Longer life expectancies and changing attitudes toward work have reshaped retirement, turning it into a stage of life that can last for decades. For many, retirement marks the end of one career and the beginning of something else. Some retirees start businesses, consult in their former fields, or take on projects that once seemed out of reach. For others, retirement offers something rare during working years: the freedom to decide how their time is spent.

How much is enough? The answer depends on your goals, expected expenses, and the lifestyle you hope to enjoy after leaving the workforce. From housing and health care to travel and everyday spending, several factors can influence how much you’ll need to save.

Retirement can be a long and winding road, and the financial realities of life in later years can evolve over time. Creating a retirement budget and preparing for health care costs that may arise along the way can help you make the most of those years. Some retirees find that a second career, part-time job, or volunteer role offers structure, purpose, and social connection. With thoughtful planning, retirement can be both long and rewarding.

With age often comes reflection on what we’ll leave behind. Whether it’s family stories and traditions, material possessions, or wealth, that legacy can help connect us to future generations. Others hope to leave a mark through charitable giving, a goal embraced by participants in the Giving Pledge. Regardless of the motivation, the impulse is much the same: to create something that will outlast us.