For many people, the idea of retirement doesn’t arrive all at once.

It shows up quietly — in moments of tiredness, in conversations about “slowing down,” or in the thought that work no longer feels the way it once did. Often, people come to me saying, “I think I’m close to retiring… I’m just not sure if I’m ready.”

What they usually mean is this:
Am I ready financially — and am I ready emotionally?

The truth is, retirement readiness isn’t just a number. It’s a balance of practical preparation and personal readiness, both that matter deeply.

Financial Readiness – More Than a Super Balance

When people think about retiring, their first question is often, “Do I have enough?” It’s an important question — but it’s rarely the only one that needs answering.

Financial readiness is about understanding:

• How your income will be generated in retirement
• Whether your savings are structured to last
• How flexible your plan is if life changes
• How comfortable you feel during market ups and downs

What I see time and time again is that people with similar balances can feel completely different about retirement. One feels confident and calm; the other feels anxious and uncertain. The difference isn’t always the money — it’s the clarity.

A clear plan doesn’t remove all risk, but it does remove unnecessary worry.

Emotional Readiness – The Part We Don’t Talk About Enough

This is the part that often catches people by surprise.

Work provides more than income. It gives structure, purpose, identity, and routine. Even people who are financially well prepared can struggle if they haven’t thought about what they’re retiring into — not just what they’re retiring from.

Some common emotional questions people wrestle with include:

• Who am I without my job title?
• How will I fill my days?
• Will I feel useful, connected, fulfilled?
• What if I retire and realise I’m not ready?

These are not signs of weakness, rather signs of thoughtfulness.

In my experience, the most fulfilling retirements are the ones where people give themselves permission to transition gradually — emotionally as well as financially.

Retirement Doesn’t Have to Be a Single Moment

One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement is that it has to be sudden and permanent. It doesn’t.

Many people ease into retirement by:

• Reducing hours or responsibilities
• Taking extended breaks before fully stopping work
• Combining part-time work with retirement income
• Leaving space to adjust if things don’t feel right

When retirement is approached as a phase rather than a finish line, it often feels far less daunting — and far more empowering.

When Financial and Emotional Readiness Align

You’re often closer to being “ready” than you think when:

• You understand your income and expenses clearly
• You know your plan can adapt if life changes
• Work is no longer where you find most of your meaning
• You’re more curious than fearful about what’s next

Readiness doesn’t mean having zero doubt. It means having enough confidence and support to move forward anyway.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to have a retirement date circled on the calendar to start planning. And you don’t need to be certain to begin a conversation.

Some of the most valuable work I do with clients happens years before retirement — when the goal is simply to understand options, remove uncertainty, and create breathing room.

At Enhance Financial Partners, that’s how we approach retirement planning. Not as a countdown, but as a conversation — one that considers both the numbers and the person behind them.

If you’ve started thinking about retirement, even quietly, that’s often the sign it’s worth talking about. Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come from having all the answers — but from knowing you don’t have to work them out alone.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This document has been prepared by Enhance Financial Partners, ABN 45 146 707 173 AFSL 515518, based on our understanding of the relevant legislation at the time of writing. While every care has been taken, Enhance Financial Partners makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information.