Retirement isn’t just about having enough money. It’s about what that money makes possible — freedom, purpose, connection, and impact.
At Ignite Financial, we’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and couples just like you who are in or near retirement—and we’ve learned a key truth: The best retirements are not built on rules of thumb—they're built with intention — tailored to you what’s most important to you. Still, a few guiding principles can help you retire with confidence, clarity, and meaning. Here are 10 timeless retirement rules—financial and beyond—to help you live a life that feels rich in every way.
The biggest mistake we see? Believing that purpose will magically appear once work ends.
It won't.
Not unless you build it intentionally.
It takes work.
A huge part of your identity has been tied to your career. You'll need time to think about what you want your new life to look like.
This means trying different activities to see what resonates with you.
We help you explore a Non-Financial Retirement Plan—mapping out how you'll spend time, grow, give, connect, and stay sharp. The happiest retirees know what they're waking up for.
IMPORTANT: You don't need a detailed retirement plan before leaving your job. Many need time to explore options—time they don't have while working. Just don't delay retirement once you're financially ready unless you truly love your work.
Pro Tip: Use this prompt:
“What’s one thing you’ve always said you’d do when you had more time?”
Too much unstructured time can quickly turn into boredom or restlessness.
One of the best rules? Learning to say no — especially at the beginning.
Once people learn you're retiring, many will approach you with requests for your time and energy.
At minimum, pause and say, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you."
Protect your energy and avoid overcommitting.
This will give you the opportunity to ease yourself into retirement knowing that successful retirees build a rhythm into their days, blending:
Try this: Sketch your ideal week in retirement. Then live one “practice retirement week” to see how it feels.
You've spent decades saving and investing.
Now the question is: What is the money for?
Knowing your personal answer helps align your spending, giving, and investing decisions.
Try this quick exercise from our Values & Purpose worksheet:
Ask yourself at least five times: “What’s important about money to me?”
The deeper you go, the more clarity you’ll find. See worksheet link above for more.
Retirement doesn’t need to be a spreadsheet Olympics.
Yes, we believe in evidence-based investing and tax-smart withdrawal strategies.
But simplicity wins—especially when cognitive load increases with age.
Delegate what you don’t enjoy.
As one client said, "Peace of mind is my best-performing asset."
Once you’ve determined you have enough, stop chasing more for the sake of it. Adopt a simple, low-maintenance plan that allows you to sleep well and live well.
That includes:
Let go of the complexity. Focus on your life.
You've heard it before: "Health is wealth." But in retirement, it's the bedrock.
Without your health, your wealth is useless. If you don't have the ability to do what you want when you want to do it, then what was it all for?
We see it in real time—those who protect their energy, strength, and mobility get to use their money for joy, not just care.
Focus on what you can control.
Start with your goal, then break it down into small habits—James Clear and BJ Fogg style 😃
For those who are just starting, here are some ideas:
The science behind taking tiny steps toward your goals is fascinating. Research shows that simply starting the activity you want to do—whether eating, moving, sleeping, or writing—creates momentum that carries you forward.
Retirement gives you the rare gift of identity freedom.
You’re no longer defined by your job title. Who do you want to become?
Try this journal prompt:
“Who am I at my best?”
Then build your lifestyle around becoming that person more consistently.
Additional journal prompts for identity exploration:
Here are some examples of retirement identities people embrace:
This is not an exhaustive list by any means as its there to get your brain turner and who said you couldn’t have multiple identities or combine them into one.
Many retirees think about their bucket list.
Few actually pursue it.
Don’t wait for the perfect time.
Perfect never comes.
Use the WOOP method by Gabriele Oettingen to turn dreams into action:
Initially, learning from others who have retired can be valuable—discover what worked for them and what they would have done differently. Eventually, you'll gather enough insights to chart your own course.
Many regret:
Consider:
"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Reflect: What have you observed in others that you want to emulate—or avoid?
Retirement changes your relationship dynamic. More time together, new roles, different priorities.
Frequent, honest conversations prevent future frustration.
Start with this prompt:
“What does a good life look like to you?”
Do this separately, then share answers. You might be surprised how different (or aligned) your visions are and what powerful conversations it leads to.
Sure, you may leave an inheritance. But what about the wisdom, values, and life lessons you want to pass on?
Ask: “How do I want to be remembered?”
Then take one action today to live that answer.
At Ignite Financial, we go beyond the numbers.
We help you:
Let’s build your retirement—on purpose.
Schedule your no obligations call today.