Hi Reader

Welcome to edition #44 of The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup.

Today's insights include...

• Roman wisdom that has stood the test of time
• Making better choices in retirement
• Memory planning

I've recommended so great books and articles for you to read, so grab that coffee and and get reading!

My Latest Thoughts

Retirement, Roman Style: How Cicero Nailed the Art of Retirement 2000 years ago!

Many people search low and high for the answer on how to live a happy and joyful retirement, thinking that it may be impossible to find, probably doesn't exist or hasn't yet been discovered...

But what if I told you that Roman statesman, philosopher and writer Marcus Tullius Cicero who rose to prominence in the later roman republic as a lawyer and politician figured out retirement well over 2000 years ago

How Marcus Tullius Cicero Figured Out a Modern Retirement in the First Century BC

Marcus Tullius Cicero was famous for his powerful speeches, philosophical works, and influence as a statesman in ancient Rome. But what many wont realise, however, is that Cicero was one of the earliest thinkers to articulate a vision of what we might call “modern retirement.” His insights, captured in an open letter to his son, Marcus, and his renowned work De Senectute (On Old Age), remain astonishingly relevant today.

For Cicero, the later stages of life were not a time to withdraw from meaningful activity or languish in idle pursuits. Instead, he laid out a compelling framework for what a fulfilling retirement could look like, one centered on service, wisdom, and mentorship. Let’s explore his three core beliefs about older age and how they still inspire retirees today.

1. Retirement as a Time for Service, Not Self-Indulgence

Cicero believed that older age should not be squandered in aimless pursuits or hedonistic distractions. Instead, he urged people to see this time as an opportunity to serve others. He wrote that life in retirement should be “dedicated to service,” particularly service that uplifts the community and supports the greater good.

This idea resonates with today’s retirees who choose to spend their time volunteering, participating in community organisations, or engaging in philanthropic work. Cicero understood that fulfilment doesn’t come from a life of leisure, but from a life of purpose. For him, older age offered the freedom to focus on what truly matters: contributing to society in ways that reflect one’s values and hard-earned wisdom.

2. The Gift of Wisdom: A Treasure Meant to Be Shared

In Cicero’s view, the greatest gift of later life is the wisdom we’ve accumulated through decades of learning, reflection, and lived experience. He believed this wisdom gives older adults a unique capacity to enrich the world around them.

“Learning and thought create a worldview that can enrich others,” Cicero wrote, emphasising the importance of continuing to seek knowledge, even in retirement. Modern neuroscience supports his wisdom: staying mentally active and curious helps preserve cognitive health and sharpens critical thinking skills.

For retirees, this might mean deepening one’s understanding of a favourite subject, exploring new areas of interest, or simply reflecting on lessons learned over a lifetime. Cicero saw this intellectual pursuit not as a solitary activity, but as a gift to share with others—offering insight, perspective, and guidance to younger generations.

3. The Natural Role of Counsel: Becoming Mentors and Teachers

Cicero argued that the most natural and fulfilling role for older individuals is that of counsellor, mentor, and teacher. He believed older age was uniquely suited to these roles, as life experience provides a depth of understanding that cannot be taught in books or classrooms alone.

“The older generation possesses a natural ability for counsel,” Cicero wrote, emphasising the importance of sharing advice, mentoring the young, and offering wisdom where it’s needed most. This concept is evident in today’s society as retirees increasingly take on roles as coaches, advisors, and community leaders. Many find that mentoring a younger colleague, teaching a skill, or simply sharing stories of perseverance can create a legacy that outlives their own lifetime.

Cicero’s Retirement Blueprint for the Modern Age

What makes Cicero’s vision so enduring is that it taps into the essence of what makes life meaningful: connection, purpose, and the opportunity to leave a positive mark on the world. His belief that retirement is not a withdrawal from life, but rather a shift in focus toward service, wisdom, and mentorship, feels especially relevant in an era where people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

So, as you think about your own retirement—or if you’re already in this phase of life—ask yourself how Cicero’s principles might guide your choices. How can you dedicate your time to serving others? How can you use your hard-earned wisdom to enrich the lives of those around you? And how might you embrace the role of mentor, teacher, or advisor to make a lasting impact?

Cicero’s advice from over two millennia ago reminds us that retirement isn’t the end of meaningful contribution—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, rich with opportunities to live with purpose and leave a legacy of wisdom, guidance, and service.

Books

👉 The Mindful Millionaire by Leisa Peterson

The Mindful Millionaire by Leisa Peterson is a must-read. It goes beyond traditional financial advice by exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of wealth. Leisa offers practical strategies to help you align your money mindset with your personal values, creating a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to financial security. Whether you’re looking to retire with confidence or redefine your relationship with money, this book provides powerful insights to help you achieve financial peace and purpose. It’s the perfect companion for anyone seeking a richer, more intentional retirement journey.

👉 Wealth in The Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony by Dr Preston D. Cherry

Wealth in the Key of Life by Dr. Preston D. Cherry is a transformative read for anyone preparing for retirement. This book takes a holistic approach to wealth, focusing not just on financial success but on creating a life rich in meaning, relationships, and personal fulfilment. Preston blends practical financial guidance with inspiring lessons on how to harmonise your money and your values. It’s an empowering guide to building a legacy of wealth that goes far beyond pounds and pence, making it an essential read for those striving to live fully in retirement and beyond.

Articles

👉 Happiness: Why Purpose Beats Money Every Time by Jordan Grumet

There’s been a lot of debate about whether money can buy happiness. Some argue convincingly that it can, while others strongly disagree. In this blog post, Jordan explores why he believe money cannot buy happiness and discuss some of the most well-known studies on this topic. These studies ultimately suggest that purpose—specifically, “little p” purpose—may hold the key to happiness instead

👉 Retirement Memory Planning: How to Turn Money Into Memories by Me!

I've been talking a lot this week with clients about turning money into memories and the concept of retirement memory planning, so I wanted to share a blog I wrote in September last year that covers my thoughts on this.

Podcasts

👉 The latest episode of The Humans vs Retirement Podcast is How to Make Better Choices in Retirement with Richard Shotton. Listen in via:

• ​Apple Podcasts​
• ​Spotify​
• ​Youtube​