Planning for Retirement: The Preretirement Phase

Let’s be honest—just the word "retirement" can stir up a whole mix of feelings. Hope. Relief. Excitement. And sometimes... uncertainty. If you're approaching retirement or helping someone prepare for it, you're not alone in wondering how to plan for this next big chapter. The preretirement phase—the time before the official “start” of retirement—is one of the most important parts of the entire journey. Why? Because the more thought and care you put into this phase, the more confident, free, and fulfilled your retirement is likely to be.

This stage is all about vision and preparation. It’s where your ideas, dreams, and maybe even a few anxieties begin to take shape. You’re not retired yet, but you're beginning to imagine what that life might look like. You might find yourself picturing lazy mornings with coffee and a book, or grand adventures across the world, or maybe it’s just the idea of finally having the freedom to say yes to what you want, when you want.

Envisioning Your Retirement Life

Start here. Not with numbers or spreadsheets (we’ll get to those)—but with imagination. Ask yourself: What does a good day in retirement look like? What about a good year? Would you like to travel? Volunteer? Take up painting, hiking, or mentoring? Your answers are yours alone—and there’s no “wrong” way to retire.

If you have a partner, now is a great time to have open, thoughtful conversations about what you both want. You may discover you have shared dreams—or that you’ll need to compromise in some areas. Either way, it’s better to explore those possibilities now than to be surprised later.

Create a “bucket list” if that helps, but don’t limit yourself to big, one-time events. Think about how you want to spend ordinary days, too. What kind of routines do you want? How will you stay connected, engaged, and joyful?

Getting Your Financial House in Order

Now, once you’ve got some vision and direction, it’s time to take a closer look at your finances. For many people, this is where anxiety kicks in. But it doesn’t have to. You don’t need to have every dollar mapped out right this second, but you do need a sense of what you have, what you’ll need, and how you’ll bridge the gap if there is one.

This is where professional guidance can be incredibly helpful. A financial advisor or retirement planner can work with you to look at your income sources (like pensions, CPP/OAS, RRSPs, or other savings), create a spending plan, and help you set goals that support the lifestyle you envision.

If you're not sure how to find someone trustworthy, start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they’ve worked with anyone they’d recommend. Personal referrals often carry more weight than online reviews. You can also visit FP Canada or NAPFA to search for Certified Financial Planners in your area.

As you meet with advisors or planners, take your time. Interview more than one. Ask about their qualifications, their approach, how they’re paid, and whether they’ve worked with clients like you before. You should feel not only informed, but respected and heard.

If you're also considering working part-time or transitioning into a new kind of work during retirement, a career coach might be a great ally. They can help you explore meaningful second-act careers, flexible work options, or even entrepreneurial ventures that fit your evolving goals.

Keep It Personal, Stay Flexible

While numbers and plans are key, don’t forget that retirement is deeply personal. No two retirements are alike, and yours should reflect who you are. That means building a lifestyle that brings you joy, even if it looks nothing like the glossy brochures or TV commercials we often see.

You might find that your interests shift. That’s okay. Retirement isn’t a static state—it evolves as you do. What matters most is staying open, curious, and willing to adjust your plans as needed.

Maybe you'll join a community choir or start gardening. Maybe you’ll spend more time with grandchildren or get involved in civic work. Maybe you'll move, or stay put and renovate. Whatever you do, make sure it aligns with what feels fulfilling to you.

And if you’re still figuring that out—wonderful. This is your time to explore.

Start Now, Enjoy Later

The beauty of the preretirement stage is that it gives you the gift of time—time to dream, prepare, and set the stage for a life that feels rich in meaning. The more energy you invest here, the smoother the transition tends to be.

Don’t rush the process. But don’t put it off either.

Begin by asking yourself: What do I want this next chapter to look like? Then take a few simple steps forward. Call an advisor. Talk to your partner. Write down what makes you happy. These aren’t just tasks—they're acts of self-care. They’re small doors opening into a big, beautiful future.

And remember: you’re not alone. If you're looking for helpful tools or places to learn more, try visiting Retire Happy or the Government of Canada’s retirement planning hub for more resources and ideas to help you get started.

Next time, I will explore the Honeymoon Stage—that first exhilarating taste of freedom that follows your final day of work. But until then, take a breath, take stock, and begin shaping the retirement you deserve.

Planning for the Six Stages of Retirement: Discover, Endeavor, and Reflection

If you're reading this, you're probably retired or seriously considering it. And let’s be honest—retirement is one of those big life moments. It’s exciting, freeing, and for many, a little bit nerve-wracking. You've worked hard, maybe raised a family, contributed to your community or workplace, and now you're stepping into a new chapter. But here's the thing—retirement isn't just a one-time event. It's a journey. And like any good journey, it helps to have a map.

You may have already heard that retirement unfolds in stages. That’s not just talk—it’s something that has been carefully observed over the years by people who’ve walked this path and by professionals who’ve helped them along the way. While no two retirements are the same, there are common stages we all tend to experience in one way or another.

Understanding these stages can make a real difference. It allows you to plan ahead—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally too. It helps you navigate the highs, prepare for the lows, and ultimately create a retirement that’s meaningful and fulfilling. And isn't that the goal?

In this series, I’ll walk you through the six main stages of retirement as they unfold in real life. Think of them as three broader phases: Discover, Endeavor, and Reflection. These are more than just timelines—they’re ways of experiencing retirement that shape how we feel, what we do, and how we define success in this new stage of life.

Let’s take a quick peek at what these six stages look like. Then, in the following posts, we’ll dive deeper into each one and talk about how to prepare for them—and how to thrive in each stage.

The Six Stages of Retirement

It all begins before retirement even officially starts. That first stage is what I call Preretirement. It’s the planning phase, where dreams of retirement take shape. You might imagine travel, more time with family, or finally starting a hobby you've always put off. It’s also a time when you face some important decisions about finances, housing, health, and identity.

Then comes the much-anticipated Honeymoon Stage. Just like it sounds, this is often a time of joy, relief, and new beginnings. The alarm clock is off, the calendar’s yours, and the possibilities feel endless. For many, this is when retirement feels like a long-awaited vacation.

After the initial excitement settles, you may enter a period of Contentment. This is often a sweet spot—you're settling into routines that work for you, enjoying the freedom you've earned, and finding satisfaction in your lifestyle. For many retirees, this is where things feel “just right.”

However, for some, the contentment may not last forever. A phase called Disenchantment can creep in—quietly, and sometimes unexpectedly. You may begin to wonder, “Is this all there is?” You might miss the structure of work, or feel less useful or connected. This stage isn’t about failure—it’s about realizing that retirement, like every chapter of life, comes with its own challenges.

That’s where Reorientation comes in. This is the phase where you start to recalibrate. You think deeply about what gives your life meaning now. You might volunteer, take a class, mentor someone, or find new ways to stay active and engaged. It’s a time of discovery, and it can lead to some of the most rewarding moments of retirement.

Eventually, many people reach a place of Stability. This is when life finds its rhythm again. You’ve adjusted, adapted, and created a lifestyle that reflects who you are now. There’s comfort in the routine, and often a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.

The final stage, which we don’t often like to talk about, is Termination. It may sound harsh, but it simply acknowledges that, with aging, comes a time when independence may diminish, and greater support is needed. Planning ahead for this stage—with grace, love, and dignity—can actually relieve stress for both you and your loved ones.

Why This Journey Matters

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to think about all of this?” My answer: yes, if you want to feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected to your own sense of purpose. Retirement is more than a financial plan—it’s a life plan. And just like you planned your career, your family, or your travels, planning your retirement journey will help you make the most of every stage.

So whether you're already retired, just starting to think about it, or helping someone else prepare, I invite you to follow along. In the next posts, I’ll explore each stage more deeply—what it feels like, what to watch for, and how to plan in a way that suits your personality and your lifestyle.

There’s no one “right” way to do retirement. But understanding how retirement unfolds can help you avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy the journey more fully.

Retirement is a new chapter, not the end of the book. You still have stories to tell, dreams to chase, and contributions to make.

And if you’re looking for tools to help you plan, or just want to explore what others are doing, check out RetireHappy.ca or the Government of Canada – Services for Seniors. These are great places to start gathering information that supports your goals.

A Legacy of Stories: Bringing It All Together

Every family has a collection of stories—some carefully preserved, others waiting to be told. These stories are more than just memories; they are the threads that weave generations together, offering glimpses into the past while shaping the future.

Over the past few posts, wI'v’ve explored how to uncover these stories, bring them to life, and ensure they endure. Now, let’s take a step back and see how it all fits together—how clear thinking, memory-friendly strategies, and creative storytelling can help retirees share their experiences in ways that truly resonate.

Why Stories Matter More Than Ever

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy for family history to get lost amidst the rush of daily life. Yet stories provide something timeless—a way to pass down wisdom, humor, resilience, and love. They give younger generations a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of where they come from.

More importantly, storytelling isn’t just about the past—it’s about keeping connections alive in the present. Whether through conversations, recordings, or creative projects, sharing your experiences allows your family to know you not just as a relative but as a person with dreams, struggles, and triumphs.

The Journey 

Gathering and Organizing Stories

I began by exploring ways to reflect on life experiences and shape them into engaging stories. From childhood adventures to major life decisions, every moment holds meaning.

I discussed prompts to help spark memories, from “What was your first job like?” to “What moment changed the course of your life?” These questions encourage deep reflection and help frame stories in ways that draw listeners in.

Bringing Stories to Life

A great story is more than a list of facts—it’s an experience. I looked at ways to make storytelling vivid, whether by using sensory details, humor, or emotional depth. And you saw how shifting perspective—telling a story through the eyes of a child, a friend, or even a cherished family pet—can add a fresh dimension.

Preserving Stories for Future Generations

I explored how modern technology can safeguard stories for great-grandchildren who may never get to meet you in person. Whether through recorded interviews, video messages, or interactive digital archives, there are countless ways to ensure that your voice is heard long into the future.

I also discussed the importance of safeguarding these records, using a mix of physical keepsakes and digital backups to prevent valuable stories from being lost.

Keeping the Storytelling Tradition Alive

Finally, I examined ways to make storytelling an active, ongoing tradition—something that isn’t just archived but lived. From family storytelling nights to creative activities like memory maps, role-playing, and themed interviews, these traditions keep stories dynamic and relevant for each new generation.

Your Story Isn’t Over—Keep Sharing It

The most important takeaway? Your story is still unfolding. Retirement is not the final chapter—it’s a time rich with reflection, discovery, and new experiences. The stories you tell today will become part of your family’s history tomorrow.

Whether you choose to record your memories in writing, create audio messages, or simply start more conversations with loved ones, know that what you share matters.

So take that first step. Start with a single story, a single conversation. Let it grow.

Because the best stories-the ones that truly last—are the ones that are told.

Bringing Stories to Life: Creative Ways to Keep Family Storytelling Traditions Alive

Stories are the glue that connects generations. They remind us of where we came from, shape how we see the world, and help us understand our place within the family. But storytelling isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about keeping those stories alive in a way that engages and inspires future generations.

In this post, we’ll explore creative ways to make storytelling a living, breathing part of family life—so that these stories don’t just sit in books or recordings, but continue to be shared, reimagined, and celebrated.

1. Make Storytelling an Event

Stories are meant to be told, not just read. Creating dedicated storytelling traditions ensures that these tales become an ongoing part of family life.

Host a Family Storytelling Night

Choose a regular time—perhaps during holidays, reunions, or even monthly virtual gatherings—to share family stories. Each session can have a theme, such as:

• Funny family moments – The time Grandma’s pie exploded in the oven or Uncle Joe got lost in his own neighborhood.
• Legends and myths – The great-uncle who supposedly outran a bear or the family heirloom with mysterious origins.
• Lessons learned – Stories about resilience, kindness, and hard-won wisdom.

Encourage both older and younger family members to participate. Children might enjoy acting out parts of the stories or asking questions that bring new perspectives to old tales.

Storytelling Through Cooking

Recipes often come with stories—about a grandmother’s famous soup, the cake that was only made for special occasions, or the dish that came from “the old country.” Cooking together while sharing these stories allows family history to be experienced with all the senses.

Example: While making your great-aunt’s pasta sauce, tell the story of how she learned to cook it, where she got the recipe, or how she once cooked for an entire village.

2. Turn Stories into Interactive Experiences

Rather than simply listening, encourage younger generations to engage with stories through creative activities.

Create a Family Story Treasure Hunt

Write clues that lead participants to objects around the house, each connected to a story. A worn-out leather suitcase might be tied to a relative’s immigration journey, while an old record player might spark memories of family dance nights. Each stop on the treasure hunt reveals a new story.

Act It Out

For children, acting out family stories can make them come alive. Have them put on a short play about how their grandparents met, or create a puppet show retelling a family legend.

Example: If there’s a story about an ancestor who worked on a railroad, children can build a model train while listening to the story.

3. Use Modern Technology to Keep Stories Fresh

Family storytelling traditions can evolve with the times. Today’s technology offers creative ways to capture and share stories.

Create a Family Story Podcast

A private podcast can be a great way to keep stories alive, especially for families spread across different locations. Interview grandparents, siblings, and cousins about their favorite family memories and record them as podcast episodes. These can be stored on a private website or shared via apps like Anchor or Spotify.

Build a Digital Family Scrapbook

Instead of a traditional photo album, create a multimedia scrapbook using platforms like Google Slides or Canva. Add photos, voice recordings, and even video clips. Each page can feature a different family story, with links to recorded interviews or written accounts.

Use AI to Preserve Voices

Some tools now allow families to create interactive digital “legacy” projects where an elder’s voice can respond to questions from future generations. Imagine your great-grandchildren asking an AI version of you, “What was life like when you were young?” and hearing your own recorded responses.

4. Involve the Whole Family in Keeping Stories Alive

A storytelling tradition works best when everyone participates. Make it easy for each generation to contribute in their own way.

Encourage Different Perspectives

Have family members record their own versions of the same story. A parent’s memory of an event may be very different from how a child remembers it.

Pass the Story Forward

Turn storytelling into a shared project by having one person start a story and another add to it. This can be done in writing or as an oral tradition, creating a collaborative narrative that evolves over time.

Write Letters to the Future

Encourage elders to write letters about their lives, addressed to great-grandchildren they may never meet. These letters can be stored with family archives and opened in the future, creating a powerful bridge across generations.

5. Keep the Stories Going Beyond One Generation

A storytelling tradition is only successful if it continues. By making stories a natural and enjoyable part of family life, they are more likely to be passed down.

• Teach children to ask questions – Curiosity fuels storytelling. Help younger family members learn to ask about the past.
• Honor storytellers while they’re here – If an elder loves telling stories, record them and make sharing their stories a celebration.
• Celebrate family stories on special occasions – Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays can all be opportunities to share and revisit cherished memories.

Bringing It All Together

Keeping family stories alive doesn’t have to mean preserving them exactly as they were first told. Instead, it’s about creating a culture of storytelling that encourages conversation, curiosity, and connection. By blending traditional storytelling methods with modern technology, families can ensure that their stories continue to be heard, shared, and cherished for generations to come.

In the final post, we’ll reflect on everything we’ve covered—how to gather, record, and share stories in meaningful ways—and offer a guide for ensuring that these narratives remain an enduring part of family life.