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September 30, 2025
When the Equation Flips: From Scarce Money to Scarce Time
For much of life, the balance feels familiar: time in abundance, money in scarcity. We spend years building careers, raising families, and saving for the future, often wishing there was just a little more money to create options.
Then, suddenly, something changes. Retirement looms, and for many people the equation flips. Money may feel more plentiful, but time suddenly feels short.
It’s at this point that many people realise retirement isn’t simply a mathematical problem. Yes, the numbers matter. But the bigger challenge is how to spend your most precious resource: time.
A Case in Point: Lee’s Story
Take Lee (name changed for privacy), who had built a successful career in the corporate world. At 65, the decision to retire was made for him – his company decided it was time. He found himself with financial security, but also with unease: what would he do with this next stage of life?
When we spoke, it became clear that the most important decisions in retirement often happen in a 10-year window, the five years before and the five years after leaving work. These years shape not just your finances, but your lifestyle, purpose, and wellbeing.
Together, we mapped out more than numbers. We explored:
- His goals and adventures for the years ahead
- The role of health and energy in shaping those choices
- The sense of worth and contribution he still craved
- The people who depended on him, in different ways
- And even whether “retirement” was the right word for this new chapter
In that process, my role shifted. Sometimes I was a planner, but often a coach, sounding board, or even friend. Because while financial security is essential, it’s only part of the picture. The real work is designing a life worth living with the time you have.
Beyond the Numbers
Retirement isn’t the end of the story, it’s a transition. And like any major life change, it works best when you step back and look at the bigger picture.
That’s why tools like Asset+Map and our Wealth Playbook can be so powerful. In one simple page, Asset+Map brings your entire financial life into view, helping to answer the important questions:
- Do I have enough?
- What will really matter in the years ahead?
- How can I make my time, money, and energy work together?
FAQs
When should I start planning for retirement?
Ideally five years before and five years after you leave work – this 10-year window shapes your future the most.
What’s the biggest challenge in retirement planning?
For many, it’s the sudden flip: from money scarcity and time abundance to the reverse. Balancing both is key.
Is retirement just about the numbers?
No, while money matters, purpose, health, and how you use your time are just as important.
A Thought to Leave You With
If money wasn’t the issue, how would you choose to spend your time?
That’s the question at the heart of good retirement planning. If you’d like to explore what your picture looks like, we would be glad to create a complimentary Asset+Map for you. It only takes a short call to set up, and many people find it eye-opening.
Because in the end, retirement isn’t just about securing your money – it’s about protecting your time.