The first year after you stop working feels like a dream—then real life shows up. We map the true shape of retirement through four phases: the thrilling vacation year, the unexpected season of loss and being lost, the trial-and-error reset, and finally the reinvention that brings purpose back to the center. Drawing on insights from Dr. Riley Moynes, Tom Hegna, Dr. Wade Pfau, and years of client stories, we show why the nonfinancial side—routine, identity, relationships, and health—can make or break even the best-funded plan.

I walk through how decumulation planning turns savings into steady, tax-smart income, and why timing Social Security, coordinating withdrawals, and stress-testing healthcare costs matter more than chasing returns. We confront the surge in gray divorce with candid data and practical steps, from dividing assets and protecting Social Security to preparing for housing and legal expenses. We also unpack the emotional fallout—grief, anxiety, isolation—and the habits that rebuild meaning and community.

From the go-go to the slow-go and eventually the no-go years, the aim is a plan that funds life while life still feels full. That means clear cash flow for essentials, flexible savings for the fun, and long-term care strategies that protect dignity and family. You’ll leave with a realistic roadmap, sharper questions for your advisor, and a toolkit to rewire purpose as the years change. If you’re ready to design the next chapter with intention, hit play—and then share your phase, your worries, and your wins.

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To learn more about Brad Pistole and the Ozark Retirement Group, please visit www.ozarksretirement.com