Article placement secured as part of a paid partnership with a PR firm that sought various media opportunities for Casey Weade and Howard Bailey.

A successful retirement plan doesn’t begin with how much money is in your bank account. It begins with you – your purpose. Truth be told, the traditional idea of retirement from days past is long gone. You’re living longer, which means you have more time to fill and greater opportunity to make an impact in the world.

While strategic financial planning is important, aligning your money with your life’s meaning and purpose plants the roots for a truly fulfilling retirement. I realized this after achieving financial independence early in my life. I reached the financial finish line, but felt disillusioned. Why continue working if it wasn’t for the money? I needed to make a shift that was in line with my gifts.