Why Retirees Struggle to Spend Their Savings | Michael Acosta & Ujae Kang

Today, Ben Martinek and financial planners Mike Acosta and Ujae Kang explore the emotional and financial complexities of preparing for retirement, emphasizing that while data and planning tools are essential, much of the work involves helping clients overcome fear, uncertainty, and guilt around spending. They discuss how financial advising often becomes a form of counseling, addressing identity, purpose, and emotional readiness as much as monetary logistics. The advisors stress the importance of proactive and adaptable planning, noting that while market turbulence is inevitable, a well-structured plan—grounded in trust and sometimes faith—can help clients navigate it with confidence. Drawing from both professional experience and Catholic values, they advocate for a mindset of anti-fragility: using life’s disruptions as opportunities to grow stronger. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to seek out trusted advisors and make retirement decisions that align both with their financial means and personal goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Retirement planning is both a financial and emotional journey, requiring attention to numbers and deeper personal motivations.

• Advisors act as both planners and counselors, helping clients navigate emotional hurdles like fear, guilt, and uncertainty around spending.

• Clients often need “emotional permission” to use their own money, especially in retirement, where spending can feel threatening to their identity or security.

• Asking thoughtful questions is central to the advisor’s role, uncovering concerns and desires that might otherwise remain unspoken.

• The financial planning process often reveals unspoken emotional and psychological concerns, especially during major life transitions.

• Planning for retirement isn’t just about having “enough” money, but about knowing what that money is meant to support.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Discussing Life Transitions and Retirement

(03:15) – Financial and Emotional Aspects of Retirement

(06:20) – Challenges and Considerations in Retirement Planning

(08:37) – Client Stories and Real-Life Examples

(11:36) – The Importance of Spending and Enjoying Retirement

(25:43) – Overcoming Fear and Building Fortitude

(36:29) – Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Website: https://uakdiversified.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujaeaugustinekang/

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Rep