Why Your Systems Matter More Than Your Goals
If you ever felt like retirement planning is less science and more art, you’re not alone—but as Kiplinger’s recent article notes, a little science goes a long way. Drawing inspiration from the second law of thermodynamics (a.k.a. entropy), the piece explores a universal truth: left unchecked, disorder creeps into all systems—including your financial life and retirement dreams. And as I shared with Kiplinger, “If you don’t drive the agenda, time, money and energy will slip away on someone else’s terms.” In other words: great outcomes in retirement don’t happen by accident. They happen by design.
The article points to a striking statistic: though we think of retirement as pure freedom, only 4% of retirees describe themselves as “living the dream,” while the vast majority say they wish they’d done more planning. The heart of the problem is what I call the “endless Saturday” trap. Many retirees fall into routines (or skip them entirely), resulting in days that blur together, missed opportunities, and, ironically, more stress. Building sustainable systems—whether through intentional routines, phased retirements, or cash flow management—is what turns vague goals into real results and boosts well-being.
The other big hazards? Drifting into financial disorder, either by overspending early or letting fear keep you from enjoying the fruits of your labor. As a certified financial planner, I help clients balance generosity and self-care, often setting “guardrails” for helping adult kids or for spending down wealth in a way that honors both your dreams and your long-term security. The most successful retirees? They’re flexible, willing to revisit plans, and focus on purpose—whether that’s volunteering, traveling, or simply investing time in what gets them up each morning.
Bottom line: You can’t control every outcome, but you can control your systems. Retirement planning isn’t just about reaching a magic number; it’s about keeping your time, finances, and purpose organized—so they support the life you actually want. If you’re searching for independent financial advice or want help bringing structure (and more joy) to your “longest vacation,” reach out to a fiduciary financial advisor who’ll help you design a routine worth living—every day.
🟢https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/the-second-law-of-retirement-rules