When life happens
This week on Prime Time, I’m joined by three brilliant women to explore what to do when retirement shows up early and uninvited.
But first, a big thanks to our sponsor, Aware Super and a message from them.
Retirement doesn’t always go to plan. Unexpected events like death of a loved one or forced early retirement are stressful enough. But where can you turn for help when this happens? Your super fund can be a great place to start. They can help you work through your plans and make you feel more confident.
Like Aware Super members, who can talk to an expert financial adviser, at no extra cost. To learn more about it visit awaresuper.com.au.
Consider if this is right for you and read the PDS on their website. Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee.
This week on Prime Time, I’m joined by three brilliant women to explore what to do when retirement shows up early and uninvited. Whether it’s illness, redundancy, burnout or caring responsibilities that change your course, this episode is all about helping you reset - emotionally and financially.
I speak with:
– Caroline Romeo, counsellor and expert in retirement transitions
– Jane Monica-Jones, financial therapist and author of The Billionaire Buddha
– Kat McPhee, from our sponsor Aware Super, about the practical tools you can use right now
We go deep on what it feels like when retirement doesn’t match the dream — and how to move forward with clarity, confidence and a whole lot of curiosity.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
Only 44% of people aged 55–65 retired by choice last year—we unpack what happened to the rest
The most common triggers for unexpected retirement: illness, redundancy, burnout, and caring for others
The ego hit no one talks about when you’re forced to stop working before you’re ready
Fight or flight: how your caveman brain can sabotage smart money decisions (and how to let your prefrontal cortex step in)
How money panic leads to overspending or risky decisions—and what to do instead
Why some people feel like “bad retirees” and fall into the trap of guilt, regret, or comparison
Why financial confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing where to turn
How boredom and identity loss can sneak up on you and hijack your peace (or your wallet)
The surprising power of curiosity to reignite your purpose—and how to spot those dopamine-fuelled green shoots
The three stages of any big life transition: the ending, the messy middle, and the new beginning
What resilience actually looks like in your 50s, 60s and beyond—and how to gently build yours back up
Why men in particular can struggle more with post-work identity—and how to unpack that
The difference between feeling stuck and simply being in the middle zone
Why a free call to your super fund or a check-in with a financial counsellor could be the most helpful thing you do this week
And why happiness and sadness can (and often do) exist at the same time in these transitions—and that’s perfectly okay
Ready to make your retirement truly epic?
The Epic Retirement Course is back in August! It’s six weeks of straight-talking strategies for sorting your money, health, time, purpose, travel plans and more.
Thousands of Aussies have done it — and the August intake is now open.
Early bird pricing has been extended, offering you 25% off.
👉 Or download the 2025 Spring brochure here.
I wrote Prime Time for all of us in our 40s, 50s and 60s
… who know we’re not done yet, but don’t want to do work, life and retirement the old way.
This book is for the superannuation generation. The first generation to have super most of their adult lives. And it’s full of honest lessons — about health, work, money, identity and what it takes to build your financial foundations, and shape a life you love in midlife and beyond.
Pre-order now from your favourite store
Amazon: Order here
Booktopia: Order here (I’ll be signing all the Booktopia orders!)
👉 Grab your copy now, and thank you so much for your support.
Listening with great interest, thank you.
Because I'm in New Zealand, some of the support discussed in the podcast isn't available here but I’ve used EPA (employee assistance) and then WellElder counseling, both of which I recommend.
Technically I'm on sabbatical until next year, then back to work for a couple of years, but it all still applies.
I'm using my Kiwisaver provider tools and Retirement Commission data to plan ahead and double check my current and future budgeting.
I’m also trying some new things during this time (until next surgery anyway), like a retirement trial.
I expect to listen to this several times!