Wealth versus financial confidence: Which is more important?
And in today's newspapers, 'We need to change how we talk about retirement at work'
In this edition
Feature: Wealth versus Financial Confidence - which is more important?
Course: Earlybird spots still available
From Bec’s Desk: Winding the crank back up
SMH/TheAge: We need to change how we talk about retirement at work
Prime Time: A New Year financial checklist for Prime Timers with Paul Benson
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Wealth versus financial confidence: Which is more important?
When people hear about “having an epic retirement,” a lot of them immediately think it’s all about building wealth. But it’s not. It’s about creating a life you actually want to live—and one you can afford to aspire to.
The truth is, you can have an epic retirement without being rich. It comes down to three things: your attitude, your way of living, and your financial confidence. So, let’s take a closer look at each, because all of them are important when preparing for this next phase of your life.
Your attitude: building curiosity
Retirement isn’t just about coasting. The best retirements come from curiosity and a willingness to keep learning and growing.
Ask yourself: Do I already think I know everything, or am I curious about new things? I believe wholeheartedly that an epic retirement comes from wanting to know more—about the world, about yourself, and about the things that interest you. But to explore that, you need to stop and think: What am I curious about?
It’s something many people don’t give much thought to until midlife, or even until they stop working and wonder, What’s important to me now? The best way to work on it is to start thinking about what you’d like to learn or dive into. Maybe it’s a hobby, a skill, or a topic you’ve always been curious about. Then, take action:
Read books.
Take courses.
Follow experts on YouTube or
Subscribe to newsletters.
Curiosity creates energy, purpose, and momentum—three things that can make retirement epic.
Your way of living: proactive not passive
Do you wait for opportunities to appear in front of you, or do you go looking for them? This is a big question when it comes to how you live your life.
An epic retirement is rarely passive. It comes from actively seeking out what fulfills you. Maybe that’s self-improvement, trying something new, or putting yourself out there in ways you didn’t before. Waiting around rarely leads to satisfaction.
If you’re unsure where to start, try this: Pick one small, meaningful thing you’ve been putting off and just go for it. It might be as simple as joining a local group, taking a fitness class, or committing to one day a week for something you love.
Your financial confidence: knowing what’s possible
Financial confidence isn’t about being wealthy; it’s about knowing how to use what you’ve got to live the life you want.
Here’s the thing: When you know how much you have, what that money can do, and what your limits are, you can stop stressing and start planning. Confidence comes from clarity.
How do you build it?
Get clear on your budget. Know what you spend, where you can save, and what’s realistic for your lifestyle.
Understand your investments. Know how your money is working for you, what kind of return you can expect, and what the risks are if markets underperform.
Learn your pension system. Find out if you’re eligible, and if so, whether it’s for a full pension, part pension, or just a seniors card.
Test it out. Practise living on your retirement budget for a month. You’ll quickly see what works and what needs tweaking.
When you’re clear on your financial situation, you can make decisions that align with your goals—whether that’s travelling, downsizing, or just enjoying the little things that make life special.
Ultimately, an epic retirement isn’t about being rich—it’s about living a live you’re happy living. It’s about having the confidence to know you’re in control, the curiosity to keep growing, and the proactive mindset to build the life you want.
You don’t need millions to retire happily. You just need to start thinking, planning, and taking small steps to prepare. Make it epic!
The Autumn Flagship Course now 25% off - but not for long
Our Autumn Edition of the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course has had a facelift and an update — and it’s all ready for 2025. And, the program is booking up nicely, giving you plenty of peers to learn alongside. There’s a 25% early bird discount for a few days more - so make sure you get your bookings in.
Want to learn more or download our brochure? ➡️ visit the website here
The year is underway, the next course is selling (like 🥞) and my book Prime Time is now in the second round of editing. Rather exciting start to the year eh. I’m really enjoying being back amongst it.
This year I’ve vowed to do more on social — making regular little educational videos for Facebook and Instagram. So if you don’t follow me already — please do so my efforts are worthwhile 😆.
Facebook: facebook.com/becwilsonepic
Instagram: instagram.com/epicretirement
It’s been simply a week of winding the crank back up to full pace.
The Epic Retirement Club is back on Facebook after a couple of weeks off (yes you can pause a giant Facebook group). It’s full of vigor, with some new international moderators joining the team (welcome guys).
I’m setting my intentions into action this year. I promised myself that after the holidays I would find a new team/group sport to get involved in. Something I could learn and build skills in. Top on my shortlist is pickleball - so I’ve found a club and am headed off to try it out in two weeks. I’ll report back. What are you promising yourself you’re going to try this year?
Tell me in the comments.
Now - don’t forget to send me your letters - I need ideas, topics and feedback all the time! I love them. Please, send them to bec@epicretirement.com.au.
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcast host, columnist, retirement educator, and guest speaker
We need to change how we talk about retirement at work
Extract of article published in print in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times, WA Today on Sunday 19th January 2025.
For some, retirement is a milestone to celebrate openly with their workplace peers – a confidently shared countdown bubbling over with ideas for travel, family time, or long-awaited hobbies. For others, it’s a secret closely guarded until the very last moment.
Why is retirement such a taboo topic in so many workplaces? And, more importantly, what are the financial and professional consequences of staying silent – for you and your boss?
In my Facebook Group, the Epic Retirement Club, members often ask to post anonymously, afraid their colleagues might uncover their plans or even associate them with the “retirement genre,” like it’s a dirty word.
This hesitancy is rooted in fear – of being sidelined or treated differently before they’re ready, and fear that their workplace doesn’t have their back at all.
With only 31 per cent of Australians retiring by choice in 2024, it’s clear many feel they have no control over when or how they leave work unless they stay silent. Staying silent, however, often makes things worse and it certainly perpetuates the cycle.
Workplaces would be more appealing if they tried harder to combat ageism and created cultures where workers feel they can discuss their future.
Why workplaces should evolve
Workplaces are evolving rapidly, and the signs are clear: AI and automation are driving significant changes across industries. Entire roles are being redefined or phased out in some sectors, while others are grappling with labour shortages that hinder growth.
At the same time, the concept of retirement is shifting. Gone are the days when employees worked until December 20, clocked off, and never returned to the workforce.
Increasingly, research shows that a gradual transition – working less overtime or exploring part-time phases and taking sabbaticals before full retirement – can provide significant benefits for both employees and employers.
Many other older workers also choose to access their super while continuing to work, maintaining their engagement with the workforce. Thanks to remarkable improvements in health spans, so many people have both the energy and expertise to contribute meaningfully, albeit in new and different ways.
Employers who ignore these trends really do risk losing invaluable experience and missing out on effective succession planning opportunities that might have helped them better embed responsible work practices in younger employees.
This article continues — Read on, in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and WA Today.
A New Year financial checklist for Prime Timers
We're getting our financial house in order for 2025 with Financial Planner and Columnist, Paul Benson. Learn the things he does and teaches people to do every new year.
Welcome to 2025, Prime Timers! It’s our first show back. And we’re kicking off the year the way we plan to continue—by getting our financial house in order. This week, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of our favourite guests, Financial Planner Paul Benson from Guidance Financial Services. Paul’s here to guide us through a New Year’s checklist of must-do financial actions for midlifers.
We’re diving into the steps we should be taking right now to set ourselves up for a smooth and successful year ahead. Paul’s bringing us five key priorities, each packed with practical advice and a few timeless lessons that will make navigating your finances in 2025 that little bit easier.
Let’s get into it!
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Last of all, if you haven’t read the book, you can order your copy from Amazon online and Big W online too. Or pick up a copy at your local Big W, or QBD stores.
Pickleball is so much fun! I took it up last year - when I went part time at work - and now that I'm now working, I play once or twice a week. Love it! Will be keen to hear what you think!