6 Tips to Achieve More Happiness in Retirement
- Marc Lowe
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 13
When I talk to people about their retirement, the natural inclination by them is to start talking numbers. I used to think this was what mattered most in a person's finances but over the years I have to come to the realization that it's the stuff outside the numbers that matters most to people when to cut down to the core. Achieving Happiness in Retirement is what people care about most. Even people with lots of money in retirement can still feel unhappy. In this blog post we'll walk through some of the unexpected advantages in retirement and some of the psychological pitfalls to avoid and how to do that. We all want a retirement that brings joy, purpose and financial confidence.
Psychological Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Retirement Happiness
While retirement can be incredibly rewarding, there are also psychological challenges that, left unaddressed, can lead to dissatisfaction or even depression.
1. Anxiety about Running Out of Money
Outliving your savings is a very real fear—and for good reason. Inflation can erode your purchasing power, especially if your income isn’t rising to match the cost of living. Without am understanding of how your spending is going can be a source of extreme stress in retirement.
2. Loss of Identity
Many people, including me, tie their identity to their job title or the role they played in their career. Without that structure, some retirees feel adrift. The shift from “working professional” to “retiree” can be difficult unless there’s something new to step into.
3. Social Isolation
Even outgoing folks can find retirement lonely if they are extremely frugal and not willing to spend money on social activities. They may cut back on dining out or group activities, which can lead to a decline in social engagement. Over time, that can snowball into feelings of isolation.
How to Maximize Your Life in Retirement
Here’s where we dive into the heart of it—practical, detailed strategies to help you make the most of your post-work years.
1. Track Your Spending
Most often when I feel anxiety about something it is because I am not doing something about it. To avoid anxiety about your spending, the easiest solution is to use budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to keep tabs on your expenses. Knowing where your money goes gives you control and flexibility—plus, it can help you allocate funds toward things that bring joy, like travel or hobbies. One of the popular ones I have used are Monarch Money which costs about 9$ a month but there are free ones out there like Mint Money
Stay Physically Active
Daily movement—even just walking or stretching—can drastically improve mental health significantly especiially if that is with a walking group on Facebook. Nowadays there are so many facebook groups dedicated to jsut walking. Staying active helps maintain independence and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Audit Your Homeowners Insurance
The anxiety about running out of money also pertains to losing your home and having to buy another or rebuild the one you had. I had worked with a couple who had their house burn down from a car catching fire in their garage! Luckily, noone was hurt but they had to live in an Air BnB for months as their home was being rebuilt. If we had not reviewed their insurance policy they could of been stuck with a huge bill. Home values have increased substantially. If your home insurance hasn’t kept pace, you might be underinsured. Ensure your policy covers at least 80% of your home’s current value—or more.
Make Your Home Senior-Friendly
Single-level homes are the obvious choice for retirees. If you are planning to age in your home, having a single-level home will help significantly. Also, simple changes like grab bars, better lighting, or removing trip hazards can make a big difference as you age in place. Don’t wait until a fall prompts a renovation—be proactive.
Stay Socially Connected
I love a good McDonald's Coffee in the morning and anytime I go in there, it is always buzzing with retirees having coffee together and chatting. Whether it’s a regular golf game, church group, or monthly lunch with friends, don’t underestimate the power of social bonds. These moments create purpose, structure, and joy.
Volunteer for Programs in your community, church or hobby of interest.
When it comes to volunteering for things, retirees often get a sense of identity from being known in these communities. The sense of self and community that they felt during their working years become very similar to the sense of identity they get from volunteer programs. I wouldn't underestimate the power of taking the initiative in reach out to your favorite hobby group on facebook and offer to help. People rarely turn down free help. Not only that, helping others has been shown to extend people's lives. According to a study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, older adults who babysat or provided support to others lived longer than those who didn’t. The message is clear: staying connected and contributing to others’ lives may help improve your own.
Final Thoughts: Your Best Years Are Just Beginning
Retirement isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of your next, most meaningful chapter. At In The Money Retirement, we help self-made retirees design a life filled with purpose, peace of mind, and financial stability.
Whether you're planning to travel the world, stay close to grandkids, volunteer your time, or simply enjoy a slower pace, we’re here to help you do it confidently.
Want to learn how to make the most of your retirement years? Schedule a free consultation or explore our In The Money Retirement Blueprint™.
About The Author
Marc Lowe is the Founder & President of In The Money Retirement Planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner and member of NAPFA National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, XY Planning Network & Fee-Only Network. He works with retirees and those approaching retirement. He has over a decade of experience helping these folks grow their net worth, organize their finances and build better lives for themselves and their families.
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