For many near-retirees, one of the most rewarding parts of life after work is the chance to give back. Whether it’s supporting a cause you care about, helping a family member, or creating a legacy through your community, generosity brings meaning and fulfillment.
But there’s a question many people quietly wrestle with: Can I give without jeopardizing my own financial security?
For child-free retirees, this question can feel even more pressing. Without children to rely on later in life, generosity can be considered in a way that balances your giving goals with your financial priorities.
In this article, we’ll explore why giving matters, the tension many retirees feel about balancing generosity with security, and how to start thinking about a sustainable approach. And if you’d like to discover practical ways to do this for your own life, I’ll be covering it in my webinar Retirement Planning for Near-Retirees Without Children.
The Heart of Generosity
Giving back is more than financial – it’s about leaving a mark. For some, that means donating to a charity. For others, it’s mentoring, volunteering, or supporting a local project. What unites all forms of generosity is the joy of knowing you’re making an impact beyond yourself.
And the truth is, your legacy doesn’t have to wait until you’re gone. You can begin shaping it now.
The Balancing Act
Here’s where it gets tricky: generosity feels good, but retirement also brings uncertainties. Healthcare costs, lifestyle changes, and the simple unpredictability of life can make even the most well-intentioned giving feel risky.
That’s why so many near-retirees ask themselves: How do I give without giving too much? How do I help others without hurting my future self?
The answer isn’t found in saying “yes” or “no” to generosity, it’s in finding the balance.
Why This Question Matters More Without Children
If you’re child-free, you may feel an even stronger desire to leave a mark through community or charitable impact. At the same time, you don’t have a built-in safety net of children who might provide support later in life.
That makes it even more important to think intentionally about how generosity fits into your retirement plan. Done thoughtfully, giving can be one of the most fulfilling parts of retirement, not a source of stress.
Your Next Step
The good news is that there are ways to build generosity into your retirement without putting your security at risk. But the details of how you do that depend on your unique situation.
That’s why I created my webinar Retirement Planning for Near-Retirees Without Children. We’ll explore how to begin thinking about giving as part of a bigger retirement plan, so you can feel confident about your future while still making a meaningful impact.
Register today and learn how to give back in a way that aligns with your goals and is designed to help safeguard your retirement.
Final Thoughts
Retirement is your opportunity to live with freedom and purpose. Giving back can be one of the most meaningful parts of that journey, as long as it’s done in a way that supports your long-term security.
With thoughtful planning, generosity can be a meaningful part of retirement—without sidelining your long-term financial well-being.
Join me in the webinar to discover more about our strategies to accomplish this.
Investment advisory services are offered through Keating Financial Advisory Services (KFAS), a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are provided pursuant to a written agreement and the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice.
