Written by Today, I want to answer the question: What are the top five retirement indulgences I should embrace right now? When it comes to retirement, there’s something that often bothers me: the idea of waiting until retirement to do the things you’ve always dreamed about.
We often think we’re not ready—that we need more money, more planning, or the “right time.” There’s always some reason to postpone embracing the beauty of life. I’ve been working on this mindset myself because I don’t want to wait for everything to be perfect.
When I taught high school economics, I learned three important lessons:
- When the bell rings, class starts.
- No matter how prepared you are, things happen.
- The more you do something, the better you get at it.
These lessons taught me that starting—even if you’re not fully ready—always leads to progress. Mistakes happen, but you learn from them. Each time, you improve. I don’t want you waiting until retirement to learn these lessons. I want you to learn them now so that by the time you retire, life is as beautiful as you imagined.
Five Indulgences to Embrace Before Retirement
1. Travel and Adventure
The world has so much to offer—food, cultures, experiences. Many people never leave their state, country, or even their city. If you dream of traveling in retirement, why not start now? Whether it’s a structured trip, like a cruise, or something more spontaneous, travel helps you discover what you enjoy. Do you love dining out or prefer hiking? Do you want to explore historical sites or relax on the beach?
By starting now, you gain insight into what brings you joy and can create meaningful memories with family along the way. Life is unpredictable, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. The present is a gift—don’t take it for granted.
For some, traveling might mean a second home—a beach house or a cottage in the countryside. For others, adventure might mean skydiving, bungee jumping, or running with the bulls. Whatever it looks like for you, start planning it. If it’s financially feasible, don’t wait—start indulging in travel and adventure now.
2. Hobbies and Personal Enrichment
Retirement is often seen as the time to pursue passions, but why not start sooner? Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a class, or diving into a creative project, indulging in hobbies now can bring immediate joy.
Consider the story of a Chinese executive who retired at 80 to attend medical school—a lifelong dream. While his story is inspiring, he could have started earlier, even amidst a busy career. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do—like earning a degree, taking a painting class, or restoring a car—start now.
Personal enrichment also includes exploring cultural activities like theater, music, and art. Attend a Broadway play, a local festival, or a symphony. Set aside money from each paycheck to fund these experiences. You don’t need to wait for retirement to enjoy them.
3. Leisure and Luxury
Indulging in small luxuries can make life more enjoyable now. Whether it’s a golf membership, a spa day, or a wine-tasting tour, these experiences don’t have to wait.
Many people either overspend in retirement or save too much and hesitate to enjoy their money. If you fall into the latter category, practice spending on yourself now. Set aside a portion of your budget for indulgences like fine dining, Super Bowl tickets, or other bucket-list experiences.
By enjoying these luxuries now, you might even find greater fulfillment in your work. Life becomes more sustainable and enjoyable when you balance indulgence with preparation.
4. Home and Lifestyle Improvements
Your home is your sanctuary, and small upgrades can improve your quality of life immediately. Whether it’s renovating a room, installing granite countertops, or adding a patio, these projects don’t have to wait until retirement.
Instead of tackling an entire house renovation, break it into smaller, manageable projects. Focus on one area per year. This approach spreads out costs and allows you to enjoy the improvements while still living in your home.
For some, indulgence might mean upgrading a car or joining a boat club. You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy one—many clubs offer memberships that handle maintenance and cleaning for you.
5. Philanthropy and Giving Back
If giving back is part of your retirement plan, start now. Donate your time or money to causes you care about. It doesn’t have to be a large commitment. Rounding up change at a store or donating $50 to a charity can make a difference.
If you dream of starting a nonprofit, begin building it now. Establishing a foundation before retirement allows you to gain experience, develop relationships, and create impact. By the time you retire, your nonprofit will already be making a difference, and you’ll have a stronger foundation to scale your efforts.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to wait for retirement to enjoy its benefits. Whether it’s travel, hobbies, luxury, home improvements, or giving back, you can start embracing these joys today. All it takes is a plan to balance today’s indulgences with tomorrow’s security.
Until next time,
Stay safe and enjoy life.
Dre Griggs
P.S. – What does your ideal retirement look like? Let’s talk about how to make it happen. Click here to book a call.
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