Summary Eric is the founder and CEO of BFG Financial Advisors a large financial planning business in Baltimore, USA that specialises in retirement planning. As well a writing his book Eric hosts a podcast by the same name and id a regular contributor to forbes.com and Sunday morning TV in Baltimore In this conversation Eric and I discuss the concept of retirement as a graduation and the need to redefine retirement as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Eric highlights the significance of having an abundance mindset and being open to reinventing oneself in retirement.  Eric shares the three secrets to the happiest retirees: being debt-free, taking care of your health, and having a sense of purpose. Takeaways Retirement should be seen as a graduation and an opportunity for growth and exploration. Financial independence is key to a fulfilling retirement, and it is important to plan for it early in life. Having an abundance mindset and being open to reinvention can lead to a more fulfilling retirement. Financial literacy is crucial in achieving financial independence and making informed decisions. The fear of running out of money in retirement can be alleviated by working with a financial advisor and having a well-thought-out plan. The three secrets of the happiest retirees include embracing a second childhood, cultivating wisdom and mindset, and finding purpose and identity in retirement. Being debt-free or adverse debt-free is important in retirement to reduce anxiety and ensure a peaceful retirement. Taking care of your health is crucial, as it is easier to stay healthy than to get healthy. Having a sense of purpose gives retirees a reason to get out of bed every morning and brings fulfilment to their lives. Retirees should plan and have intention in their retirement to ensure a smooth transition and make the most of their time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:03 Redefining Retirement as a Graduation 09:25 Embracing a Second Childhood 14:10 Compounding Mindset and Wisdom 19:25 Finding Purpose and Identity in Retirement 23:21 The Emotional and Psychological Challenges of Retirement 28:20 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:25 The Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement 37:47 Achieving Financial Independence without Being Good with Money 42:56 The Three Secrets of the Happiest Retirees 43:05 The Three Secrets to the Happiest Retirees 44:05 Taking Care of Your Health 45:01 Having a Sense of Purpose 46:44 Debt and Financial Freedom 48:29 The Importance of Good Health 49:26 The Value of Purpose in Retirement 50:23 The Inflation Rate for Retirees 52:13 Planning and Intention in Retirement 53:10 Finding a Sense of Purpose in Retirement 54:08 What Financial Freedom Looks Like Episode Links & Resource Buy Eric’s book Don’t Retire… Graduate! Listen to Eric’s Podcast Connect with Eric on LinkedIn WealthGPS – Lifestyle Financial Planning by TFP Download My FREE Retirement Toolkit Subscribe to my Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter