7 weekend habits of people who are on track to retire comfortably, according to psychology

For years, I never really thought about retirement.

It felt like something far off in the future—something I’d figure out later.

But as I got older and started learning more about psychology and human behavior, I realized that the people who retire comfortably don’t just get lucky.

They build habits—small but powerful routines that set them up for financial freedom and peace of mind—and, surprisingly, a lot of these habits happen on the weekends.

As the founder of Hack Spirit and someone fascinated by self-improvement, I’ve spent years studying what separates those who stress about money in their later years from those who retire with ease.

The good news? You don’t need to be a millionaire or work yourself into the ground to set yourself up for a secure future!

In this article, I’ll share seven weekend habits that people on track for a comfortable retirement tend to follow—backed by psychology and real-world wisdom:

1) They plan, but they don’t obsess

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was either ignoring my finances completely or overthinking them to the point of stress.

Neither approach helped.

But when I started looking into the habits of people who retire comfortably, I noticed a pattern: they have a plan, but they don’t let it consume them.

Instead of spending hours worrying about every dollar, they set aside time—often on weekends—to check in on their finances, adjust their budgets, and make sure they’re on track.

Then, they move on with their lives.

This balance is key: Psychology shows that financial anxiety can lead to avoidance or burnout, both of which can derail long-term goals.

However, small, regular check-ins keep things manageable and prevent money from becoming a constant source of stress.

If you’re not already doing this, try setting aside 30 minutes this weekend to review your budget or savings goals.

Keep it simple, stay consistent, and don’t let it take over your entire day.

2) They prioritize experiences over things

A few years ago, I used to spend my weekends mindlessly shopping—new clothes, gadgets, things I thought would make me happy.

But no matter how much I bought, the excitement always faded fast.

Once I shifted my focus from buying stuff to investing in experiences—like weekend hikes with friends, learning a new skill, or even just having coffee with someone whose company I enjoy—I noticed something surprising.

Those moments stayed with me; they added depth to my life in a way material things never could.

People on track for a comfortable retirement understand this well.

They know that true wealth isn’t just about money—it’s also about having meaningful experiences and strong relationships.

And the best part? Many of these experiences don’t cost much at all.

This weekend, instead of buying something new just for the sake of it, try spending time doing something memorable.

Years from now, you won’t remember the latest gadget you bought—but you will remember the moments that made you feel alive.

3) They make time for their health

There was a time when weekends meant sleeping in late, ordering takeout, and binge-watching TV for hours.

I told myself I was “resting,” but in reality, I was just being inactive—and it was catching up with me.

Then I started paying attention to the habits of people who seemed to be thriving, not just financially, but physically and mentally too.

One thing stood out: They prioritized their health consistently, not just when they felt like it.

I decided to make a small change.

Instead of wasting my entire Sunday on the couch, I went for a morning walk.

It wasn’t anything crazy—just 20 minutes outside.

But that simple habit made a difference. I felt more energized, more focused, and even more motivated to make better choices throughout the day.

People who retire comfortably understand that good health is a long-term investment.

After all, what’s the point of financial security if you don’t have the energy or mobility to enjoy it?

That’s why they use their weekends to move their bodies, eat well, and take care of themselves—so they can enjoy life now and later.

This weekend, try adding one small healthy habit to your routine.

Go for a walk, cook a nutritious meal, or even just stretch for a few minutes—your future self will thank you.

4) They spend time with the right people

A few years ago, I wasn’t very intentional about who I spent my weekends with.

I’d say yes to any invitation, even if it meant hanging out with people who drained my energy or encouraged bad habits.

Looking back, I realize how much that affected my mindset and even my financial decisions.

Psychology backs this up—who you surround yourself with matters.

A study from Harvard that spanned over almost 80 years, known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, found that the quality of our relationships is one of the strongest predictors of long-term happiness and even financial success.

People on track for a comfortable retirement aren’t just focused on money—they also invest in meaningful relationships.

They spend their weekends with people who uplift them, challenge them to grow, and encourage good habits.

After realizing this, I started being more intentional about my time.

I spent less energy on shallow connections and more on the people who truly mattered—friends who inspired me, family members who supported me, and mentors who pushed me forward.

This weekend, take a moment to reflect: Are you surrounding yourself with people who bring out your best?

If not, it might be time to make some changes.

5) They unplug and reflect

For a long time, my weekends looked like this: scrolling endlessly on my phone, checking emails even though I didn’t need to, and distracting myself with social media.

I told myself I was “relaxing,” but in reality, my mind never got a real break.

Then I noticed something about the people who seemed to have their lives—and their finances—figured out.

They weren’t glued to their screens all weekend. Instead, they took time to unplug and reflect.

Stepping away from constant digital noise isn’t just good for mental clarity; it also helps you make better decisions.

Reflection improves self-awareness and goal-setting, both of which are crucial for long-term financial success.

Now, I set aside at least an hour every weekend to disconnect from screens and simply think.

I might journal about my goals, take a quiet walk, or just sit with my thoughts.

This practice has helped me stay focused—not just on my finances, but on what truly matters in life.

6) They pursue meaningful side projects

A few years ago, my weekends were mostly about escaping—watching TV, playing video games, or just killing time.

But deep down, I felt like I was wasting valuable hours that could be spent on something more fulfilling.

That’s when I started writing.

At first, it was just a hobby, something I did for fun.

But over time, it became something more—it gave me purpose, built my skills, and even led to the creation of Hack Spirit.

Looking back, I realize how important it was to use my free time on something meaningful instead of just passing the time.

People who retire comfortably often have a side project or passion that keeps them engaged—whether it’s freelancing, investing, creating art, or learning a new skill.

Not only does this bring personal fulfillment, but it can also open up new income streams and opportunities for the future.

7) They know when to spend money

For a long time, I thought saving for the future meant cutting every unnecessary expense.

I avoided spending money on anything that wasn’t essential, convinced that extreme frugality was the only path to financial security.

But over time, I realized something counterintuitive: people who retire comfortably don’t just save—they also know when to spend.

They understand that some expenses aren’t just costs; they’re investments—spending on education, health, or even high-quality tools that make life easier can actually pay off in the long run.

Spending money on things that save you time—like outsourcing tasks you dislike—can significantly boost happiness and reduce stress.

The key is being intentional.

Instead of mindlessly cutting costs or splurging recklessly, financially successful people ask themselves: “Will this expense improve my life in a meaningful way?”

Final thoughts

Retiring comfortably isn’t just about how much money you make—it’s about the habits you build along the way.

And as we’ve seen, the people who set themselves up for financial freedom don’t just work hard; they use their weekends wisely.

Consistency is what makes the difference.

The little things you do every weekend add up—until one day, you realize you’re not just working toward a secure future, you’re already living a more intentional, fulfilling life.