The Humans vs Retirement Podcast

Summary In this episode of the Humans vs Retirement podcast, I have a great conversation with Dr Thomas Mather, Head of the Centre for Behavioural Research for Aegon UK, about the emotional and behavioural challenges retirees face. Tom shares his expertise and research into the specifics around connecting and empathising with your future self and how we must challenge the narrative that retirement is the natural last phase of life. Dan & Tom discuss the importance of research in understanding these challenges and strategies to help individuals live a happy, healthy & wealthy retirement. What You’ll Learn The listener will learn about: The emotional and behavioural challenges of retirement. How to make confident and informed decisions about retirement planning. The importance of connecting with and empathising with one's future self. Having a strong and meaningful connection to the future. Spending money on things that bring joy and purpose. The societal expectation of retirement as the natural last phase of life. Encouraging a more open and adaptable approach to aging. The importance of self-knowledge and having a flexible mindset and playbook to adapt to unforeseen risks in retirement planning. About My Guest Tom heads up the Centre for Behavioural Research, at Aegon UK, a small team of behavioural scientists and psychologists who work in the space where Behavioural Finance and Financial Wellbeing meet. He has a PhD in Social Anthropology from Berlin and later completed further training in Behavioural Economics at LSE. He lives in Edinburgh with my wife and 6-year-old twins (who’re non identical twins and hence useless for experimental purposes). Find out more at www.humansvsretirement.com  

Summary In this episode of the Humans vs Retirement podcast, Dan is joined by author, workplace psychologist and founder of Retirement Life Plan, Pauline Johnson-Zielonka, to discuss our brain's battle with retirement. Polly, who has a PhD in human and organisational systems and a background in industrial psychology, shares her knowledge and approach to understanding retirement by drawing from positive psychology, social psychology, and industrial psychology. Together, Dan and Polly explore ways to help listeners overcome the behavioural, emotional, and financial challenges of life after work. What You’ll Learn The listener will learn about the challenges of retirement and how to prepare for them, including social and psychological adjustments, finding new avenues for fulfilling experiences, and building strong social networks outside of work. The episode emphasises the importance of individualised retirement planning and the need to consider personal priorities and circumstances. The guest, Pauline Johnson-Zielonka, shares her knowledge and wisdom on the topic based on her background in psychology and research. The episode also recommends a book on retirement and suggests seeking out retirement couples therapy or counselling to create a shared vision for retirement. About My Guest Polly Johnson-Zielonka is the author of the book Retirement Life Plan and a highly qualified guest on the Humans vs Retirement podcast. She holds a PhD in human and organizational systems and has a background in industrial psychology. Polly's book is full of thoughtful research, relatable case studies, and actionable reflective questions, making it a valuable resource for those considering retirement. She emphasises the importance of individuality and personal values when planning for retirement, as well as considering the needs of any partners or relationships. Polly currently resides in Orange County, California. Find out more by going to www.humansvsretirement.com

Summary In this episode of the Human vs Retirement podcast, Dan interviews author and behavioural finance expert Brian Portnoy. Brian is an expert in simplifying the complex world of money, and they delve into his book "The Geometry of Wealth." Throughout the episode, Brian shares insights from his years of experience coaching and mentoring people on financial wellness, offering tips and wisdom on how to overcome the behavioural, emotional, and financial challenges of retirement and specifically delves into his contentment framework of the 4 C’s. What You’ll Learn The listener will learn about retirement planning, including the challenges of retirement, the importance of finding purpose beyond financial stability, and the four sources of contentment in life. The episode also discusses the relationship between money, work, contentment, and happiness, as well as the role of adaptation in retirement planning. Brian emphasises the need to question whose script you are living and to be an editor of one's own life narrative. The episode includes recommendations for resources and tools for retirement planning. About My Guest Brian Portnoy is the founder of Shaping Wealth, a financial wellness platform that engages with individuals and organisations to make better money decisions. In his two highly acclaimed books in the field of behavioural finance, The Investor’s Paradox and The Geometry of Wealth, he tackles the challenges of making better financial decisions and figuring out how money fits into a joyful life. He has served as keynote speaker, seminar leader, and coach to thousands of investors on topics ranging from portfolio strategy to the connection between money and happiness. Brian has worked in the hedge fund and mutual fund industries for more than two decades. He is a CFA Charterholder, earned his doctorate at the University of Chicago, and serves on the advisory board for the Alliance for Decision Education. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three children. Find out more by going to www.humansvsretirement.com  

Abraham Okusanya, founder and CEO of Timeline, shares insights on how retirees can spend confidently. He tackles the myth of overly cautious spending and encourages enjoying the 'go-go years' of retirement. Abraham also challenges the U-shaped spending pattern, advocating for a dynamic approach to withdrawals rather than sticking rigidly to the 4% rule. He emphasizes aligning financial goals with personal values and the importance of open discussions between couples about their retirement plans.

Summary In this episode of the Human vs Retirement podcast, Dan explores the psychology behind spending money in retirement with licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, Dr. Joy Leary. Joy shares her journey from the clinical couch to the world of money and provides valuable insights on how our mindset affects our spending habits during retirement. Together, they discuss the behavioural and emotional challenges of life after work and draw on years of expertise and experience to offer practical and thoughtful solutions. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the psychological impacts of spending money in retirement. What You'll Learn The psychological impacts of spending money in retirement The importance of understanding the psychology of money and how it impacts financial planning, balancing financial well-being with healthy spending habits The role of financial role models The challenges of transitioning from a regular income to retirement Taking advantage of our "go-go years" to spend money on what's important Balancing life span and health span The emotional and relational connections people have with money and assets The emotional attachment people have to their homes and how it can affect their financial decisions The importance of validation and knowledge when it comes to money decisions The importance of self-observation and experimentation in improving financial well-being Living life on one's own terms, investing in relationships, taking care of one's body, and getting enough sleep for a happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement. More about us: www.humansvsretirement.com      

Summary In this episode of the Human vs Retirement podcast, Dan is joined by Dr Daniel Crosby, Chief Behaviour Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions, a clinical psychologist, behavioural finance expert, and New York Times best-selling author. In their discussion, Dr Crosby shares his journey from clinical psychology to finance and the behavioural challenges individuals face in retirement. They delve into the power of habits, the role of social connections, and the importance of understanding one's values when planning for retirement. Tune in for this insightful conversation on overcoming the behavioural, emotional, and financial challenges of retirement.  What You’ll Learn The listener will learn about the intersection of psychology and finance regarding retirement, including the emotional and psychological challenges of life after work, the importance of maintaining identity and purpose, the need for flexibility in your retirement plans, and the impact of money on happiness. This episode provides tips, mental models and tools for successful retirement planning and developing a mindset for a happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement.    More about us: www.humansvsretirement.com 

In this episode of the Humans vs Retirement podcast, Dan is joined by Neil Bage, co-founder of Shaping Wealth, to discuss the subconscious behaviours that drive decision making in retirement. As a renowned expert in bridging scientific theory with real world understanding, Neil offers valuable insights into understanding and overcoming behavioural and emotional challenges of retirement. Together, Dan and Neil examine the intersection of the behavioural, emotional, and financial challenges that retirees often face and offer practical advice for achieving a happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement. What You’ll Learn The listener will learn about the challenges of retirement, particularly the importance of understanding human behaviour and the need to maintain a sense of purpose and identity. The podcast emphasizes the importance of preparing early, identifying activities that bring happiness and fulfilment, and focusing on purpose and identity in retirement planning. Dan and Neil also discuss the cognitive changes that occur during retirement and the conflict between our present and future selves.   More about us: www.humansvsretirement.co.uk

When it comes to retirement, many waste precious time by letting their emotions and behaviours overtake their dreams and desires. As humans we are not wired for all that comes with a modern retirement and are in a battle to ensure their life after work gives them freedom and joy. Each episode of The Humans vs Retirement Podcast contains expert opinions and real retirement stories that look at the emotional, behavioural and financial challenges of life after work, which will give you tools and tips to live a happy, healthy and wealthy retirement.