YOUR EPIC RETIREMENT STARTS HERE!

Pack Like a Pro—For the Life You'll Love

Moving from the familiar rhythm of a 9–5 into the wide-open unknown of retirement can feel equal parts unnerving and thrilling. I like to think of it as planning an epic trip—Morocco, Thailand, Budapest—full of mystery, possibility, and excitement.

You step off the plane, grab your thoughtfully packed bags, and enter a brand-new world. That’s retirement. And just like travel, how you pack shapes the experience you’ll have.

Suitcase #1: Your Money

You don’t need a massive financial suitcase to retire well. You just need to manage what you already have with intention. Optimization—doing more with less—is one of my favorite challenges.

Your Income Side

Most retirement income flows from a few reliable places:

• Social Security and pensions. If you haven’t filed yet, visit SSA.gov and test different start dates.

• Savings and investments. A $120K investment earning 10% could support a $1,000/month withdrawal indefinitely—leaving you with that $120K after 10, 20, or 30 years.

• Roth IRAs. Growth is tax-free for life, and Roth accounts are incredibly helpful for managing taxes in retirement—and for passing money to heirs.

• Extra income streams. Rentals, part-time work, and side gigs like pet-sitting—retirement has plenty of creative ways to bring in extra income.

👉Get your free Retirement Geo-Arbitrage Road Map HERE to see how to stretch your retirement income.

Your Expense Side

Many retirees discover they spend about 25% less once they stop working—less commuting, fewer work clothes, fewer “I’m too tired to cook” nights.

A few key reminders:

• Medicare Part A is free, but think hospital-only coverage. Medicare Part B isn’t free and will likely run around $200/month in 2026. Delaying enrollment permanently increases your premium, something many people overlook when estimating Social Security income.

• A paid-off mortgage is a game-changer. It lowers your monthly expenses dramatically.

  • 👉Check out the $200 Housing in Retirement video linked below to help with this one.

• Eliminate consumer debt—credit cards, car notes, personal loans.

• Set up any credit you’ll need before retiring. Mortgages, car loans, even credit cards can be harder to get once you stop working.

Suitcase #2: Your Health

Your body is the transportation that carries you through this adventure. You can dream up an amazing itinerary—cobblestone streets in Lisbon, zip-lining in Costa Rica—but if the engine sputters or you’re low on fuel, you miss out on the best parts.

Here’s how to pack this suitcase well:

1. Move daily

Movement is freedom. Walking, stretching, balancing, and strength work help you stay mobile and confident enough to say “yes” to adventure without worrying about injury.

2. Guard your sleep

Sleep is your secret first-class upgrade and one you don’t hear about. It sharpens your brain, boosts your immune system, stabilizes your mood, and slows aging.

3. Fuel intentionally

After 50, your body needs more high-octane fuel. Your tank is only so big, so get the most out of your calories. Eating well can add years to your life and minimize risk of some of the more serious health issues.

Pack this suitcase well and you’ll open the door to everything you want to do—golf, hiking, biking, travel, exploring new places, or simply keeping up with grandkids.

Suitcase #3: Relationships and Connection

This last suitcase is the one people forget, yet it carries the most weight in shaping your happiness and longevity.

Work has been quietly filling this suitcase for decades—coworkers, routines, built-in social time. When work stops, this suitcase can suddenly feel uncomfortably empty. But retirement gives you the chance to refill it on purpose.

Strong relationships are one of the most powerful predictors of long life—sometimes more powerful than exercise or diet.

• Good relationships can add 5–10 years to your life

• They improve memory and slow cognitive decline

• Loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

Hold on to familiar connections, but don’t stop there. New experiences and new people literally wake up your brain and help fight against cognitive decline.

Be brave. Do it afraid. Let it be an adventure.

The Adventure Continues

Your career was an incredible journey. But your next epic adventure—retirement—is just beginning. Whether you’re preparing for the leap or already living it, there is so much ahead to discover, savor, and enjoy.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and keep living fully alive.

Other Resources

🎥 👉Watch the full video on this topic, and pack your bags for the adventures ahead — watch it HERE . ✈️

🎥 👉 And if you’re exploring ways to radically reduce housing costs while still living comfortably, be sure to check out the $200 Housing in Retirement video where I break down a 3-part strategy to get your housing cost under $200—watch it HERE. 🏡

⭐ Get your FREE Retirement Geo-Arbitrage Road Map by clicking HERE to see how to live life richer by just changing where you call home.