085: Unexpected Visitors and the Most Dangerous Decade

085: Unexpected Visitors and the Most Dangerous Decade

From Retire Well by Josh Bretl

May 2, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 85

About this episode

Josh Bretl discusses the unexpected challenges of retirement and the critical decade surrounding it.

Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. This week, Josh Bretl shares a story about an unwelcome visitor in his car that serves as a perfect metaphor for the unexpected challenges of retirement. Whether it is a mechanical failure at home or a sudden shift in the stock market, being prepared is the key to maintaining your peace of mind. Josh and Mark Elliott dive deep into what experts call the most dangerous 10 year period of your financial life: the five years before and the five years after you retire. They discuss why this window is so critical for your long-term success and how the sequence of returns risk can impact your lifestyle. The conversation also covers the four big questions every retiree eventually faces, ranging from the size of your nest egg to the security of your loved ones. We explain why retirement is less about a math problem and more about the freedom to live life on your terms. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

People in this episode

Host: Josh Bretl

Guest: Mark Elliott

Topics covered

  • retirement planning
  • financial risks
  • sequence of returns
  • nest egg
  • peace of mind

Keywords

  • retirement
  • financial life
  • mechanical failure
  • stock market
  • long-term success

More episodes of Retire Well

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Retire Well podcast page.