Retirement brings a new challenge, not about how to save, but how to spend — and for many, that’s a tougher adjustment than it sounds. Today, we’re going to unpack that paradox and explore why so many of the best savers struggle the most when it’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Topics Discussed
- Why even the best savers often struggle most with spending in retirement.
- The psychological roots of a “scarcity mindset” and how to overcome it.
- Reframing savings as deferred spending to reduce guilt.
- Practical strategies like the 4% rule, guardrails, and “bucket” approaches to create financial structure post-retirement.
- How RMDs and taxes can force you to spend or lose money to the government.
- Aligning your spending with your values to make retirement more meaningful.
- The surprising link between ER docs’ work environment and financial risk aversion.
Resources Mentioned:
Tags:
ER docs, physician finance, retirement planning, financial independence, lifestyle planning, savings habits, financial psychology, safe withdrawal rate, RMDs, spending mindset, portfolio buckets
