THE ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT: Adjusting to retirement: Your mind's impact on your future

Retirement, as it’s broadly defined, is a goal. Most people have become comfortable with the idea that they need to save and plan for their retirement. But retirement is so much more than a financial portfolio ... it’s one of the biggest transitions in your life. Here are a few ways to understand and nurture your emotional portfolio as you consider retirement.

• Making emotional wellbeing a priority. 
  There are many ways that you can make emotional wellbeing a priority in retirement. Let’s talk through a few options and map out ways you can tangibly bring that to your everyday life.

• Structure your days.
  Create a new routine that provides anchor points to your day.

• Set small goals.
  Map out the things you want to accomplish over the next 6-12 months. Set achievable goals that you’re excited about, while also stretching you outside of your comfort zone.

• Own your emotions.
  Find healthy coping mechanisms, and don’t forget to be patient with yourself. The key to your retirement success lies in your emotional wellbeing. So, go for a walk. Talk to your partner or a trusted friend. Seek counseling. Journal. Meditate. There are lots of ways that you can own your emotions…the key is to simply start.

• Find an encore job, hobby or volunteerism opportunity.
  Fun jobs, hobbies and volunteerism keep you active and engaged. They also help you use and grow skills that enhance your life, as well as the lives of people in your community.

• Focus on relationships and your support network.
  Your relationships and social support network are key to your emotional and physical well-being in retirement. Have courageous conversations where you share your unique interests and concerns about this new life stage. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, sibling, child or professional counselor, find someone to have these big conversations with.

• Refresh your marriage goals.
  Set new goals – a new vision – for your relationship in retirement. Retirement is the perfect time to talk about those dreams you’ve kept on the back burner. Sharing meaningful activities that you both enjoy reduces tension and increases your pleasure in spending time together. Think about any new activities you wish to try on your own or with others. Be sure to allow time for each partner to pursue personal interests.

• Communicate these goals with your family and financial professional.
  You know what they say ... teamwork makes the dream work. Share your goals with the people you trust and care for. Ask them for their support as you bring these goals to life. Be sure to also sit down and share these goals with your financial professional, so that they can make sure your financial portfolio and plan help you best bring that vision to life.
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Want to talk to Reuben Rashty about this or other topics featured in The Economic Blueprint? Email him at reuben.rashty@morganstanley.com or call him at 248-723-1843. You can also contact Reuben’s colleague Kyle Zwiren, J.D. at kyle.zwiren@morganstanley.com or 248-723-1870. Rashty is a managing director / financial advisor with the Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Bloomfield Hills. 

The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.