We Need An Honest Conversation About Retirement

Most of us picture retirement as the finish line, the reward after decades of work where everything finally falls into place. In this episode, financial life planner and author Michael F. Kay challenges that idea, explaining why retirement is actually one of the most complicated transitions we ever face. Drawing on his work with more than 4,000 people and his Chapter X framework, he reveals why so many retirees feel blindsided and why the real work is emotional, not just financial. Dr. Corinne Auman and Michael dig into the link between purpose and staying mentally sharp, the surprising relationship strain that retirement can create, and what it actually takes to prepare for who you become after work. Whether you are approaching this chapter or love someone who is, this conversation will reshape how you think about life after work. Learn more about Michael F. Kay - https://michaelfkay.com/ Download my free Well-Being Checklist and get 25 actionable steps to help you thrive in this next chapter of life. - https://bit.ly/43XCD0m CHAPTERS 01:57 Welcome and introducing Michael F. Kay 04:00 What Chapter X is and how it differs from traditional retirement 05:39 Why retirement is far more complicated than we are sold 10:03 The two big questions: who are you now and what is next 13:04 Why Michael hesitated to write the book 15:23 How to actually prepare emotionally, not just financially 22:02 Embracing aging: the senior games story 23:57 The truth about early retirement 26:34 Purpose, feeling needed, and avoiding cognitive decline 30:07 Renegotiating your relationship with a spouse or partner 31:55 A real story of two people not on the same page 36:12 Final thoughts and where to find Michael Learn more about Dr. Corinne Auman Buy the Keenagers Book - https://amzn.to/4esquWm Check out my website - https://corinneauman.com/ Subscribe to my instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneauman/ KEYWORDS retirement transition Chapter X framework Michael F. Kay financial life planning emotional preparation for retirement purpose in retirement cognitive decline and retirement use it or lose it brain health aging with purpose early retirement retirement identity who am I after work retirement and relationships spouse retirement adjustment senior games positive aging Keen on Aging podcast Dr. Corinne Auman life after work retirement planning beyond money