As 2025 draws to a close, many of us take time to reflect. Another year has passed, and for some, that means another year closer to retirement. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life, especially as we head into the festive season. With work deadlines, family commitments and social events, our focus often stays on the short term. In the middle of all that, it can be hard to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Retirement is something that we all know will arrive one day. We all hope it will be a time when we can finally slow down, enjoy life to the fullest and spend more time doing what matters most. Yet, while many of us are busy counting down the years until we can stop working, we do not always think about how we would like our retirement to actually look.
From business owners to employees, everyone needs a plan
Everyone’s path to retirement is unique. For those who are employed, the idea of retirement may be tied to a set age or workplace pension scheme. For the self-employed, the picture can look quite different. Without an employer pension or retirement date in place, it can feel as though retirement is always somewhere in the distance, something that will be dealt with later.
Take, for example, someone who has spent years building up their own business. They may be so focused on serving their clients and keeping things running smoothly that planning for life after work has slipped down the list of priorities. Or consider an employee who has worked diligently for decades, yet has not paused to ask what they want life to look like after leaving the workplace. In both cases, the common theme is the same: the day-to-day often takes over, and long-term planning gets left for another time.
But the truth is, retirement will come sooner than we expect, and the choices we make today can have a real impact on the life we enjoy tomorrow.
What does your dream retirement look like?
If you have not yet thought about when you would like to retire, when you can afford to retire and how you would like to spend your retired years, then now is the perfect time to start.
Perhaps you would like to travel more often, spend time with family, take up new hobbies or even explore learning a new skill. Or maybe you simply want the reassurance of knowing that you will have the financial security to enjoy your retirement years without worry.
Speaking to a retirement planning professional can give you clarity and confidence. By reviewing your financial position and exploring your options, you can create a plan that not only fits your needs but also allows you to look forward to retirement with excitement rather than uncertainty.
How Four Oaks Financial Services can support you
At Four Oaks Financial Services, we are here to help you with your retirement planning, whether finishing work is just around the corner or still many years away.
One of our friendly financial advisers can help you review your lifestyle financial plan and set you on the right path towards your dream retirement.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you prepare for the retirement you deserve.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Ltd 24/10/2025