Nobody told you that 50+ would feel this hard. You may be feeling a strange mix of freedom and fear as you ponder this next chapter. That’s exactly what certified financial planner and PhD researcher Gregg Lunceford calls the Third Age: a life bonus most of us never planned for, and the first time in your life when you truly get to define what’s next on your own terms.
Whether you’re approaching Retirement, navigating a career shift, or emerging from years of Caregiving, this interview was made for you. The author of Exit from Work, Gregg has spent two decades watching financially prepared people still struggle to enjoy their 50s, 60s, and beyond. His finding? The real barriers aren’t financial. They’re about identity, purpose, connection, and meaning – the things no retirement calculator can quantify.
Together, Gregg and I unpack the psychology of life transitions for women over 50, naming the invisible losses that come with leaving a career or role-based identity, and pointing toward something far more alive on the other side. You’ll leave this conversation with a new framework for thinking about your Third Age, a deeper appreciation for the unique strengths you’ve built across decades of reinvention, and permission to pursue meaningful play instead of just filling your days.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
About Gregg Lunceford
Gregg Lunceford is a Certified Financial Planner, Managing Director and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow, and holds a PhD in retirement and late-stage career transition from Case Western Reserve University. With over two decades of experience guiding adults through one of life’s biggest leaps, Gregg discovered early on that financial readiness is only half the story. His research and his book, Exit from Work, focus on the psychological, social, and identity shifts that make the Third Age either a season of flourishing or a painful freefall. He’s also a committed philanthropist, serving on the board of the Juvenile Protective Agency in Chicago.
Connect with Gregg
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