What should I do five years before I retire?

What should I do five years before I retire?

Retirement isn’t just a finish line, it’s a brand new chapter. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Casey Smith and Financial Advisor Michaela Dowdy outline eight key things you should focus on starting five years before retirement. While more time is always better, the 3–5 year mark is when many people get serious. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Listen or Watch:

Summary:

1. Define What Retirement Looks Like for You

Start by visualizing your day-to-day life after work ends. Will you travel? Volunteer? Start a new hobby? Your plan should reflect what truly brings you joy and purpose.

2. Make Sure You’re on the Same Page with Your Partner

Retirement affects your entire household. Whether it’s a staggered retirement or a shared dream to travel, honest communication with your spouse or partner is crucial to align expectations and build a unified vision.

3. Audit and Strengthen Your Social Network

Leaving the workplace can lead to unexpected isolation. Start cultivating social circles through hobbies, community involvement, or even part-time work to maintain a sense of belonging and purpose.

4. Test-Drive Your Future Lifestyle

Before moving or making big lifestyle shifts, try them first. Spend extended time in the area you want to move to or simulate your retirement schedule. This helps avoid regrets and ensures you truly enjoy the changes.

5. Prioritize Your Health Now

There’s no VIP pass in healthcare; your best bet is prevention. Exercise regularly, eat well, and stay active so that you can enjoy retirement to the fullest when the time comes.

6. Declutter and Simplify

Consolidate accounts, organize your estate, and clean out what you don’t need, both physically and financially. Simplification helps not just you, but your loved ones who may need to manage your affairs one day.

7. Start Your Bucket List

Don’t just save, spend with purpose! Make a list of the experiences and goals you’ve always dreamed of, then start checking them off while you’re healthy and able. You finally have the time and, if you’ve planned well, the money too.

8. Think About Legacy and Impact

Your legacy isn’t your net worth, it’s the story you leave behind. Whether it’s family education, charitable giving, or mentorship, think about how you want to be remembered and what impact you want to make.

Your Retirement Is a New Beginning

Five years out is the perfect time to take intentional steps toward your ideal retirement. Whether you need help refining your vision, testing your plans, or optimizing your finances, our advisors are here to help. Click here to schedule a consultation to get started.

Links:

Connect:

learn-more-2025-new

Categories

Recent posts

  • Should You Hire a Financial Advisor After Receiving an Inheritance?
  • Aviation Planning: Fractional Ownership vs. Charter vs. Outright Acquisition

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Wiser Wealth Management, Inc (“Wiser Wealth”) is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a registered investment adviser, Wiser Wealth and its employees are subject to various rules, filings, and requirements. You can visit the SEC’s website here to obtain further information on our firm or investment adviser’s registration.

Wiser Wealth’s website provides general information regarding our business along with access to additional investment related information, various financial calculators, and external / third party links. Material presented on this website is believed to be from reliable sources and is meant for informational purposes only. Wiser Wealth does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content of any third-party website and is not affiliated with any third-party website or social media page. Wiser Wealth does not expressly or implicitly adopt or endorse any of the expressions, opinions or content posted by third party websites or on social media pages. While Wiser Wealth uses reasonable efforts to obtain information from sources it believes to be reliable, we make no representation that the information or opinions contained in our publications are accurate, reliable, or complete.

To the extent that you utilize any financial calculators or links in our website, you acknowledge and understand that the information provided to you should not be construed as personal investment advice from Wiser Wealth or any of its investment professionals. Advice provided by Wiser Wealth is given only within the context of our contractual agreement with the client. Wiser Wealth does not offer legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your own attorney, accountant, and other professionals for these services.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Our latest blogs, podcasts, and educational videos delivered to your inbox weekly.