Retirement With/On Purpose

In this episode, host Trevor Lawson introduces "The Investor's Triangle," a framework for understanding different investment products. He explains that investments can offer two of three key benefits: liquidity, growth, and safety, but never all three simultaneously. Trevor illustrates this concept with examples like stocks, which provide growth and liquidity but forgo safety, and CDs, which offer...

In this episode, host Trevor Lawson rounds out the series on long-term care planning by discussing Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also known as "life plan communities." Trevor explains what CCRCs are, why they are growing in popularity, and provides 10 key questions to consider when touring a facility, such as financial strength, services included in the monthly fee, emergency res...

In the final installment of this three-part series on long-term care, host Trevor Lawson dives into the practical side of planning: how to pay for it. From understanding the limitations of Medicare and Medicaid to evaluating self-funding, long-term care insurance, and hybrid solutions, this episode offers a clear breakdown of your options. Learn how to protect your assets, maintain your independen...

How much will long-term care really cost—and how can you prepare for it? In part two of his long-term care planning series, host Trevor Lawson breaks down the rising costs of long-term care using data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. From in-home care to assisted living and nursing facilities, Trevor walks through current national averages and shows how to estimate future expenses using Genw...

What exactly is long-term care—and why should it be a critical part of your retirement plan? In this first episode of a special three-part series, host Trevor Lawson breaks down the essentials of long-term care using insights from Genworth’s educational resources. Trevor explains what qualifies as long-term care, who it impacts, why it’s increasingly common, and how it can affect not just individu...

Should you give your children part of their inheritance while you’re still alive? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson explores the concept of a living inheritance—what it means, how it works, and whether it might be right for your family. Drawing from an article, Pros and Cons of a Living Inheritance by Randy Fox, and real-world client experiences, Trevor walks throu...

What can you do now to make your estate plan simpler—and easier—for your heirs to manage later? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson shares five practical estate planning tips inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article. From keeping documents updated and addressing digital assets, to assigning sentimental personal property and avoiding future family conflict, th...

Is working with a financial advisor really worth it if they’re not “beating the market”? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson reframes the true value of a financial advisor—beyond just portfolio performance. Drawing from Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha framework, Trevor breaks down six key ways advisors can add measurable value, including proper asset allocation, cost-effect...

Should you really be maxing out your 401(k)? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson challenges one of the most common pieces of retirement advice. Drawing insights from a compelling article by Nick Maggiulli, Trevor explores the pros and cons of maxing out your 401(k)—including fees, limited flexibility, and the long-term tradeoff of locking up your capital. He also brea...

What do people regret most at the end of their lives, and how can you avoid those regrets in retirement? In this reflective episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson explores the five most common regrets of the dying, drawn from the experiences of palliative care nurse and author Bronnie Ware. Trevor shares practical insights for retirees looking to live with more intention, from...

Why is it so hard to start spending your retirement savings—even when you know you’ve saved enough? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson explores the emotional and psychological hurdles many retirees face when shifting from saving to spending. Inspired by an article from Morningstar’s Christine Benz, Trevor unpacks the concept of the “retirement consumption gap” and sh...

How much should you really spend on vacation in retirement—and how do you balance fun with financial responsibility? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson explores smart vacation spending strategies, just in time for summer planning. Drawing from expert advice and personal insights, Trevor shares guidelines like the 5–10% rule for travel spending, tips for avoiding "lu...

Are your spending habits truly your own, or are they shaped by what others around you value? In today's episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson explores the concept of mimetic desire, the idea that our wants are often influenced by the desires of others. From luxury hobbies to travel trends in retirement, Trevor shares real-life examples of how this social phenomenon can impact...

Beyond financial security, what truly makes for a fulfilling retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson explores the PERMA framework, a research-backed model for human flourishing. Drawing insights from behavioral finance expert Daniel Crosby, Trevor breaks down the five key pillars—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—and how...

If you have a pension, how do you choose the right payout option for your retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson breaks down the North Carolina pension payout options, explaining the pros and cons of each. From maximizing your own income to ensuring financial security for your beneficiaries, he walks through the key considerations retirees need to make. Plus...

What happens after you retire—when the structure, purpose, and social connections from work are gone? Retirement isn’t just about finances; it’s about building a meaningful, engaging, and fulfilling life. In this episode, host Trevor Lawson dives into the often-overlooked non-financial risks of retirement, from loneliness and loss of purpose to mental and physical stagnation. Learn how to stay con...

How can market downturns impact your retirement, and what can you do to protect your savings? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson dives into the Sequence of Returns Risk—a lesser-known but crucial factor that can significantly affect your retirement funds. He explains how withdrawing money during a market decline can accelerate portfolio depletion and shares a powerfu...

What are the biggest financial risks to your retirement, and how can you protect yourself? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson breaks down five key financial threats retirees face, including inflation, longevity risk, taxes, healthcare costs, and stock market volatility. He explains how these risks can impact your retirement savings and shares practical strategies to...

Think you're ready to retire? Now what? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson breaks down the essential steps to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition into retirement. From evaluating whether you're truly ready to retire to creating a financial plan that supports your lifestyle, Trevor shares poignant pointers on retirement income planning, stress-testing your fina...

What exactly should you look for when hiring a financial advisor? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing the right advisor for your financial journey. From finding a fiduciary who puts your interests first to ensuring they have experience with retirees like you, Trevor shares four essential qualities to look for—incl...

Do you really need life insurance in retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson unpacks the key factors to consider when deciding whether to keep, adjust, or forgo life insurance in your retirement years. He explores common reasons retirees maintain policies—from covering lingering debts to leaving a tax-free legacy—along with potential downsides like rising cos...

Is Social Security really going anywhere and what changes could impact your retirement? In this episode of Retirement With/On Purpose , host Trevor Lawson addresses one of the most common concerns for retirees: the future of Social Security benefits. Drawing on insights from recent reports and expert analysis, Trevor explores the critical role Social Security plays for many Americans and discusses...

Are you wondering how to transition from simply retiring to truly thriving in retirement? In the inaugural episode of Retirement With/On Purpose, host Trevor Lawson introduces the heart of the show: helping you navigate the financial and personal aspects of retirement to create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Drawing from over a decade of experience as a financial advisor, Trevor share...

Retirement With Purpose is a podcast dedicated to helping retirees, those nearing retirement, and their supporters navigate the financial and personal aspects of this new phase of life. Hosted by financial advisor Trevor Lawson, each episode provides practical strategies, expert insights, and inspiring ideas to ensure your retirement years are purposeful, fulfilling, and truly your best chapter ye...