This Is Why Financially Ready People Struggle to Retire

Jul 22, 2025

Many financially secure professionals hesitate to retire, caught in the cycle of 'just one more year.' This discussion highlights the five dimensions of wealth: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. Time wealth, often overlooked, emphasizes the importance of living healthily and vibrantly. Physical health influences the enjoyment of retirement, while social connections enhance longevity and happiness. Lastly, mental wealth focuses on purpose and clarity, suggesting that true readiness may involve more than just financial security.

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ANECDOTE

High Earner's Retirement Hesitation

A high-earning professional saved diligently and was financially ready to retire.
Yet, he hesitated due to bonuses, stock vesting, and maximizing Social Security contributions.

INSIGHT

Value of Time Wealth

Financial wealth is only one aspect of retirement readiness.
Time wealth, the finite remaining healthy life seconds, is often undervalued yet critical to consider.

ADVICE

Prioritize Time With Loved Ones

Prioritize spending your limited time with loved ones and meaningful experiences.
Avoid over-optimizing finances at the expense of missed family holidays and quality moments.

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Even with a strong financial plan in place, many professionals find themselves hesitating at the retirement decision—stuck in the cycle of “just one more year.” The numbers say it’s possible, yet the fear of leaving behind a paycheck, a title, or a sense of purpose keeps them working long past the point of “enough.”

This episode reframes retirement readiness through the lens of the five dimensions of wealth: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. Financial wealth is just one piece. Time wealth—measured in the limited seconds of healthy, vibrant life left—is often the most undervalued. Physical health determines whether retirement years are active or restricted. Social wealth, built through decades of relationships, directly impacts longevity and joy. And mental wealth—peace, clarity, purpose—often gets sacrificed in the name of financial optimization.

For those who’ve diligently saved and planned, the biggest risk may not be running out of money. It may be running out of time to fully live.

Explore how shifting the question from “Can I afford to retire?” to “What am I giving up by staying?” can lead to a more fulfilling path forward.

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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