PART 1: The 6 things everyone fears about retirement and how to tackle those fears
In this episode, I discuss the SIX biggest fears people have when it comes to retirement... and how you can work on overcoming them.
When I asked our Epic Retirement Club community what they feared most about retirement, the responses came flooding in.
Running out of money.
Dying at my desk.
Losing my identity.
Not knowing how to spend my time.
Being alone.
Does any of this sound familiar?
It struck me how consistent these concerns were. These aren’t irrational fears - they’re smart, thoughtful people trying not to mess up the second half of their lives.
So, this week on Prime Time, I’m doing something a little different. I’ve sat down with our program producer, Gen, to name the six fears that came up again and again. We unpack the first three in today’s episode: running out of money, running out of time and health, and loss of identity.
We talk through why these fears are so common and how each one could be managed - not eliminated - because we can’t just chase them away.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
You’re asking the right question but answering it the wrong way: When people worry about running out of money, they go straight to chasing a “magic number.” But retirement risk is less about the size of your balance, and more about the relationship between your spending and your income over time.
There’s no magic number: Knowing how long your money will last doesn’t guarantee safety. Retirement is a long game, and flexibility matters more than rigid rules.
Time and health: the real non-renewables: After money, the next biggest fear was running out of time and good health. You can rebuild wealth but not lost years. When health declines, your choices narrow quickly.
Retirement isn’t one long phase: It’s a series of chapters, and your body, energy and capacity will change across each. Recognising this helps you prioritise the “go years”, and pace your experiences accordingly.
Be honest about what’s time sensitive: You don’t need to do everything at once, but you do need to name the experiences that matter most, and when they make the biggest impact.
Structure is gone — now what? After decades of progress, feedback, and learning, stepping out of a work identity can feel disorienting. That’s why retirement needs structure, too.
You need more than hobbies: Hobbies are great, but what we really need are epic pursuits: things that stretch you, involve progression, and let you keep learning and growing.
Feeling unsettled is normal: If purpose doesn’t arrive on day one of retirement, that’s okay. It’s a transition, not a snap. Purpose builds slowly, and it’s different for everyone.
From Bec’s Desk
I’m late with the newsletter today. But I have a good excuse. I’m prioritising my exercise. I completely forgot to finish the newsletter in my haste to fit in my new years health program both last night and this morning. I’m going to be talking about it more rather than being discreet with it. Each day, if I can manage, or at least 5 days a week I’m doing some weights. Heavy weights. I’ve bought myself a couple of good quality sets of heavy dumbells and I’ve been working with ChatGPT (I’ve named mine Polly) to build me a solid set of exercises I can do each day that never get boring (or they haven’t yet). I am doing a bit of high intensity cardio too. Think bursts of uphill walking on a treadmill, cycling… whatever I can manage. And… I’ve done it. I bought a weighted vest. Polly is also watching my nutrition, counting my macros and suggesting meal ideas that will keep me on track. I’m impressed. So, are you with me? I’m committed for the long haul. Drop me a comment so I know you’re interested, or finding your own health path in your fifties and beyond.
Now for some news. We’ve left the 25% off earlybird deal for the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course open til the end of lunchtime today so if you’re still keen - get moving now. Our biggest ever cohort kicks off on the 19th February. I’m excited! Get a wiggle on. I want you to get the best deal available but after lunch, it needs to turn off. GET THAT DEAL
I hope you enjoy today’s show. I’m going to do more shows where I share what I know, as well as shows with guests. Watch out next week for part-two.
And, we’re kicking off a book club too… keep an eye out for episodes. And make sure you have the show set to download on your podcast app.
The first book we’re reading together for the bookclub is “The Art of Spending Money” by Morgan Housel. I’m really enjoying it. It’s our February read. The show talking about the book will be later in the month. Send in your thoughts, lessons and learnings.
And don’t forget to tell me the topics you want me to cover. Just reply to this email and I’ll get it!
Cheers, Bec
I really enjoyed today's podcast. I work as a general practice nurse in Wollongong NSW. I spend a lot of my time delivering patient-centered care, managing chronic disease and healthy ageing. My passions are health promotion to reduce incidence of chronic disease, keeping people out of hospital and/or nursing homes and living independently; and connecting people through community. Medicare in Australia, offers a range of bulk billed assessments and chronic condition management plans that would be most beneficial to everyone, across the lifespan but particularly those contemplating or living in retirement. I feel it would be beneficial to all your listeners. My patients, friends and family are often surprised by what is available to them, that they have no idea about. Additionally, in Primary Health we have milestones for free immunisations, cancer screening, bone density scans etc. Encourage them to seek out a responsible general practitioner and EPIC practice nurse to manage optimal health.
Kind regards,
I’ve started weight training at Kieser. It’s fantastic to see my progression and moving heavier weights. It’s 30 minutes two to three times a week, and tends to be a more mature crowd. It’s not cheap but if it keeps me fit, allows me to keep travelling and keeps me out of hospital then it’s worth it.