Timing your retirement is one of the most personal — and most consequential — decisions you'll make. Retire too early without the right preparation and you may face financial stress later. Stay too long and you risk missing the active years when you can truly enjoy it.

The ideal timing is different for everyone, and it's shaped by far more than just your finances. Your health, your sense of purpose, your relationship with work, and what you're retiring to all play a role.

The good news is that with proper planning, you get to choose — rather than having the decision made for you.

Things that often influence timing:

• Your preservation age and when you can access super

• Whether your spouse or partner is also approaching retirement

• Any desire to transition gradually through part-time work

• Health considerations or caring responsibilities

• Simply being ready for a change

There's no universally perfect age. But there may well be a perfect time for you — and we'd love to help you find it.