Here are the 5 things happy retirees do really, really well — perfect them now for the good life in your golden years

Even if you love your career, you probably spend more time than you’d be willing to admit fantasizing about retirement.

And whether you’re diligent about your savings goals or feeling behind on them, preparing for retirement isn’t just a financial endeavor.

Many retirees who’ve successfully made the transition to their post-working world share certain habits and strategies that help them live the good life today and plan for an equally great one tomorrow.

These rituals and routines can lead to happiness in retirement. But more importantly, if you develop them early enough, you can elevate your quality of life at every stage of life.

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Plan the work, work the plan

Happy retirees often spend much of their careers actively laying the financial groundwork for their retirements. Careful deliberation about investment strategies, diligent and regular savings and other planning helped position them for a relaxing and financially independent life.

It’s no surprise that many don’t just turn that switch off once they exit the workforce. That habit of planning and being prepared is forever useful, whether it’s remixing their portfolio and adjusting required minimum distributions or mapping the ideal European vacation.

This age-agnostic practice can also prove invaluable when health issues or other sudden changes arise that necessitate a backup plan.

Check in on your money

Whether you’re 10 years from retirement or right on its doorstep, you might be tempted to put your assets on cruise control.

Many of today’s younger investors choose target-date mutual funds that act as a sort of autopilot portfolio, ramping down risk the closer they get to retirement. Similarly, many retirees choose strategies emphasizing conservative returns to protect their capital against market volatility.