“Can I Retire?” Julie’s Journey to a New Chapter

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline sits down with Julie to hear the story of her transition from a decades-long career in real estate to retirement. After working since she was a teenager and spending her career in real estate—including roles in IT, marketing, recruiting, brokerage leadership, and consulting—Julie reached a point where she began asking a question many people approaching retirement eventually face: Can I really retire? Julie shares what it was like to prepare for retirement while balancing work and caring for an aging parent, how she educated herself about Social Security and insurance, and the moment Matt confirmed that she was financially ready to make the transition. But retirement wasn't simply about leaving work. For Julie, it became an opportunity to build a new life. She talks about why she didn't experience the sense of loss or lack of purpose that some retirees describe, how she approached building new friendships and community, and why she sees retirement as a commencement—a chance to start something new. Julie also reflects on lessons she learned about money throughout her life, including the importance of being more engaged with your finances and investments rather than simply working hard and saving. This conversation offers a personal look at what retirement can actually feel like—from the uncertainty of asking “Can I do this?” to the excitement of realizing that you can. Episode Topics Covered Julie's Decades-Long Career in Real Estate The Journey From Working to Consulting to Retirement Caring for an Aging Parent While Working Preparing Financially Before Retirement Understanding Social Security and Insurance The Emotional Moment of Realizing You Can Retire Why Sometimes We Need Someone to Tell Us It's Okay to Retire Learning From Friends Who Retired Before You Lessons Julie Learned About Money Growing Up The Importance of Being More Engaged With Your Finances Learning From Your Parents' Approach to Money Knowing When It's Time to Make a Change Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Responsibilities What Julie Did—and Didn't—Miss About Working Finding Community After Retirement Building New Friendships in Retirement Seeing Retirement as a Commencement, Not an Ending Creating a New Life After Your Career The Personal Side of Making the Decision to Retire — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: [email protected] Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM