The last few years leading up to retirement aren’t just about numbers, they’re about intention. Before spreadsheets and projections matter, the most important work is gaining clarity around how you want your life to feel once work becomes optional.
Start by building a baseline vision of retirement. What does a typical week look like? Where are you living? Who are you spending time with? These questions don’t need precise answers, but they do require honesty. When retirement is envisioned as a lifestyle rather than a finish line, decisions around money become more grounded and less stressful.
Once you have a working vision, consider doing a cash flow “test run” by tracking your expenses using budgeting software. Understanding how money moves through your life today is one of the most powerful exercises you can do before retirement. It helps reveal what truly supports your quality of life and what doesn’t. You may even discover that the retirement you truly want is more attainable than you originally thought.
Just as important as personal clarity is family communication. Retirement affects more than just the person leaving work. Open conversations with your spouse or partner can prevent misunderstandings later. How do you each envision your time? What does “enough” look like? What are you excited about and what are you worried about? These discussions build alignment and trust long before major decisions need to be made.
This stage of preparation isn’t about locking in a perfect plan. It’s about creating a shared understanding of what you’re working toward. With a clear vision, realistic awareness of cash flow, and open communication, financial decisions become oriented around what matters and retirement begins to feel like a transition you’re moving toward with confidence.
If you’re approaching retirement, this is the work worth doing first.
VISO WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC 