Rethinking Retirement: Financial and Life Planning with Christine Benz

Retirement is more than just numbers—it's about creating a fulfilling life beyond work.

How can you build a financial plan that supports your goals, while also considering purpose, health, and personal fulfillment? What strategies can help you balance your portfolio and minimize risks as you prepare for retirement?

In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung speaks with Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar. 

Christine shares her journey in the financial industry, key insights from her book How to Retire, and practical advice for building a balanced, sustainable retirement plan.

Christine discusses:

• The importance of planning beyond just finances, including visualizing your retirement lifestyle and finding purpose
• How simplifying investment portfolios and focusing on cost-efficient funds can improve long-term financial outcomes
• The risks of holding too much company stock and strategies for maintaining diversification
• How women can strengthen their financial future, especially in light of caregiving responsibilities and potential impacts of divorce
• Why a phased approach to retirement, rather than an abrupt stop, can lead to greater fulfillment and longevity in both career and life
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial  
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung 
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple’s JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung: 

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Christine Benz: 

• Website: Morningstar
• LinkedIn: Christine Benz
• X: @christine_benz
• .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}