Dana Anspach and Fritz Gilbert: ‘This Is What a Joyful Retirement Could Feel Like’
The Long View
Defining the Pre-Go Phase and Gradual Exit
Dana details the pre-go phase, taking extended trips, and peeling off firm duties to explore retirement life.
Today on the podcast, we welcome back two previous guests. Dana Anspach is the founder and CEO of the financial planning firm, Sensible Money, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and she has been practicing as a financial planner since 1995. Dana is also the author of the lecture series “How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement,” available on The Great Courses, and the author of the books Control Your Retirement Destiny and Social Security Sense. She has begun blogging about her own retirement journey on The Retirement Manifesto website.
Fritz Gilbert retired in his mid-50s and has been blogging about his retirement experience ever since. He is the creator of The Retirement Manifesto, and he also wrote a book about retirement called, Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years.
Background
How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement on The Great Courses
Control Your Retirement Destiny: Achieving Financial Security Before the Big Transition, by Dana Anspach
Social Security Sense: A Guide to Claiming Benefits for Those Age 60-70, by Dana Anspach
“Dana Anspach: How to Build an All-Weather Retirement Plan,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Oct. 18, 2022.
Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years, by Fritz Gilbert
“Fritz Gilbert: Early Retirement Made Simple,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Oct. 27, 2021.
Blogging and Phases of Retirement
“A New Chapter for The Retirement Manifesto,” by Dana Anspach, theretirementmanifesto.com, May 22, 2025.
“When to Start Planning for Retirement: Understanding the ‘Pre-Go’ Years,” Video with Dana Anspach, sensiblemoney.com, July 2, 2025.
“Retirement—My Journey From ‘No, Never’ to ‘Maybe One Day,’” by Dana Anspach, theretirementmanifesto.com, June 5, 2025.
“The Ten Commandments of Retirement,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, March 6, 2018.
“The 4 Phases of Retirement,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, Feb. 1, 2024.
“Why 28% of Retirees Are Depressed,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, June 22, 2023.
Spending in Retirement and Social Security
“Scared to Spend? (You’re Not Alone),” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, Nov. 21, 2024.
“The Role of Annuities in Retirement Planning 2024,” Webinar with Dana Anspach, sensiblemoney.com, May 24, 2024.
“5 Top Regrets of Retirees (and How to Avoid Them),” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, Jan. 30, 2025.
“How Social Security Spousal Benefits May Change My Claim Date,” by Dana Anspach, theretirementmanifesto.com, June 26, 2025.
“Rethinking the 4% Safe Withdrawal Rule,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, Nov. 18, 2021.
“Don’t Cheat Yourself With the 4% Rule! 2021,” Webinar with Dana Anspach, sensiblemoney.com, May 18, 2021.
The Safe Withdrawal Rate Series (Early Retirement Now with Karsten Jeske, also known as “Big Ern”)
Tax Planning
“The Golden Age of Roth Conversions,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, Oct. 12, 2023.
“My Biggest Surprise in Retirement,” by Fritz Gilbert, theretirementmanifesto.com, June 12, 2025.
Other
The Four Phases of Retirement: What to Expect When You’re Retiring, by Riley Moynes
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life, by Bill Perkins
“Guaranteed Income: A License to Spend,” by David Blanchett and Michael Finke, Retirement Income Institute, June 2024.
A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More, by Bill Bengen
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