Retirement isn’t just one static phase. Instead of thinking “I retire, then I rest,” it’s more realistic (and helpful) to imagine three distinct phases that unfold over time: the Go-Go years, the Slow-Go years, and the No-Go years. Recognizing these helps you plan finances, health, and lifestyle more clearly.

Phase 1: The Go-Go Years

This is the early retirement period, generally when you’re still relatively healthy, energetic, and free of major care needs. Travel, hobbies, big adventures, time with grandkids and family… this is your moment to check items off your bucket list.

Spending and lifestyle: Often, spending is higher in this phase. You may take more trips, try new activities, maybe even start a side passion or short-term work. Financially, you’ll want enough “play money” while still protecting long-term capital.

Planning tip: Ensure your retirement plan allows for this active time without draining your nest egg. The first 10-15 years of retirement are typically when you have the highest capacity to enjoy life and create memories.

Phase 2: The Slow-Go Years

Over time, often in your mid-70s to early 80s, things begin to change. Energy, health, and mobility may shift. Travel becomes less frequent, the pace slows, and you may focus more on local life, meaningful relationships, hobbies that are less strenuous, and perhaps smaller adventures.

Spending and lifestyle: Discretionary spending tends to decline (fewer big trips, less “bucket list” items), but expenses for health maintenance, home modifications, or support may rise. The key is balancing enjoyment with prudence.

Planning tip: It’s a great time to review your asset allocation, health insurance, legacy planning, and estate wishes. Make sure your resources align with a slower pace of life but increasing care needs.

Phase 3: The No-Go Years

Eventually, many retirees reach a phase, often from their 80s onward, when independence slows significantly. Mobility decreases, home care or assisted living may be needed, medical and long-term care costs are more prominent, and lifestyle centers on comfort, support, and meaningful connections rather than lots of travel or big adventures.

Spending and lifestyle: Discretionary spending often falls, but health care, home support, and assisted-living costs can climb. Planning for this phase is critical because it can last many years, and your resources need to last too.

Planning tip: Think about long-term care, wills and power of attorney, downsizing or simplifying your home, setting up support systems, and ensuring that your financial and emotional supports are in place.

Why This Timeline Matters

If you only build a retirement plan that assumes one “average” lifestyle or one fixed expense rate, you can easily get surprised by how things evolve.

For instance:

• The “Spending Smile” or “U-shape” spending pattern shows higher expenses in early retirement, dropping somewhat mid-retirement, then rising (or shifting) again in later years.
• Health, mobility, cognitive ability, and independence often correlate closely with financial needs, the later phases can be more expensive precisely because of care, not just leisure.

By planning for each phase separately, you create more resilience, financial resilience, emotional resilience, and lifestyle resilience.

 Final Thoughts

Retirement is not “set it and forget it.” It’s a journey with shifting priorities, changing energy, evolving dreams, and varying costs.

When you structure your plan to reflect the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years, you’re not just saving money, you’re aligning your life to live it well, throughout.

Want to build a retirement plan with each phase in mind? Let’s talk through your goals, your lifestyle dreams, and how to make sure your financial foundation supports every stage.