Non Financial Retirement Planning: The Overlooked Key to a Happy Retirement
When most people think about retirement, one word comes to mind: money.
Yes, financial security is important—but it’s only one piece of the retirement puzzle. Without emotional readiness and a plan for your lifestyle, even a well-funded retirement can feel empty.
That’s where non financial retirement planning comes in.
Why Retirement Planning Should Go Beyond Finances
Let’s consider an example.
Joan, a 67-year-old corporate executive, has done everything right on the financial front. Her portfolio is diversified. She has more than enough saved. She’s taken care of taxes and insurance.
But is she ready to retire?
Not quite.
Joan, like many people, hasn’t thought through how she’ll spend her days—or what will give her purpose—once she’s no longer working.
And that’s a huge piece of the retirement equation.
What Is Non Financial Retirement Planning?
Non financial retirement planning is about preparing emotionally and mentally for the next phase of life. It’s making sure you have:
A daily routine
A strong social network
A sense of identity and purpose
Mental and emotional well-being
This kind of planning helps you avoid post-retirement burnout, loneliness, and the “what now?” feeling many retirees face.
✅ Non Financial Retirement Planning Checklist
Here’s how to prepare for retirement beyond just finances.
✅ 1. Create a Routine You Look Forward To
A structured day provides stability. Without a daily routine, retirement can quickly start to feel aimless.
Tips to try:
Set regular wake-up and bedtime routines
Assign daily themes (e.g., Mondays = volunteer work, Thursdays = hiking)
Block off time for hobbies, exercise, reading, or even naps
A little structure goes a long way for your mental and physical health.
✅ 2. Plan for Social Connection
Did you know that 41% of retirees say they miss the people from work more than anything?
Stay connected by:
Scheduling weekly coffee chats or video calls
Joining a book club, fitness class, or community group
Volunteering for causes you care about
Spending intentional time with family and grandkids
Social connection is one of the most important (and overlooked) aspects of retirement wellness.
✅ 3. Define Your Life Purpose
Without a job title or daily tasks, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a part of your identity.
Use the PERMA-V model from positive psychology to reflect on:
Positive emotions
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Accomplishment
Vitality
Ask yourself:
What gives my life meaning now?
How do I want to contribute?
What would a “well-lived life” look like in retirement?
Whether it’s learning a new skill, mentoring, starting a side hustle, or traveling more—your purpose doesn’t retire just because you do. Use LEAP Planner to Record your Ideas!
✅ 4. Audit Your Current Lifestyle
Before you retire, reflect on what parts of your current life bring you joy—and which parts you won’t miss.
Try this quick exercise:
List what you want to keep, leave behind, and adjust
Use this as a roadmap for designing your ideal retirement lifestyle
✅ 5. Make the Most of Your Bonus Years
As longevity expert Laura Carstensen says:
“We have 30 extra years.”
That’s three decades to enjoy life on your terms—if you plan for it.
Think of retirement as the start of something, not the end.
You’ve earned this time. How will you use it?
Final Thoughts
Non financial retirement planning is about creating a lifestyle that’s as fulfilling as it is financially secure.
To recap, here’s what you should start planning today:
A consistent and enjoyable routine
Meaningful social interactions
A clear sense of life purpose
Reflection on your values and identity
A vision for how you’ll enjoy your extra years