Retirement can feel like a finish line, but when it gets close, it often feels more like a transition you’re not fully prepared for.

After years of saving, planning, and imagining what life could look like, the final year of work is when things start to get real. And that’s when a lot of people realize: dreaming about retirement is very different from actually stepping into it.

Drawing from ideas inspired by Fritz Gilbert of Retirement Manifesto, this episode breaks down six intentional steps you can take during your final year of work to make the transition smoother, more meaningful, and far less uncertain.

We talk through how to get clear on what you actually want retirement to feel like, how to stay engaged during the final stretch of work, and how to start practicing the habits and routines you’ll carry into your next chapter. This episode will help you step into retirement with confidence rather than guesswork.

Key Takeaways:

• Get clear on what you want retirement to feel like
• Stay engaged during the final stretch of work
• Practice spending and living off less income
• Separate personal life from your work
• Build a list of meaningful activities in advance
• Celebrate the transition into retirement intentionally

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Guest Summary:

Fritz Gilbert is the Founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog focused on “Helping People Achieve A Great Retirement.” He is the author of “Keys to a Successful Retirement - Staying Happy, Active and Productive in Your Retired Years.” Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 after a 33-year career in Corporate America and enjoys sharing the lessons he’s learned to help others on their journey. He and his wife live with their 3 dogs in the Appalachian Mountains in Blue Ridge, GA, where they enjoy managing their 501c3 charity Freedom For Fido, building free dog fences for low-income families with dogs on chains. They also enjoy many outdoor activities, RV travel, exercise, and spending time at their second home with their granddaughter in Southern Alabama. You can follow Fritz on Twitter, Facebook, or on his blog.

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