In this heartfelt episode, Steve Row is joined by Teresa Meredith – a long-time client of Lucent Financial Planning – who steps in as guest co-host.

Theresa shares the story of how she and her husband Phil made the leap into early retirement, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right support made all the difference.

From their first nervous meeting to navigating personal loss, serious illness, and big life transitions, their journey highlights the real impact of thoughtful financial planning – and the value of simply being listened to.

This conversation offers a genuine look at the human side of retirement, community, and what it means to feel secure through life’s ups and downs.

They’ve done the hard part — worked, saved, and built a sizeable nest egg. So why are so many retirees paralysed when it comes to spending their own money?

In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess dive into the strange reality of retirement underspending — where even millionaires struggle to loosen the purse strings. It’s not about maths; it’s about mindset.

We explore the psychological blocks that stop people enjoying what they’ve earned:

- fear of running out,

- guilt around indulgence,

- and the deep identity built around saving, not spending.

Steve shares how financial planning can create “permission to spend” through smart strategies like simulated income and stress testing, while Jess explains why no amount of money calms anxiety if the brain still thinks it’s broke.

Whether you’re approaching retirement or advising someone who is, this episode is your guide to turning wealth into well-being — before it’s too late to enjoy it.

Is retirement a recipe for relaxation—or social isolation?

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dive into the less talked about side of retirement: losing the social buzz that comes with the 9-to-5.

From awkward silences to watercooler withdrawals, we explore why making friends as an adult is harder than it sounds—and what you can actually do about it. Plus, how money plays a role in staying connected and why a solid financial plan might just buy you more than security… it could buy you happiness (or at least some decent company).

Expect wit, wisdom, and a few confessions about lonely weeks and dodgy TV habits.

Whether you’re nearing retirement, already there, or just curious about what’s beyond the payslip, this one’s for you.