Author Benjamin Brandt explains how retirement planning starts with the practice during your working years in order to prepare for a successful retirement

Remember when you graduated high school and you got all these books about planning for your future and advice pouring in from every direction? My guest on this week’s episode of “Retirement Revealed”, Benjamin Brandt, equated this time to entering retirement. While the magnitude of life change is similar, the guidance on how to actually live in retirement is nowhere near as prevalent. If you’re planning your retirement or already living it, this episode with author and podcast host Benjamin Brandt will help you optimize your retirement experience.

Many people think of retirement as purely a financial transition, but Benjamin emphasized that it’s much more than that. Of course, having enough money saved is crucial, but just as important is planning for how you’ll spend your time.

Retirement brings 40+ extra hours into your week, and if you don’t have a plan, boredom or lack of purpose can creep in. Benjamin advises his clients to create a “retirement budget” that includes not just money but time. Consider what your ideal day looks like, how you’ll stay active, and what will bring you joy.

Benjamin shared a great strategy: treat your first year of retirement as an experiment. Rather than committing to a rigid schedule, give yourself the flexibility to try new hobbies, explore part-time work, or travel more. This “trial run” approach allows you to adjust your expectations and refine your retirement lifestyle without feeling locked into decisions.

Retirees sometimes struggle with an unexpected identity shift as they transition from a well-established lifestyle and persona to a completely new set of life circumstances. If your sense of self has been tied to your job for decades, it can be challenging to suddenly redefine who you are. This is why testing different activities in the first year can help you transition more smoothly.

One of the biggest mental hurdles retirees face is the fear of spending their savings. After years of accumulating wealth, switching to a withdrawal mindset can be difficult. Benjamin provided a simple but powerful perspective: “You saved this money to enjoy it. Don’t let fear keep you from living the retirement you envisioned.”

A well-thought-out withdrawal strategy can ease this anxiety. This includes setting up a structured income plan that ensures your basic needs are covered while also allowing for discretionary spending. By planning out the financial aspects carefully, you can enjoy your retirement without constantly worrying about running out of money.

Benjamin also stressed the importance of purpose. Some retirees find meaning in volunteering, mentoring, or even launching a small business. Others may find joy in travel, hobbies, or spending time with family. The key is to identify what gives you a sense of fulfillment and make it a regular part of your routine.

One of the most inspiring takeaways from our discussion was Benjamin’s encouragement to embrace change. Retirement is not a static phase of life—it’s an ongoing journey of growth and adaptation. Whether that means relocating to a new state, taking up a passion project, or reinventing your daily routine, the best retirements are those that remain dynamic.

Retirement isn’t just about financial security—it’s about designing a life you love. By experimenting with new activities, overcoming financial fears, and focusing on purpose, you can create a fulfilling and joyful retirement. It’s like we were told growing up: practice makes perfect! Now go apply it to your retirement.

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