Process Over Panic: What You Should Pay Attention To
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May 28, 2025
In this discussion, the importance of the retirement planning process takes center stage over fixed plans. Life is unpredictable, so adaptability is key. Personal anecdotes provide insight into how experiences shape confidence in retirement. The four pillars of retirement planning serve as a flexible guide, highlighting what truly deserves your attention. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the journey of planning, learning to refine strategies as circumstances change.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Creative Retirement Wishes
A client asked Roger Whitney to fill out creative prompts for her retiring spouse's retirement party.
Roger's thoughtful retirement wishes included exploration, learning, enjoying peace, responsibility, and living without regret.
insights INSIGHT
Value the Planning Process
Planning is a process, not a fixed plan; plans will always be wrong because the future is unpredictable.
You should focus on your planning process rather than rigidly following your initial retirement plan.
insights INSIGHT
Intent of Retirement Planning
Retirement planning aims to give confidence to live fully now without sacrificing the future.
The process provides structure to adjust decisions as internal and external life changes unfold.
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In this episode, we wrap up our series on Process Over Panic by focusing on what truly deserves your attention in retirement planning. Plans change, life surprises us, and retirement is unpredictable. But a solid planning process — one you revisit and refine — will help you rock retirement. Join us for an insightful discussion that includes practical advice, personal anecdotes, and answers to listener questions.
SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN
(00:00) In this episode, we wrap up our Process Over Panic series by focusing on what truly deserves your attention in retirement planning. Inspired by Eisenhower’s quote — “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything” — we explore why your process, not your plan, is what will carry you through retirement with confidence.
ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD
(01:50) Roger shares a heartfelt retirement message through a set of creative prompts sent by a client
PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT
(03:40) What should you pay attention to?
(04:50) When you are doing retirement planning, you are planning for the future- something totally unpredictable.
(06:31) What deserves your attention in retirement planning?
(08:04) What is the intent of retirement planning?
(09:13) What are the obstacles to achieving our intent?
(13:10) Roger talks about how his experience in retirement planning gives him confidence.
(13:50) The Four Pillars of Retirement Planning help to build a flexible map for retirement.
(17:58) Roger explores the concept of the “Retirement Plan of Record” as a living document—not a one-time decision. Just like in relationships, decisions made once can lose their relevance over time if not revisited and reinforced.
(19:25) Roger goes back through the Four Pillars to talk about how often you should revisit them.
(24:10) Real-life reactions can reveal mismatches between theory and reality.
(25:06) Roger recommends compartmentalizing your retirement planning.
LISTENER QUESTIONS
(27:30) John says he didn’t like how Roger said “don't follow your retirement plan” in a recent episode.
(29:07) Steve asks a question about asset allocation.
(31:03) Steven asks which retirement certification to look for in a retirement advisor or coach.
(33:02) Anonymous listener says they're looking to purchase financial management software that is secure and does good analysis.
(34:41) Susan asks about Medicare penalties and health insurance while still employed after age 65.
SMART SPRINT
(37:30) In the next seven days, I want you to schedule your retirement planning meetings for the rest of the year.
BONUS
(38:33) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII journal.
Retirement Answer Man