Fritz Gilbert is the founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog dedicated to “Helping People Achieve a Great Retirement.” He’s also the author of Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years. After a 33-year career in Corporate America, Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 and now shares practical lessons to help others navigate their own retirement journey. He and his wife live in the Appalachian Mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia, with their three dogs, where they also run Freedom for Fido, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds free dog fences for low-income families with chained pets.

In this episode, Leonard and Fritz discuss:

• How Fritz launched The Retirement Manifesto blog and wrote 440+ articles on retirement strategy
• The most overlooked yet critical element of retirement success
• Why many retirees struggle with identity and purpose post-career
• The story behind Fritz and his wife founding the nonprofit “Freedom for Fido”
• The essential difference between “retirement” and “refirement”

Key Takeaways:

• A fulfilling retirement doesn’t come from savings alone—it requires thoughtful planning around identity, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose. Without this preparation, many retirees find themselves unfulfilled despite being financially secure.
• Starting the mental and emotional preparation for retirement at least two to three years before leaving the workforce significantly increases the chances of a smooth and meaningful transition. It’s not just about the money—it’s about mindset.
• Think of retirement not as a finish line, but as the beginning of a new chapter filled with passion projects, adventure, and personal reinvention. It's the opportunity to finally do what lights you up—on your own terms.
• When you contribute your time and energy to causes that matter, like volunteering, you often discover deeper relationships and a renewed sense of connection. Giving back adds purpose that money simply can’t buy.
• Following your curiosity can unlock unexpected joys in retirement. For Fritz, that curiosity led to founding a nonprofit that builds fences for dogs—proof that passion often starts with a single step.

“The number one key to a successful retirement is to start planning early—ideally two years out, one year at minimum. And don’t just focus on the financials. That’s a common mistake. You’ve got to expand your thinking into the non-financial areas as well.”

- Fritz Gilbert

Connect with Fritz Gilbert:

Websites: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/ , https://freedomforfido.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritzgilbert/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetirementManifesto 

Fritz’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Successful-Retirement-Staying-Productive/dp/164611339X 

Connect with Leonard Raskin:

Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal 

Email: [email protected]  

Leonard’s BOOK: FiduciWho?: What a Real Fiduciary Will Tell You about How to Protect, Grow, Enjoy, and Transfer Your Wealth

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.