, so I would say it’s planning and diligence! Thank you!
I think the most important part is planning.
Exercise and maintaining a good health.
Doesn’t matter how much you save for retirement, without a good health you could spend all days in Doctor’s office or all your saving paying Hospital bills and medication.
Planning and Flexibility. You need to plan for a great retirement but be flexible when big changes happen, both the good changes, like helping family or being closer to grandchildren or the tough ones like health issues and market drops.
Planning (all aspects) is the most important key.
The hallmark of retirement is preparedness. Financial plans in place (market down 30%? You had a plan in place for that.). Plans for what you want to do in retirement to stay fulfilled.
Hi Fritz,
Reading and applying daily the “Serenity Prayer” by Reinhold Niebuhr.
Key to a successful retirement is a well-researched plan, a backup plan, and good health! Looking forward to reading your book!
Having someone with whom you can share you retirement is key.
Develop a plan, follow the plan, and enjoy every minute of the rest of your life 😁
The most important is “stay the course’’ in my opinion, consistency and have a vision will also help for retirement
Hi Fritz,
I am a late adopter to planning financially for retirement. I very much enjoy your blogs and I have the planner. I kept my head down work work work missing the present thinking of the future.
My answer would be start financially planning your retirement at 25. Live life in the moment but within your means or below. Living in the moment will serve you well in each phase of your life.
I am 64, released from my job of blood sweat and tears at 62. I fell into an abyss. At 63 I transitioned from a VP back to staff as a clinical traveler. So much fun, management can be so over rated. I am now cruising in on 65. My husband has 4 years left to work so we are not planning to financially hit retirement till he is 65.
PANIC – that is me. If all goes well we are at a point for a “comfortable” retirement. I am always looking for insightful guidance. I hope to be able to take what I learn and share it with our 3 very adult children (blended).
I have learned to look at each morning with wonderment and appreciate my experience however small. I do not have empty time because I have my mother 3 miles away which has been wonderful for both of us. I will drop whatever is planned, for mom( she does not need to know).
OK I will also hit 1000 words if I dont stop. I am throwing my hat in the ring. Your book teaser looks like the perfect read to enlighten my journey.
Thank you for your time and insight.
In short “Being properly prepared.”
And believe me Fritz, you have done a brilliant job in helping me achieve that preparedness to hit the Starting Line running, with confidence that I can succeed at retirement as I did at my working life!
Thank you, Sir
Scott
Determine what a successful retirement looks like for YOU, and develop a plan to achieve it. Don’t just plan to survive in retirement, plan to thrive in it.
Living within your means. Saving as much as possible.
Hello Fritz:
If I do not win a free book, I will buy one.
My short answer to your question is this:
The most important thing you should have as you prepare, embark on, and enter retirement is good health. With great planning, responsible savings and investment, and education (including sources like the Retirement Manifesto), we all give ourselves better chances of a successful retirement. But, do not take your health for granted. Please do the things to best give yourselves the opportunity to be healthy.
Congratulations on completing the book. All the best to you and your readers.
Sincerely,
The Enrights
Teaching yourself to comfortably tap into the savings that you’ve been spent years accumulating.
The bucket strategy that you created helps create the framework of this process.
Looking forward to your book.
Expect the unexpected and don’t fret over things you can’t control!
They key really is discipline, flexibility and good planning.
bring emotionally prepared
A good financial plan: safe withdrawal, asset allocation, etc. Having that in place BEFORE retiring and not having to make it up on the spot makes me sleep well at night even in volatile times like today!
Congrats on the book and good luck, Fritz!
Thanks for the opportunity, always love your work.
I think the key is open minded planning. Plan, plan, plan but do so from a mindset that questions everything.
Thanks!
“What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?”
Being financially prepared, and know it. Being certain you have the financial resources to take you through the rest of your life.
I’m excited to read more! Thanks for the contest!
I think finding your purpose is the key to a successful retirement. It’s one of the most important factors for good health, and that’s something we all need for a successful and happy retirement.
I’m in my fifth year of retirement, I’d say have a combination of active hobbies, some or all of which you share with your spouse, and paid, and nonpaid volunteer work, or some of both. You just can’t play golf and fish all the time and feel useful. And, of course, buy a copy of Fritz’s book, that’s the main thing! (Shameless pandering to improve my chances!)
I’d love to get my hands on a copy, just starting down the Road to FI, but I’d have to say it sounds like remaining flexible on spending would be key in retirement. On the bad years dial it back, the good years maybe dial it up even. Enjoy everytime I hear you on choose FI!
Wow! lots of folks want a shot at free book – should indicate a good number of sales if they don’t win 🙂
My key component for a successful retirement is having a solid grasp of your expenses and knowing which ones are “needs” (food/shelter and the like ) and which ones are “wants” (everything else) – know that if your expected income streams (including drawdown of capital if any) meet or exceed the expenses then you are good to go ( would be nice if one added an inflation factor to expenses if income streams are more less fixed)
Curiosity.
Retirement means something different to everyone. Looking forward to the next chapter with plenty of time to enjoy life, follow a passion or simply take a nap in the middle of the day.
Planning, flexibility,and determination
Giving ourselves time to find our new normal while facing and embracing a new season of life will be the most important key for a successful retirement for my husband and me. We tend to look backwards more than we should even though we’re not going that way.
Enjoyed the first 1,000 words of your book….sure hope I win a copy!
I think the key to a “successful” retirement, is to know what “successful” means to you. Perhaps “success” could also be worded as “happy”–so the key is knowing what will make you happy in retirement. Money, golf, travel, visiting people, doing things you never had time for, volunteering, etc. Different for everyone, and you have to discover it for yourself.
Answer = Having someone to enjoy it with.
Have a plan to achieve your retirement goals, but be flexible and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Congratulations on finishing your book, Fritz! I enjoyed the preview, thank you!
For me, having a successful retirement will mean having the health to enjoy my wealth & the gratitude to never take it for granted.
Think about how to spend your time in retirement.
Flexibility and freedom.
Congratulations on your new book.
I’m in my mid 50s and look forward to retiring when I turn 60 or so. But working from home during this coronavirus stay at home order, I discovered I need to find more hobbies and as some say, “retire to something”. I’m going stir crazy not being able to work out at the YMCA. In some ways, I miss my “scheduled” of going to work, working out on my lunch hour, going back to work and then coming home. Oh, the good old days.
Hi Fritz, Wow 🤩. The little Mauck Cardinal sure it making an impact!
Plan, save, invest, strategize, adjust, practice, and celebrate!
Have faith and follow Him. He will guide us.
All the best to you on your book your journey. From one Mauck Cardinal to another, I am incredibly proud of you. 👍
Planning! And having adequate contingency plans as well.
Planning Ahead! Financial, Location, Activities, Friends & Family and Giving Back.
The key to successful retirements is the habit of controlling your expenses and been frugal before and throughout your retirements.
The key to a successful retirement is to plan what to do with your time. You’ve already planned how to finance retirement, now plan how to live retirement.
How many retirees when thinking about the what if’s: Had on their Health list “ survival is isolating yourself In your home” and it’s mandated? I think we all think of becoming a widow or widower, but as a long way away, not within two years of retirement. Your Health should be right up there with financial. Exploring all the possibilities realistically that could impact your retirement. Realizing abrupt changes are inevitable. Lara
Aggressive plan that is followed with discipline
You need to plan for it . The planning starts early on for 10,20 or 30 yrs . Every it counts . Think of it as a marathon not a sprint .
Feeling balanced by volunteering, having faith, spending time with family, exercising to stay healthy, eating well, under spending but not to deprive yourself and learning every day.
To have a financial plan that has a good probability of success,but still allows the latitude to change how you think about your new life after work and how much you can spend.
Having a plan in place, but being able to tweak it along the way, especially if something like a Coronavirus comes along and throws a monkey wrench into your plan!
I enjoy you blog for its practicality. There is a lot of theory out there but very less practical advise directly from a person who is going through it.
The key to a successful retirement is ” Knowing Thyself”. If you have a better understanding of what motivates you, what scares you, how you have reacted in the past on similar situations, what you like, what you dislike etc. it will be the key to a successful retirement.
The most important key to a successful retirement……
is to be happy with what you have, be happy with who you have to share your retirement with, and live each day being as happy as you can be. life’s too short to be miserable and unhappy.
Find your post-career purpose that is aligned with what you value most.
I think the key is contentment which means different thing to different individuals.
Key to a successful retirement: Solidifying an identity that doesn’t involve paid work and title
Flexible planning in both the financial plans and finding your purpose after work.
Don’t wait with savings until tomorrow. Thanks Fritz
Hi Fritz, the answer to the question: “Having a supporting, loving spouse who is willing to live beneath his/her means.”
Start saving as early as possible and review / adjust regularly (with your financial advisor if appropriate) planning for finance, medical and social / mental health. I wish I did!!
Start saving as early as possible and review / adjust regularly (with your financial advisor if appropriate) planning for finance, medical and social / mental health. I wish I did!!
I think the most important key to a successful retirement, aside from having enough money saved up, is to have a plan with what you’re going to do with your time.
The most important key to a successful retirement: PLANNING! We may not always admit it, but we plan all of our lives to do all kinds of things to one degree or another. Our day, the week ahead, parties we may be hosting, holiday visits with relatives, marriage, weekly menus for the family, budgets, vacations. Why would the most important aspect of our lives (the rest of it) be any different. Retirement doesn’t “just happen”. We have talked about it and worked for it, and yes towards it. Admit it or not, it’s critical, and no one will be doing it for us! And no one should. It’s the greatest adventure we can ever take and we are the captains of our own ship!
Have a detailed budget for all expenses in retirement. That way, you will know how much income you really need. Not 80% of current income that’s for sure! Much less for most folks.
What do you think is the most important key to a successful retirement?” Understanding expenses both at retirement, and over time as you get older.
Getting a handle on your expenses.
i’ve been self emplyed most of my work life so i don’t get to officially “retire”.
most important key to a successful retirement?
Curiousity and always always keep learning–doesn’t matter what it is–leaning new stuff is crazy awesome.
The most important key to a successful retirement I think is to have hobbies and interests that will keep you busy, hopefully at minimal cost, or even make you some money for doing something you enjoy. Thanks for the question and looking forward to your new book!
Serving Others
I think preparation in all aspects is key…..from finances to personal fulfillment to health.
Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. I am pre-ordering …..but will gift to a friend if I win.
Listened to your interview with Josh today. Verrry informative and look forward to getting the book.
Planning – the whole way. Plan financially starting when you are young. Tweak as necessary. As you approach retirement, plan you goals and dreams (with your significant other if applicable).
Know what you are retiring to. You already know what you are retiring from.
The key to successful retirement is being able to manage any additional free time that you may gain by not working full-time.
The key is planning. Not only planning financially but also what you want your life in retirement to look like in terms of hobbies, where you live, etc.
Flexibility is the most important key to a successful retirement in my opinion.
Assuming you have the financial resources in order, I think the key to a successful retirement is to make sure you have a purpose that is compelling enough to motivate you out of bed in the morning. This purpose will vary depending on the person and can be big or small, long term or short, changing by the week or never. I’m a little over one year into retirement and am close to completing most of the big projects around the house that I could never get to…that’s been much of my “purpose”. I’m now pursuing new purpose(s), including expanding volunteer roles, and planning our daughter’s wedding once this pandemic is under control.
There is but only one important thing in retirement…stay healthy, the rest is easy. Your blog is great ! Good luck with your book and getting more people reading your book and not those written by folks that aren’t retired or those books written too many years ago. George Szlemp
I think having a sense of purpose.
Financial security.
Fritz, you are such an inspiration! Really disappointed though to see that you supported Heritage Wealth. Josh (Heritage Wealth) has gone all “Alex Jones” on the covid 19 virus and conspiracy theories. I was shocked to see you on his youtube channel. I will continue to follow you and will be ordering your book.
A plan. This may be obvious to most who read (and benefit) from insightful blogs such as yours, but I remain surprised at how many don’t plan and prepare for their future. Thanks for what you share; it’s helpful and appreciated.
To me, retirement is doing the things (mostly volunteering) that I didn’t think I had time to do while working. Now that I am 5 years into it, I now have to lighten that load a bit to take more time to do the things I simply want to do.
You must retire to something, not from something.
The key is self-awareness, the understanding that retirement is a life phase not a destination and as such it is can offer growth, purpose and fulfillment.
Adequate cash bucket and debt free prior to retiring.
Hey Fritz, Been following your blog for some time now, and love your insight (57 now, and looking at 60 to begin our journey). To answer your question: Planning and looking at ALL aspects of what your retirement will look like is important, but being FLEXIBLE and making corrections as you take this next chapter in life is so critical. Good luck with your book, looking forward to reading it!