When you don’t have enough at 50 to retire

Midlife is often the moment we start connecting who we’ve been with who we’re becoming. It’s a time to draw on your wisdom, experience, and courage to recalibrate your money with what brings you meaning.

Defining what “enough” means to you

I always tell clients that enough is not a number. Enough is when your life and money are aligned with your biggest dreams, your vision for the future, and your idea of what a fulfilling and meaningful life looks like. Every person’s definition of enough is unique.

Lynda Smith’s story reminds us of this beautifully. At fifty, she didn’t have enough to retire – but she had enough to recalibrate. She decided to work longer, earn sustainably, and give her investments time to grow. Two decades later, that choice gave her options – and freedom.

But Lynda’s story is about more than financial planning. It’s about redefining what fulfilment means. Her enough included purpose, community, contribution, and growth – not just numbers on a spreadsheet.

Money supports a meaningful life – it’s not the measure of it

When we look at the connection between money and happiness, the findings are clear. Money does make life easier – to a point. It gives us safety, choice, and comfort. But once our basic needs are met, happiness depends less on what we earn and more on how we live.

We start asking real questions:

• What gives my life meaning now?
• How do I want to spend my time?
• Who do I want to share it with?
• What brings me joy and purpose?

Without clarity on these questions, no amount of money will ever feel like enough.

You still have options

If you reach midlife and realise you don’t yet have enough to retire, it’s the start of a new chapter. You can extend your working years, earn for longer, delay drawing from your savings, or even downsize to simplify your lifestyle.

You have choices. You have time. And you have the wisdom and experience to make decisions that align with the life you still want to live.

Don’t let not having enough stand in your way of living your best life. Your next chapter can be rich with meaning, purpose, and possibility – and it’s never too late to recalibrate.

Kim