One of the things I talk about a lot is that we’re all planning for longer lives.

We’re working longer, retiring later and, for many of us, spending 30 or 40 years in the semi-retirement and retirement phase of our second half of life. But while we spend a lot of time thinking about the financial side of that equation, we don’t always spend enough time thinking about the physical and social side.

How strong do we want to be? How mobile do we want to be? And who are we going to spend all those extra years with?

In this week’s episode of Prime Time, I sit down with Van Marinos. He is an Accredited Exercise Scientist, a physical educator, and the founder of Community Moves - an organisation dedicated to functional fitness for older adults. He’s also the author of Strong & Social, a new book built around a simple idea: staying fit in our prime years isn’t just about the physical heavy lifting. It’s also about the community we build along the way that makes it enjoyable.

We discuss why it’s never too late to start exercising, the role strength training plays in healthy ageing, and why finding your tribe may be just as important as finding the right workout.

Your healthspan is just as important as your lifespan. Because ageing well isn’t just about adding years to your life- it’s about making sure those years are healthy, active, connected and independent.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• It’s never too late to start: Why age is far less of a barrier to exercise than most people think.

• What are you training for? How our fitness goals change in the second half of life.

• The strength training gap: Why so few people do it, despite the enormous benefits.

• Find your tribe, not just your workout: Why community may be the secret ingredient to staying active.

• The hidden health risk we don’t talk about enough: What loneliness and social isolation can do to our wellbeing.

• Balance is about more than standing on one leg: Why preventing falls starts much earlier than most people realise.

• The simplest way to get started: Van’s advice for anyone who feels they’re beginning from scratch.

• Strong and social: Why movement and connection may be one of the most powerful combinations for healthy ageing.

From Bec’s Desk

My health kick from the beginning of the year is still going. Is yours? I have to admit - I had a setback, when too many days of travel upset my neck and back and I had to slow down on the lifting heavy, and focus more on small muscle exercises. But, I have done that for a bit, and am on the mend. That’s the thing I’m finding, body awareness, health awareness and muscle awareness is important in this phase, particularly if we want to maintain our ability to hike up hills, ski down mountains and jump on a bike and go for a cruise. And these are a high priority for me.

Van is an inspiration, not just because he’s helping people maintain their health, but because he’s helping people build community around that, which we know is something that helps us stay committed and interested. But also something we need more of as we step away from our workplaces and into the next stage of life.

I’m curious - do you mix up the exercise you do to include some types that include a tribe or community, and others that are more independent? I’d love to hear your stories. Inspire us!

Leave a comment

And, if you have ideas, inspiration or things that baffle you that you’d like me to look into on the show - reply to this email and let me know what they are. I always love to hear from you!

Until next week - Make your Prime Time count!

Bec Xx

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Over the past month, we’ve talked about planning for retirement, finding purpose beyond work and creating a life you’ll actually want to wake up to.

But there is one final piece of the puzzle: how do you pay for it?

In the final episode of our New Rhythm of Retirement series with Aware Super, I’m joined once again by Peter Hogg and Lynda Cross to tackle the money mechanics of retirement.

We discuss one of the biggest psychological adjustments retirees face: moving from the predictable rhythm of a regular paycheck to funding your lifestyle from your own savings. We also explore the opportunities hidden within your biggest assets, including your super and family home, and unpack some of the strategies that can help stretch your retirement income further.

As we know, retirement isn’t just about having enough money. It’s also about having the confidence to use it.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• The retirement mindset shift: Why seeing your super balance go down can feel so uncomfortable - and why it’s completely normal.

• How to build confidence in your retirement income: The simple planning techniques that can help reduce financial anxiety.

• Don’t let inflation quietly erode your savings: Why being too conservative can sometimes create its own risks.

• The downsizer contribution explained: How selling your home could help boost your super in the lead-up to retirement.

• Cash in the bank vs money in super: The trade-offs many retirees don’t realise they’re making.

• When life throws a curveball: How to access extra money without feeling like you’ve derailed your retirement plan.

• The Age Pension surprise: Why more Australians qualify for some level of support than they realise.

• One of the most valuable retirement benefits nobody talks about: And why it’s worth applying even if you think you’re only eligible for a small payment.

From Bec’s Desk

Happy Prime Time podcast day!

This week is the final in our panel-style-series with Aware Super. It’s been a real hoot to bring this different format to life, in-studio, that tackles both the life-issues and the money-issues in one show.

As you no doubt can feel, the financial year is coming to a close and the next week is really the last window for any contributions you want to be making to super for the FY25/26 year. In fact most super funds close off their contributions by the 25th June, some earlier. So if you’ve got some tidying up to do - don’t delay.

I did a long look through of all the options in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age last weekend. You can read it here.

“Over 50, use these 7 ways to boost your super by July 1”

Even if you can’t make a contribution, take a minute to look at your balance, check your investment returns are close to what you expect, and take a note of the fees you’re paying. And think about whether you might be able to afford to put a salary sacrifice in place to pay your super before tax next year. Finally, ask yourself - is it worth booking in some super-advice for the next month or two and checking everything is on track and in order.

Once you’ve done that, pat yourself on the back for being proactive and thinking about your super! It’s worth it!

Hope you enjoy the show.

Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

Do you really need financial advice to retire well?

Here’s a myth worth busting - financial advice isn’t just for people with millions. Most Australians need some guidance at some point. The question is where to start.

Aware Super makes it easier. Free tools like My Retirement Planner™ and our Retirement Guide are a great first step. And if you want to talk it through, our Super Helpful Check-In connects you with a qualified financial adviser — at no extra cost to members.

With help and options for every life stage, Aware Super is super helpful.

Consider if this is right for you and read the PDS and TMD on website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super.

In the second instalment of our New Rhythm of Retirement three-part mini series with Aware Super, we’re tackling a question that doesn’t get nearly enough attention:

What are you retiring to?

For many of us, work isn’t just how we earn a living. It’s how we spend our time, build relationships, challenge ourselves and make sense of who we are, which is why retirement can sometimes arrive with an unexpected identity crisis.

In this episode, I speak with clinical neuropsychologist Professor Nancy Pachana about finding purpose beyond your job title, overcoming the shock of the first “workless Tuesday”, and why curiosity may be one of the most important ingredients for healthy ageing.

Then I sit down with Lynda Cross from Aware Super to explore the financial side of the equation: how to build enough flexibility into your retirement plan to fund not just your lifestyle, but the passions, projects and experiences that give life meaning.

There’s more to retirement than money; it’s also about creating a life you look forward to waking up to. Don’t just retire from something, retire to something.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Why retirement can trigger an identity crisis: What happens when your job title is no longer part of how you define yourself.

• Don’t look for a brand new purpose: Why the clues to your next chapter may already be hiding in plain sight.

• The power of curiosity: How trying new things can help keep your brain engaged and your life interesting.

• Happiness vs contentment: Why they’re not the same thing, and which one matters more in retirement.

• Retirement isn’t a day, it’s a process: Nancy’s advice for navigating the transition without putting pressure on yourself.

• The three phases of retirement: Understanding the “go-go”, “slow-go” and “no-go” years and how your needs change over time.

• The biggest predictor of retirement satisfaction: It’s not necessarily having more money.

• Don’t just retire from something, retire to something: The simple idea that sits at the heart of a fulfilling retirement.

Antarctica through Mike’s eyes

When Mike Chesworth joined me on Prime Time last week, he described Antarctica as one of the most remarkable places he’s ever visited.

This week, he’s kindly shared some of the photos from his trip and I thought they were too good not to pass on.

As you scroll through them, you’ll get a glimpse of the wildlife, landscapes and sheer scale of a destination that sits firmly on many people’s bucket lists.

And if Antarctica is something you’ve ever dreamed of doing, don’t forget to listen to Mike’s episode, where we talk about everything from costs and planning to the famous Drake Passage and whether the experience really lives up to the hype.

From Bec’s Desk

Happy Prime Time podcast day!

Let’s talk meaning and purpose and where you find it this week. I get a lot of my sense of purpose from the work I do. In fact I feel like I have managed to build my interests in health, longevity and financial confidence into the work I do.

But there's one thing I've had to sit with: when your work is your purpose, what happens when it's not there?

I'm not waiting to find out. So I’m actively on the lookout for a bookclub I can join (tell me if you know one), a sport I can get into (I’m working on pickleball at the moment) and I'm looking for a community organisation where I can put my skills to good use. Not because I'm bored but because I know I need roots in more than one place.

When I turned fifty I asked myself three questions.

• What lights me up that has nothing to do with work?

• Who do I want to spend more time with?

• What have I always wanted to try but kept putting off?

Have you done a similar assessment on yourself?

Hope you enjoy the show. These two amazing ladies both inspired me.

Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

For years, Antarctica has sat on many people’s bucket lists.

But unlike most holidays, it’s not the sort of trip you book on a whim. It’s expensive, remote, weather-dependent and often requires planning more than a year in advance.

So is it actually worth it?

In this week’s episode of Prime Time, I sit down with regular Prime Timer Mike Chesworth, who has just returned from Antarctica, to get the unfiltered truth about what it’s really like.

We talk about everything from choosing the right expedition, booking timelines, the level of fitness required and costs, to the wildlife, the scenery, the notorious Drake Passage and the unexpected highlights of travelling through South America along the way.

If Antarctica is on your list for 2027, 2028 or beyond, this conversation will help you understand what the experience is really like before you commit.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Love, grief and the life that follows

Nobody puts grief on their retirement plan. But by the time we reach our 50s, 60s and beyond, most of us have experienced loss in some form. A parent. A sibling. A close friend. And for many people, eventually, a life partner.

In this special Prime Time Book Club episode, I sit down with former NSW Premier Bob Carr to discuss his deeply personal memoir, Bring Back Yesterday, written after the sudden loss of his wife Helena following 50 years of marriage.

What follows is an honest conversation about grief, widowhood and the challenge of rebuilding a life when the person who shared your memories, routines and plans for the future is no longer there.

Bob reflects on what he calls “the leftover life”, the survival strategies that helped him through the darkest days, and why friendship, routine and purpose become so important after profound loss.

This is a conversation about grief, but it’s also a conversation about love, resilience and finding a way forward when life doesn’t unfold as planned.

BONUS EPISODE: How to soft launch your retirement

Retirement doesn’t have to be a hard stop.

In fact, for many people, the best transition is a gradual one — reducing work, exploring new interests and creating a lifestyle that balances income, purpose and freedom.

In this special June series, I’ve teamed up with Aware Super to explore the new rhythm of retirement and what it really looks like in practice.

In this episode, I sit down with Bambi Price, founder of War On Wasted Talent, and Peter Hogg, General Manager of Guidance & Advice at Aware Super, to discuss how to “soft launch” your retirement without losing your sense of purpose, or your paycheck, overnight.

Together, we explore why more Australians are choosing a phased approach to retirement, how to stay connected to meaningful work, and the practical steps you can take now to design a transition that works for you.

Throughout June, we’ll also be exploring:

• How to soft launch your retirement

• Finding your “new you” and creating purpose in the second half of life

• Funding your dream retirement

From Bec’s Desk

Three episodes for you this week - Bob Carr’s we released on the Epic Retirement Newsletter on the weekend, because it talks to a very challenging and difficult topic of losing your partner after a lifetime together.

Then, for the important topics, we’re talking about how to Soft Launch your retirement - really phasing into it. And it’s a panel show - a new format for us - with Bambi Price, someone who really knows how the workforce is changing as well as Peter Hogg from Aware Super.

And finally, today we’re talking about Antarctica, and what it’s like to really see it. Mike Chesworth is such an adventurer - he makes me want to get out there and do more travel!

I’m working from home this week, on courses and education - and loving every minute of the Live Q&As on our course. I’m also enjoying the crisp morning walks, the time working on valuable and useful content and the complete lack of airport delays and lost days travelling!

Last week I popped down to Sydney for the Chant West Superannuation Fund awards. I wrote an interesting piece for the weekend’s newspapers about all the cool things superfunds are doing that most people dont know about and could be using! You can read it here - no paywall.

I do want to ask our Prime Timers - how long until you’re considering retirement. It helps us to have a little snapshot of this from time to time to make sure we’re delivering the info and conversations you need and want.

And, if you have ideas, inspiration or things that baffle you - reply to this email and let me know what they are. I always love to hear from you!

Until next week - Make your Prime Time count!

Bec Xx

Simple EOFY checks for your super

As the end of financial year approaches, it’s a good time to check in on your super.

Small actions before 30 June can make a big difference later. This might include reviewing how much you’re contributing, understanding how super can be taxed differently to income outside super, and making sure key details like insurance cover and beneficiary nominations are up to date.

Taking a little time now can help your super work harder for you over the long term.

Learn more

Consider if this is right for you and read the PDS and TMD on website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super.

Every year around this time, we start hearing the same things: Top up your super. Save on tax. Don’t miss the deadlines.

But this year feels a little different, especially off the back of the budget, and a lot of people in midlife are wondering: are the old strategies still worth it?

So in this week’s episode of Prime Time, we cut through the noise and put together a practical end-of-financial-year checklist for real people.

I sit down with financial planner Paul Benson to talk through the smartest EOFY moves for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s; from super contributions and tax strategies to debt, investments, insurance and the changes people should be thinking about now.

I also chat with Peter Hogg from Aware Super about the superannuation housekeeping tasks many people overlook, and why a few small actions before June 30 can make a meaningful difference to both your tax position and your long-term retirement balance.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• The highest impact EOFY moves for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s: Where should you start if you’ve done no planning at all this year.

• How concessional and non-concessional contribution caps actually work, and why many people still have unused opportunities available.

• The “bring forward” strategy explained: What to do if you’ve received an inheritance, redundancy or lump sum cash payment.

• Should you build wealth inside or outside super right now? Paul unpacks the trade-offs between super, debt reduction and investing personally.

• Why the transfer balance cap matters more than many people realise, especially for couples planning retirement together.

• The surprising strategy some people use to pay off their mortgage faster using super.

• What the proposed changes to capital gains tax and family trusts could mean for retirement planning strategies.

• The five key things every 55-year-old should review before June 30.

• The super housekeeping tasks people forget: beneficiary nominations, insurance cover and checking whether your current setup is still fit for purpose.

• Plus: the changes business owners need to prepare for from July 1 when super payments move to payday super requirements.

From Bec’s Desk

Happy Prime Time podcast day!

I’ve saved writing this for Thursday morning, after the Chant West Superannuation Fund of the Year Awards last night. These are the industry’s big awards program - and while they aren’t designed for consumers they certainly evaluate the things funds are doing well, and celebrate those really leading the way.

So to share the excitement, here’s some of the highlights:

• Superfund of the Year 2026 (Accumulation Fund): Aware Super

• Pension Fund of the Year 2026 (Retirement Phase): Aware Super

• Best Fund - Investments 2026: Hostplus

• Best Fund - Member Services 2026: Aware Super

• Best Fund - Lifetime Product 2026: AMP MyNorth Lifetime

• Best Fund - Advice Services 2026: Brighter Super

• Best Fund - Digital Advice: AMP Super

There was plenty of other more industry-centric and adviser centric awards. To see them - head to the Chant West website here.

Congratulations to all the funds celebrating wins. And to everyone watching on - smile and know all the funds were there, hoping their efforts would be judged worthy!

Now - get in there and start listening to this week’s show. Planning for financial year end is more important than ever now the budget changes are expected to hit Parliament this week.

Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

Today, I’m getting personal. Turning 50 this year has been a real wake-up call for me when it comes to my health. Not in a dramatic way, but in a very honest, “I need to start thinking differently about the next few decades” kind of way.

Because the reality is, midlife is when many of the things that weren’t really on our radar in our 30s and 40s start to show up. - in my bone health, blood pressure, muscle loss, menopause, dementia risk, balance, hearing and eye health. Even the way we think about longevity starts to shift.

So, in this episode, I wanted to take a really practical, top-to-bottom look at what we should actually be paying attention to at this stage of life and what we can still do now to dramatically improve the decades ahead.

I sit down with renowned GP Dr Ginni Mansberg to talk through the midlife health changes we should all be preparing for, the preventative tests that matter most, and why the “unsexy stuff” like sleep, movement, muscle and social connection turns out to be the stuff that really works.

Then later in the episode, I also chat with Lenette Gear from Australian Unity about health insurance - how our cover needs change as we get older, what people often misunderstand about private health, and how to think about the role it plays in supporting us through the next phase of life.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• What actually changes in our bodies between 50 and 60? Dr Ginni explains the major physical and hormonal shifts that happen.

• Why midlife is the most important time to “turn the ship around”: Research shows the biggest return on investment for long-term health comes from the actions we take in our 50s and 60s.

• The surprising link between muscle and longevity: New research shows muscle health impacts everything from balance and metabolism to brain health and dementia risk.

• Why strength training matters far more than appearance: Dr Ginni explains why lifting weights has become one of the most important things we can do for healthy ageing.

• Good news — you don’t need a gym membership: Simple movements at home can dramatically improve muscle bulk, bone density and long-term health.

• Why walking alone is no longer enough: Midlife bodies need strength, balance and higher intensity movement to support healthy ageing.

• What preventative tests should we actually be getting? Dr Ginni walks through the key screenings and checks people should prioritise in this phase of life.

• Why bone density deserves far more attention: Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until after a fracture, and early intervention makes a huge difference.

• Why your social life matters for longevity: Happiness, connection, purpose and staying engaged become increasingly important as we age.

• The problem with “all or nothing” health thinking: Dr Ginni shares why every small improvement matters.

• Plus: how to think about health insurance in midlife. We talk about how our healthcare needs evolve as we age, and what people should review in their cover heading into the next phase of life.

From Bec’s Desk

I’m enjoying a quieter week in my home studio, fitting in my exercise program and delivering the first week of the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course in Australia while also preparing for the launch of our UK program next week.

Last Thursday I spoke at the Aware Super Retirement Event for Couples - a terrific event with hundreds and hundreds of attendees who held onto the very last minute. If you haven’t seen these promoted - and you’re an Aware Super member, keep an eye out as we have a couple more booked for the next few months. And alongside all this I’ve been making sense of the Federal Budget and what it will mean for pre-retirees and retirees, as well as for young people as I help my kids learn how to save, invest and get onto the housing ladder - (If you haven’t seen my An Epic Start project, you can find it on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok and bring your adult kids - we’re learning together as the investment opportunities just changed quite significantly)

Now - back to the rest of the week. I hope this show inspires you on your health. I’m focussed on living it every day!

Until next week - Make your Prime Time count!

Bec Xx

Has this Federal Budget just fundamentally changed the way middle Australians build wealth?

In this special post-budget episode of Prime Time, I sit down with Senior Financial Adviser and State Manager of Ord Minnett, David Lane, to unpack what could become one of the biggest shifts to retirement planning and investing in decades.

Together we break down the proposed changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing, trusts and superannuation and what they could mean for ordinary Australians in their 40s, 50s and 60s trying to build security, prepare for retirement and help their kids get into the housing market.

The conversation explores whether Australians are watching the old wealth-building playbook being rewritten in real time. From investment properties and rent-vesting to franking credits, shares, trusts and superannuation, David and I discuss the winners, losers and unintended consequences buried inside the Budget.

We also tackle the emotional tension many Gen X Australians are feeling right now: following the rules for decades, only to find the rules changing late in the game.

This is a practical, plain-English conversation about what may happen next and the decisions Australians may need to start making over the next few years.

Highlights

• Why this Budget could fundamentally reshape retirement planning and investing

• What the proposed capital gains tax changes actually mean in everyday language

• Why medium-term investors may be hit hardest under the new rules

• The surprising way retirees could be affected by the CGT changes

• What happens to negative gearing — and why property investors are nervous

• Why rent-vesting may become much harder for younger Australians

• The hidden complexity now facing middle Australians trying to build wealth

• Why superannuation may become even more important going forward

• Could shares, dividends and franking credits make a comeback?

• Why Commonwealth Bank shares and long-held assets are suddenly part of the conversation

• The future of trusts and family wealth structures under the new rules

• How these changes may impact adult children trying to enter the housing market

• The growing frustration of Gen X Australians who feel the rules are changing late in the game

• What investors and retirees should be focusing on over the next 5–10 years

• Why advisers, accountants and super funds may be the real winners from this Budget

• The broader question: does this Budget genuinely improve housing affordability for younger Australians?

From Bec’s Desk

There’s very few things more important this week for Prime Timers than the Federal Budget.

Buried underneath the headlines and politics are changes that could fundamentally reshape the way Australians build wealth, invest, plan for retirement and even help their adult children get into the housing market.

For decades, many Australians followed a familiar formula: work hard, build super, buy an investment property, use negative gearing, hold assets for the long term and slowly build financial security over time.

This Budget starts changing that playbook.

The reality is, the changes are complex. Many accountants, financial advisers and investors are still working through exactly what the long-term impacts will look like. There’s a lot of detail, a lot of moving parts and a lot of uncertainty about how Australians will adapt over the next decade.

So over coming weeks, we’ll be unpacking it properly here at Prime Time.

To kick things off, I sat down with my own financial adviser, David Lane from Ord Minnett, for a practical, plain-English conversation about what this Budget may mean for ordinary Australians approaching retirement, still building wealth, helping adult kids and trying to make sensible long-term decisions in changing times.

We talk through the proposed capital gains tax changes, negative gearing, superannuation, trusts, franking credits, rent-vesting and why many Gen X Australians are feeling like the rules are changing late in the game.

It’s one of the biggest conversations we’ve had on Prime Time in a while — and it’s only the beginning.

Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

Don’t ignore your super statement

At Aware Super, we know your annual super statement can look complex. But it’s one of the most important check‑ins you’ll have all year.

It shows how your super is tracking, what fees you’re paying, your insurance cover, and your beneficiaries. Details that are easy to overlook but important to get right.

That’s why Aware Super makes it easier to understand your statement, with clear information and helpful tools — including personalised projections to help you plan ahead.

Learn more

Consider if this is right for you and read the PDS and TMD on website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super.

Today’s episode is about something many of us don’t realise is happening until we stop and really look at our bank account… subscription creep.

All those streaming services, apps, software subscriptions, food boxes, memberships and cloud storage plans that quietly pile up over time. In fact, ING’s latest research found Australians are now spending a staggering $26.5 billion a year on subscriptions - and the number keeps growing.

Because most of these services are only “a few dollars a month”, they often fly under the radar, even as they slowly start taking a bigger bite out of the household budget.

So in this episode, I sit down with Matt Bowen, Head of Consumer and Market Insights at ING Australia, to talk about the huge price tag of Australia’s subscription addiction, why these business models are so effective, and the practical things we can do to get the costs back under control.

We also tackle another financial task many people avoid entirely: opening their super statement. Kate Rolfe from Aware Super joins me to explain the three key numbers everyone should be checking, why fees matter more than people realise, and the important detail too many people leave blank.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• How much are people in their Prime Time years actually spending on subscriptions? Matt breaks down the generational differences and why younger Australians are spending almost double.

• The clever psychology behind free trials: Companies make it incredibly easy to sign up but difficult to leave.

• The simplest way to identify subscription creep: Matt shares why a quick scroll through your banking app can instantly reveal what’s draining your money.

• The rise of family bundles and shared accounts: From entertainment streaming to software and cloud storage, consolidating services can dramatically reduce costs.

• The “switch on, switch off” mindset shift: Matt explains why you don’t need every streaming service running all year round, and why rotating subscriptions can save both money and mental load.

• Are free trials a trap? Matt shares one simple habit that can stop “free” subscriptions turning into ongoing payments.

• Plus: why you should stop ignoring your super statement. Kate Rolfe from Aware Super explains the three key numbers everyone should be checking, why fees matter more than people realise, and why leaving your beneficiaries section blank could create major problems later.

From Bec’s Desk

Happy Prime Time podcast day! The week is almost over. I’ve been on the road to Sydney and Cairns this week speaking at the Financial Counsellors Conference - amazing people who help people in really difficult situations to untangle their debts, get back on their feet and rebuild their lives financially. I spoke about how Epic Retirements aren’t just for the wealthy.

And while I was travelling, I did a little look over the number of subscriptions I have 😳 and I think I need a tidy up! It’s amazing how these things creep up on you.

I want to remind you that you can download my retirement budgeting tool free from my website and use it to list out all your recurring subscriptions. (There’s instructions in How to Have an Epic Retirement - The book!). It’s a great way to keep track!

🌟 And I challenge you to get your super statement out and give it another look too. You can use The Epic Retirement Tick criteria and assessment to review how your super fund is tracking and whether it’s ready for your retirement

Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

Start with the life you want in retirement

It’s easy to focus on the money side of retirement and forget to plan the life part.
Aware Super’s free Retirement Guide helps work through the questions that really matter — your lifestyle, your goals and your timing. It’s packed with practical tools to help you feel more prepared, whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner.

When you’re ready to see how your lifestyle plans could stack up financially, My Retirement Planner^TM is a free tool that can help you understand what your retirement might look like.

Consider if this is right for you and read the PDS and TMD on website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super.

BOOK CLUB: The hidden ways you’re being nudged to spend with Chris Kohler

It’s time for this month’s Prime Time Book Club episode, and this one might just change the way you look at your everyday spending.

Our April Book of the Month was How They Get You by Chris Kohler - a brilliant, slightly unsettling look at all the ways modern life quietly nudges us to spend more money. From subscriptions to loyalty programs, food delivery and even the way we pay.

These are all things we use every day… but rarely stop to question.

And what’s fascinating is, many of these systems didn’t always work the way they do now. They’ve evolved quickly, and often in ways that benefit businesses far more than consumers.

I’m joined by Chris himself to discuss how it all works; how companies get into our habits, our decisions, and ultimately… our wallets - and what you can do about it.

It’s one of those episodes where you’ll find yourself thinking, “I do that… I never realised why.”

You can find a copy of ‘How They Get You’ at all good book retailers & online here.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• The rise of the subscription economy: What started as convenience has turned into multiple ongoing payments that can quickly add up over time.

• Why convenience often costs more than we think: From food delivery to digital platforms, the easier option is often the more expensive one.

• What’s really happening behind food delivery apps: Restaurants, customers and delivery drivers all pay a price, while platforms take a significant cut from every order.

• The hidden cost of loyalty programs: They’re not “free” - you’re exchanging your data and purchasing behaviour for relatively small rewards.

• The rise of shrinkflation and “skimp-flation”: Products getting smaller while prices stay the same (or rise) is one of the most common ways we experience inflation today.

• Why paying with cash changes how you spend: The physical act of handing over money creates friction, which can help with budgeting and spending awareness.

• The reality of petrol pricing in Australia: The fuel price cycle creates large price differences, even between stations just a few kilometres apart.

• Why we’re losing the “old way” of doing things: Many industries are removing analogue options, making it harder to avoid fees, subscriptions and data tracking.

• The most practical takeaway: Be an active consumer. Set aside time once or twice a year to review your financial setup. Review your subscriptions, shop around, and make more deliberate choices about where your money goes.

From Bec’s Desk

It’s Prime Time day again - Thursdays are my favourite day of the week. And OMG Chris Kohler is just so good to listen to (and read!). I really enjoyed reading his book and making this show.

This week I’m in Perth, speaking at an event before doing a mad-dash home (on the red eye - ugh!) to be there for my year-12 sons Mother-Son Brekky. Important milestones! My last year-12-er. Lots of ‘lasts’ this year. Alongside it, I’m doing my own retirement planning - 10 years ahead of my flex-goal-timelines. But more on that in another show.

Alongside that, my 22 year old daughter, Paris, and I have been making TikToks and videos for her generation about how to save, invest and buy their first home - through her lens of what’s relevant today. It’s such a fun project and I’m thrilled many of our Prime Timers are writing to me, telling me they too are working with their kids on their financial literacy, using our videos and sitting with them to explain things. We’re calling it An.Epic.Start (just search for that on TikTok or Instagram and you’ll find us).

And finally, this weekend I’ll be signing books for our massive sending of welcome packs for the next How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course that kicks off on the 14th May. It’s our biggest course yet - hundreds and hundreds of attendees! We’ll be closing the Earlybird 25% off deal this weekend. So if you’ve been on the sidelines thinking ‘I’m not sure’ - don’t delay. The price jumps from $374 to $499 next week - and I want you all to enjoy the discount. What do you get?

1. 6 weeks of structured, well-organised education designed to walk you through the big lessons everyone needs to navigate as they approach and make decisions about retirement. (100 lessons, structured into 15 modules)

2. A 170 page print and digital workbook, mailed to you

3. A signed copy of the new edition of How to Have an Epic Retirement

4. 6 Live Q&A Events, held on Monday evenings each week with some of Australia’s most respected retirement experts

5. Challenges and quizzes to bring the program to life.

It’s a great way to really learn about all the choices you have, and to shape your plans for the future, without pressure. So - want to learn more, here’s the website. Head to www.epicretirement.net/upcoming-courses to learn more, download a brochure and book your place.

And enjoy my show with Chris Kohler’s this week - he’s great! Thanks for listening! Cheers Bec Xx

Retirement income – can the Aged Pension work for you?

Many Australians think retirement income is an either‑or choice — super or the Age Pension. But for most people, it’s actually a mix of both.

Understanding how these two sources work together can help you feel more confident planning retirement.

Aware Super offers a super helpful ‘Age Pension’ guide to support you through planning, so you can explore your options, check what support may be available, and make informed decisions based on your own situation.

Learn more and check your options at aware.com.au/agepension

Could you stop working tomorrow… and still get paid?

We spend our working lives earning an income. But at some point, the game changes completely.

The paycheck stops. And suddenly we’re not earning an income from full time work anymore, instead, we need to learn how to manage a more passive set of income streams. Super, the Age Pension, maybe a bit of work, some investments on the side. And for each layer, there’s different sources, different rules, and different timing. All of it needs to work together to replace the one simple income most people had before.

And that’s where most people get caught out. It’s not because they haven’t saved enough. It’s simply because nobody ever taught them how to actually run this thing called retirement.

This week on Prime Time, I sit down with Xavier O’Halloran from Super Consumers Australia and Kate Rolfe, Head of Retirement Strategy at Aware Super. We get into the real mechanics of layering a retirement income; what the sources are, how they shift across different phases of retirement, and how to build a picture that actually works for your life.

In this episode we also discussed the Super Consumers Australia’s Retirement Savings Targets. You can find them here.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• What does retirement income actually look like? It’s not one paycheck. Super, the Age Pension, investments, even part-time work all layer together to create your income, and the mix looks different for everyone.

• How your income changes across different phases of retirement: Early retirement, accessing super, then the Age Pension - your income mix evolves over time, and needs to be actively managed.

• Why most people underestimate the role of the Age Pension: For many Australians, it becomes the backbone of retirement income, often making up more than half of what people live on.

• How much do you actually need to live on? Everything starts with this question. Xavier walks through the Super Consumers Australia benchmarks, including what the numbers look like for renters, which tells a very different story.

• The biggest mindset shift people struggle with: We spend our whole lives accumulating. Xavier explains why switching gears to actually spending down your capital - with confidence - is harder than it sounds, and what actually helps.

• Why “passive income” isn’t really passive: Managing multiple income streams takes planning, and for most people, relying purely on investment earnings isn’t realistic.

• Why the transition years are more powerful than you think: The period when you’re working less but not fully retired is the ideal time to trial your spending, test different income arrangements, and figure out what retirement costs before you fully commit.

• What to do if you feel like you’ve left it too late: Xavier shares the most effective levers, including why being in the wrong super fund could cost you $200,000 across retirement.

• The biggest mistakes people make setting up their retirement income: From falling for high-pressure super switching ads on social media, to over-complicating your setup, to dying with a large balance you never intended to leave behind.

From Bec’s Desk

It’s been another fun week of stages and airports. And in between, podcast recordings and article writing. It keeps me busy, entertained and on the upside - it pays the bills. And I love getting out there and seeing your curious faces, talking modern retirement and midlife.

But the project I’m most enjoying is trying to think up ideas for reels to help you grasp retirement in very small bite-sized pieces. So if you’ve got a question you want me to cover - send it in. (Remembering I can’t give personal advice and I have to be able to answer the question in 1.30 or less)

Now - I have to encourage anyone who hasn’t got their seat on the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course to lock in their place soon. We’ve extended the earlybird deal beyond the starting 200 seats we promised to offer it on. And we have to close it soon so we can send out the welcome packs. The 6-week get ready for retirement course kicks off on the 14th May.

You can download a brochure and book your place here. www.epicretirement.net/upcoming-courses

And until next week - Make your Prime Time count.

Cheers, Bec

We spend so much time obsessing over our super, property and portfolios, but we often ignore our most valuable asset: our ability to earn.

Think about it… your career isn’t just a job - it’s an asset that needs constant reinvestment.

And yet, I see so many people with big, successful careers getting caught off guard by restructures, redundancies or shifts in the market, suddenly unemployed and underprepared for what comes next. So how do you protect your employability in midlife and beyond?

In this episode, I sit down with Jannine Fraser, who works right at the coalface helping people navigate career transitions when things go wrong. She’s the managing director of outplacement firm Directioneering, which means she’s the one helping people pick up the pieces and reshape what comes next.

This is an open honest conversation about what’s actually changing in the job market and what you can do now to stay relevant, ready and resilient.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• Why “job security” is the wrong way to think about your career: What matters more is employability security and your ability to adapt.

• What’s really happening in the job market right now: The market is tightening, roles are taking longer to secure, competition is increasing, and even senior professionals are moving into contract work.

• Why midlife can be a high-risk zone: Many people in their 50s have stopped actively managing their careers, just as the market is demanding more adaptability and new skills.

• Why most people don’t treat their career like an asset: If people invested the same time and strategy into their income as they do their investments, they’d be in a far stronger position.

• What “staying employable” actually looks like: It’s not about always being job-ready, it’s about staying current, connected, curious and engaged in your field.

• The hidden factor that impacts employability more than people realise: Your energy, presentation, connection and how current you appear all play a role, even if it feels superficial.

• The biggest mindset shift: Take responsibility for your employability. No one else will manage your career for you.

• Career changes in your 50s and 60s: Being creative at the right moments around what’s next may increase your longevity of employment substantially.

From Bec’s Desk

This week I’m writing from a very chilly Hobart where it “feels like 5 degrees”. I’m back on the AMP North Adviser Roadshow, and this is my second destination this week, having spent a day in Adelaide with the Super SA Education team working on strategy too.

A bit of a shock to the system after those 30-degree Brisbane days.

Nevertheless, life on social media has just kept going. I am loving making reels each day, whenever I can, with new titbits and lessons to help. If you have ideas or questions - feel free to send them my way!

—

But what I really want this week is your help!

We’re putting together a podcast (or two) about you — how you’re finding your sense of purpose, reinvention, and direction in your Prime Time and into retirement.

So we want to hear your stories. In both letters and in voice messages (you can just hit audio record on your phone to record it then email it to me if you want!)

Tell us things like:

• How have you reinvented yourself or found a fresh sense of purpose lately? A hobby, volunteering, pickleball obsession, sports club… anything.

• Have you shifted out of the 9-to-5 into part-time work as a way to ease into this next chapter?

• Downsizing stories — have you packed up the big family home and made a move to something smaller or different?

Big changes, small changes, unexpected twists — it’s all gold.

Send them in — I’d love to hear what your Prime Time is really looking like in short, experiential stories.

Send me an email to bec@epicretirement.com.au or if you want or just reply to this email, send an audio-grab (no more than 3 min please) of you talking about your changes, twists or new passions.

There really is nothing better than REAL stories! Thanks for being a part of the fun on the show!

—

The second thing I’d love your help with is An Epic Start.

This is a project I’m doing with my daughter (alongside the retirement and midlife education I always do). We’ve kicked it off as a TikTok and Instagram channel… and it’s official — we’re writing a book together too - called… An Epic Start.

The idea is simple. It’s a place you can point your adult kids to — to help them get started right at the beginning with financial literacy. And you can help and support them alongside it.

We’re setting ourselves a real goal: taking Paris from almost nothing at 22 to buying her first home before she’s 25.

I’m teaching her how to do it — and we’re learning out loud as we go. Because the rules aren’t the same as they were when I bought a house - so we need to ‘figure it out’ and we’re asking a whole heap of awesome people for their advice and the information we need along the way too!

We’re talking budgeting, saving, investing, mindset, asset protection, and what it actually takes to get on the property ladder today.

And more broadly, we’re learning how we can help young people get an epic start. And we’re already having lots of fun with the tiktoks and Insta reels! So come on over and follow us. And send your adult kids.

Cheers Bec Wilson Xx

The Earlybird 25% off deal is not going to last.

Our next program kicks off on 14 May, and Earlybird (25% off) is limited to the first 200 places - and they’re nearly full. So don’t delay if you’re planning on booking - do it now!

This is a six-week retirement education program designed to build your confidence and help you make sense of the many decisions ahead.

If you’re starting to think seriously about what comes next, this is the perfect way to get prepared.

Learn more about the course here ➡️

One of the biggest challenges I see for people in Prime Time isn’t a lack of money. It’s a lack of clear, trustworthy guidance.

People know they’re making big decisions. They know the stakes are high. But full financial advice can feel expensive or intimidating. Free information often comes with hidden incentives. And online tools, including AI, can leave you feeling more overwhelmed, not less - or with more questions to answer.

So, this week on Prime Time, I chat to Paul Feeney, founder and CEO of Otivo and someone who has spent years inside the advice industry in a variety of roles. It’s a refreshingly honest take on where it works, where it falls short, and what everyday Australians can do about it. The reality is that quality personalised advice has historically been more accessible to people with significant assets, leaving many everyday Australians without affordable guidance at the very moment they need it most. 

We dig into the real difference between information, guidance and advice, because these words get thrown around a lot and they don’t mean the same thing. Information educates, guidance helps, and regulated advice is personalised to your exact situation.

We also explore the use of AI for advice. These tools are genuinely useful for exploring ideas, stress-testing thinking and preparing smart questions before you see an adviser or call your super fund. And Paul talks a little about the digital advice that is starting to become available from superfunds and companies like his own.

And he’s offered everyone listening an opportunity to try out Otivo. To set up a free Otivo account you can go to www.otivo.com and use the discount code ‘Otivo4EpicRetirementor’. This coupon is only valid until 30 June 2026.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• Who the current advice system is really built for: If you don’t have significant assets, the traditional advice model often isn’t built for you. That leaves 85–90% of Australians in a gap between “too complex to DIY” and “too expensive to get help.”

• Information vs guidance vs advice - what’s the real difference? Most people don’t actually know what they’re getting when they seek “help.” We unpack the language and why understanding it changes how you approach your next decision.

• How to spot conflicts, even when something looks “free”: We talk about one simple question to ask when looking for an adviser: How does this person get paid? If you understand the incentives, you understand the behaviour.

• Why delaying decisions can be more harmful than making small imperfect ones: Paul shares why the fear of messing up (FOMU as he calls it!) keeps people frozen - and why starting small, especially earlier in life, often matters more than getting it perfect.

• Fees, returns and what you can actually control: We unpack the difference between investment returns and fees, and why fees and asset allocation are the levers you can control, even when markets aren’t.

• Using AI for financial decisions: We explore where AI genuinely help and where it can create false confidence, especially when it misses critical variables.

• What the future of advice might look like: Paul believes that in ten years, advice won’t feel like a separate, expensive service. Instead, it will be embedded in the financial systems we already use.

From Bec’s Desk

Happy Easter! I hope you had a lovely long weekend – and if you’re still enjoying an extended break, even better. Not me! I’ve been happily holed up in my studio working on new projects, podcasts, articles, and courses.

One thing I’m especially excited about: over the weekend, my daughter Paris and I finally launched a project we’ve been talking about for months. She’s 22, wants to learn how to save and buy her first home by 25, and we both noticed how hard it is for young people to find easy-to-understand information about getting started in life. So together we’ve created an Instagram and TikTok channel called An Epic Start – where we’ll share our real journey to help her do exactly that.

The response has been wonderful. So many of you have already forwarded it to your kids, and Paris has been flooded with messages from friends whose parents sent it their way. It’s shaping up to be a community for both parents and young people who want practical, honest information about how things work and what you need to learn about – and we plan to have a lot of fun along the way. Join us here:

Instagram.com/an.epic.start and Tiktok.com/@an.epic.start
This is going to be real, honest and fun!

And a quick reminder – our How to Have an Epic Retirement course on 14 May is now on sale, and the early bird 25% discount has been flying out the door. If you’re keen, don’t wait too long – that price won’t last!

More information here: epicretirement.net/upcoming-courses

Now, back to that post-easter chocolate pile. The health kick can always fit in a few treats! Til next week… make your Prime Time count!

Cheers, Bec

A guide to downsizing from your family home

Downsizing the family home is one of those decisions that sits in the background for years…until suddenly, it’s right in front of you.

This week on Prime Time, I sit down with regular guest Mike Chesworth to talk about the good, the bad and the reality of downsizing after more than 30 years in the same home.

Big house. Kids grown. Life shifting.

And like so many people in this stage of life, the question becomes… is it time?

In this episode, Mike shares what actually goes into making that decision, from figuring out your “why”, to navigating timing, finances, bridging loans, strata, inspections and the chaos of moving just before Christmas. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to future-proof life in your 60s, let go of the weight of a big home, and create a lifestyle that offers more freedom, flexibility, and ease.

Mike offers hard-won insights into choosing the right property, getting clear on your priorities, managing costs, and treating a move like a project rather than a challenge.

It’s an inspiring listen for anyone wondering whether a simpler, lighter way of living might be closer than they think.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• What it really feels like to leave a home after 30+ years: After decades in the same house, the decision isn’t just practical, it’s also deeply emotional, especially when it’s been the centre of family life.

• Why most people sit on the decision for years: For Mike, downsizing had been in the background for five years before becoming a real conversation.

• The four questions that guide the whole process: Why are we doing this? When will we do it? How will we do it? What are we moving to?

• The moment the house no longer fits your life: When it’s just two people in a large home, the upkeep, security and unused space start to outweigh the benefits.

• Future-proofing before you have to: Thinking ahead to stairs, maintenance and mobility - and making the move while you still have full choice and control.

• Why starting the decluttering early changes everything: Spending years gradually letting go of “stuff” made the final move far less overwhelming.

• Getting crystal clear on your non-negotiables: From no stairs to space for family dinners and hobbies, having clear criteria meant they only needed to look at a handful of properties.

• The hidden costs people don’t think about: Bridging finance, marketing, inspections, compliance and agent fees; all the extras that add up quickly.

• Why you need to treat it like a project: From booking removalists early to managing timelines, a successful move comes down to planning, not luck.

Booked your place on the next Epic Retirement Flagship Course yet?

Our next program kicks off on 14 May, and Earlybird (25% off) is now open—but places are limited.

This is a six-week retirement education program designed to build your confidence and help you make sense of the many decisions ahead.

If you’re starting to think seriously about what comes next, this is the perfect way to get prepared.

Learn more about the course here ➡️

BOOK CLUB: The power of ‘I don’t give a sh*t lit!’ with Kathy Lette

It’s month two of the Prime Time Book Club, and this one is an absolute hoot.

This month we’re diving into The Sisterhood Rules by the one and only Kathy Lette - and yes, she’s back on the show with us for a proper book club sit-down… and the kind of girl talk we don’t have nearly enough of.

If you’ve ever read chick lit, chances are Kathy has been part of your life. From Puberty Blues to now, she’s been soundtracking the different stages of womanhood, and this latest book is firmly for us in midlife.

I’ve just finished it and I loved it. It’s sharp, funny, rebellious… and underneath all of that, it’s about something much deeper: what happens when women of a certain age stop playing by the rules and start leaning into the power of the sisterhood.

In this episode, we talk about everything from falling out with the women closest to you, to ageing, sex, reinvention… and why midlife might just be the moment you stop caring what anyone else thinks and start having a lot more fun.

You can find a copy of ‘The Sisterhood Rules’ at all good book retailers & online here.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• “I don’t give a sh*t lit”: Kathy’s new genre is all about women in midlife letting go of expectations, speaking their minds and finally caring a whole lot less about what anyone else thinks.

• Why we need the sisterhood more than ever: From global issues to everyday life, Kathy makes the case that female friendship, loyalty and solidarity aren’t optional, they’re essential right now.

• When friendships break down (and how painful that really is): Falling out with a sister or close friend can cut deeper than a romantic breakup, and this story explores what it takes to find your way back.

• The rules of the sisterhood: From “never let a man come between you” to always taking her side in a breakup, Kathy shares the playful (but pointed) rules of the sisterhood.

• Why midlife is when everything shifts: There’s a moment where you stop seeking approval, care less about judgement, and start stepping fully into who you are - and it’s incredibly freeing.

• The double standard around ageing (and why Kathy’s not having it): Men get labelled “love gods.” Women get labelled “old.” Kathy flips that narrative and calls out the outdated rules around ageing and visibility.

• Sex, confidence and freedom in your 50s and 60s: Far from fading away, Kathy argues this can be a woman’s most confident and liberated stage, where you know what you want and aren’t afraid to ask for it.

• Money vs happiness: As the story unfolds, it raises a deeper question: at this stage of life, what actually matters most?

• The real takeaway: don’t shrink in midlife. This isn’t the time to fade politely into the background. It’s a time for friendship, freedom, honesty… and maybe breaking a few rules along the way.

From Bec’s Desk

It’s hard to believe it’s Easter already! Where did the first quarter of the year go? This week, as you head off onto your Easter break, I’ve got two shows for you to enjoy. I hope you have plenty of downtime to relax into them. Mike tells an honest story of his recent Sydney downsizing! And Kathy Lette, the chick-lit legend is back to talk about her new book for our monthly Bookclub episode.

This week I’ve been on the road, but near home, speaking to financial advisers in the Gold Coast and Brisbane with AMP North. It’s been a real buzz - because they put on a fabulous show!

And, as you might have seen, the Earlybird Deal for the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course for May/June 2026 has launched. The first 200 people to book will get our 25% off pricing. It’s been a busy week of sales - so if you’re thinking about it… don’t delay too long!

Learn more about the course here ➡️

Book your place here ➡️

And, if over the holidays you’re reading something good - let me know. I’m hungry for ideas for books we should be reading this year in our book club. Be sure to send them in… just hit reply!

Now, off you go and enjoy the break - make your Prime Time count!

Cheers, Bec

Today on the show, I’ve got a real treat for you.

I’m talking to one of the world’s leading thinkers on the future of technology, robotics and artificial intelligence - and what that future might actually look like for us.

Dr Catherine Ball is a global expert in AI, robotics and emerging technologies. She’s worked across fields like drones, digital twins and automation, and has spent years advising governments, universities and industry on how these technologies are reshaping our world.

If you’re in mid-life or heading for retirement right now, the reality is that we’re going to see extraordinary technological change over the next 10, 20 and 30 years: AI. Robotics. Smart homes. Personalised healthcare. Maybe even robotic carers.

So what will that actually mean for us?

This is a fascinating conversation. And what I love about Catherine’s perspective is that she’s not just talking about technology for technology’s sake. She’s thinking deeply about how it changes how we live, how we age, and how we stay independent in the second half of life.

You can find out more about Catherine’s research here, and learn more about her latest book, ‘The Future of Sleep’ here.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• The pace of change is accelerating faster than we think: What took 30 years with the internet, we’re now likely to see in just a few years with AI, across how we live, work and manage our health.

• The future is already here, just not evenly distributed: Some of these technologies already exist today, but access and adoption will vary, raising big questions about equity and who benefits first.

• From robot vacuums to humanoids in the home: What starts as small conveniences (like vacuum mops) is quickly evolving into humanoid robots that could cook, clean, assist with care and help people stay independent longer.

• The rise of “ambient AI” in everyday life": Technology is becoming invisible, from smart beds and lamps to sensors that can monitor your health, detect falls or flag early warning signs without you even noticing.

• A revolution in healthcare and longevity: AI is dramatically accelerating drug discovery and personalised medicine, with the potential to change how we age, treat disease and extend our healthspan.

• How work, and retirement, may fundamentally change: With AI improving efficiency, we may see shorter work weeks, different career paths and a redefinition of what “retirement” even means.

• The skills that will matter most in an AI world: Human skills - communication, creativity, analog thinking - will become more valuable, not less, as we learn to work alongside AI.

• Your homework: start using AI now: The best way to prepare isn’t to fear it; it’s to engage with it. Experiment, ask questions, build simple tools and start understanding what it can do.

From Bec’s Desk

It was a busy start to the week. A trip to Canberra to speak at the the Adviser Roadshow of AMP North, talking about The Future of Retirement. It was pretty fun. I love chatting with all the Advisers at the event too!

And even more fun - yesterday, we launched the Earlybird Deal for the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course for May/June 2026. The first 200 people to book will get our 25% off pricing. There was hundreds of people on the waiting list when we launched so don’t mess about.

Learn more about the course here ➡️

Book your place here ➡️

Cheers, Bec

Why FIBRE is your missing ingredient to longevity

Today I want to talk about something that doesn’t get a lot of airtime, but is becoming increasingly important for your health in the second half of life…

Fibre.

For years it’s been overshadowed by protein trends, low-carb diets and the obsession with calories. But new science is revealing that fibre may be one of the most powerful ingredients for long-term health, influencing everything from gut health and weight to brain function, heart health and even our mood.

So, this week on Prime Time, I’m joined by PhD-qualified nutrition scientist, dietitian, food futurist and one of Australia’s most trusted health experts, Dr. Joanna McMillan, author of The Fibre Factor. You can find Dr. Joanna’s book at all good retailers and online here.

We unpack why many of us are living in what she calls a “fibre famine”, what fibre actually does inside the body, and how simple changes to what you eat can have surprisingly powerful effects on your long-term health.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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• LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Highlights of the conversation:

• Why we’re living through a global “fibre famine”: Modern diets have slowly stripped fibre out of our food, from refined grains to ultra-processed meals, leaving many of us far below the levels our bodies actually need.

• Fibre isn’t just one thing, it’s many different compounds: Different types of fibre perform different jobs in the body - some move food through the gut, some bind toxins and cholesterol, and others feed the gut microbiome, producing compounds that affect the whole body.

• The surprising connection between fibre and brain health: Certain fibres feed gut bacteria that produce compounds able to travel through the bloodstream, cross into the brain and help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells.

• The role between fibre, blood sugar and metabolic health: Fibre slows how quickly glucose enters the bloodstream, helping prevent the blood sugar spikes that contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes over time.

• Fibre and bowel health, including diverticulitis and bowel cancer: We unpack how fibre helps maintain healthy digestion, reduces strain on the colon and supports the production of protective compounds in the gut.

• Why variety matters more than supplements: One fibre supplement won’t solve the problem. What your microbiome really needs is diversity.

• What a fibre-rich day of eating can actually look like: From oats and berries at breakfast to legumes, whole grains and vegetables across the day, Dr. Joanna shares simple food choices that can dramatically lift your fibre intake.

From Bec’s Desk

Another week ticks by and it’s been a big one behind the scenes.

I’ve spent a lot of time in my ever-improving home recording studio, filming our UK course – pensions and pounds instead of dollars and superannuation! It’s been a fun shift, and a good reminder that while the systems change, the questions people have about retirement really don’t.

I’ve also been working on a new social media series about the Age Pension changes and the “sweet spot.” If you want to follow along, make sure you’re connected with me on Facebook or Instagram. I’ll be sharing it all there.

At the same time, we’re gearing up for the release of our next Aussie How to Have an Epic Retirement flagship course, kicking off in May. Earlybird bookings will be opening very soon… so keep an eye out.

Next week, I hit the road for four weeks of roadshows with the AMP team, speaking to advisers about the future of retirement. I always enjoy these sessions. It’s where I get to bring the voice of everyday Australians into the room and talk about what people actually need and want from advice now.

And in between all of that, I’ve been reading our March Book Club pick: Sisterhood Rules by Kathy Lette. It’s a wild ride – fun, fast, and very reflective of modern life. Think: a mischievous 69-year-old running off with a younger lover, daughters chasing her down, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Now I need your help.

I’m choosing next month’s Prime Time Book Club read, and I’d love your suggestions. If there’s a book you think we should dive into – fiction, non-fiction, inspiring, entertaining – hit reply and let me know.

I can’t wait to see what you recommend. Have a good week and don’t forget to Make your Prime Time count!

Cheers, Bec

It’s Thursday again. And this week we’ve bumped our pre-planned podcast schedule to bring you two timely, up-to-the-minute episodes relevant to the war in the Middle East and how it might affect you.

First, we recorded a timely conversation with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, about the war’s impact on financial markets, your super and retirement savings, and how to react to the volatility (the key message: don’t panic).

Then we recorded another episode just yesterday with Fiona Dalton, our very experienced travel guru. This one focuses on what you should be thinking about if you’ve got travel booked in the coming months, or are considering booking a trip. We cover the cancelled flights through the Middle East, what’s actually happening with the airlines, and some practical strategies if you’re affected or concerned.

Ultimately, I want you to come away from both episodes with less panic and a clearer understanding of how to navigate what’s happening right now.

I hope you enjoy the shows and get something useful from each of them.

Got thoughts? Share them here.

Leave a comment

More on each episode below.

Until next week - Make your Prime Time count - then have an Epic Retirement!

Cheers - Bec Xx

How to salvage your travel plans

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted airspace across one of the world’s biggest travel hubs, leaving many Australians wondering whether they should cancel their upcoming trips.

In this urgent episode, I speak with travel expert Fiona Dalton to unpack what’s actually happening with global travel right now, who is affected, and what travellers should do before making any big decisions.

Fiona explains why the disruption is largely centred around Middle Eastern transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, what options travellers have if their flights are impacted, and why cancelling too early could actually leave you worse off financially.

The key message: stay calm, stay connected to your airline, and don’t rush into cancelling your trip but make sure you understand your options.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Why three major Middle Eastern airports are suddenly at the centre of global travel disruption

• The three groups of Australians most affected by the current situation

• The one mistake travellers should avoid making right now with their flights

• What airlines are doing behind the scenes to keep flights operating safely

• Whether you’ll get your money back and how it might pan out

• Why cancelling your trip too early could actually cost you more money

• How flexible airline policies are changing almost daily

• The alternative routes airlines are using to get Australians to Europe

• A surprisingly simple “backup flight” strategy some travellers are using

• Why travel to Europe itself is still considered safe at this stage

• Other incredible destinations to consider if you’re rethinking your plans

War and sharemarket volatility: what pre-retirees need to know

Markets have been on a rollercoaster this week. Oil prices have surged and dropped, the S&P has swung sharply, and headlines out of the Middle East are making investors nervous.

If you’re approaching retirement or already there, seeing your super balance fall hard in a single day then bounce around all week can feel deeply unsettling .

So what’s really going on? And how worried should you be?

In this episode of Prime Time, I speak with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, to unpack the current market volatility, the impact of rising oil prices, and what geopolitical shocks typically mean for long-term investors and people approaching retirement now.

Diana explains why markets often react sharply to global conflicts in the short term but tend to recover over time.

They also discuss what people nearing retirement should focus on right now, how diversification and cash buffers help manage market shocks, and why constantly checking your super balance may be doing more harm than good.

If the headlines have made you uneasy about your investments this week, this episode offers a calm, practical look at what matters — and what doesn’t — when markets get volatile.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Global markets have been volatile this week as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push oil prices sharply higher, creating uncertainty for investors.

• Rising oil prices matter because they ripple through the economy, increasing costs for businesses and acting like a tax on consumers.

• Despite the current headlines, history shows that markets usually recover from geopolitical shocks and are often higher within a year.

• Superannuation portfolios are built for this kind of volatility through diversification across shares, cash, bonds and alternative assets.

• For people approaching retirement, having around two years of cash reserves can help avoid selling investments during market downturns.

• Recent super fund returns have been very strong, with several years of double-digit gains, which helps put short-term falls into perspective.

• Inflation in Australia is still expected to trend downward, even though higher oil prices could temporarily lift headline inflation.

• Media coverage of daily market falls can amplify fear, often without showing the broader context of long-term gains.

• Even professional investors feel uncertainty during volatile periods because predicting how geopolitical events will unfold is impossible.

• The most practical advice during periods of market stress: stop checking your super balance every day and remember that volatility is part of long-term investing.

Well hello and happy Thursday! Prime Time podcast day!

We’ve got two huge episodes this week to talk about, and they’re both important so make sure you make the time to listen.

Firstly, we’ve released the 2026/27 criteria for the Epic Retirement Tick, and I’ve asked both Ian Fryer, from Chant West and David Bell from The Conexus Institute to pull them apart with me on the show. We’re going to explain how you can review your superfund in the year ahead and how we’ll be running the tick review. (Download the new criteria at epicretirement.net/epictick).

Secondly, the cost of a comfortable retirement leapt this week - by $35k for singles and $40k for couples. So we got Mary Delahunty from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) on the show to explain why the cost of all retirements is going up - and we talk about modest retirements and renters’ retirements too. This show dropped on Tuesday. It’s a goodie.

Alongside these two, it’s been a busy week. We’ve got two courses running - the Epic Retirement Flagship Course and the HESTA Exclusive Edition of the course. It’s kept me entertained in live-online-events in the evenings.

And in the daytimes, I’ve been to Sydney and back, recording an industry briefing for The Epic Retirement Tick that we’ll release next week too - an important insight for funds, advisers and others in the industry that want a more detailed walk through of the new criteria. Because, let’s face it, this tick is the only rigorous, transparent consumer-oriented assessment that everyday people can really use to assess their fund at retirement. It’s getting a lot of support, momentum and discussion in the industry as people can see it making a difference - and I know I speak for both Ian and myself and our teams when I say, that’s exciting.

So - I hope you enjoy these shows and get something from each of them.

Got thoughts? Share them here.

Leave a comment

More on each episode below.

Until next week - Make your Prime Time count - then have an Epic Retirement!

Cheers - Bec Xx

and PS - I did my first pickleball lesson on the weekend - more on this very soon. But it was awesome! If you’ve found pickleball already - give this post a big 👍.

Choosing the right superfund in 2026: the criteria are changing

If you’ve ever looked at your super fund and thought, “Is this actually delivering for my retirement… or just delivering great ads?” – this episode is for you.

Today is a major update to the Epic Retirement Tick for 2026.

I’m joined by Ian Fryer, General Manager of Chant West, who works with me to develop the rigorous criteria and together with his team, assess the funds. And David Bell, Executive Director of the Conexus Institute – one of Australia’s leading independent retirement policy voices and think tanks.

We go deeper than just explaining what’s changed. We unpack why the criteria matter – and the impact the Tick is already having inside super funds.

Because here’s the problem…

Over the past few years, I realised there was a real gap for people heading into retirement. If you’re a member of a super fund right now, how do you actually know if it’s delivering for your retirement?

Every fund says they are. Every ad says they are.

But when you look closely, there are big differences. Some funds are building serious retirement capability - some awesome stuff for their members to use. Others are moving much more slowly. And everyday Australians can’t see the difference.

Because I don’t hold a financial services licence, I can’t tell you which funds are good or bad. So instead of giving opinions (that would be finfluencing and that’s illegal), we built a framework you can use to judge, and we can use to rigorously assess the funds, transparently.

We launched the Epic Retirement Tick in 2025. Only six funds were awarded the Tick. Now we’re back with updated criteria for 2026.

The big shift?
The framework moves to 20 criteria (up from 18) and aligns with the latest Treasury Retirement Income Covenant guidance. They also put pressure on funds to deliver better products, services and advice for members approaching retirement.

In this episode, Ian and David help break down what’s changed – and what it means for you.

You can download the new 2026 criteria on the main website for the Epic Retirement Tick here: epicretirement.net/epictick

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Why it’s so hard for everyday people to tell the difference between super fund ads and real retirement capability

• What the Epic Retirement Tick is (and why it’s designed to lift the bar across the whole industry)

• What’s changed this year: 20 criteria (up from 18), now more robust and more focused

• The three buckets every fund is assessed on:

  • Product design

  • Education, guidance and advice

  • Service delivery

• What it now takes to earn the Tick: 14 out of 20

• Why we’re still not naming the funds that miss out (for now)

• The “behind the scenes” truth: the Tick is already pushing retirement projects up the funding and priority list inside funds

• The service standards that matter when you’re actually retiring: speed, call centre responsiveness, payment efficiency, complaints handling, and cyber security

This episode is for anyone who just wants a straight answer to one question:
Is my fund actually doing the job I need it to do for retirement?

If you want to see the criteria, we’ll make it available on the Epic Retirement Institute website at www.epicretirement.net/epictick.

The cost of retirement just went up; Here’s what you need to know

For the first time in three years, ASFA has lifted the lump sum needed for a “comfortable” and a “modest” retirement. The headlines say Australians may now need $35k–$40k more in super than previously estimated for a comfortable retirement and $10-$20k more for a modest retirement.

So… what changed?

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Delahunty, CEO of ASFA, the creators of these benchmarks to unpack the new Retirement Standard, why the benchmark moved, and what it actually means for your future plans.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Why the comfortable retirement target jumped for the first time in three years

• The real reason retirees are feeling cost pressure (hint: it’s not just CPI)

• The updated lump sums for comfortable, modest and renters

• The annual spending numbers that matter more than the headline figure

• How much the Age Pension really does in a modest retirement

• What “comfortable” actually includes (and no, it’s not luxury Europe every year)

• Deeming rates explained in plain English

• How ASFA builds the Retirement Standard using real spending data

• The big fear: “Will my super run out?” – and how the system is designed to prevent that

If you’re 5–10 years out from retirement and just getting comfortable with your numbers, this episode will steady you.

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River and ocean cruising in your Prime Time with KATHY LETTE

There are some guests who don’t just talk about living boldly in the second half of life - they embody it.

This week on Prime Time, I’m joined by the brilliant Kathy Lette, bestselling author, feminist, travel writer and unapologetic Prime Timer, to talk about something I think more of us need to give ourselves permission to do:

travel differently after 50.

Not the frantic, kid-focused, schlepping suitcases across train platforms kind of travel.

But travel on your own terms. With curiosity and comfort. With a little bit of decadence, a lot of history, culture and adventure. And ideally… no kids and no casinos.

Kathy shares how her approach to travel has evolved from backpacking in her twenties to river cruising and archaeological voyages in her sixties, and why she believes this stage of life is when adventure matters most.

Her latest book is called The Sisterhood Rules, and it’s also our pick for March for the Prime Time Book Club.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• “Adventure before dementia.” Kathy’s motto is simple: if not now, when? Time is finite. Experiences matter. And this may be the first stage of life where we finally put ourselves first.

• Why women are travelling more boldly than ever: With economic independence and a strong sisterhood around us, women in midlife are no longer waiting for permission. From “grey backpackers” taking over youth hostels to girlfriends travelling together when partners prefer to stay home, this is a generation rewriting the rules.

• The freedom of child-free travel: We laugh about family holidays and what Kathy misses least, and we talk about what it feels like to travel without putting everyone else’s needs first for the first time in decades.

• River cruising: Europe’s greatest hits, minus the hassle: From Lisbon to Porto and along the Douro, Kathy describes river cruising as seeing Europe’s architectural and cultural gems without the airport chaos, luggage schlepping or constant logistics. You unpack once, and the world comes to you.

• Ocean cruising as education in motion: Her archaeological voyage from Athens to Istanbul becomes more than a holiday - it’s a moving classroom. Ancient civilizations, expert guides, onboard lectures and layer upon layer of history.

• The value equation: For Australians especially, getting to Europe is a big investment. We discuss why having food, excursions and experiences bundled upfront can make cruises feel less like constant spending and more like intentional immersion.

From Bec’s Desk

I toured a Viking ocean ship on Wednesday when it ported in Brisbane and I have to say, it’s a really beautiful ship. The timing was uncanny, (and completely unplanned), given this show goes live the day after the tour. After walking through it with travel agents and media, I feel like I understand a little more clearly why they say people keep going back to Viking once they’ve done their first cruise.

I also learnt a few insider things about how Viking operates, the kind of details frequent cruisers and travel agents might know but us everyday people don’t find out ‘til we’ve tried it. So, I thought it would be fun to share my ‘did you knows’ with you today...

• Every one of their ships follows the same Nordic design, and it’s clearly well thought through. There are historically-relevant tapestries in the stairwells, Nordic patterns in the rugs and in the window treatments. It’s stylish, cohesive and elegant without feeling in any way overdone.

• All the food and non-alcoholic beverages you want are included on board so you don’t get stung once you’re on there (breakfast, lunch and dinner on sea days and breakfast and dinner on excursion days… it sounds very inclusive of every meal you need.)

• There’s a very affordable beverage package if you want to drink wines, beers and other beverages (I think they quoted it at AUD$41 per head) and they’re not bottom-shelf wines!

• You can also bring your wines on board with you (say you’re cruising through Burgundy) and there’s no corkage - and no rules that say you can’t.

• There’s free internet on all ships… again, not getting stung.

• Higher cabin categories get earlier access to book special excursions and priority access to their premium dining experiences. There’s a cap on the two specialty restaurants on board and some of the premium excursions, so stepping up your cabin type does come with some perks.

• Every room on an ocean ship has a balcony.

• The Nordic spa rooms are available for all and include hot pool, snow room, sauna, lounges, (it’s stunning). And there's a HUGE and super-modern gym.

• There’s only 998 passengers on the ocean ships. And 190 on their river cruises. (These seem like a nice uncrowded number given the spaciousness of the restaurants and sitting areas.)

• Room service is at no extra cost.

• They are the biggest river cruise operator in the World, and now the biggest cruise fleet in the world with 110 ships in their fleet.

And these are all things I learnt today while having a nice stickybeak into their rooms! I’ll put a few pictures on my Facebook and Instagram here, so you can see the inside view I saw too.

Have you cruised with Viking on a river or ocean cruise? Tell me about it in the comments.

Leave a comment

We’re all here to make our Prime Time count. So if you’ve been dreaming about a cruise… maybe this is your sign.

Cheers, Bec

This week ASIC announced it has launched a review into financial advice firms and other companies connected to online super switching ads. If you’ve been on Facebook lately, you’ll know the ones I mean.

These are the ads telling you you’re losing money every day you don’t switch your super, ads suggesting your fund isn’t performing and ads nudging you to “check” or “review” your super which quickly becomes a conversation about switching.

I’ve been watching this build for months or even years. So I deliberately clicked one (as an experiment) to see how it worked and I saw it all in action.

To talk about this review of super switching financial advice and lead generation openly, I asked ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland to come on the show this week, just as this review has been launched.

We talk about what they’re seeing, how these online funnels work, what to watch out for, where harm has already occurred, and what consumers should do before handing over details or agreeing to a switch.

This episode isn’t anti-advice. It’s pro-careful decision making. So, if you’ve been wondering whether you should respond to one of those ads in your feed, listen first.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Why those “you’re losing money every day” and “hurry up and switch” super ads are so persuasive and why urgency itself should make you slow down.

• What actually happens after you click: the Facebook ad, the form, the quick phone call, and the referral into an advice firm.

• Why ASIC has launched a review into advice firms using these lead-generation arrangements, especially where people may be encouraged to switch super unnecessarily.

• The real risk: being moved out of a solid, mainstream super fund into something more complex, higher risk, or carrying higher fees.

• The hard backdrop to this conversation – the Shield and First Guardian collapses and how switching funnels formed part of that pathway.

• Why switching super is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, particularly in your 50s and 60s.

• The simplest protection available to you: pause. You can hang up. You can ask for time. You don’t have to decide on the spot.

• Why “licensed” doesn’t automatically mean the advice is right for you — and how conflicts and fees sit inside these arrangements.

• What I noticed when I went through one of these funnels myself.

• What ASIC can actually do when firms breach the law.

From Bec’s Desk

I made the decision to push back this week’s scheduled episode so we could bring you this conversation instead.

When ASIC announced it was deepening a review into advice firms connected to online super switching ads, I knew we needed to talk about it now and not in a few weeks’ time.

This is important and timely. And it deserves proper discussion.

I also want to say this clearly: most good advisers and most super funds don’t like this any more than consumers do. No one benefits when bad actors damage trust in the system. The majority of people working in advice and super care deeply about doing the right thing. Good ones are transparent, open and ethical in their behaviours.

But when something starts to feel systemic, when the ads are everywhere and the pressure is building – it’s time to shine a light on it.

That’s why this episode went to the front of the queue.

This week I’m on the road in Melbourne - and still trying to fit my workouts in between meetings and podcasting. I have to say, I’m not doing real well on the protein counts or the weights sessions this week. But I’ll make up for it with a clean-eating and good-exercising weekend!

I hope you’re doing better than me, I’m off for a Friday afternoon workout to make up for it. Have a great weekend.

And, tell me …

Pop a comment in, if you’ve seen switching or baiting social media ads and have some of your own views to share.

Leave a comment

And have a great weekend.
Cheers, Bec Xx

Is cognitive decline inevitable as we age, or is there actually something we can do about it?

That’s the question I wanted to explore in this week’s episode of Prime Time. Dementia and memory loss sit right at the top of the fear list for people over 50, and yet so much of what we hear is either alarmist or hopeless.

So I invited one of the world’s leading experts to the show.

I’m joined by Professor Henry Brodaty - 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney, and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. Henry has spent decades researching dementia, cognitive decline and, most importantly, what actually helps protect our brains as we age.

We discuss what’s within our control, what really matters for brain health, and why it’s never too early to start looking after your mind.

You can find out more about Henry’s work here.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Cognitive decline isn’t inevitable: Henry explains why dementia risk increases with age, but also why a large proportion of risk is modifiable, meaning there are real actions we can take to delay or reduce cognitive decline.

• Up to 45% of dementia risk is linked to lifestyle factors: We unpack the biggest contributors to brain health, including blood pressure, physical activity, education, mental stimulation, hearing loss, social connection and depression.

• What’s good for your heart is good for your brain: Managing cardiovascular health isn’t just about preventing heart disease, it’s foundational for protecting cognitive function too.

• Why hearing loss matters more than most people realise: Henry shares why untreated hearing loss significantly increases dementia risk, and how hearing aids can actually reduce that risk by keeping the brain engaged and socially connected.

• Exercise, strength and movement really matter: We talk about why regular physical activity, including strength training, not just walking, plays a critical role in maintaining brain health as we age.

• It’s never too early — and never too late: Whether you’re in your 40s, 60s or even later, Henry explains why starting now still makes a difference, and why earlier action simply compounds the benefits.

• Three non-negotiables for brain health: Henry shares the daily habits he believes matter most and why trying to do everything isn’t the goal. The key is choosing what’s most relevant for you and doing it consistently.

• A hopeful message for the future: We talk about how delaying dementia onset, even by a single year, could dramatically reduce the number of people affected, and why there is far more light ahead than most people realise.

Last week, we opened up the conversation about retirement fears. After asking the Epic Retirement Club community to name what they were most afraid of, the answers came in fast.

In part one, we tackled the first three fears: running out of money, running out of time and health, and the loss of identity. This week, we’re back with part two to explore three more fears that came through loud and clear:

• The fear of spending money after a lifetime of saving,

• The fear of the rules changing,

• And the quiet, creeping fear of ending up alone.

Once again, we’ll talk through why these fears are so common and how each one could be managed with practical advice.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:

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Highlights of the conversation:

• Creating a ‘pay yourself’ structure can help. Many have internalised the belief that saving equals success, while spending feels indulgent or risky, especially when it involves drawing down from super. Setting up a regular transfer from super to a spending account can reintroduce structure and make spending feel safe, not reckless.

• Guardrails, not guesswork. A simple system to review your drawdown rate annually can help build confidence and adjust your retirement spending plan to suit market shifts and personal needs.

• You can’t control future policies, but you can build resilience. That includes keeping buffers in your plan, reviewing your risk exposure, and staying adaptable rather than expecting certainty.

• Retirement isn’t just financial, it’s social. The fear of being alone, particularly after losing a partner or leaving the workforce, is often under-acknowledged, and so building habits of regular contact, like weekly clubs or scheduled outings, creates the kind of structure work once provided.

• Don’t wait until loneliness sets in to act. Investing in relationships, activities, and routines now can protect your wellbeing, emotionally and cognitively, in the years to come.

From Bec’s Desk

What a buzz to hear Dr Henry Brodaty, our Senior Australian of the Year, tell his story in his own words. And what an inspiration he is. The sheer scale of what he’s built, the funding he’s secured, the programs and organisations he’s created… all focused on helping us age better. It’s purposeful work at the highest level.

I have to say, it’s been quietly motivating hearing his story.

Off the back of that conversation, I’ve been doubling down on my own health reset. Or let’s be honest, a complete overhaul of my regime and rhythms so my 80 year old self is proud of me at 50. And I’m starting to feel it with more strength, proper abs, stronger legs and a general sense of wellbeing that’s hard to describe but very real.

What I’m most pleased about? I’m making it work around travel. Instead of letting flights and airports derail me, I’m squeezing sessions in at odd times if I know I’m heading away. Even the protein mission is holding up. It’s not always glamorous when the airport menu is wall-to-wall sandwiches and bread rolls, but I’m finding a way. Salads plus protein and yoghurt have become my new go-tos. Everything feels fresher, cleaner and stronger. This is a marathon not a sprint - so if you’re with me smile, we got years of this!

Now, I’m curious… For our Prime Time listeners, I would like to know if you would you be interested in taking a Prime Time education program focused on money, work, health and happiness?

And here’s the bigger question: could you get your workplace to pay for it as part of professional development or wellbeing?

We’d genuinely love your thoughts. Hit reply and tell us what you think too.

Now, back to it, only two more day’s til Saturday! Happy listening

Cheers, Bec