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Most people plan for retirement by focusing on their finances—building up a nest egg, securing passive income, and minimizing taxes. But what if that’s only part of the equation? Many retirees find themselves financially secure yet feeling unexpectedly lost, disengaged, or even unhappy. The truth is, money alone doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling retirement.
Dr. Daniel Crosby explains how work naturally provides purpose, engagement, relationships, and growth—key elements we often lose in retirement without realizing it. Without a plan to replace them, retirees risk dissatisfaction, depression, and even health issues.
The good news? By proactively designing your retirement around these five pillars—positive experiences, engagement, relationships, meaning, and growth—you can create a life that is just as rich in purpose as it is in financial security.
Whether it’s through hobbies, social groups, volunteering, or personal growth, Dr. Crosby shares how to build a retirement that keeps you mentally, emotionally, and socially fulfilled for decades to come.
Outline of This Episode
- (0:00) Introduction
- (1:30) The unexpected struggles of retirement
- (2:40) The five facets of a meaningful life
- (6:23) How to intentionally rebuild purpose after retiring
- (9:50) The hidden danger of loneliness in retirement
- (14:30) Why purpose-driven money decisions matter
- (22:50) A hilarious twist: How Elon Musk “stole” from Dr. Crosby!
Resources & People Mentioned
- The Retirement Podcast Network
- Dr. Daniel Crosby’s Book – The Soul of Wealth (Amazon)
- Dr. Daniel Crosby’s Podcast – Standard Deviations (Podcast)
- CDC Report on Loneliness & Health Risks (Report)
Connect with Dr. Daniel Crosby
- Chief Behavioral Officer bio
- His Twitter/X: @danielcrosby
- His LinkedIn: Dr. Daniel Crosby
Connect with Benjamin Brandt
- Become a Client: www.retirementstartstoday.com/start
- Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
- Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
- Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
- Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University
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