Episode 101: Retire to Flourish: Designing a Life You Don’t Want to Escape From
In this week’s episode, Jay Peroni, CFP®, explores what truly makes retirement fulfilling, not just financially stable. The episode reframes retirement as a life design project, rooted in stewardship, purpose, and faith.
The first segment focuses on inflation and its quiet but powerful impact on retirees. Jay explains that inflation rarely shows up as a crisis; instead, it erodes lifestyles slowly through higher everyday costs. Even modest inflation can force subtle compromises: fewer trips, less time with family, or postponed dreams. While Social Security cost-of-living adjustments help, Jay reminds listeners that Social Security is a “seatbelt, not the engine.” It provides safety, but it cannot drive a fulfilling retirement on its own.
Healthcare inflation receives special attention, as Jay notes that medical costs don’t follow averages, they “ambush” retirees unexpectedly. This reinforces the importance of stress-testing plans early in the year. Jay also challenges outdated advice like “living off the interest,” emphasizing the need for intentionally designed income and multiple aligned strategies. True protection against inflation, he says, comes from clarity, flexibility, and alignment—not a single investment solution.
The second segment shifts to habits, health, and purpose. Jay highlights that the biggest divider between happy and unhappy retirees is structured. Without intention, retirees can drift into loneliness, declining health, and dissatisfaction—often misattributed to money. Physical health, community, lifelong learning, and meaningful hobbies are essential pillars of a rich retirement.
Faith sits at the center of the conversation. Jay emphasizes that God doesn’t retire His people—He reassigns them. Biblically responsible investing and purpose-driven living bring peace, alignment, and fulfillment. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: Hope is not a retirement strategy—stewardship is. Listeners are encouraged to start the year with a thoughtful retirement checkup and design a life they don’t want to escape from.
For more information, contact Faith Investor Services today.
