Most people think retirement readiness is about hitting a number, but that’s only part of the story. In this episode, we explore the emotional and identity shifts that determine whether retirement becomes deeply fulfilling—or quietly disappointing.

Fritz Gilbert is the Founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog focused on “Helping People Achieve A Great Retirement.” He is the author of “Keys to a Successful Retirement - Staying Happy, Active and Productive in Your Retired Years.” Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 after a 33-year career in Corporate America and enjoys sharing the lessons he’s learned to help others on their journey. You can follow Fritz on Twitter, Facebook, or on his blog.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:34 Meet the Hosts and Guest
01:16 Fritz Gilbert's Journey to Retirement
02:57 Preparing for Retirement: Financial and Emotional Readiness
04:41 Dana's Perspective on Retirement
08:49 The Importance of Identity and Purpose in Retirement
13:46 Navigating the Phases of Retirement
27:45 Maintaining Health and Fitness in Retirement
30:41 Rediscovering Fitness in Retirement
31:09 Embracing New Fitness Routines
32:53 The Role of Technology in Fitness
33:40 Community and Social Connections
36:03 Inspiring Stories of Active Seniors
38:01 Freedom for Fido: A Charitable Endeavor
42:23 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
46:44 Relocating for a Fulfilling Retirement

Links & resources from this episode:
- Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com
- Keys to a Successful Retirement book: https://a.co/d/06IBa19o

Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:
- Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561
- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense

Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/
- X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast
Disclosure
This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

Choosing when to claim Social Security is an irrevocable decision that significantly impacts your long-term financial security. This episode breaks down the pros and cons of claiming early versus delaying, helping you build a strategy that fits your specific needs rather than following general rules of thumb.

Chapters:

Links & resources from this episode:

• Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com
• Bipartisan Policy Center article: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/article/social-security-claiming-age-importance-claiming-behavior-and-trends/
• WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/delay-social-security-retirement-cc6e1bbc?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqejPzh6kylw1IoijU-Nta5VkxfiA00SyGpR3fHSxg2Jrl9HzqRqTn1c76YomvQ%3D&gaa_ts=69126d1b&gaa_sig=AOKRoRLNcitSd_P1smLrbJDZqzD0xuyyq8-kngldpBJHhhtOR3wTjXFfHbRXy6P2Gvh8E4DffFqmfFtQ6beI-A%3D%3D
• Laurence Kotlikoff substack: https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/p/why-delaying-your-social-security
• Kitces article: https://www.kitces.com/blog/discount-rate-delaying-social-security-benefits-retirement-planning/

Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:

• Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561
• Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense

Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/
• X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast

Disclosure
This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

Financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated, and retirees are being targeted in ways most people don’t expect. In this episode, we explain the most common scams we’re seeing today and how to reduce your risk without overcomplicating your life.

• (00:32) -  Introduction and Overview
• (01:01) - Shocking Statistics on Financial Fraud
• (10:57) - Protecting Yourself: Tips and Tools
• (31:18) - Spotting Email Scams and Phishing Tactics
• (33:03) - Credit Freezing and Monitoring: Pros and Cons
• (39:08) - Elder Abuse and Financial Fraud
• (50:00) - Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams

• Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com
• Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/disney-employee-ai-tool-hacker-cyberattack-3700c931
• The Street: https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/got-a-letter-from-the-supreme-court-its-a-scam
• Hive Systems: https://www.hivesystems.com/password-table
• Retirement Income Institute: https://www.protectedincome.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IN-10-Heye_v1.pdf
• Report Fraud to FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• AARP Fraud Hotline: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense

Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MakingRetirementMakeSense
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense
• X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast

Disclosure

This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.