Everyone has a picture of the perfect retirement, even if it is decades away. This One Gotta Go card puts four dreams together: a beach house where you do nothing, traveling the world nonstop, farm or homestead life and finally pursuing your creative passion.
Three dreams stay possible, and one is off the table forever. Think about what you daydream about at work, what your parents or grandparents did and what you think you would actually enjoy. Then make your pick and share what your retirement looks like in your head right now.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Beach house, do nothing
A beach house where you do nothing sounds like the reward for years of hard work. It is peaceful. Some people say they would get bored fast without a project, which makes it a fair cut for the restless types.
Keep it if: Your dream is waking up to ocean views, long walks on the sand and no schedule at all.
B. Travel the world nonstop
Traveling the world nonstop means seeing every place on your bucket list. It is exciting. It can also be tiring and costly, and some people want a home base, which makes nonstop travel a candidate to cut.
Keep it if: You have a long list of places to see and plan to check off as many as you can.
C. Farm or homestead life
Farm or homestead life means growing your own food, raising animals and living close to the land. It is meaningful. It is also hard physical work, which makes it the dream many people cut once they think it through.
Keep it if: You love the idea of fresh eggs, a big garden and a quiet life far from the city.
D. Finally pursue your creative passion
Finally pursuing your creative passion means painting, writing, music or building things you never had time for. It is fulfilling. Some people feel they can start their passion now, which makes it a possible cut.
Keep it if: You have a creative dream you have waited years to chase, and retirement is your chance.
Our take
We would cut farm or homestead life, only because it is the most physically demanding dream on this card, and the others fit more easily into later years. The most fun debate usually comes down to the beach house against traveling the world, since it is staying put against always moving. Ask everyone what they would do on their first Monday of retirement, and see who has already planned it. Some people even mix two dreams, like a beach base with long trips.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which retirement dream says the most about someone today?
- Would you rather retire early or work longer for a bigger dream?
- Where would you retire if you could live anywhere?
- What retirement fantasy would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Retirement Fantasies: quick answers
What do people do most in retirement?
Retirees often spend time with family, travel, volunteer, pursue hobbies, exercise and sometimes work part time. Many say staying active and social is the key to enjoying retirement. Plans often change as people discover what they enjoy with free time. Trying a hobby before retirement can help you find out what you really enjoy.
How do you start planning for retirement?
Many people start by saving through workplace retirement plans or individual accounts, setting goals for when and how they want to retire, and checking their progress each year. Talking with a qualified financial professional can help you build a plan that fits your situation. Starting early, even small, helps.
