In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explore a surprising reality revealed by a national retirement confidence study: nearly half of retirees feel anxious about spending the money they worked their entire lives to save. Even in a strong market environment, many retirees fear running out of money more than they fear not enjoying retirement.

Stewart explains why this anxiety is often emotional, not mathematical, and how a lack of clear cash flow planning leaves retirees disconnected from their true financial reality. You’ll hear real-world stories of retirees who had more than enough assets but still struggled to feel confident walking away from work or spending freely. The episode breaks down why market highs do not automatically equal retirement readiness and how long periods of flat or volatile markets must be planned for.

The conversation also covers why women often experience greater retirement anxiety, how longevity and healthcare costs factor into spending fears, and why having a portion of your money protected from market volatility is critical. Stewart shares how stress-tested cash flow modeling, even at a 0% rate of return, can provide clarity and confidence that guessing never will.

If you’re worried about spending in retirement, unsure if you’re truly ready to leave work, or want proof that your plan can survive real-world market conditions, this episode offers practical insight into how to turn savings into sustainable, stress-free income.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary retirement readiness and portfolio review.