It's a Mindset

Episode 69 - Retire Life Ready: Why It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Shape Your Financial Future with James Wrigley

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Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t want to work forever… but am I actually preparing for the retirement chapter of my life, or just hoping it sorts itself out?”

If that thought has ever floated through your mind, you’re in very good company. Only 33% of Australians feel financially prepared for retirement, which means most of us are quietly wondering if we’re doing enough - even if we’re not saying it out loud. That’s why this week’s conversation with James Wrigley is such a powerful one.

James is one of Australia’s most trusted and followed financial advisers, part-owner of First Financial, and the author of the newly released book Retire Life Ready.

James is the adviser people turn to when they feel stuck, overwhelmed or simply unsure what’s possible. He helps people zoom out, breathe, and see that they’re not behind, they’re not trapped, and they’re definitely not too late to shape a financial future they feel proud of. What I love about James is his ability to blend strategy with empathy.

His story - from accidentally applying for a job he didn’t fully understand straight out of uni, to discovering it was his forever career - reminds us that sometimes the best paths are the ones we don’t plan.

As a midlife woman myself, retiring life ready is no longer a “future me problem” - it’s something I’m intentionally thinking about. So I paid very close attention to everything James shared.

Key Episode Takeaways:

  • What you want to do with the third of your life you spend in retirement Retirement isn’t an ending - it’s a reimagining.
  • The sooner you start thinking about your retirement plan, the better, small actions today open big possibilities later.
  • The power of saying yes; being open to learning and making small changes can radically shift your future.
  • Knowing how much is “enough” for YOU - how to identify your personal level of financial comfort and freedom - not society’s.

    • About the Guest:

    James Wrigley is one of Australia’s most trusted financial advisers and part-owner of First Financial. With more than 20 years’ experience, he’s known for helping everyday Australians cut through overwhelm, make confident decisions, and prepare for the future with clarity. James is also the author of the newly released book Retire Life Ready, and his practical, jargon-free videos have reached hundreds of thousands of people online. His work blends empathy, strategy and straight-talking advice to help people create a retirement - and a life - they’re genuinely excited about.

    Show Resources:

    Follow James on Instagram - HERE

    Check out Jame's book, Retire Life Ready - HERE

    Learn More About First Financial - HERE

    Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE

    Learn More About Emma's Wealth Mastery Self-Paced Program - HERE

    If you LOVED the episode, please share it on your Instagram stories and tag @emmalagerlow and @iamjameswrigley - I love seeing your takeaways.

    Yours in Retiring Life Ready, Emma. X.

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    It's a MindsetBy Emma Lagerlow