What Does Your Dream Retirement Look Like?

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: Explore your dream retirement vision and learn how safe money alternatives can help secure your future. Start planning today with SafeMoney.com! In previous posts, we’ve discussed Americans’ concerns about retirement security. Such fears may be tied to general fears, such as running out of money in retirement. But what about Americans’ aspirations for a dream retirement? Of course retirement interests will vary from person to person. But some nationwide surveys give insights into what seniors desire on the whole. In a recent AARP survey, many people report wanting more than just full-time relaxation or leisure. Having polled almost 5,000 individuals aged 50-64, the survey found over 33.3% of respondents desire to work for pay in retirement. Of all respondents, 44% wanted their future job to be in an area different from their current job. Notably, not all of the respondents’ expectations for future employment were tied to financial concerns. AARP reported a widespread desire to have “a sense of purpose or role in society” as characterizing future job plans, too. The previous generation of Americans had seen time spent in volunteering, with family, or involvement in their place of worship as different ways to meet that drive for purpose. However, the survey shows generational expectations have shifted. Baby boomers see part-time work as yet another means of personal fulfillment. Other Generational Difference in Retirement Expectations In the generation before baby boomers, Americans were likely to define success as home ownership or having traction for upward financial mobility. But with increased overall standard of living, this definition has also changed. According to a March 2015 poll conducted by Harris Poll for the American Institute of CPAs, 28% of Americans said a comfortable retirement was a leading indicator of financial success. Likewise, 23% said equipping their children with a debt-free education was another primary indicator. Only 11% said home ownership and 10% said having a better financial future than their parents were primary indicators of financial success. Specific Career Objectives in Retirement There were other highlights from the AARP survey showing boomers’ objectives. These included: 25% of workers expected to retire before 65, and likewise ano