Are You Planning for Life In Retirement — or Just Life After Work?

When people think of retirement planning, they usually think of dollars and cents. But what about hours and days?

According to a 2025 survey from Lincoln Financial, nearly 80% of Americans in their 50s and 60s view retirement as a time to pursue passions they didn’t have time for while working. Yet most haven’t planned — or budgeted — for those aspirations.

So if you’ve got dreams of gardening, traveling, or taking up the violin, it might be time to start working out how those pursuits fit into your retirement puzzle.

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—The Money Pickle Team

Why Pastimes Matter in Retirement Planning

From tennis legend Andre Agassi to ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll, a growing number of public figures are going beyond finances to shine a light on what retirement can look like. Their advice? Don’t just plan how to stop working — plan how to start living.

Hobbies and passions aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They can contribute to emotional well-being, cognitive health, and even physical fitness — all of which are key to a fulfilling retirement.

But as Rich Roll points out, these pursuits often cost more than expected. Lincoln’s data shows that 39% of retirees underestimated the cost of their pastimes. That’s a lot of gardening gloves.

It’s Not Too Late

If you haven’t budgeted for the lifestyle side of retirement, you’re not alone. Only 38% of pre-retirees say they’ve done “some or a lot” of planning for their retirement pastimes.

The good news? You can start today. Considering how you want to spend your time — and what it might cost — can help shape smarter financial decisions now.

🥒 Pickle Tip:

Think about how you’d fill your ideal week in retirement. Then consider which hobbies or commitments bring you joy — and whether they’ll require space, time, or money. This mental exercise could help surface some overlooked (but important) planning priorities.

🌟 Final Thought

The best retirement plans aren’t just spreadsheets — they’re stories. Knowing what lights you up and gives meaning to your days can help guide both your financial and lifestyle choices. And if you're unsure where to start, a quick chat with an advisor in the Money Pickle network might be just the jumpstart you need.

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