Retirement is a Triathlon: Pacing Yourself for the Long Run

Over the past year, I’ve developed a passion for triathlons, tackling everything from shorter Olympic distances to the full Ironman. This experience has given me new insights into pacing and endurance—lessons I also see reflected in my work as a financial advisor. One challenge that many retirees face is the decision to return to work after they’ve retired. In fact, a recent study by Paychex shows that 20% of retirees consider returning to the workforce at some point.

As a financial advisor, I see a few types of retirees. Some dive into travel and spending time with their grandkids. Others, however, enjoy the early stages of retirement, get bored, and find themselves back at my office telling me they’ve returned to work. I've learned to expect the unexpected in these situations and adjust my strategies just as I would for a triathlon—helping my clients navigate the different phases of their retirement journey.

My goal is to help clients “pace themselves” by offering proactive solutions before they even retire. What if we could recognize the signs that indicate potential challenges, and help them transition smoothly into retirement? It would save both time and effort for everyone involved.

Just like in a triathlon, where each stage (swimming, biking, and running) requires different strategies, retirement requires a tailored approach. Let’s break it down:

The Swim In a triathlon, the swim is all about finding rhythm and controlling your breathing. Similarly, as an advisor, I guide my clients to balance their financial goals with a deeper sense of purpose. Many retirees struggle to adjust when their sense of identity has been tied to their career. Addressing these feelings early on can set the pace for a more fulfilling retirement.

The Bike The bike portion of a triathlon requires endurance and mental fortitude. In retirement, social endurance is equally important. I see many retirees who haven’t planned for an active social life beyond work. Clients without strong connections outside of work may face loneliness. This is where I step in to help them build and strengthen their social networks, ensuring they’re ready for life after their career.

The Run The final leg, the run, is often where athletes hit a wall. In retirement, this can happen when clients struggle with the unstructured nature of their new lifestyle. By helping them create a detailed plan for their daily routines, I ensure they don’t face burnout or boredom in this new chapter of life.

The Transition Zones In triathlons, transition zones are key moments where athletes switch from one discipline to another. Similarly, when couples enter retirement, they often find their goals don’t align. This is an opportunity for me to guide them through these transitions and ensure they are on the same page.

Putting It All Together Success in triathlons and retirement alike comes from maintaining control and pacing yourself. My job as an advisor is to help my clients keep a steady pace throughout each stage of retirement, focusing on both their financial and emotional well-being. By addressing social, emotional, and relational aspects early, we can build a robust plan for their future.

It Starts with a Plan—and a Coach When I began my triathlon journey, I enlisted the help of a coach and created a training plan. Similarly, in retirement, it’s essential to have a coach and a plan in place. That’s where the "Get the Most Out of Retirement" guide comes in, offering personalized Retirement Lifestyle Plans through MoneyGuide's financial planning software. It categorizes goals into Needs, Wants, and Wishes, helping clients cover essential expenses while also planning for their dreams.

MoneyGuide uses tools like Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the probability of successfully funding all retirement goals, offering confidence through regular reviews and adjustments. Ongoing planning is key to long-term success.

As you approach this stage in life, I encourage you to hire a coach and get a plan in place.

Thomas Marino, Financial Advisor

Atrium Financial LLC 1892 Greentree Rd,

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 C: 215-710-8177

[email protected]

atriumfinancialLLC.com

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned, and other entities or marketing names, products, or services referenced are independent of Osaic Wealth. Atrium Financial Associates LLC is independent of Osaic Wealth.