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Retiring Before 65: What It Really Means
11/12/2025
Retiring Before 65: What It Really Means
We’ve all heard 65 is the magic retirement age, but who decided that, anyway? In this episode, Jessica Gibbs, CFP®, and Emily Harper, CFP®, share a fresh take on what it means to step away from full-time work before that milestone. The conversation moves between money and mindset, the realities of healthcare and savings, and the freedom of redefining what retirement even looks like. They talk through how to prepare, what “enough” might mean for you, and why the emotional side of this transition matters just as much as the financial one. For anyone wondering when work starts to give way to something new, this sip is a thoughtful look at creating balance and space for the life you’ve been building toward. 0:00 – Disclaimers, coffee talk, and the Annapolis fall blend ☕️ 2:14 – Why some people dream of retiring before 65 and what that really means 4:45 – Where “65” came from, Social Security, and the real cost of healthcare before Medicare (COBRA tips included) 12:40 – How saving rates, wealth accumulation, and account mix shape your flexibility later on 22:10 – Building cash reserves, understanding spending habits, and preparing for down markets 28:12 – Earning in retirement, finding purpose, and keeping alignment with your spouse through the transition Connect with us: Get our Free Private Wealth Advice Newsletter: https://www.monumentwealthmanagement.com/subscribe LinkedIn: Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagibbscfp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monumentwealth/#
/episode/index/show/89f9d146-97f8-4655-a003-d7bb3c3fa3b3/id/38994685
