Retirement today looks nothing like it did a generation ago. With fewer pensions, longer lifespans, and more personal responsibility, the real question isn’t when you retire, it’s who you become next.

Joy Levin, Certified Professional Retirement Coach joined Tony on the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast to talk about reframing retirement as an encore chapter; one rooted in values, meaning, community, and intentional experimentation.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Retirement is an opportunity, not a finish line.

🔹 People want greater agency over how they live, work, and contribute in their later chapters.

🔹 Values are the foundation of your encore identity

🔹 Purpose shows up through passion and meaning

🔹 Community and environment matter, because who you’re around and where you engage can either support or drain your next chapter.

🔹 The encore arc includes recalibration

🔹 Retirement will look different for all of us. 

💭 Tony’s Take: Retirement readiness isn’t just financial. It’s emotional, social, and deeply personal. When we normalize recalibration and encourage small experiments, we give people permission to evolve with intention rather than drift into uncertainty.

 🎥 Watch this episode below: 

🎧 Listen to the podcast below or on your favorite podcast app. 

Connect with Joy Levin: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyatallium/
• Gen X Encore Website: https://www.genxencorelife.com
• Allium Research and Analytics Website: https://www.alliumresearch.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenXExecEncore/

Resources mentioned: 

• Encore Map Starter Guide (free download): https://gen-x-exec-encore.kit.com/6055bb7f5b

Bio: 

Joy Levin is the Founder and President of Gen X Exec Encore. In working with Gen X high-achieving professionals, she recognizes that for many, this next phase isn't about traditional retirement—it's about creating an encore that blends passion, purpose, and new opportunities.

As a market research consultant and entrepreneur for nearly three decades, Joy has guided executives and business owners across industries in making strategic, well-informed decisions. Like many Gen Xers, she wants a future in which she can remain productive, explore meaningful pursuits, and build new connections. With an honest, warm, friendly and highly professional approach, she guides accomplished professionals to discover their next purpose-driven chapter, empowering them to create an encore life with confidence and clarity.

☕ Support the Get Ready Movement.

If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible.

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