When you think of retirement, what comes to mind first?

For some, it’s long mornings with a cup of coffee and no alarm clock in sight. For others, it’s the freedom to travel, volunteer, or finally take that pottery class they’ve always been curious about.

A recent “Leisure in Retirement” study found that 55% of retirees take up new hobbies or classes—a powerful reminder that retirement isn’t an ending, but a fresh beginning. It’s an opportunity to dream big again, to rediscover passions, and to live with intention and joy.

As a financial advisor, I’ve had the privilege of walking with many retirees through this exciting transition. And what I’ve learned is that the most fulfilling retirements are built on both sound financial planning and inspired personal vision.

So let’s talk about how to bring your retirement vision board to life—because it’s more than just a collage of ideas; it’s your roadmap to a vibrant, meaningful chapter of life.

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Your Vision Board: Where Purpose Meets Possibility

A vision board is often thought of as a motivational tool, but in retirement, it becomes something deeper. It’s a reflection of what truly matters to you—what lights you up and gives your days meaning beyond work and obligation.

In your working years, time was structured around your career and family commitments. Retirement shifts that structure dramatically. Suddenly, your time is your own, and with that freedom comes both excitement and uncertainty.

A vision board helps clarify what you want this next chapter to look like. It can include tangible goals—like “visit Tuscany,” “learn photography,” or “join a hiking club”—as well as emotional ones: “feel healthy and energized,” “build new friendships,” or “give back to my community.”

When you take the time to visualize these dreams, you’re giving yourself permission to think bigger and live with purpose.

And here’s a key insight: a clear vision helps guide financial decisions. When you know what experiences and goals truly matter, your spending and investing strategies can align with those priorities. That’s how you move from simply saving for retirement to designing your retirement.

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The Freedom to Rediscover Yourself

One of the most beautiful things I witness in retirees is the rediscovery of identity.

For decades, your sense of self may have been intertwined with your profession—teacher, engineer, manager, nurse, business owner. But now, the question becomes: Who are you without the job title?

That question can feel daunting at first. Yet it’s also incredibly liberating.

Many retirees find this stage opens up space for curiosity and creativity. The Leisure in Retirement study’s finding that 55% of retirees pursue new hobbies isn’t surprising—it’s human nature to crave growth and connection.

Here are just a few ways retirees I’ve worked with have reinvented themselves through new activities:

• Linda (age 67) took up watercolor painting after retiring from a corporate HR role. “I hadn’t picked up a brush since high school,” she told me. “Now I paint every morning. It’s become my form of meditation.”
• Carlos (age 72) started learning Spanish—not just for fun, but because he plans to spend part of each winter in Costa Rica. “It’s amazing how it keeps my brain sharp,” he said.
• Marianne and George (ages 70 and 73) joined a community garden. What started as a hobby turned into a way to meet neighbors, share harvests, and find a renewed sense of community.

These examples remind us that retirement is not about slowing down—it’s about shifting direction.

The key is curiosity: what have you always wanted to try, but never had the time for? Your vision board is the perfect place to start brainstorming.

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From Dream to Reality: Budgeting for Joy

Of course, dreaming big works best when paired with practical planning.

One of the first exercises I do with clients when creating a retirement lifestyle plan is to identify “joy-based spending.” That means categorizing not just your needs—like housing, food, and healthcare—but also your wants and passions.

Let’s say your vision board includes:

• Traveling to visit family twice a year
• Taking art or cooking classes
• Upgrading your golf membership
• Volunteering with an animal rescue

Each of those dreams has a cost attached to it—sometimes financial, sometimes time-based. The goal isn’t to limit yourself, but to ensure your financial strategy supports your lifestyle choices.

If you have a sustainable withdrawal plan from your retirement accounts, Social Security income, and possibly a pension, you can often build in a budget line for these joy-driven expenses without jeopardizing long-term security.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 10–15% of your discretionary spending toward experiences that align with your values and bring you fulfillment.

Remember: you didn’t save your whole life just to maintain the status quo—you saved to live fully.

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The Psychology of Leisure: Why New Hobbies Matter

It’s easy to underestimate how much fulfillment comes from staying mentally and socially active.

A 2023 Age Well report found that retirees who regularly engage in new hobbies or classes experience:

• 23% lower risk of depression
• Better cognitive function and memory retention
• Stronger social connections and lower loneliness scores

That’s because trying something new sparks neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new pathways. In other words, when you learn, your brain stays younger.

But there’s also an emotional component. Many retirees tell me that their new hobbies make them feel relevant again. They’re not just passing time—they’re growing, contributing, and thriving.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own vision board, here are a few ideas that blend joy, purpose, and growth:

Creative pursuits: pottery, photography, writing, floral design

Active hobbies: pickleball, cycling, yoga, hiking clubs

Lifelong learning: local university classes, history lectures, or online courses

Community engagement: mentoring programs, nonprofit boards, or volunteering

Travel and culture: language learning, cooking classes abroad, or heritage trips

Entrepreneurial goals: consulting, starting a small business, or teaching workshops

Each of these paths represents an opportunity not just to fill your calendar—but to enrich your life.

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Building Connection Into Your Vision

Many retirees underestimate how much social structure work provided—team meetings, lunches, shared goals. When that disappears, isolation can quietly creep in.

That’s why your vision board shouldn’t just focus on activities, but also on people. Who do you want to spend time with? What communities do you want to be part of?

Joining a class or hobby group is one of the easiest ways to rebuild community in retirement. Whether it’s a book club, a local choir, or a travel group, shared interests create natural friendships.

One of my clients, a retired engineer, joined a woodworking club after moving to a new state. He told me, “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here. Now I have a group of guys I meet every week. We talk shop, swap stories, and it feels good to belong again.”

Connection is just as important to your well-being as your financial plan. When your days are filled with relationships and purpose, your money serves its highest function: supporting a meaningful life.

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Turning Vision Into Action: A Step-by-Step Plan

Dreaming big is the first step—but to bring those dreams to life, it helps to have a process. Here’s how I recommend approaching your retirement vision board from both a personal and financial standpoint:

Step 1: Reflect on What Matters

Write down what brings you joy, peace, and excitement. Think beyond activities—consider feelings. Do you want more adventure, creativity, learning, or rest?

Step 2: Create Your Vision Board

Use a mix of images, words, and affirmations. You can go old-school with magazines and glue, or digital using Pinterest or Canva. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about inspiration.

Step 3: Assign Priorities

Once you’ve filled your board, circle your top 3–5 goals. Ask: Which of these are essential to my happiness? Which are “nice to have”?

Step 4: Align Your Finances

Work with your financial advisor to translate those priorities into a spending and investment strategy. Identify the short-term goals (like a trip next year) and long-term ones (like downsizing or relocating).

Step 5: Take One Small Step

Whether it’s signing up for a class, booking that trip, or researching volunteer opportunities—momentum matters. Every small action fuels excitement for the next.

Step 6: Revisit Annually

Just like a financial plan, your vision board should evolve. Your interests may shift, your health may change, or new opportunities may arise. Update it every year as your life unfolds.

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The Advisor’s Perspective: Why “Dreaming Big” Is Financially Smart

It might sound surprising, but as a financial advisor, I actually want my clients to dream bigger.

Why? Because when retirees dream big, they tend to plan more proactively. They think ahead about health, travel, estate goals, and lifestyle costs. That leads to more thoughtful, resilient financial strategies.

Moreover, retirees who stay engaged and fulfilled often live healthier, happier, and longer lives—which has its own financial benefits. Less stress, better cognitive health, and more purpose all contribute to well-being and reduce long-term care risks.

So in many ways, your retirement vision board isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s part of your financial wellness plan.

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The Big Picture: Living Intentionally Every Day

At its core, your retirement is about living with intention.

You’ve spent decades working hard and saving diligently. Now, you have the opportunity to make your time and money truly serve you.

That might mean more sunsets on the beach, more laughter with friends, or the joy of learning something completely new at age 70. Whatever it looks like, it’s yours to design.

So grab a stack of magazines, open your laptop, or simply sit with a notebook and dream.

Your retirement vision board is your permission slip to explore, create, and embrace this incredible new chapter.

As you fill it with images of beaches, vineyards, art studios, or smiling faces, remember:
this isn’t just a collage—it’s a celebration of your freedom to live boldly.

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Closing Thought

The Leisure in Retirement study’s insight—that 55% of retirees take up new hobbies or classes—proves one thing: growth doesn’t stop when work does.

So what new activity will you add to your vision board this year? 📚

Whether it’s painting, sailing, writing, or simply slowing down to savor life, your dreams are the compass guiding your best years yet.

Dream big. Plan wisely. Live fully.

Because your retirement isn’t just the next chapter—it’s your masterpiece. 🎨🌴🍷

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