If you’re in that 55–65 age bracket, retirement isn’t some far-off idea anymore. It’s starting to feel real. You’ve probably run the numbers a few times, wondered if your super is enough, maybe even googled “how much do I need to retire in Australia?” more than once.
But here’s the truth we see every day at Ikigai Wealth:
Retirement isn’t just about the money.
Yes, the numbers matter—but only because they support something bigger: the kind of life you want to live.
When we sit down with clients, the same desires come up time and time again. They’re not about extravagance or chasing status—they’re about freedom. Security. Family. Health. Legacy.
So, here’s a look at the five most common things people actually want in retirement—and how to make sure you’re on track to get them.
1. Freedom and Flexibility
Imagine this: booking a last-minute river cruise in Europe, packing up the caravan for a lap around Oz, or just enjoying slow mornings with no one to report to. That’s what most people really want—freedom.
But freedom doesn’t just fall into place. It takes planning.
🔑 Your move: Work out what “freedom” costs you. Build a flexible income plan—super, investments, maybe even a part-time gig doing something you enjoy. The goal? Enough financial freedom to support your lifestyle freedom.
2. Peace of Mind
We’ve all had those 3am moments—“Will my money last?” “What if markets crash?” “What if I need aged care?”
True peace of mind isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about having a plan that works, even when life throws curveballs.
🔑 Your move: Get clear on your numbers. Build in buffers. Have a safety net. And most importantly—don’t wing it. A well-modelled strategy = better sleep.
3. Time with Family
Retirement is finally your chance to be present—to show up for the school pickups, the birthdays, the lazy Sunday lunches. It’s a time to really be with the people who matter.
But if you’re constantly worried about money—or saying yes to every request without boundaries—it can get tricky.
🔑 Your move: Be intentional. Plan for shared experiences. Be generous, yes—but within limits that protect your future too. Boundaries are loving.
4. Staying Healthy and Active
What’s the point of freedom if you’re not well enough to enjoy it?
We hear this one a lot: “I just want to stay healthy, active, and independent.” It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living well.
🔑 Your move: Budget for health. Prioritise wellness—physios, check-ups, Pilates, supplements, whatever keeps you moving. And yep, plan ahead for aged care while you’re at it. (Trust us, it’s way less scary when you do it early.)
5. Leaving a Legacy
It’s not about how much you leave behind—it’s about making it meaningful.
For some, that’s passing wealth to the kids. For others, it’s supporting causes they care about, or sharing life lessons with the grandkids.
🔑 Your move: Get your estate planning sorted (please don’t wait). Think beyond the will. What wisdom, stories, values, or support do you want to pass on? What do you want to be remembered for?
So… What Do You Really Want?
Your desires shape your retirement—and they deserve more than vague hopes and “she’ll be right” plans.
At Ikigai Wealth, we help Australians like you turn these desires into reality. We don’t just crunch numbers—we design life-centred retirement strategies that feel like you.
If you’re ready to turn ideas into action and create a retirement that’s rich in all the ways that matter…
👉 Let’s chat. Book a clarity conversation and tell us what really matters to you.