Retirement is undoubtedly one of the most prominent topics in financial planning — and rightly so. Saving and preparing for retirement should ideally begin early in your working years and be evaluated regularly leading up to and throughout retirement.
To build a strong retirement foundation while also managing other large expenses and purchases, most people must develop the habit of saying “no” to certain spending opportunities. This discipline allows you to live within your means and consistently save for the future.
Over time, this saver’s mindset becomes second nature.
In today’s blog, we discuss when to flip that switch, going from “no” to confidently using that nest egg that we have patiently and diligently created; and how having a wealth manager can help you reach that goal and then utilize those savings to align with your values.
The Saver’s Dilemma
Over time, saying “no” to certain expenses and choosing to save instead becomes a habit.
Even if your income grows and there’s more room for discretionary spending, there’s a reassuring sense of progress in knowing your automated savings plan is steadily working in the background to prepare you for the future.
However, as you near the end of your working years and transition into retirement, one of the most common challenges we see is the difficulty of “flipping the switch”—shifting from saving to confidently using the savings you’ve built over decades of work.
It’s the moment to stop relying on a paycheck and start relying on the portfolio you’ve diligently created. It’s also the time to begin saying “yes” to many of the things you once postponed during your working years.
Values Driven and Purpose-Bound Growth
Changing this mindset doesn’t happen overnight. Growth and change rarely do.
In fact, it can take years for some retirees to feel comfortable spending from their savings. But once this psychological shift occurs—and your use of savings aligns with your values—there is tremendous freedom, purpose, and joy to be found while thriving in retirement.
How a Wealth Manager Can Help
At Master’s, our Total Wealth Management service is designed to help retirees navigate this transition with confidence. In the first quarter of each year, we review your values and use our proprietary Retirement Income Architecture software to ensure your income plan is on track. In the third quarter, we focus on your estate plan and legacy goals for family and charitable giving.
Through this process, we can clearly define what you need and what is available for you to confidently say “yes” to.
Living With Purpose
Our goal is not to see clients reach the end of life with large, unused estates after decades of saying “no.”
Instead, we aim to empower you to use your resources intentionally—to live a life of purpose, provide for your needs, and experience the joy that comes from living meaningfully and generously.
If you have questions about your portfolio, planning for retirement, or are nearing the time to make this switch, please contact us today.
