Retirement With/On Purpose

Is working with a financial advisor really worth it if they’re not “beating the market”? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson reframes the true value of a financial advisor—beyond just portfolio performance. Drawing from Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha framework, Trevor breaks down six key ways advisors can add measurable value, including proper asset allocation, cost-effective implementation, tax-eff...

Should you really be maxing out your 401(k)? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson challenges one of the most common pieces of retirement advice. Drawing insights from a compelling article by Nick Maggiulli, Trevor explores the pros and cons of maxing out your 401(k)—including fees, limited flexibility, and the long-term tradeoff of locking up your capital. He also breaks down a 30-year side-by-...

What do people regret most at the end of their lives, and how can you avoid those regrets in retirement? In this reflective episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores the five most common regrets of the dying, drawn from the experiences of palliative care nurse and author Bronnie Ware. Trevor shares practical insights for retirees looking to live with more intention, from reconnecting with old frien...

Why is it so hard to start spending your retirement savings—even when you know you’ve saved enough? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores the emotional and psychological hurdles many retirees face when shifting from saving to spending. Inspired by an article from Morningstar’s Christine Benz, Trevor unpacks the concept of the “retirement consumption gap” and shares practical strategies ...

How much should you really spend on vacation in retirement—and how do you balance fun with financial responsibility? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores smart vacation spending strategies, just in time for summer planning. Drawing from expert advice and personal insights, Trevor shares guidelines like the 5–10% rule for travel spending, tips for avoiding "luxury creep" and "entitlemen...

Are your spending habits truly your own, or are they shaped by what others around you value? In today's episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores the concept of mimetic desire, the idea that our wants are often influenced by the desires of others. From luxury hobbies to travel trends in retirement, Trevor shares real-life examples of how this social phenomenon can impact financial decisions and lon...

Beyond financial security, what truly makes for a fulfilling retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores the PERMA framework, a research-backed model for human flourishing. Drawing insights from behavioral finance expert Daniel Crosby, Trevor breaks down the five key pillars—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—and how they can shape a retiremen...

If you have a pension, how do you choose the right payout option for your retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson breaks down the North Carolina pension payout options, explaining the pros and cons of each. From maximizing your own income to ensuring financial security for your beneficiaries, he walks through the key considerations retirees need to make. Plus, he explores an alternativ...

What happens after you retire—when the structure, purpose, and social connections from work are gone? Retirement isn’t just about finances; it’s about building a meaningful, engaging, and fulfilling life. In this episode, host Trevor Lawson dives into the often-overlooked non-financial risks of retirement, from loneliness and loss of purpose to mental and physical stagnation. Learn how to stay connected, find new passions,...

How can market downturns impact your retirement, and what can you do to protect your savings? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson dives into the Sequence of Returns Risk—a lesser-known but crucial factor that can significantly affect your retirement funds. He explains how withdrawing money during a market decline can accelerate portfolio depletion and shares a powerful strategy—the bucket appr...

What are the biggest financial risks to your retirement, and how can you protect yourself? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson breaks down five key financial threats retirees face, including inflation, longevity risk, taxes, healthcare costs, and stock market volatility. He explains how these risks can impact your retirement savings and shares practical strategies to help safeguard your financ...

Think you're ready to retire? Now what? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson breaks down the essential steps to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition into retirement. From evaluating whether you're truly ready to retire to creating a financial plan that supports your lifestyle, Trevor shares poignant pointers on retirement income planning, stress-testing your finances, and preparing for bot...

What exactly should you look for when hiring a financial advisor? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing the right advisor for your financial journey. From finding a fiduciary who puts your interests first to ensuring they have experience with retirees like you, Trevor shares four essential qualities to look for—including why personality fit m...

Do you really need life insurance in retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson unpacks the key factors to consider when deciding whether to keep, adjust, or forgo life insurance in your retirement years. He explores common reasons retirees maintain policies—from covering lingering debts to leaving a tax-free legacy—along with potential downsides like rising costs and changing needs. Plus...

Is Social Security really going anywhere and what changes could impact your retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson addresses one of the most common concerns for retirees: the future of Social Security benefits. Drawing on insights from recent reports and expert analysis, Trevor explores the critical role Social Security plays for many Americans and discusses potential changes, includi...

Are you wondering how to transition from simply retiring to truly thriving in retirement? In the inaugural episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson introduces the heart of the show: helping you navigate the financial and personal aspects of retirement to create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Drawing from over a decade of experience as a financial advisor, Trevor shares what it takes to organize...

Retirement With Purpose is a podcast dedicated to helping retirees, those nearing retirement, and their supporters navigate the financial and personal aspects of this new phase of life. Hosted by financial advisor Trevor Lawson, each episode provides practical strategies, expert insights, and inspiring ideas to ensure your retirement years are purposeful, fulfilling, and truly your best chapter yet.

For more information an...