As we daydream about the idyllic days of retirement, sipping on perfectly concocted piña coladas while a beachside breeze tickles our hair, we can't forget the all-important first step: retirement planning. It might not sound as glamorous, but it's the key to unlocking the door to our golden years. Let's raise a glass (preferably with a tiny umbrella) to the future and start making those preparations. While we can’t guarantee happiness, here are a few things worth thinking about to help you get started.

What Are the Golden Years?

Imagine this: You've worked hard your entire life and have finally reached retirement age. You're excited and ready to enjoy your "golden" years. This concept of retirement being golden is actually a modern idea that only dates back to 1959. It was created during an ad campaign for a large retirement community. While the idea may sound fantastic, it can also add an unnecessary amount of pressure to an already stressful transition. Luckily, you can take a deep breath and release any high expectations you may have. You don't have to conform to this concept of a perfect retirement.

How to Enjoy Retirement

Instead, focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled during this new phase of your life and then plan to support that - whatever that is. While it will still require some planning, your opportunity to live life your way is doable. And, if you are still unsure, here are four things worth thinking about that can help make it easier for you to enjoy retirement.

1. Enter With Adequate Savings

If you want to make sure your golden years are spent in comfort, you need to know how much money it will take to get there. There are a bunch of retirement calculators out there that can help with the number-crunching, and working with a financial planner can help you design the financial path that’s best for you. The good news is that there are a ton of resources out there loaded with useful tips to help maximize your retirement savings. Take a deep breath, start researching, and let's get you set up for a happy and secure retirement.

2. Map Out How You Will Spend Your Time

When you’re busy mapping out your retirement plan, it can be easy to focus all of your attention on the money. While saving up for your golden years is important, don't forget to consider what you'd actually like to do with all that “free time.” According to the folks at AARP, continuing to work part-time can be a great option for staying busy and making some extra cash. But if you’re not wanting to punch the clock anymore, retirement offers the perfect opportunity to travel, take up a new retirement hobby, or finally tackle that creative project you've been putting off. The choices are endless, so start thinking about what you'd like to do.

One thing that may help is planning out a schedule - even if it is a future schedule. It might seem silly at first, but setting up a routine for yourself can help you own your time better and get into a new rhythm of doing things.

3. Pick An Affordable Location

Many retirees choose to relocate for a fresh start, but it can be overwhelming to pick a state for retirement. While there are many ways to evaluate, one way to help ensure you enjoy retirement is to find an affordable retirement state that works for you.

There’s more to this decision than solely cost. Think about your favorite hobbies and the climate that suits them best before you make your move. Maybe a beach town in California or a relaxed mountain town in Colorado would be perfect for you. Or perhaps snowy Boston sounds cozy and bright. The right community is key to helping you enjoy your retirement to the fullest. Don't settle for just anywhere, find the perfect spot to start this new chapter of your life.

4. Make Retirement Fun

This might seem obvious, but don’t forget to make retirement fun - it doesn't have to be all about stress and planning. This is the time in your life where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and it's important to take the time to figure out what that looks like for you. Don't be afraid to have conversations with yourself about what you want your retirement to look like. The more you explore your options and envision your ideal retirement, the more likely it will become a reality. So, make sure to keep things fun and enjoyable as you plan for this exciting new chapter in your life!

While retirement can be overwhelming with endless factors to consider and the added pressure of pleasing others, decide what the golden years mean to you. Don’t forget that ultimately the decision on how to spend your golden years should be entirely yours. It's time to sit back, relax, and really reflect on what makes your heart sing.

At Del Webb, we are proud to offer new homes in active adult communities around the country, all geared to help you make the most of your golden years. Come discover one of our active adult communities today.