Episode 223: The Truth About Downsizing in Retirement

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade and Alex continue the breakdown of the  Retirement Planning Guidebook Third Edition. Focusing on one of the most overlooked but impactful retirement decisions: housing. Wade and Alex challenge the common assumption that retirees will downsize or relocate, showing that most people actually stay put and often even move into larger homes. The conversation then shifts to evaluating where you live through the lens of aging, covering practical considerations such as mobility, social connections, healthcare access, and home design. They also introduce the financial implications of housing decisions, including whether carrying a mortgage into retirement adds unnecessary risk. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Most retirees don’t move, and mobility declines with age
• Downsizing is less common than expected and often doesn’t happen
• Housing decisions should prioritize mobility, social connection, and support
• Walkability and access to amenities become more important over time
• Proximity to healthcare and transportation is critical
• Aging in place requires home modifications and planning ahead
• Technology can help extend independence and safety at home
• Carrying a mortgage into retirement can increase financial risk
• Paying off a mortgage is often about peace of mind vs. optimization

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Retirement Income Challenge Overview
03:00 Wade’s Retirement Planning Guidebook Insights
05:59 Housing Decisions in Retirement
08:53 Characteristics of a Good Place to Live
11:57 Considerations for Aging in Place
14:45 Long-Term Housing Affordability and Community
18:04 Health Care and Transportation Options
21:02 Technology and Home Adaptations
23:45 Carrying a Mortgage into Retirement

Links

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1DxoH_1BJpY

📘 New Release: The Retirement Planning Guidebook (3rd Edition)
Wade Pfau’s must-read Retirement Planning Guidebook just got even better. The 3rd Edition is now available and packed with the latest updates to help you design your retirement strategy with confidence. Grab your copy on Amazon or your favorite book retailer: https://books2read.com/Retirement

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”