When most people think about retirement, they picture a number and it’s usually a big one! You’ve probably seen headlines like “You need £1 million to retire comfortably.” or “Save 15x your annual salary”. But here’s the thing, your retirement value is unique to you. It should reflect your lifestyle, your goals and, most importantly, your values. 

So instead of asking, “How much do I need to retire?” try thinking about what life you want to live in your retirement. Then you can piece together how money you will need to support that vision and goal. 

Traditional retirement planning often focusses on spreadsheets and returns, but for those of us who care deeply about the world we’re retiring into, that’s only part of the story. Ethical investors want their money to do more than just grow. They want it to do good. That might mean, avoiding investments in fossil fuels, tobacco or arms. Or it could mean supporting companies that lead on climate, gender equity or fair labour. It could also mean prioritising impact over pure profit. And that mindset naturally extends into retirement. When you’re thinking long-term, you’re thinking about the kind of legacy you’ll leave behind too.  

What does retirement look like to you? 

For values led individuals, a successful retirement might look a bit different. It could mean living more simply, with less consumption but more freedom. You might want to invest in your community either through donations of your time or donations of money. You may choose to think about the businesses you support and adapt to support businesses and causes that align with your beliefs. You might also want to think about passing on not just your wealth but your wisdom and intention. 

In short, it’s not just about retiring from the world of work, but retiring into a life that feels good and does good.  

So, how much is enough? 

This is where financial planning meets soul-searching. Ask yourself: 

Once you’ve got clarity on what matters most, building your plan becomes a lot more focused and frankly, more fulfilling. 

Aligning your portfolio with your purpose 

The good news is that ethical investing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing returns. In fact, many sustainable and ESG focused funds perform competitively, sometimes even better, over the long term. And with the right guidance, your retirement plan can be both financially sound and values aligned. 

Working with an adviser who understands ethical investing can help you filter our companies or sectors that you don’t want to support. They can help you to identify funds that align with your environmental, social or governance goals. And they can help you to adjust risk and timelines based on your lifestyle plans. 

You don’t need to be a millionaire to retire with peace of mind. What you do need is clarity about what you value, how you want to live and how your money can reflect that. At the end of the day, retirement isn’t a finish line, it’s a new chapter. And when your finances support your values, that chapter can be your most meaningful yet.