In this poignant episode of How NOT to Retire, Dr. Richard Himmer shines a light on one of the most misunderstood values in modern retirement culture: independence. Lauded in our careers and personal ambitions, independence becomes a badge of honor. But left unchecked, it can quietly evolve into isolation—especially when planning for retirement.
We meet Tell—a fiercely competent do-it-yourselfer—who built a rock-solid retirement plan, down to the spreadsheets, passwords, and safe deposit keys. His wife Angie trusted him completely. Until one day, she had no choice but to face everything he left behind—alone.
This story isn’t rare. It’s painfully common. And it reveals a blind spot shared by many: the belief that doing it all yourself is an act of love, when in reality, it may be an act of unintentional abandonment.
In this episode, Dr. Himmer explores:
Why radical independence in retirement planning may create emotional fragility, not security
How to shift from being the sole decision-maker to a collaborative architect of your future
Why preparing your spouse or partner isn’t a courtesy—it’s a moral and relational responsibility
The psychological cost of managing retirement as a solo endeavor
What true wealth means when the applause fades, the inbox clears, and you’re left with your life
You’ll also discover the crucial difference between asset accumulation and life preparation. Because a full bank account without shared knowledge, purpose, or legacy? That’s not wealth—it’s risk.
Through vivid storytelling and grounded psychological insight, Dr. Himmer offers a quiet but urgent challenge:
Are you building a retirement plan… or just a vault?
Are you safeguarding your family’s future—or sealing them out of it?
The truth is, no spreadsheet ever held a hand. No locked drawer ever offered comfort. And the person who loves you most should never have to grieve and decode your life at the same time.
Because the richest retirements aren’t engineered alone.
They’re co-authored—through shared decisions, open conversations, and intentional planning. Their value isn’t measured in dollars. It’s measured in dignity, trust, and the quiet confidence of knowing no one is left in the dark.
True wealth isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you pass forward—clearly, courageously, and together.
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Want to dive deeper? As a loyal listener, explore Dr. Himmer’s digital course for FREE, How NOT to Retire, designed for preparing for a rich and purpose-driven second act.
Learn more at HowNotToRetire.com and take the first step toward building your most meaningful chapter yet.
Questions about the course? Email us anytime at plan@madronafinancial.com!
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