Why Abundant Retirement Is About More Than Money

In this first episode of 2026, host Carol Dewey explores the "quiet tension" many successful retirees and pre-retirees feel despite having a solid net worth. She moves the conversation beyond simple math problems and market performance to address why many feel unsettled even when they have "enough." Carol challenges the traditional view of retirement as a single event, reframing it as a complex transition that requires coordinated navigation rather than siloed advice.

Listeners are invited to move from a state of "drifting" to one of "responding," ensuring their wealth is fully aligned with their lifestyle, values, and legacy.

Key Takeaways

1. Retirement is a Transition, Not an Event. Retirement is often viewed as a date on the calendar or a single financial transaction, but it is actually a major life transition where identity, routines, and income sources shift. Navigating this transition successfully requires awareness and the ability to adjust when conditions change.
2. The Danger of Fragmentation: Success often leads to complexity, resulting in "siloed advice," where different experts (CPAs, attorneys, and advisors) handle individual pieces of a financial life. Without a coordinated perspective responsible for the whole picture, high-net-worth individuals often carry hidden risks they cannot see.
3. Net Worth vs. Usable Wealth: A high net worth does not automatically equate to financial peace. True "abundant retirement" comes from understanding how wealth is coordinated, how taxes impact decisions over a lifetime, and ensuring money is working for your life rather than the other way around.
4. Confidence Over Certainty: While many seek certainty, it is often an illusion due to changing markets, health, and tax laws. True peace of mind comes from confidence—knowing you have considered multiple outcomes and understand your trade-offs so you can respond to change rather than react to it.
5. Moving from Success to Significance: For those who have already achieved financial success, the next step is finding clarity and alignment. This involves preparing the family, not just the portfolio, and ensuring that wealth supports a deeper sense of purpose and identity after a career or business transition.

Additional Highlights From the Episode

1. The "Enough" Gap: Discussion on why having millions can still lead to fear when a plan is not coordinated or defined.
2. Real-World Lessons: Carol shares a story of a successful business owner who had a great team but lacked a coordinated tax and succession strategy.
3. 2026 Roadmap: A preview of upcoming topics including invisible risks, tax traps, and planning for purpose beyond documents.

Episode Resources & Links

🎧 Listen to Navigating an Abundant Retirement

1. Spotify