About this episode
💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney dives into the essential elements of not just surviving, but thriving in retirement. We kick off with a listener's story about the challenges of early retirement and the important questions that arise during this transition. Then, we shift gears to a practical planning segment on how to rebalance your retirement portfolio as life and market conditions change. Lastly, we hear from Karen and Shannon, two adventurous retired women, as they share their inspiring experiences traveling internationally and building confidence in their new lifestyles. Tune in for insights that can help you rock your retirement! SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you rock retirement. (00:54) Next week on the show we are going to talk about how to quality check your retirement plan. ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (01:34) A listener sent in an email about her retirement experience. PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (04:50) In the practical planning segment, Roger reviews how to rebalance your portfolio in retirement. (06:30) What is rebalancing, and why does it matter in retirement? (08:30) How often should you rebalance your portfolio? (09:20) Step 1: Review your actual spending compared to your plan of record. (11:03) Step 2: Adjust or update your projected spending for the year ahead. (13:30) Step 3: Refresh your income estimates and update asset values. (15:19) Step 4: Run a feasibility check—use Monte Carlo simulations or your household balance sheet. (16:01) Step 5: Test your plan’s resilience and update your allocation strategy. (18:45) Step 6: Consider your contingency fund—how much cushion do you need, and how will you refill your 5-year income floor? INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON AND KAREN ABOUT TRAVELING IN RETIREMENT (22:51) Roger talks with Shannon and Karen about traveling internationally in retirement as single women. (31:10) You had several hurdles to overcome. (33:13) Karen says she likes traveling with a group and hiring individual guides. (37:05) Newer tours are much more curated and intimate than they used to be. (42:25) What advice would you give to someone who is single and nervous about traveling internationally alone? SMART SPRINT (47:34) ​In ​the ​next ​seven ​days,​ schedule an hour to an hour and a half during the third quarter of the year for a “retirement rebalancing meeting,” clearly outlining your plan on your calendar so you can prepare and follow through effortlessly. BONUS (48:30) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII journal. REFERENCES Submit a Question for Roger Sign up for The Noodle The Retirement Answer Man TRAVEL WEBSITES The History Chicks Podcast Zingerman’s Food Tours Road Scholar FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Follow Us on Facebook! Follow Us on Instagram