Why Men Need Their Own Retirement Rulebook

When it comes to planning for retirement, most of the headlines—and even much of the best financial advice—focus on the unique challenges women face. But what about men? As Kiplinger explains in “The Y Rule of Retirement,” men bring their own deeply ingrained money scripts and behavioral risks into the transition, and ignoring them can leave even the best-prepared “lone wolves” feeling lost.

As I shared with Kiplinger, far too many men treat retirement planning (and investing) as another contest—pursuing top returns, trying to outsmart the market, or going solo until something goes wrong. This overconfidence may work in the boardroom, but when it comes to retirement, humility, openness, and seeking advice are your true allies. The stats back this up: men invest more aggressively and often delay asking for help, sometimes reaching out only after the journey gets rough.

The “Y Rule” means recognizing the unique physical, emotional, and behavioral risks men face and adjusting your plan accordingly. That means, yes, having the courage to ask for help. It means building financial plans that consider your health, social connections, and how your decisions impact a spouse or loved one. As I tell my clients: your drive to compete got you far, but the real art of retirement is navigating uncertainty with flexibility, empathy, and a well-charted financial “glidepath.” Even the best explorers kept a map in their pack. There’s no shame in checking it before you head into new territory.

If you’re transitioning into retirement or want an objective review of your plan, reach out. I’m here to help you approach this next phase with clarity, confidence, and the right support—so your “Y” years are both financially secure and truly meaningful.