Play the Retirement Flash Card Game
Turn the drudgery of retirement planning into a game with a series of conversation-sparking flash card questions. Play along to see what your answers, and those of family or friends, might reveal.
What does retirement look like for you?
To help answer that all-important question, check out a game that Charles Schwab has cooked up. Here’s how it works, according to the game’s designers: “The Next Chapter is a fun, thought-provoking card game designed to help you picture what you want in your golden years, so that you can start working to make those dreams a reality. Play solo or with your spouse, family or friends by answering questions like … ‘Which long-lost friend would you like to reconnect with?’ or ‘What moment in your life would you keep framed by your bed?’ Not only will your answers tell you a lot about yourself and your friends, they’ll also help you visualize your future.”
Here are 20 questions pulled from the deck to get you started. For the rest, visit https://content.schwab.com/thenextchapter/ to order your complete set (it's free), or download one and get started planning The Next Chapter.
Written by Joe Vietri, who has been with Charles Schwab for more than 20 years. In his current role, he leads Schwab's branch network, managing more than 2,000 employees in more than 300 branches throughout the country.
Question No. 1
How will you create time for yourself when you need it, away from your partner and family members?
Question No. 2
What’s an act of kindness you have experienced that you might be able to “pay forward” in retirement?
Question No. 3
Are there any experiences you’ve had at work that are hard to find elsewhere in life?
Question No. 4
Looking back, how many of your life decisions have been shaped by the demands of your career (e.g., where you live, how often you see certain people, etc.)? Could any of that change once you retire?
Question No. 5
Have you considered a “second act” career in retirement? What would that be?
Question No. 6
Couples who retire at more or less the same time can find themselves with a lot more time together than they’re used to. If you’re in that position, would you take up any joint hobbies or projects?
Question No. 7
What do you think is more important: to live close to friends and family or to live in a place where you feel supremely comfortable?
Question No. 9
The best thing about retirement is ...
Question No. 10
What do you think of the idea of taking multiple sabbaticals or “mini-retirements” and postponing when you plan to stop working?
Question No. 11
Who among your friends and acquaintances is doing “retirement” really well?
Question No. 12
What would you like to learn to do in retirement? (Scuba-diving? A language? Gardening?)
Question No. 13
If you remember your own parents’ retirement, what was the biggest change to their lifestyle once they were finished working? Was it gradual or quite sudden?
Question No. 14
Would you rather pay for a family member’s college tuition or go on a dream vacation?
Question No. 15
Do you imagine your life in retirement to be busy and active or relaxed and leisurely?
Question No. 16
Suppose you were to write an “Emotional Will” that made no mention of assets or finances, but instead focused on parts of your personality you would like to leave behind (e.g., “to my niece Karen, I leave my determination to finish a marathon in under four hours”). What would yours say?
Question No. 17
If your post-retirement life were on the Monopoly board, where would you see yourself: Mediterranean Avenue, New York Avenue or Park Place?
Question No. 18
Which charitable cause would you most like to support in retirement? How does that cause reflect your values?
Question No. 19
On the day you pass away, would you rather spend your last penny or leave behind a financial legacy for family, friends and/or a charity?
Question No. 20
If you could only choose one of these luxuries in retirement, would you rather take twice as many trips abroad or dine at restaurants more often?
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Joe Vietri has been with Charles Schwab for more than 25 years. In his current role, he leads Schwab's branch network, managing more than 2,000 employees in more than 300 branches throughout the country.
-
What the Comcast Cable Spinoff Means for Investors
Comcast has announced plans to spin off select cable networks and digital assets into a separate publicly traded company. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
TJX Stock: Wall Street Stays Bullish After Earnings
TJX stock is trading lower Wednesday despite the TJ Maxx owner's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't worried. Here's why.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
The Best Places to Retire in New England
places to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
By Stacy Rapacon Last updated
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should Know
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
13 Smart Estate Planning Moves
retirement Follow this estate planning checklist for you (and your heirs) to hold on to more of your hard-earned money.
By Janet Kidd Stewart Last updated
-
The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit
We find the 10 cheapest countries to visit around the world. Forget inflation woes, and set your sights on your next vacation.
By Quincy Williamson Last updated
-
15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
home Now that fall is officially here, it's time to prepare your home for cold weather.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Six Steps to Get Lower Car Insurance Rates
insurance Shopping around for auto insurance may not be your idea of fun, but comparing prices for a new policy every few years — or even more often — can pay off big.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
How to Increase Credit Scores — Fast
How to increase credit scores quickly, starting with paying down your credit card debt.
By Lisa Gerstner Last updated
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should Know
Becoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated