How to Make the Most of Retirement by Unretiring With Richard Eisenberg

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Summary:

[179] – After you retire, will you pull a Michael Jordan and unretire?

In this episode, Jeremy Keil speaks with Richard Eisenberg, an unretired freelance writer and editor, and co-host of Friends Talk Money, about his unique approach to retirement. Richard shares his story of transitioning from a full-time 9-to-5 job to a more flexible lifestyle that includes part-time work, volunteering, mentoring, and spending time with family, including a new granddaughter. He discusses the importance of timing and readiness for retirement, the financial considerations, and the joy of choosing work that aligns with personal values.

The conversation also touches on the unexpected aspects of retirement, such as caregiving responsibilities, and how important it is to find that sweet spot between having a plan and just going with the flow. Richard’s story offers a different way of looking at retirement – it’s not just about slamming on the brakes; it’s about shifting into a lane that suits you best.

Richard discusses:

  • What unretirement looks like
  • Knowing when it’s time to retire
  • Balancing scheduled and unscheduled time
  • Unexpected retirement curveballs
  • What pre-retirees should know about retirement
  • Co-hosting the “Friends Talk Money” podcast
  • And more

How to Make the Most of Retirement by Unretiring

Sometimes, making the most of your retirement is unretiring to meaningful work. Today’s post highlights tips about unretiring from someone who has redefined retirement, not just for themselves but for many others, Richard Eisenberg.

What does unretirement look like?

Retirement is often envisioned as the final stage: the end of a long career and the start of a leisurely life. However, for some, retirement is not about stopping work; it’s about reshaping it. Unretirement isn’t a goodbye to professional life but an invitation to a new way of living.

Retirement can be a mix of part-time work, volunteering, mentoring, traveling, and family time. It’s about retiring the way you want to. This sentiment is something that resonates with many and is advocated for in various retirement-focused discussions. Retirement should be about freedom and fulfillment, not just the end of work.

Will I still have time for my family if I unretire?

Unretiring is not just about going back to work, but also about still having the time to do what you love, be present for life’s precious moments, and step up to any unexpected challenges that may come your way, such as helping family members pack for a move to a new home or caregiving responsibilities.

Unretirement can offer the flexibility to be there for the family when it matters most without the constraints of a full-time job.

When should I consider retiring?

The decision to retire often comes from an internal nudge, a feeling that it’s time to embrace the years ahead with the freedom to explore new opportunities.

This sentiment is common among those considering retirement, seeking financial advice not to question if they can retire but to ensure they do it right. It’s about making the transition smoothly, paying less in taxes, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Okay, I have financial planning taken care of. What else do I need to consider before I retire?

While finances are a significant concern when moving from a steady paycheck to a fixed income, they are not the only factor.

The desire to continue working at a different pace and the ability to choose who to work with are equally important.

It’s about finding a balance that allows for both financial stability and personal satisfaction.

What does work look like in unretirement?

Balancing work and pleasure in unretirement and having time to enjoy life’s pleasures is possible. This includes traveling, attending cultural events, and spending quality time with family.

Remember, retirement isn’t about retiring from work, but what’s meaningful to you that you’re retiring to, let it be hobbies or freelance work.

However, it’s also important to value unscheduled time, a concept embraced by many retirees. It’s about finding the right mix of activity and relaxation to make retirement truly enjoyable.

Work in retirement can be a continuation of your passions. Some may freelance, write columns, contribute to publications on various topics, or even mentor the next generation in their field.

This blend of work can keep one engaged and fulfilled, showcasing that retirement can be a time of continued professional contribution.

What Should I Take Away About Retirement?

Retirement is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a personal journey that can take many forms, from traditional leisure to a mix of work and play. It’s a powerful example of how retirement can be a time of growth, contribution, and joy.

We hope to inspire you to think about your own retirement in a new light. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about crafting a life that brings you happiness and fulfillment.

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To learn more about unretirement, check out the resources below!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or our guest, Richard Eisenberg, using the contact information provided below!

Resources:

Connect With Richard Eisenberg:

Connect With Jeremy Keil:

About Our Guest:

Richard Eisenberg is a consumer-service journalism editor with experience in all media: writing and editing for the web, magazines, newspapers, and books; writing and producing for TV; and hosting a podcast. He is the author/editor of two personal finance books.

Disclosures:

Content

Results and figures presented within the above links are hypothetical, unaudited and are intended for illustrative purposes only.

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Keil Financial Partners assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or other issues with the links and their respective contents. This includes both the website content and any potential bugs, viruses or other technical threats.

No Tax Advice

Keil Financial Partners does not provide any tax advice. No information or results from the links should be interpreted as tax advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified tax professional for any and all tax-related matters.

No Investment Advice

The content and information provided through the links should not be interpreted as being investment advice or a recommendation of suitability for any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy, or related decision. Please seek assistance from a qualified investment professional for any and all investment matters.

Investment Risk

Investments may increase or decrease significantly. All investments are subject to risk of loss.

General Disclosure

Advisory Persons of Thrivent provide advisory services under a “doing business as” name or may have their own legal business entities. However, advisory services are engaged exclusively through Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Keil Financial Partners and Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC are not affiliated companies. Please visit our website www.keilfp.com for important disclosures.

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