The Retirement Time Trap: More Free Time Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness
When most people picture retirement, they imagine a future filled with unlimited free time and a better version of themselves—healthier, more active, and free of 
current bad habits. While it’s natural to dream big, psychological biases often get in the way of making those dreams a reality.
One of the most common is called future time slack bias—the belief that one day you’ll finally have all the time in the world to do the things you’ve put off, like traveling, learning a new skill, or volunteering. Unfortunately, that “someday” often never comes. Even retirees, who technically have more free time, quickly see their days filled with routine activities. Studies show the average retiree spends over four hours a day watching television, leaving little space for meaningful pursuits.
The reality is that time is finite, and unstructured free time can actually reduce overall well-being. Research reveals that retirees have about 1,000 discretionary hours per year—similar to holding a part-time job. Without a clear plan, those hours can slip away, leaving you wondering where the time went.
That’s why retirement planning is about more than saving money—it’s about intentionally aligning your financial resources with how you want to spend your time. Financial writer Jacob Schroeder argues that discretionary time is more valuable than money itself. And when you combine both—by setting aside funds for travel, hobbies, or family experiences—you eliminate excuses and turn dreams into reality.
Purpose and structure are essential for a fulfilling retirement. Whether it’s planning charitable work, creating lasting family memories, or pursuing personal growth, having both the financial security and the time management strategy to support your goals is critical.
At Alperin Law & Wealth, we believe true retirement success is built on clarity, intention, and expert financial guidance. Our team of legal, tax, and wealth advisors helps you design a retirement plan that balances money and meaning—so you can seize each day with confidence.
Your retirement should be more than just an idea—it should be a life well lived. Contact Alperin Law & Wealth today to begin turning your vision into a plan.