20 Comments
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Bryan Kramer's avatar

This hits home. Retirement isn’t the goal, meaning is. I’m more focused on designing a life now that I don’t want to escape from later.

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Brian Clark's avatar

Hey Bryan, thanks! And given you've already moved to Portugal, you're ahead of the game!

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Bryan Kramer's avatar

Thanks - it was either move to Portugal or buy a treadmill, and this felt way more scenic.

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Greg Maxfield's avatar

I'm going to steal that thought: design a life now that I don't want to escape from later. Good one.

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Paul Chaney's avatar

Brian, I figure I can afford to live to 75. Heh. Then, my two sons will have to take care of me. I'll be reading the series with great interest. Even at 69, there is still time to turn things around.

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Brian Clark's avatar

You're a prime example of someone who is still going strong past so-called retirement age. Keep going!

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Paul Chaney's avatar

I will, Brian. I'm a product of my parents' upbringing. Mom ran her accounting and tax business into her 80s when her health turned poor, and dad ran his small trucking business into his 70s when he had a stroke. Work is in my DNA. But I love what I do! Thanks for the encouragement.

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Brian Clark's avatar

That's the key. I don't think many people actually just want to quit working. They most likely want to stop doing things they don't love.

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Paul Chaney's avatar

Absolutely.

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Greg Maxfield's avatar

Very glad that I stumbled on to this Substack. (Thank you algorithm!) I am 63 years old and have decided to retire "early" on July 31 this year. Ever since making that official in January, I have had whole strings of new thoughts. I am comfortable financially. But, "what if....." What if I live to 100? What if the economy collapses? What if I learn that retirement is actually boring? What if, what if, what if? Don't get me wrong, I am still VERY excited for the future that is coming. But still.....

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Brian Clark's avatar

Hey Greg! I think you're just being responsible to consider these questions. Research shows that most people are completely clueless about how long they may live, and this is setting us up for huge problems... especially for people who retire with "just enough" that doesn't factor in the inevitable financial shocks that will likely become even more frequent.

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Greg Maxfield's avatar

Full disclosure: I haven't consumed all of your content yet, but looking forward to it.

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Karo (Product with Attitude)'s avatar

Thank you for this post! I subscribed immediately.

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Kaila Krayewski's avatar

Wow, that is so sad that the number one concern is to run out of money during retirement ahead of death. 😢

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Brian Clark's avatar

It really is, but at least we’re being realistic.

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Tom Collins's avatar

Is the Guide a separate ebook or document? I subscribed, but haven't seen any sign of the Guide as you describe it.

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Brian Clark's avatar

Hi Tom. The six chapters of the Guide are linked in the welcome email when you subscribe. I'm working on a PDF version for people who prefer that format.

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Tom Collins's avatar

Yes, I'd prefer a PDF with it all in one place. Thank you!

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Brian Clark's avatar

I’ll let subscribers know when it’s ready!

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