Are you planning to retire in 2028? The final two years before retirement may be the most important financial planning window you’ll ever have. In this episode, Mike and Susan explore the critical decisions that can determine whether retirement becomes a period of financial freedom—or unexpected financial stress.
They discuss why simply estimating your retirement budget isn’t enough, how to “test drive” your future income before leaving your job, and the tax strategies that can preserve more of your retirement savings. The conversation also breaks down sequence of returns risk, inflation, Social Security timing, Roth conversions, and why maintaining the right investment balance matters long after your last paycheck.
Beyond the numbers, the episode explores one of retirement’s most overlooked challenges: building a meaningful life after your career ends. From finding purpose to creating new social connections, retirement success depends on more than financial readiness.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why the last 24 months before retirement are so important
- How to test your retirement budget before you stop working
- Tax withdrawal strategies that can reduce costly surprises
- The impact of Social Security timing on lifetime income
- How a cash reserve can protect your portfolio during market downturns
- Why inflation remains a long-term retirement threat
- The emotional and psychological adjustments every new retiree should prepare for
- How to build a retirement lifestyle—not just a retirement budget
If retirement is on your horizon, this episode provides practical strategies to help you prepare financially, emotionally, and confidently for the transition.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family preparing for retirement. Visit vpod.ai to learn more and stay connected for future conversations.
