Do you know if you'll retire on time? In this episode, I explore a question I often hear: Why do some people retire on time, confidently, and on track, while others keep pushing it off or feel like it will never happen?

Additionally, I examine the differences in retirement experiences between men and women.  Along the way, I share personal insights, stories from clients, research findings, and practical planning tips that can help you prepare for a retirement you truly enjoy.

I share a powerful study from Harvard Business School that really stuck with me. This study shows how important it is to not only think about your goals but to write them down and make a plan to achieve them.

When it comes to retirement, I always ask people to be as specific as possible, right down to the exact month or even day they want to retire. The more detailed you are, the more likely you are to hit those targets.

I also talk about how retirement often looks different for men and women. Women frequently take on caregiving roles and are more likely to need long-term care themselves, making healthcare planning especially important.

Men typically pay more for Medicare supplements, while life insurance tends to be cheaper for women. I've also noticed that women often prioritize legacy goals, while men usually have pricier hobbies. Understanding these patterns can help couples build a more balanced retirement plan.

Another important topic I cover is the common belief that expenses and taxes drop significantly in retirement. I don't buy it. Healthcare costs, insurance premiums, and daily expenses like trash service, postage, and groceries keep going up.

Plus, inflation varies by location, so where you live matters a lot in your retirement plan. It's important to factor in local cost-of-living differences because they can impact your budget quite a bit.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (00:00 ) Intro.
• (03:30 ) How a specific retirement plan shows if you're on track.
• (06:30 ) Insights from a Harvard study on goal setting.
• (09:40 ) Differences in retirement planning for men and women.
• (17:20 ) Will expenses be cheaper in retirement? 
• (24:00 ) our free resources to help your planning.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Value of 2013 dollars today | Inflation Calculator
• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Why Some Retirement Products Can Trap Your Savings (and What to Watch For), Ep 187
• RetireStrong Financial Advisors | Financial Planner St Louis

Connect With Gregg Gonzalez

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
• Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/
• Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
• Follow Gregg on Facebook
• Follow Gregg on YouTube

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