The Humans vs Retirement Podcast

What really matters in retirement? After the spreadsheets are done, the portfolio's in place, and the paycheque has stopped, what's left? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Fritz Gilbert, author of Keys to a Successful Retirement and founder of The Retirement Manifesto, to explore the non-financial side of life after work. We dive into the real questions: How do you stay fulfilled? Where do you find purpose? And how do you avoid the emotional pitfalls so many retirees never see coming? Fritz shares his "10 Commandments of Retirement", a personal code he created before stepping away from corporate life and how each one has guided his journey. From "Make No Obligations" to "Keep Eternity in Mind," these principles offer a practical, heartfelt framework for anyone who wants to retire with intention, freedom, and joy. What You'll Learn Why mindset matters more than money in retirement How to create your own guiding principles for life after work The 90/10 Rule: Why most people focus on the wrong things before retiring How Fritz skipped the "retirement depression" so many experience Why giving yourself space and grace in your first year can change everything How to find (or rediscover) your purpose in the second half of life The surprising power of legacy, contribution, and shared purpose Key Topics Discussed Fritz's "10 Commandments of Retirement" and how they've held up over time The emotional challenges many retirees face and how to prepare for them What it means to shift from saving to spending, from doing to being The founding story of Freedom for Fido and how it brought deeper meaning to retirement The role of mindset, curiosity, and experimentation in building a rich post-career life Why "retirement planning" must include much more than your finances How to craft your own post-career mission, values, and personal compass Resources & Mentions The Retirement Manifesto Blog Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert – Buy on Amazon Fritz's article: The 10 Commandments of Retirement Freedom for Fido Charity Your Next Step Want to retire well? Start by writing your own commandments. Define your values, your purpose, and what a great life looks like before you leave work. Let's Keep the Conversation Going Follow & connect with Fritz: LinkedIn Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Connect with Dan: LinkedIn Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective!

In this uplifting and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Patrice Jenkins, author of What Will I Do All Day?, to explore the real heart of retirement beyond financial plans. Together, we dig into why retirement is not simply about staying busy, but about rediscovering meaning, purpose, identity, and joy. Patrice shares insights from her decades of counseling and interviews with retirees, offering a compassionate, practical guide to navigating the messy, magical transition into post-career life. What You Will Learn Why financial readiness alone doesn't guarantee a happy retirement. The emotional stages of transitioning into retirement and why patience is crucial. How to rediscover passions, build social portfolios, and embrace "space." Why successful retirements often include a form of meaningful "work." How to avoid the trap of being "busy but unfulfilled." Simple frameworks to plan your next two years, not just your next thirty. Key Topics Discussed The difference between hiding out and holding out when nearing retirement. The importance of purpose, agency, and intention in retirement planning. Why internal validation matters more than external praise after leaving work. How relationships - spouses, adult children, friendships - evolve post-retirement. Embracing play, experimentation, and curiosity in later life. Strategies to transition through the inevitable "messy middle" of change. How to think differently about work as part of a fulfilling retirement. Resources Mentioned What Will I Do All Day? by Patrice Jenkins Patrice's Website — patricejenkins.com Richard Leider's The Power of Purpose Book Mention: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins Memorable Quotes "Retirement is not about keeping busy. It's about living meaningfully and purposefully every day." — Patrice Jenkins "Work gave you structure, identity, and purpose — but your next chapter can too. It just takes intention." — Patrice Jenkins "Perhaps work kept you so busy that you forgot what you used to love. It's time to remember." — Patrice Jenkins "You don't have to figure out your whole retirement — just the next two years." — Dan A Takeaway Exercise The 'What Lit You Up?' Reflection Grab a pen and a notebook. Reflect and jot down: What activities made you lose track of time when you were 10 years old? What hobbies or interests did you abandon during your working years? What would you do with a free afternoon if no one was watching? Circle one that sparks excitement and design a small experiment to try it out in the next two weeks! A Final Thought Retirement isn't the end of the story, it's the beginning of a new one. The key isn't to stay busy; it's to stay true. Stay curious. Stay purposeful. Whether you're months away from retirement or years in, there's always an opportunity to dream, to experiment, and to build a life you're excited to wake up to. Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please: Subscribe to The Humans vs Retirement Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts Leave a rating and review, it really helps! Share this episode with someone who's thinking about (or struggling with) their retirement journey. Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix

Join Dr. Riley Moynes, an author and speaker renowned for his TED Talk on the Four Phases of Retirement. He delves into why retirement is more about emotional and psychological shifts than finances. Listeners will uncover the four distinct phases retirees typically experience, from the initial excitement to the challenges of loss of identity. Dr. Moynes emphasizes the importance of redefining purpose and building relationships. His insights offer listeners a roadmap to navigate this transformative life stage with intention and fulfillment.

In this insightful conversation, David Marlow, a veteran leader and author of The Ikigai Way, discusses the transformative power of the Japanese concept of Ikigai in shaping a fulfilling retirement. He shares his diverse career journey and emphasizes aligning personal passions with daily activities. Marlow highlights how discovering one's purpose can enhance mental and physical health during retirement. He also dives into the importance of community and mentorship, and encourages a reframing of retirement as a vibrant new chapter instead of an ending.

Lindsay Troxell, a coach and life planner, dives into the emotional side of retirement. She reveals how financial readiness doesn’t guarantee happiness and discusses the identity crises that often accompany this life transition. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of redefining purpose and values, advocating for a holistic approach to planning. She encourages embracing a growth mindset to find joy and fulfillment in the second half of life, especially for child-free entrepreneurs, shifting the focus from mere numbers to authentic living.

This is episode 75! And I'm thrilled to introduce my guest today. He is a true pioneer in the field of behavioural finance, Dr. Greg Davies. Greg is the Head of Behavioural Finance at Oxford Risk and has spent his career shaping how we understand investor psychology, financial decision-making, and the emotional complexities that come with managing money—especially in retirement. In this episode, we'll explore the behavioural traps that retirees often fall into, how to build financial resilience, and why understanding your own psychology is just as important as having a well-structured portfolio. Throughout our conversation, Greg and I explore the multifaceted aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of guaranteed income and its psychological benefits. We discuss how behavioural finance plays a crucial role in spending habits during retirement, the impact of inflation on purchasing power, and the distinction between risk and volatility in investment strategies. We also touch on future trends in retirement planning, particularly the potential need for and benefits of health insurance and a shift in focus from bequest to spending during retirement. Key Takeaways Greg Davis shares his journey from economics to behavioral finance. Behavioral finance combines psychology, economics, and finance. The importance of practical applications of behavioral science in finance. People often make poor financial decisions due to cognitive biases. Simplifying complex financial concepts is crucial for better decision-making. Emotional comfort plays a significant role in financial decisions. Retirement planning today is more complex than in previous generations. Technology can help simplify financial decision-making processes. Understanding personal values is essential for effective retirement planning. The removal of guaranteed income streams complicates retirement planning. Financial advisors often overlook the emotional aspects of retirement planning. Guaranteed income can alleviate fears of running out of money. Behavioral finance significantly influences spending habits in retirement. People with guaranteed income tend to spend more comfortably. Inflation poses a significant risk to retirement savings. Understanding the difference between risk and volatility is crucial for investors. Many retirees are too conservative with their investment strategies. Health insurance will become increasingly important in retirement planning. The focus of retirement planning is shifting from bequest to spending. Planning for retirement should consider both financial and emotional factors. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Greg Davis and His Journey 01:22 - The Intersection of Behavioral Science and Finance 05:45 - Building a Behavioral Finance Team at Barclays 10:53 - Understanding Behavioral Challenges in Retirement 21:57 - Navigating Retirement in a Complex World 29:50 - The Emotional and Financial Aspects of Retirement Planning 32:04 - The Role of Guaranteed Income in Retirement 36:16 - Behavioral Benefits of Guaranteed Income 40:05 - Real-Life Impacts of Guaranteed Income 44:23 - Inflation and Its Impact on Retirement Planning 48:37 - Understanding Risk vs. Volatility in Investments 57:27 - Future Trends in Retirement Planning Books & Authours Mentioned Nudge by Richard Thaler Misbeahving by Richard Thaler Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman Research & Papers Referenced "A License to Spend" by David Blanchett, Michael Finke, and Wade Pfau The Jam Study (Choice Overload Study) by Shenna Lyengar and Mark Lepper Other Things to Note Oxford Risk Connect with Greg on LinkedIn Humans vs Retirement The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement

Bob is a pioneer in the psychology and social science of retirement. He is a five-time best-selling author, nationally syndicated columnist and recognized presenter at retirement conferences across the US. He is the founder of the Retirement Coaches Association, Certified Professional Retirement Coach Designation and Retirement Intelligence Assessment. His work has reached millions of retirement readers through seven books, twelve guides, and over 800 articles. In addition to his own writings, he frequently appears in major business media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNBC, MarketWatch, the New York Times, and more. As a former social worker turned retirement expert and author, he has found that retirement is among the most fascinating, yet least understood, phases of life. As a result, he has developed a powerful message to tackle the mental, social, physical, spiritual, and financial aspects of retirement. In this episode Bob and discuss the common misconceptions about retirement, the rise of grey divorce, and the importance of pre-retirement planning. We also tackle some tricky subjects and highlight the dark side of retirement, including loneliness and addiction, and the necessity of establishing new routines to maintain mental health and social connections post-retirement. Bob discusses the evolving concept of retirement, emphasising the importance of identity, purpose, and personal fulfilment over financial wealth and he introduces the Retirement Quotient framework, which assesses readiness for retirement through various personal dimensions, including emotional and spiritual well-being. Key Takeaways Retirement planning should focus on the individual, not just finances. Many retirees experience a drop in social interactions. Pre-retirement planning is crucial for a successful transition. The 'honeymoon phase' of retirement can lead to disillusionment. Loneliness and addiction are significant issues in retirement. Couples often struggle with identity and purpose post-retirement. Establishing new routines is essential for mental health. Workaholism can hinder the retirement experience. Communication between partners is vital for a successful retirement. Retirement should be planned as a new chapter, not an end. The new wealth is found in work-life balance and connections. Retirement amplifies who you already are, not who you want to be. Maslow's hierarchy applies to retirement, focusing on self-actualization. Retirement requires a proactive framework for success. The Retirement Quotient assesses personal readiness for retirement. Understanding personal traits is crucial for retirement planning. Retirement is an empty bucket that needs to be filled meaningfully. Mindset and habits are essential for a fulfilling retirement. Stop waiting for retirement to start living your values. The only guarantee in retirement is the inevitability of death. Books Mentioned Retirement Intelligence – Bob Laura's book From Strength to Strength – Arthur Brooks book mentioned in the discussion about workaholism and identity) The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware's book referenced when discussing regrets and priorities in retirement The Power of Regret – Daniel Pink's book talked about in relation to turning regrets into action Websites & Resources Retirement Coaches Association – Bob Laura's organization focusing on retirement coaching Bob Laura's Website – Link to Bob Laura's official website for resources, blogs, and retirement coaching. Retirement Quotient (RQ) Assessment – Bob's online assessment tool for RQ Harvard Study of Adult Development – The famous study mentioned in the discussion about social connection and longevity. Other Mentions Gray Divorce Statistics – The Gray Divorce Revolution: Rising Divorce Among Middle-aged and Older Adults, 1990-2010 Loneliness & Aging Research – Loneliness in Old Age: An Unaddressed Health Problem Humans vs Retirement The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement

Today I welcome Leisa Peterson to the show, Leisa is the author of The Mindful Millionaire in which she writes brilliantly about overcoming scarcity, experiencing true prosperity and creating the life you really want. Leisa is on a mission to help 1,000,000 people elevate their financial consciousness by realizing their true value and creating greater financial security for themselves. As a money coach, business consultant and spiritual teacher, Leisa host's the Mindful Millionaire podcast as well as virtual workshops and transformative retreats. Her masterful blend of sound financial strategy and mindfulness training helps people break free of patterns of lack, scarcity and money fears, allowing them to finally lead the rewarding, fulfilling, and abundant lives they most desire. Leisa has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and The Huffington Post to name a few and has been featured on many podcasts and radio shows. In this great conversation Leisa and I explore the intricate relationship between money, mindset, and personal values. Leisa shares her journey from a life of scarcity to becoming a mindful millionaire, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's emotional connection to money. We discuss how past experiences shape financial behaviours, the significance of cultivating a prosperity mindset, and the role of mindfulness in overcoming financial fears. We explore the importance of slowing down to make better financial decisions, aligning spending with personal values, and confronting financial realities. There is also some great nuggets of wisdom as we talk about the normalization of financial fears, the impact of past money stories, and the process of rewriting financial narratives. And make sure you listen in as Leisa introduces her, I Prosper process, which integrates mindfulness and emotional wellbeing into financial planning, ultimately leading to a reinvention of life and relationships. Key Takeaways The journey from scarcity to abundance is transformative. Understanding your money mindset is crucial for financial well-being. Mindset is deeply emotional, not just logical. Focusing on what you have can shift your perspective. Redefining success involves aligning values with financial decisions. Life events can catalyze significant changes in financial perspectives. Fear often drives financial decisions and behaviors. Storytelling can make financial planning more relatable and effective. Mindfulness practices can help manage financial anxiety. Emotional awareness is key to enjoying life and spending money. Slowing down is essential for better decision-making. Aligning spending with personal values can enhance fulfillment. Confronting financial realities can be daunting but necessary. Normalizing financial fears helps in addressing them. Understanding past money stories can reveal limiting beliefs. Rewriting financial narratives is possible at any stage of life. The I Prosper process offers a holistic approach to financial planning. Reinventing life involves prioritizing meaningful relationships. Every moment of life is precious and should be cherished. Mindfulness in financial planning can lead to emotional wellbeing. Books Mentioned: The Mindful Millionaire by Leisa Peterson https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Millionaire-Overcome-Experience-Prosperity-ebook/dp/B0818QDPW1 The Money Catalyst by Leisa Peterson (Upcoming Release on May 11, 2025) (Pre-order link to be added when available) Websites & Resources: Leisa Peterson's Wealth Clinic https://www.wealthclinic.com The Mindful Millionaire Podcast https://www.wealthclinic.com/podcast/ Concepts & Frameworks: The I PROSPER® Framework Leisa's 8-step process to help individuals transform their relationship with money. More details can be found here: https://www.wealthclinic.com/i-prosper-process/ Additional Resources: Mindfulness & Money Mindset Explore articles and resources on financial mindfulness at https://www.wealthclinic.com/mindful-millionaire-book/ Research on Spending & Happiness A study by Harvard Business School on how spending impacts well-being: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=50495 Related Media: Interview with Leisa Peterson: How To Become A Mindful Millionaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0ghHVy9ww Humans vs Retirement The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement

Julian Hince, a recently retired financial services professional, shares his heartfelt journey into retirement. He discusses the emotional hurdles faced during this transition, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional advice despite personal expertise. Julian highlights the need for open conversations about finances, challenging societal misconceptions. He reflects on the transformative joy of retirement, focusing on meaningful experiences and family relationships, and underscores the significance of personal accountability in navigating this new phase of life.

Summary In this episode I get to chat with author and behavioural scientist, Richard Shotton. Richard specialises in how humans make choices and has written 2 excellent books on this subject, the choice factory and the illusion of choice. He further specialises on applying findings from psychology and behavioural science to how businesses market their services and why consumers buy stuff In this episode, Richard discusses the intersection of behavioural science and marketing, particularly in the context of how people make spending decisions in retirement. He shares insights from his research and experiences, highlighting the importance of fairness, social proof, and the emotional aspects of financial choices. Our discussion also emphasizes the benefits of spending on experiences and others, as well as the challenges individuals face in transitioning from saving to spending during retirement. Richard and I explore the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on behavioural economics and the psychological factors that influence spending habits. We discuss the importance of making financial decisions easier, and the impact of loss aversion on retirees' spending behaviours. We also delve into the paradox of choice and how an abundance of options can lead to decision paralysis. Key Takeaways Behavioral science can significantly improve marketing effectiveness. Fairness influences decision-making, often leading to suboptimal choices. Social proof plays a crucial role in financial decisions, especially in retirement. People often focus too much on outcomes rather than the decision-making process. Experiential spending tends to yield greater happiness than material purchases. Generosity in spending can enhance personal happiness. Expectations can heavily influence our experiences and satisfaction with purchases. Consistency bias can hinder the transition from saving to spending in retirement. Nudges can effectively guide individuals towards better financial choices. Understanding behavioral biases is key to making informed decisions. The shift in saving defaults has significantly influenced saving habits. Making financial decisions easier can lead to better outcomes. Loss aversion plays a crucial role in how people spend their money. People are more likely to spend from guaranteed income than from capital. The paradox of choice can hinder decision-making in retirement planning. Financial advisors should use simple language to communicate effectively. Concrete stories are more memorable than abstract concepts in financial advice. Visualizing retirement can help individuals make better financial decisions. Defaults in financial products can greatly impact consumer behavior. Understanding and leveraging biases can improve financial planning outcomes. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Behavioral Science in Marketing 06:01 - Social Proof and Herd Mentality in Retirement 12:10 - Spending Money Wisely: Experiences vs. Material Goods 17:53 - The Importance of Generosity in Spending 28:10 - Consistency Bias in Retirement Spending 36:02 - Behavioral Insights on Spending and Saving 42:10 - Navigating the Paradox of Choice 50:02 - Effective Communication for Financial Advisors Links The Choice Factory The Illusion of Choice The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement