The Shift From Saver to Spender - Transitioning Into Retirement

In this episode, we explore the emotional and structural challenges that come with transitioning from a lifetime of saving to actually spending in retirement. We focus especially on healthcare professionals—nurses, physicians, and leaders—who have spent their careers making cautious, life-impacting decisions and who now face a very different kind of responsibility: using the money they’ve carefully built.

We start by recognizing how identity plays a major role. Many in healthcare see themselves as protectors and planners. Saving becomes a symbol of safety, and shifting to spending can feel like breaking an internal rule. With the end of scheduled shifts and steady paychecks, many experience a sense of floating—losing the rhythm they’ve followed for decades. We clarify that this unease is normal, not a sign of poor planning, but a psychological adjustment.

We emphasize that the solution lies in structure. By creating an income plan that mimics the regularity of a paycheck, we restore the stability many retirees need. We walk through how to assemble an “income playbook”—a way to integrate pensions, IRAs, 403(b)s, HSAs, and savings into a cohesive plan. Each account gets a role, whether it’s for essentials or discretionary goals, and cash buffers protect against market swings. Automation is key here—turning on scheduled withdrawals and tax withholding brings back the rhythm retirees are used to.

We also break down the concept of retirement into phases: go-go, slow-go, and no-go years. Spending shifts naturally, so we help clients build flexibility into their plans. Travel and hobbies may define the early years, while later stages often involve more home time or increased healthcare costs. By projecting different scenarios and using guardrails, we help people make confident adjustments as life evolves.

Throughout, we stress that it’s okay to spend what you’ve saved. Retirement isn’t about hoarding your wealth—it’s about enjoying the life you worked hard to build. We suggest starting with a snapshot of your financial picture, visualizing what your days might look like, and even running a test month on future income to see how it feels. Ultimately, retirement is about shifting into a new, well-supported identity—one that still reflects who you are but in a new chapter of life.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.