Inside The Plan

Managing Retirement Expectations

In this enlightening episode, Bill and Andy Bush of Horizon Retirement Plans delve into the intricacies of planning for retirement, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights. The brothers discuss expectations versus reality in retirement planning, the impact of health and work dynamics on retirement age, and strategies for ensuring a fulfilling and financially secure retirement.

Episode Highlights:

- **00:00:08:** The episode kicks off with introductions and a heartwarming recount of the Bush brothers taking their mother to the Kentucky Derby, setting a personal tone while hinting at the broader theme of family and retirement.

- **00:01:10:** The conversation shifts to the reality of aging and health as they compare their active mother to their slower-pacedbretired father, introducing the episode's core topic of retirement expectations.

- **00:02:01:** Bill and Andy discuss how most people's retirement age expectations do not align with reality, citing a significant statistical deviation discovered by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

- **00:03:12:** The importance of understanding Social Security's full retirement age is highlighted, pointing out common misconceptions and the reasons people might retire earlier than planned, often due to health or unexpected job changes.

- **00:05:00:** Delving into the reasons people retire early, the dialogue covers health issues, family care responsibilities, and company downsizing, emphasizing the unpredictability of work and health on retirement plans.

- **00:05:58:** The brothers advocate for having a backup plan including disability insurance and saving aggressively, aiming for two years of expenses in a liquid account as a cushion for market downturns.

- **00:07:41:** Discussion about those who retire on their own terms, contrasting full retirement with partial retirement and examining reasons for continuing to work that range from financial needs to personal fulfillment.

- **00:09:26:** Exploring motivations behind part-time work post-retirement, distinguishing between working out of necessity versus desire, indicating a trend toward seeking engagement and fulfillment even in later years.

- **00:12:03:** The episode wraps up with an exploration of transitioning to retirement, emphasizing the need for purpose, proper use of time, socialization, and health management to make retirement fulfilling, borrowing concepts from JP Morgan's PUSH framework.

Key Takeaways:

1. Retirement expectations often do not match reality, with many retiring earlier due to health or employment changes.

2. Planning for retirement requires considering health insurance, adequate savings, and the timing of Social Security benefits.

3. Partial retirement and part-time work can offer financial flexibility, purpose, and social engagement, enhancing the retirement experience.

4. Purpose, use of time, socialization, and health (PUSH) are crucial for a fulfilling retirement, suggesting retirees need to plan not just financially, but holistically.

Tweetable Quotes:

- "Most people's retirement age expectations don't align with reality - plan not just for the when, but also for the unforeseen whys." -

Bill and Andy Bush

- "Retirement is more than just financial planning; it's about crafting a life that continues to bring purpose, joy, and health." - Bill and Andy Bush

Resources Mentioned:

- https://www.horizonfg.com/