Are your retirement dreams bigger, bolder and more exciting than those of your parents or people you know?

If so, you’re not alone. A growing number of workers say they’re looking forward to a much more adventurous retirement than past generations typically envisioned. For many, a traditional, laid-back retirement is not their goal. Instead, they’re hoping to travel, pursue passion projects, relocate, or start a new business.

Along with financial security, they’re aiming for a lifestyle that keeps them active, engaged, and connected, with the freedom to design retirement on their own terms.

At Beacon Bridge Wealth Partners, we call this type of holistic planning “Total Wellness.” It’s about more than just finances—it’s about living with purpose, maintaining your health and relationships, and designing a future that excites you. Our goal is to help you create a clear, actionable plan that supports the life you envision.

Funding an Adventurous Retirement

You’ve probably heard that it might take $1 million, $2 million or more to retire comfortably these days. But the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all number. The right amount depends entirely on the kind of lifestyle you want.

Here are some questions to help guide your thinking:

• Do you have an idea of what you want to accomplish in retirement and how much those activities might cost?
• Are you on track to attain the amount you’ll need?
• Do you know where your money will come from, and are you certain those income streams will remain reliable?
• Do you have some flexibility built into your plan in case you hit some roadblocks before and after retirement?

Understanding your full financial picture—and how to use your resources wisely—is a key part of comprehensive retirement planning. That’s especially true if your retirement dreams go beyond the ordinary. Working with a trusted advisor can help you manage your income sources, investments, and spending in a way that balances enjoyment today with security for tomorrow.

Creating a Plan Built for Flexibility and Security

If you’re like most Americans, your retirement income could come from several sources: Social Security, investment accounts, pensions, an inheritance, sale of a home, or even part-time work. In fact, some people expect to keep working in some capacity during retirement.

How and when to tap your various income streams will be key to making your money last through the different stages of your retirement, including:

• The “Go-Go” Years: When you’re still in good health and ready to enjoy a more active lifestyle. This might include traveling, starting a business, taking up new hobbies, or spending more time with your family. Expenses in this phase may be higher than at any other time.
• The “Slow-Go” Years: When the desire or ability to take on new challenges often starts to slow down a bit. If you reduce your activities during this period, you may find you don’t need or want to spend as much money as you did during your go-go years.
• The “No-Go” Years: When health or mobility may limit your activities, and you’re likely to spend more time at home. These years may be less expensive, unless you or your spouse is in need of costly medical expenses or long-term care.

A well-designed plan will help you navigate these transitions with confidence. Your Beacon Bridge wealth advisor can help you explore strategies and solutions tailored to your goals, balancing the need for growth with the security of steady income.

Preparing for the Risks Ahead

An adventurous retirement can be incredibly fulfilling, but it also calls for more careful preparation and flexibility. Here are a few key risks to consider:

• Health Care Costs: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical if you who wish to remain active. Choosing the right Medicare plan is especially important if you plan to travel, relocate, or participate in physically demanding activities.
• Taxes: Tapping into retirement accounts to fund your activities can trigger unexpected tax consequences. Carefully managing your withdrawals and tax bracket from year to year can go a long way toward maximizing your savings.
• Inflation: If costs increase during your go-go years, it could significantly impact your lifestyle goals. Keeping an appropriate portion of your portfolio invested for long-term growth may help you keep pace with rising costs.
• The Unexpected: In a retirement that could last two or three decades, there are bound to be some surprises. Planning ahead for the good and the bad—with an emergency fund, proper insurance coverage, a succession plan if you own a business, and a solid estate plan—can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
• From health challenges to family emergencies to changes in the economy, unexpected events are part of life. A strong plan includes an emergency fund, appropriate insurance, and an up-to-date estate plan to help you stay on course.

Getting the Retirement You Deserve

We all have different ideas about what we want from our retirement. For some, it’s about peace and quiet. For others, it’s about adventure, discovery, and doing the things you didn’t have time for during your working years.

Whatever your version looks like, Beacon Bridge is here to help you get there. We’re committed to helping clients create retirement plans that reflect their values, goals, and sense of purpose. If you’re ready to start building a plan that supports the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of, reach out to us today. Let’s make your golden years really shine.