When it comes to deciding whether the time is right for retirement, it’s about more than just your bank account. Sure, financial security is important, but so is your emotional and personal readiness.
Many people of retirement age look forward to spending more time with family, pursuing hobbies, or finally having time to kick back and relax without the stress of work getting in their way.
Even those who love their job may still be dreaming of the day that they can step away to begin a new adventure, especially if it involves finally getting to do something they’ve always wanted to.
If any of the following signs describe you, it might be time to consider stepping into your next chapter so that you can start enjoying your stress-free retirement.
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You’re never ‘present’ at work
Do you find yourself daydreaming at your desk, thinking about anywhere else you’d rather be? If you’re constantly thinking about the next vacation or even wishing you could just spend more time at home, it might be a sign that you’re ready to retire.
When your mind is elsewhere, it’s hard to stay motivated and engaged. If you’re spending your days longing to do something else, why not start?
You’re too tired on the weekend to get things done
Work taking up all your energy? If you find yourself so exhausted after the workweek that you can’t enjoy your weekends, that may be a red flag.
Retirement may offer you a chance to recharge and spend your time how you want — whether that’s tackling projects around the house, getting outdoors, or just enjoying the quiet.
If your job is draining you, it might be time to consider how much more vibrant your life could be once you leave work behind.
Your financials are already where they need to be
For those who have diligently saved and planned, reaching financial security means one thing: you’re ready to retire.
If your retirement plan is solid and you have enough saved to live comfortably, you no longer need to work just to make ends meet. This is one of the biggest indicators that it might be time to stop working and start enjoying the freedom that comes with financial independence.
Check up on your retirement readiness, and if you’re where you need to be, consider whether or not now is the time to make the leap.
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Your emergency fund is well stocked
A well-prepared retirement includes more than just your monthly income — it also means being prepared for life’s unexpected twists and turns.
If your emergency fund is fully stocked and ready to cover any surprises, that’s another sign you can confidently step away from your job. Having a cushion for emergencies is key to avoiding stress and helping you feel secure in your decision to retire.
You’ve had a fulfilling career
Retirement can be tough for people who feel like they have unfinished business in their careers, but if you’ve had a fulfilling professional life, that’s a good indicator you’ll enjoy retirement.
Whether you’ve reached the pinnacle of your career or found joy in what you’ve done, the feeling of contentment makes it easier to walk away with no regrets. You can step into retirement knowing you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.
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Your partner is already retired
Retirement is more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with. If your partner has already retired, it might be the perfect time to join them and start enjoying life together.
Having the same schedule and freedom allows you to travel, spend more time together, or simply enjoy the little moments that were hard to find during your working years. If you’re both financially prepared, retiring together can make this new chapter even more special.
You’ve rediscovered your hobbies
Retirement is the perfect time to rediscover — or even discover — hobbies and interests that may have taken a backseat during your working years.
Whether it’s traveling, learning a new skill, or even spending more time with hobbies like gardening or reading, now is the time to do the things you love. If you’ve found yourself longing for more time to devote to these activities, retirement could be the perfect opportunity to fully dive back into them.
Your friends are all retired
Retirement isn’t just about leaving work behind — it’s about enjoying the freedom that comes with it. If many of your friends are already retired, joining them means you’ll have more opportunities to spend time together.
It doesn’t matter if that means meeting for coffee, traveling, or simply enjoying shared hobbies, having friends who are also retired can make this transition even more enjoyable.
After all, retirement is a time to spend with the people you care about most.
You love to volunteer
If you’ve always had a passion for helping others but never had enough time to devote to it, retirement could be your chance to give back in meaningful ways.
There are countless volunteer opportunities available for retirees, from walking shelter dogs to helping at hospitals.
If giving back is something you’ve always wanted to do, retirement provides the freedom to volunteer on your terms and contribute to causes you care about.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Your children are starting their own families
If your children are starting families of their own, retirement could be the perfect time to be there for them.
Whether you want to help out with childcare or simply spend more time with your grandchildren, being available for the next generation can bring a whole new level of joy to your life.
Retirement gives you the flexibility to be present without the constraints of a work schedule, allowing you to enjoy family life in a new way.
Bottom line
If you’ve checked off any of these boxes, you’re likely ready to embrace retirement. Retirement isn’t just about finances — it’s about enjoying the life you’ve worked hard to create.
Do you see
how your retirement savings stack up with your future plans? If your
finances are in order and these signs resonate with you, retirement could be the
next exciting chapter in your life.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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