The fear of running out of money keeps many retirees from truly enjoying their hard-earned savings without worry. After decades of nurturing your nest egg, the thought of seeing your progress slip away can be daunting.

In this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series, Heath Grossman, CFP® shares a few ways to feel more confident about enjoying what you’ve built.

Shift Your Money Mindset

In retirement, the goal is to spend your money intentionally, not recklessly. Instead of asking whether you can simply afford something, ask yourself whether it matters to you. Remember that your savings exist for you to enjoy them, not just to protect them. You saved this money for a reason in the first place: to fulfill your dreams and goals in retirement.

Create Your Own Retirement Paycheck

When these fears come up, knowing that you have enough to be okay can often offset those worries. That’s where a structured retirement income plan can enforce a sense of stability and confidence. By clearly defining your needs and income sources, you’ll be on the path to a more assured financial future.

Keep An Emergency Fund

A simple way to help alleviate some anxiety over your money is to establish an emergency fund. You can use this financial safety net for things like home repairs or medical bills. Remember, curveballs happen in retirement, but being prepared makes all the difference.

Know That You’re Not Alone

Over half of U.S. adults worry about outliving their retirement savings. A lot of responsibility comes with keeping your retirement plan afloat, but you don’t have to do it alone. A financial advisor can help you develop and adjust a clear plan and provide reassurance that you’re on the right track.