Hi Reader

Welcome to edition #51 of The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup.

Im a SUPER EXCITED about this edition!

I'm sharing with you all something very exclusive, in fact you are the very first people to see and read about The Retirement Reinvention Curve.

It's something I've been thinking about and working on for a while and forms part of a brand new keynote talk I'm creating which I hope will have a massive impact on the world of retirement planning.

As a bonus you've got a FREE download of my sketch that brings this framework to life.

As well as being excited about sharing this with you, I'm also very humbled to this week have 2 amazing things happen...

1. The Humans vs Retirement Podcast passed 100,000 downloads
2. My business TFP Financial Planning won Midlands & East Anglian Adviser Firm of The Year at The Professional Adviser Awards

Here's a little picture of me all dressed up!

A little confession... It's been a while since I had to wear a tuxedo! In that time I seem to have put on a few pounds!! The suit you see was hurriedly purchased the day before!

As always, grab your favourite beverage and something to jot some notes on. I know this edition will have an impact on you!

And... Please do let me know if any of this resonates, I love to hear your feedback and thoughts.

My Latest Thoughts

The Retirement Reinvention Curve

Understanding the 3 Phases and 8 Emotional Stages of the 'Retirement Journey'

Retirement isn’t just a financial event, it’s an emotional journey. For years, you have saved, planned, and prepared for this moment.

But once the retirement party is over, what happens next?

That’s the question the Retirement Reinvention Curve is designed to answer.

My brand new framework maps out the three key phases and eight emotional stages that you WILL experience in some form during your retirement transition.

It’s not a straight line... it’s a human process filled with uncertainty, self-discovery, and, eventually, reinvention.

PHASE 1: RELEASE

Letting go of the working identity and adjusting to a new rhythm.

This phase is the most emotionally jarring because it involves a psychological “unhooking” from the world of work. For decades, your time, structure, and identity were shaped by your career.

Now that’s gone... and it leaves a space.

Stage 1: Shock

The first few days or weeks of retirement can feel strange. You’re not on holiday, but it doesn’t quite feel real either. The structure disappears overnight, and even if you’ve longed for this day, there’s often an odd emotional flatness or disbelief.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “This doesn’t feel like I thought it would.”

👉 “Wait… is this really it?”

Stage 2: Elation

Freedom kicks in. You sleep in, enjoy your mornings, book spontaneous lunches, and feel wonderfully unshackled. It’s the honeymoon phase of retirement. You’ve earned this time, and it feels amazing.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

👉 “Every day is Saturday!”

Stage 3: Unease

Eventually, the novelty wears off. Days begin to blur. Without goals or structure, you may start to feel unmoored. The lack of purpose or direction becomes noticeable, and more-often uncomfortable.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “I feel like I’m drifting.”

👉 “I miss being needed.”

PHASE 2: REBUILD

Confronting the gap and starting to shape a new identity.

This is the most emotionally challenging phase. It’s where retirement gets real, and sometimes messy.

But it’s also where the seeds of reinvention are planted.

Stage 4: Frustration

You’ve had enough of the endless “free time.” There’s irritation, restlessness, and a deep sense of “there must be more to this.”

Without clear direction, even the most active of people can feel a little stuck.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “I need something to do.”

👉 “I didn’t retire for this.”

Stage 5: Doubt

Here, confidence can dip. You will probably question the decision to retire. You may worry that you've lost your edge or wonder whether you’ve made a mistake.

It’s not uncommon to consider going back to work, even if just to regain a sense of purpose.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

👉 “Was this the right decision?”

Stage 6: Recalibrate

This is the turning point.

You begin to reframe retirement not as an ending, but as a beginning.

You start asking better questions: What do I want this phase of life to look like? What excites me? How can I add value?

This is where direction returns.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “I have a chance to do this my way.”

👉 “I need to design what comes next.”

PHASE 3: REIGNITE

Rediscovering passion, purpose, and designing a fulfilling life.

This phase is all about momentum. You’ve moved through the friction and now begin to build a second act that fits who you are today... not who you used to be.

Stage 7: Ignite

New ideas, passions, and routines start to take hold.

You feel engaged again.

You might take on a project, join a group, volunteer, travel with purpose, or just enjoy a rhythm that gives you energy and meaning.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “I’m excited again.”

👉 “I’ve found my new normal.”

Stage 8: Flourish

You’ve created a retirement that works for you.

You have structure, connection, and purpose. You feel good, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

You’re not just retired, you’re thriving.

Common thoughts you will have:

👉 “This is the life I was meant to build.”

👉 “I’m living on purpose.”

Why This Curve Matters

Your 'retirement plan' more than likely focuses far too much on money. But the real challenges show up in being human, your emotions and how you want to live.

The Retirement Reinvention Curve gives language and structure to the emotional and psychological shifts that no spreadsheet can predict.

It normalises the ups and downs, and helps you prepare for what’s really coming, not just financially, but personally.

What Can You Do with This?

Whether you’re planning your own retirement or advising others, here’s how to use the curve:

✅ Expect the emotions - they’re not a problem, they’re part of the process.
✅ Build a plan beyond money- structure, purpose, identity, relationships.
✅ Revisit the curve often - you’ll likely revisit these stages again and again in new ways.

Because retirement isn’t the end of your story.

It’s the start of your reinvention.

** As a bonus, see my sketch of The Retirement Reinvention Curve below and download it for free on me and pin it to a wall! **

​

Download for FREE - The Retirement Reinvention Curve.pdf​