Habits for a Happy Retirement | The Matter Financial Report Ep. 21

Retirement planning is about more than just your account balance. In this episode of The Matter Financial Report, Michael Matter and Tony Shore discuss nine habits that research connects to a happier, more fulfilling retirement, including staying healthy, building social connections, finding purpose, continuing to learn, practicing optimism and gratitude, staying active with pets, following sound healthy-aging principles, and avoiding the trap of chasing happiness directly. Michael explains how these lifestyle habits can support a stronger retirement experience and why planning ahead matters not only financially, but also physically, mentally, and socially. Retirement should be about building the kind of life that happiness can come from. Timestamps: 00:01 - Welcome to The Matter Financial Report 00:32 - Why retirement planning is about more than money 00:54 - Nine habits connected to a happy retirement 02:56 - How lifestyle choices affect retirement happiness 04:17 - Habit 1: Staying healthy before and during retirement 05:00 - Understanding the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years 07:08 - Simple activity goals that support long-term health 09:04 - Habit 2: Building and maintaining social connections 10:37 - Why loneliness can become a serious health risk 12:39 - Habit 3: Finding purpose in retirement 14:48 - Work, volunteering, and meaning after retirement 16:44 - Habit 4: Never stop learning 19:18 - How learning supports connection, purpose, and brain health 20:04 - Habit 5: Practicing optimism 21:59 - Habit 6: Building gratitude into daily life 24:20 - Habit 7: Pets, companionship, and physical activity 25:06 - Habit 8: Following the science on healthy aging 27:36 - Habit 9: Don’t chase happiness directly 28:26 - How these habits connect back to retirement planning 28:51 - How to contact The Matter Financial Group 📞 Have questions? Need advice? Contact Michael Matter at The Matter Financial Group to schedule a consultation today! 👉 Call us at (916) 469-9016 👉 Visit us at https://thematterfinancialgroup.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more financial tips and insights! #TheMatterFinancialGroup #Finance #Sacramento #FinancialProfessional Michael Matter offers investment advisory services through Gradient Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The Matter Financial Group is not a registered investment adviser and is not affiliated with Gradient Advisors, LLC. The Matter Financial Group, Michael Matter, and Gradient Advisors, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any federal or state government agency. This program is produced by Luson Media. Michael Matter compensates Luson Media for production services. This co-host is a salaried employee of Luson Media, is not a registered investment adviser, and does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Insurance products are offered through Michael Matter as a licensed insurance agent and are separate from advisory services offered through Gradient Advisors, LLC. Content also is not a solicitation to sell or offer to sell investment advisory services to any residents of any state other than the state(s) Michael Matter is registered or where otherwise legally permitted. Do not post reviews or testimonials. Likes should not be considered an endorsement of the investment advisory services offered by Michael Matter and/or Gradient Advisors, LLC. Before making any financial decisions, consult with qualified financial, tax, and legal professionals regarding your individual circumstances. For more information and full disclosure, please visit thematterfinancialgroup.com.