💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger Whitney wraps up our four-week series on smarter retirement goal setting. He dives into the ideas of buoyancy and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, showing how they play a role in planning a retirement that actually works for you. Using two relatable avatars – the Grinder and the Dreamer – Roger shares practical, real-world strategies to help navigate the twists and turns of retirement planning. Tune in for insights that will help you make your retirement not just secure, but truly rock!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

(00:00) This is the last of a four-week series on better retirement goal setting

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

(01:58) The first concept for today is the concept of buoyancy.
(04:50) Roger talks about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
(07:50) A look inside the Advice Lab Roger runs with his work team.

AVATAR CASE STUDY- THE GRINDER AND THE DREAMER

(10:10) Introduction of two avatars created by the team — the Grinder and the Dreamer.
(10:58) First, Roger breaks down the Grinder.
(14:27) What are triggers that might help a grinder reevaluate retirement planning?
(16:57) What do Grinders crave?
(18:50) How do you navigate as a Grinder or as someone in a relationship with a Grinder?
(21:50) The pillars of retirement are a helpful framework when it comes to Grinders.
(27:00) Next, Roger breaks down the avatar of the Dreamer.
(29:30) What are the triggers that a Dreamer faces?
(32:30) Roger breaks down the retirement pillars for Dreamers.
(37:00) Roger reflects on how his partnership with Tanya mirrors the Dreamer and Grinder archetypes, showing how balancing vision and execution can lead to better communication and more effective retirement goals.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

(38:14) You can submit questions at AskRoger.me
(38:40) Barbara shares thoughts on a recent episode.
(42:04) Roger shares an audio clip from Tom.
(44:27) One listener shares that drawing down the accounts is a mental challenge.
(45:49) Rod asks what portion of a 71-year-old’s $5–6M retirement portfolio could go into low-risk private credit.

SMART SPRINT

(48:38) In the next seven days, reflect on where you fall between Dreamer and Grinder and consider that when setting or refreshing your retirement goals, so you can better balance your approach.

REFERENCES

Retirement Goal Case Study

Retirement Answer Man

Triggers That Wake Up the Grinder

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