How to Check If You’re Actually on Track for the Retirement You Want

Let’s make a plan that helps you truly thrive—not just get by.

By Rachel Edwards, Thrive Together Financial Planning

Financial planning in Staffordshire and Cheshire for professionals and families looking for clarity, confidence, and a calm start to the year.

Retirement planning is something many successful professionals and business owners know they should think about — but often put off while life and work stay busy.

February is a good time to move beyond vague intentions and ask a more helpful question:

Am I actually on track for the retirement I want?

This isn’t about predictions, market headlines, or complicated calculations. It’s about clarity, understanding, and making sure your plans still make sense for your life.

What “on track for retirement” really means

Being on track doesn’t mean hitting a magic number or retiring at a fixed age.

It means:

• You understand what your pensions and investments are meant to do

• Your plans reflect the lifestyle you want later on

• You feel confident rather than uncertain or overwhelmed

For many professionals and business owners, the biggest issue isn’t lack of effort — it’s lack of clarity.

Step 1: Get clear on your retirement lifestyle

Before looking at pensions or projections, start with your life.

Ask yourself:

• When would I like to have the option to retire or slow down?

• What does a comfortable retirement look like for me?

• Are there any non-negotiables (travel, supporting family, flexibility)?

Retirement planning works best when it’s personal, not generic.

Step 2: Understand the bigger picture of what you’ve built so far

Many people who have progressed in their career or business have built up significant assets over time — often across multiple pensions, investments, or old workplace schemes.

To sense-check whether you’re on track, you need to:

• Know how many pensions you have

• Understand roughly what they’re worth

• Check how much is being contributed

If this feels unclear or fragmented, you’re not alone — and it’s often the first thing to tidy up.

Step 3: Consider whether your plan still fits your life

Life changes, often quietly.

Career progression, business growth, family responsibilities, or changes in health can all affect retirement planning.

A plan that made sense five or ten years ago may not reflect where you are now.

February is a good time to ask:

• Does my current plan still match my priorities?

• Am I comfortable with the level of risk I’m taking?

• Do I understand what might need adjusting?

Step 4: Avoid relying on assumptions as wealth grows

A common mistake is assuming everything will “work itself out”.

People often assume:

• Contributions are enough

• Pensions are invested appropriately

• Retirement income will be sufficient

Assumptions can quietly create gaps. Reviewing your position turns guesswork into informed decisions.

Step 5: Focus on progress, not perfection

Being on track doesn’t mean everything has to be finished or perfect.

Small, considered adjustments — increasing contributions, reviewing investments, or clarifying retirement timing — can make a meaningful difference over time.

The aim is reassurance and confidence, not pressure.

A calm check-in can change everything

Checking whether you’re on track for retirement isn’t about reacting to markets or chasing targets.

It’s about understanding where you are, where you’re heading, and whether your plan genuinely supports the future you want.

If you’ve built meaningful wealth over your career and want reassurance that it’s working hard for the life you want, February is an ideal time to step back and review things while the year still feels open.

Clear, honest financial planning helps you feel confident about the future — and that’s what truly allows you to thrive.

Looking for financial planning support in Cheshire or Staffordshire?
A simple review now can help you understand your pensions, check if you’re on track for retirement, and make confident decisions for the years ahead.

👉 If you want to thrive tomorrow, the best time to start is today.

Book a free consultation today: www.thrivetogetherfp.co.uk/contact

⚠️ This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Tax rules depend on individual circumstances and are subject to change. The value of pensions and investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested. Always seek personalised advice before taking action.