I have just been reading though the article Mark published last week. 

It got me thinking. And, in many ways, it felt that Mark had written this piece specifically for me.

You see, I am now of an age when most “normal” people have retired, or at least have scaled back their paid work – be it as an employee or self-employed.

But not me!

I continue to put in a good 40 hours each week doing my “day job” at Centrepoint Alliance. The main part of my day job involves providing technical advice to financial advisers on some of the more intricate aspects of superannuation, retirement, and estate planning.

Mark and I have often discussed our own retirement plans. Mark has a very clear image of what his retirement will look like and his plans are very envious. However, he assures me he will be at Centrepoint for a while longer.

Like Mark, I enjoy my work immensely. In fact, being able to put 40+ years of experience to good use and being able to interpret obscure bits of superannuation law and practice and pass it on to advisers, is very gratifying.

While I continue deliver value to our clients and still enjoy coming to work, I plan to continue working into the future. I don’t have a firm end-date.

That is not to say I do not think about retirement. I certainly do.

I have a few fantasies – like buying a small farm. In reality, this may never happen, however, checking out properties for sale on the internet is an interesting activity!

Reflecting on Mark’s article from last week, I agree that having purpose is such an important factor when considering retirement.

The last thing I want is for my retirement to be a time when I get angry and cranky with the world and everyone around me.

Occasionally I read the “letters to the editor” in our local paper – yes, we still get one home delivered each week. From the tone of the letters I read, the world seems to be full of cranky people with too much time on the hands and with an axe to grind. It is refreshing when you see the rare letter that is written in a positive vein. Please don’t let me get like that.

So, according to Mark’s article, I need to develop a plan for my own retirement.

Perhaps it will look something like this:

1. Continue to work for as long as I wish to – after all, there is no compulsory retirement age in Australia
2. Take the knowledge I have accumulated over a lifetime of working and willingly pass it on to following generations. Who knows, maybe even write a book or become a vlogger?
3. Maintain physical fitness by doing modest exercise most days each week
4. Eat healthily but control my weight – that is easier said than done!
5. Nurture relationships with others
6. Meditate regularly – take time to reflect and experience what is happening in nature
7. Enjoy using my boat – which has been twelve years in the making, and still hasn’t had its bottom wet!

So, there is my list so far.

What does your retirement plan look like? In fact, do you have a plan and if so, does it have purpose?