Retirement Goal Case Study

31 snips

Oct 29, 2025

In this insightful discussion, concepts like buoyancy and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are linked to successful retirement planning. Roger introduces two intriguing avatars—the Grinder, focused on safety, and the Dreamer, chasing self-actualization—each with distinct desires and challenges. The conversation reveals practical strategies for addressing triggers that prompt re-evaluation of retirement plans. Listeners gain personalized insights into balancing these archetypes for a fulfilling retirement journey, making planning not just secure, but truly inspiring!

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INSIGHT

Buoyancy As Retirement Metaphor

Buoyancy balances safety and aspiration like a hot-air balloon: too much cold air keeps you grounded and too much hot air makes you crash.
Retirement planning requires constant small adjustments to find that stable middle altitude.

INSIGHT

Maslow Frames Retirement Priorities

Maslow's hierarchy maps to retirement needs: base physiological and safety needs must be met before self-actualization.
Neglecting lower levels leaves you surviving, not thriving in retirement.

ANECDOTE

Advice Lab Created The Avatars

Roger describes an internal 'advice lab' where his team shares client experiences and refines planning approaches.
That collaborative process produced the Grinder and Dreamer avatar framework used in the episode.

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💬 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