Most people treat retirement like a finish line, only to find themselves struggling with a crisis of identity and purpose once the work stops.

In this episode, Daniel talks with CFP and author Eric Brotman about why we need to change our vocabulary to change our outcome. Eric explains why retirement should be viewed as a "graduation" into your life's work, not a cessation of activity. He shares critical strategies for shifting from "playing offense" in your accumulation years to "playing defense" to protect your freedom, and why everyone needs a "Financial Editor" to check their blind spots. Listen to learn how to graduate into your next phase rather than just quitting your current one.

Key Talking Points:

• Why "retirement" definitions are broken and how the "graduation" mindset prevents an identity crisis
• The critical shift from playing Offense (Growth) to playing Defense (Risk Management)
• The "Day 2 Problem": How to build a moat around your financial castle
• The math of $1 Million: Why it might only provide a $40k/year lifestyle
• The "Financial Editor" concept: Why even financial advisors need advisors
• Why taking a "Trial Run" sabbatical is the only way to test your readiness

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Tools: www.escapetheclock.com/toolkit
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• Free Weekly Insights: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe

Episode Sources:

• From Strength to Strength — Arthur Brooks (2022) - https://arthurbrooks.com/book/from-strength-to-strength/
• A 65-year-old couple retiring in 2024 needs an estimated $330,000 for health care — Fidelity (2024) - https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/plan-for-rising-health-care-costs
• The 4% Rule (Safe Withdrawal Rates) — William Bengen (1994) - https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/MAR04%20Determining%20Withdrawal%20Rates%20Using%20Historical%20Data.pdf

Connect with Eric:

• Website: https://dontretiregraduatebook.com/
• Firm: https://bfgfa.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Retire-Graduate-Financial-Retirement/
• Podcast: https://bfguniversity.com/podcasts/
• Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/

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Thank you for listening!

This information is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.