The ‘First Year of Retirement’ Rule
This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
Weekend Reading
Retirement can be a time to rediscover who you are beyond your career. But as exciting as this newfound freedom may be, the first year is more than a celebration—it’s a crucial period that sets the tone for the rest of your retirement journey.
READ THE ARTICLEHere’s Why: Experts call the first year the “victory lap” or “honeymoon phase”—a period of high energy, big dreams, and often, big spending. But without a financial rhythm, it’s easy to drift into costly habits or miss out on experiences entirely due to fear of overspending. That’s why having structure, purpose, and a flexible, sustainable income plan is essential from the start. Just as important? Exploring new interests, maintaining strong social ties, and giving yourself grace as you transition from routine to rhythm.
Remember: You’re not just planning for a few years—you’re laying the foundation for potentially decades of purpose-filled living. Retirement isn’t about recreating the same year over and over again. It’s about shaping a life of meaning, momentum, and joy.