Retirement planning goes far beyond just accumulating a lump sum of money—it's about designing the life you actually want to live once the working years are over. Host Bryan Barrett connects with Edward Jones financial advisor Lee Colvin to unpack five essential questions that every pre-retiree must answer within five to ten years of their target date. From navigating Social Security and Medicare gaps to managing lifestyle inflation, this conversation shifts the focus from simple saving to true lifestyle alignment.

Transitioning into retirement can feel surprisingly disorienting without a clear vision for your daily routine, residence, and charitable goals. Lee shares actionable strategies for timing your exit, coordinating dual-retiree households, and accurately forecasting your post-career expenses. Learn how to bridge the gap between your financial assets and your personal goals to create a resilient, rewarding retirement strategy that adapts alongside your evolving priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Optimal Timing: How retiring early impacts Social Security benefits, Medicare eligibility, and penalty-free retirement account access.

• Lifestyle & Location Strategy: Why structuring your free time, housing choices, and proximity to healthcare are vital to long-term satisfaction.

• Budget Realities: Identifying hidden lifestyle costs, travel expenses, and legacy or charitable giving goals before you make the leap.