A couple we’ve worked with for years sat across from us recently. They were just twelve months from retirement. Everything on paper looked right — super sorted, mortgage cleared, kids independent — but when we asked, ‘What does next year actually look like for you?’ they paused. He saw early mornings on the golf course. She imagined travel and grandchildren. Both were right, but they’d never said it out loud.
That moment reminded us that the final year before retirement isn’t about spreadsheets. It’s about shaping a shared picture of what life will feel like. You have around 750 Mondays in your most active years — and this is when you decide how you’ll use them.
Getting Financially Ready
Check your income streams and super are structured for flexibility. Build a small cash buffer so you don’t have to draw from investments straight away. Make sure your spending plan reflects how you actually want to live in that first year — not just what the spreadsheet says you should spend.
Testing What Life Will Feel Like
Try living on your expected retirement income while you’re still working. It’s a practical way to see if the plan feels comfortable. You might find you can spend a little more — or that a few small adjustments make the whole picture easier.
Having the Real Conversations
Talk with your partner or family about what this next stage really means. Early discussions help avoid surprises later. You’re not just aligning finances — you’re aligning expectations about how you’ll spend time, travel, and stay connected.
Preparing for Health and Wellbeing
The financial plan can only work if you feel well enough to live it. Book your check-ups, build a routine of movement and connection, and use this transition year to embed habits that support your future self.
Final Thought
The year before retirement is your dress rehearsal — a time to test your plans, make adjustments, and enter the next chapter with calm and confidence.
At Harvest Wealth, we help you make clear decisions so you can enjoy what matters most.