5 Retirement Planning Strategies I Help Clients Visualise
When most people think about retirement, they imagine a finish line. One day you work, the next day you don’t. But in reality, retirement is rarely that simple.
The truth is, there are many ways to approach this major life transition, and the right one depends entirely on your goals, resources, and lifestyle ambitions.
Here are five retirement strategies I regularly help clients model to figure out what works best for them.
1. The Traditional Full Stop
This is the classic scenario: you work full-time until a set retirement age (say 60 or 65) and then stop working entirely. From that point on, you rely on pensions, savings, and other assets to fund your lifestyle.
Why it works:
What we look at:
Client Story: Emma, a solicitor in her early 60s, wanted a clear line between her working life and retirement. We mapped her income, expenses, and future plans, showing her that she could afford to stop completely at 63 and even take a celebratory trip to New Zealand with her sister.
2. Phased Retirement
Instead of going cold turkey, some clients prefer to gradually reduce their hours or transition to part-time work for a few years.
Why it works:
What we look at:
Client Story: Mark, a business consultant, transitioned to working three days a week from the age of 58. We showed how this additional income allowed him to delay pension drawdown, enhancing his long-term financial security. He now enjoys extended weekends and is finally training for a charity cycle tour.
3. Early Retirement
Many clients come to me wondering whether they can afford to retire earlier than expected, often in their mid-50s.
Why it works:
What we look at:
Client Story: Sarah, 56, was tired of the corporate treadmill. We crunched the numbers and showed that with a few adjustments, she could comfortably retire at 57 and take on part-time volunteer work. Her only regret? Not asking the question sooner.
4. Lifestyle First
This approach begins with your ideal lifestyle and works backwards. Instead of asking, “When can I retire?” we ask: “What does retirement need to fund?”
Why it works:
What we look at:
Client Story: Alan and Rachel wanted to spend six months a year abroad post-retirement. By modelling this lifestyle-first approach, we built a plan that made it happen without compromising their security. They now divide their time between Devon and Spain.
5. Gifting While Living
For many people, retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about helping the next generation. This might mean helping kids onto the property ladder, supporting grandchildren, or donating to charity.
Why it works:
What we look at:
Client Story: David and Lisa wanted to help their daughter buy her first home but were worried about compromising their own retirement. A detailed gifting plan showed them they could provide support now, reduce inheritance tax later, and still finance their future holidays.
Every retirement looks a little different. The key isn’t to copy someone else’s strategy; it’s to understand what you want, model it clearly, and make confident decisions with the numbers in front of you.
Whether you’re five years from retirement or just starting to ask the question, clarity starts with a conversation.
✅ We discuss your options in plain English (and with a few helpful charts)
✅ We talk through trade-offs and timelines
✅ And we give you the confidence to move forward without pressure
📅 Book a free clarity meeting: https://calendly.com/tom-purplefoxfp/45min
No jargon. No sales pitch. Just smart planning tailored to you.
