About this episode

This episode explores the psychological aspects of retirement and how financial planners can assist clients in preparing for life after work.

Most retirement plans answer one question: Can I afford to retire? But far fewer answer the question that often matters just as much: What am I retiring to? In this episode, Cary Sinnett sits down with renowned researcher and Harvard Business School professor emerita Teresa Amabile to explore the hidden psychological transition that accompanies retirement. Drawing from more than a decade of research and interviews with retirees, she explains why many successful professionals fear retirement, why those fears are often misplaced, and how financial planners can help clients prepare for life beyond the balance sheet. Whether you're guiding clients toward retirement or thinking about your own future, this conversation offers practical insights into identity, purpose, relationships, and creating a retirement that truly works. Questions Discussed: Why do so many successful professionals fear retirement despite being financially prepared? What are the four psychological tasks every retiree faces? How can retirees preserve a sense of identity after leaving work? What role should financial planners play in preparing clients emotionally for retirement? What single question can advisors ask…

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