Summary

Eric is the founder and CEO of BFG Financial Advisors a large financial planning business in Baltimore, USA that specialises in retirement planning.

As well a writing his book Eric hosts a podcast by the same name and id a regular contributor to forbes.com and Sunday morning TV in Baltimore

In this conversation Eric and I discuss the concept of retirement as a graduation and the need to redefine retirement as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Eric highlights the significance of having an abundance mindset and being open to reinventing oneself in retirement. 

Eric shares the three secrets to the happiest retirees: being debt-free, taking care of your health, and having a sense of purpose.

Takeaways

• Retirement should be seen as a graduation and an opportunity for growth and exploration.
• Financial independence is key to a fulfilling retirement, and it is important to plan for it early in life.
• Having an abundance mindset and being open to reinvention can lead to a more fulfilling retirement.
• Financial literacy is crucial in achieving financial independence and making informed decisions.
• The fear of running out of money in retirement can be alleviated by working with a financial advisor and having a well-thought-out plan.
• The three secrets of the happiest retirees include embracing a second childhood, cultivating wisdom and mindset, and finding purpose and identity in retirement. Being debt-free or adverse debt-free is important in retirement to reduce anxiety and ensure a peaceful retirement.
• Taking care of your health is crucial, as it is easier to stay healthy than to get healthy.
  Having a sense of purpose gives retirees a reason to get out of bed every morning and brings fulfilment to their lives.
• Retirees should plan and have intention in their retirement to ensure a smooth transition and make the most of their time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
06:03 Redefining Retirement as a Graduation
09:25 Embracing a Second Childhood
14:10 Compounding Mindset and Wisdom
19:25 Finding Purpose and Identity in Retirement
23:21 The Emotional and Psychological Challenges of Retirement
28:20 The Importance of Financial Literacy
35:25 The Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement
37:47 Achieving Financial Independence without Being Good with Money
42:56 The Three Secrets of the Happiest Retirees
43:05 The Three Secrets to the Happiest Retirees
44:05 Taking Care of Your Health
45:01 Having a Sense of Purpose
46:44 Debt and Financial Freedom
48:29 The Importance of Good Health
49:26 The Value of Purpose in Retirement
50:23 The Inflation Rate for Retirees
52:13 Planning and Intention in Retirement
53:10 Finding a Sense of Purpose in Retirement
54:08 What Financial Freedom Looks Like

Episode Links & Resource

• Buy Eric’s book Don’t Retire… Graduate!
• Listen to Eric’s Podcast
• Connect with Eric on LinkedIn
• WealthGPS – Lifestyle Financial Planning by TFP
• Download My FREE Retirement Toolkit
• Subscribe to my Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter