Identify the uniqueness of your retirement situation and the variety of ways to build your retirement in a timely manner.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who is always on time for everything, or maybe you fall in the “go with the flow” category. Regardless, no one wants to wake up one day ready to retire but unable to because the retirement plan was missing something.
My guest on this week’s episode of “Retirement Revealed” is Mike Decker, author of the book “How to Retire On Time” and he sat down with me to share insights from his work. Are you ready to retire on time?
What Does “On Time” Really Mean?
When most people think about retiring on time, they think about hitting a specific age—like 62 or 65. But Mike and I agree that “on time” really comes down to two things:
It’s hard to have a successful retirement if you only focus on one piece of the puzzle. Financial security is important—but so is having a purpose, maintaining your health, and knowing what your days will look like when the 9-to-5 ends.
Start with the Financials—Then Build the Lifestyle
If you plan your retirement lifestyle first without knowing what your finances can support, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Imagine dreaming about nonstop international travel only to find out that your retirement budget won’t support it. That’s a hard letdown.
That’s why Mike suggests that step one is building a financial plan. Once you know what’s realistically possible, you can shape a lifestyle that fits your resources—and one that still excites you.
Your Retirement Plan Needs More Than a Number
It’s tempting to look for “one-size-fits-all” strategies: the 4% rule, dividend-only investing, annuities, or infinite banking. But Mike made a great point: many financial strategies can work—but that doesn’t mean they will work for you.
The truth is, retirement planning isn’t about choosing a silver bullet. Instead, Mike suggests:
You need to account for rising costs, shifting markets, changing health, and maybe even unexpected life decisions. That’s why building in flexibility—and avoiding oversimplified approaches—is so important.
Add the Emotional Piece
The emotional side of retirement can be even more complex than the financial. Many people hit their 50s or 60s and suddenly feel aimless, especially after years of focusing on work or raising kids. Add in losing a sense of identity and purpose, and it’s no wonder people feel unprepared—even if their finances are solid.
That’s why it’s crucial to plan for purpose as much as you plan for income. What will get you excited to get out of bed each morning? What do you want your relationships, your health, and your community involvement to look like?
Without this clarity, even the best financial plan can fall flat.
Build a Reservoir Strategy
One of the most practical tips Mike shared was the concept of a “financial reservoir”—a portion of your portfolio that is potentially less linked to market volatility and available when times get tough. It’s like the emergency water supply in a city.
Instead of counting on all your income to come from risky assets, your reservoir might include things like:
This buffer may give you options instead of selling stocks during downturns or scrambling for income when the unexpected hits.
Be Wary of Overhyped Strategies
Mike and I also talked about the danger of echo chambers—people promoting the same product because it’s what they sell, not necessarily because it’s what’s best for you. Whether it’s annuities, life insurance, or investment newsletters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hearing only one side.
Remember: no strategy is perfect. Protection has a price. Growth comes with risk. Liquidity often means giving up some safety. Know what you’re trading off—and make sure it fits your plan.
One More Strategy for Real Estate Investors
If you’re a landlord nearing retirement, we also discussed the “landlord exit strategy,” specifically through Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). If you’re tired of tenants and toilet repairs but don’t want to trigger huge taxes from selling property, Mike shares his thoughts on how a DST could potentially offer a 1031 exchange option with hands-off income generation.
It’s Not About One Thing—It’s About the Right Things
Retirement is too important to wing it or follow a cookie-cutter strategy. You need a clear plan—one that’s flexible, realistic, and rooted in both financial facts and emotional readiness.
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