Forget the Rules—Retirement Should Reflect You
Hi, I’m Elisabeth Dawson, and I firmly believe retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a life you get to design on your terms. As the founder of Copia Wealth Management & Insurance Services and the author of Retirement by Design, I’ve helped countless clients in San Diego shift from the traditional retirement mindset to something more meaningful. Because let’s face it—this stage of life should be about more than just numbers. It should reflect you.
That’s exactly what we help clients do through retirement income planning in San Diego—designing a lifestyle, not just a financial forecast.
The Evolving Definition of Retirement
Retirement Used to Mean “Stop Working”—Now It Means “Start Living”
The traditional model was simple: retire at 65, stop working, play it safe. But today? Retirement is personal. It’s about living with purpose, aligned to your energy and curiosity.
Why Today’s Retirees Want Flexibility, Not Fixed Plans
More people are designing phases instead of drawing a hard line. They might downshift careers, consult part-time, or finally pursue a shelved passion project.
This mindset is central to working with a fiduciary financial advisor in San Diego who understands retirement as a dynamic, evolving experience—not a single finish line.
Should You Pivot or Pause?
How San Diego Retirees Are Redefining the Next Chapter
For many people we work with here in San Diego, it’s the first time in decades they’ve stopped to ask: “What do I really want now?”
Whether you’re thinking about a major lifestyle shift, slowing down, or launching a second act, this phase of life is deeply personal—and it deserves a financial strategy that honors your values, not just your age or account balance.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Make a Move
Before you make any decisions, pause and reflect on these guiding questions:
- Does your current work energize or exhaust you?
- Are there talents, passions, or dreams you’ve put on hold for years?
- What gives your days meaning and purpose—beyond income?
At Copia, we use these types of reflective questions as the foundation of values-based financial planning. When your financial decisions are shaped by what matters most to you—not just by the numbers—you create a plan that brings clarity and confidence to your next move.
The Rise of Second-Act Careers in San Diego
We’re seeing a powerful shift in how locals here in San Diego approach retirement. Instead of winding down completely, many are embracing a second act filled with impact, creativity, and autonomy.
Here are just a few real-life examples of what we call “retirement reimagined”:
- 🧠 A retired CFO now mentors high school students in financial literacy, turning decades of corporate experience into community empowerment.
- 🍎 A former teacher has built a successful tutoring collective, helping kids thrive while creating flexible income on her own terms.
- 🎨 A graphic designer opened an art gallery in North Park, blending her lifelong passion with entrepreneurial freedom.
These stories aren’t exceptions; they’re part of a growing trend surrounding retirement planning in San Diego. One where fulfillment and purpose drive the plan, and financial strategy is the support system that makes it all possible.
When Slowing Down Is the Right Move
Everyone is different, and not every chapter requires hustle. Some people reach this stage of life and realize: “I just want to breathe.” If your heart, body, or mind craves stillness, listen.
You don’t have to choose between peace and financial security. With a well-designed income plan, you can step back confidently—without the anxiety of “what if I run out?”
We’ve helped countless clients transition from high-stress work to part-time, passion-based, or completely restful lifestyles—and feel good about it.
The Case for a Second Career in Retirement
Turning Passion Into Purpose—And Income
For many, the work done after age 60 is the most fulfilling—because it’s done on your terms. No more climbing ladders or following rigid schedules. Just meaningful, flexible work that reflects who you are now.
Second Careers That Fit Your Life
From consulting and coaching to launching creative ventures, more and more San Diego retirees are discovering that the right second act can bring not only joy but also a valuable income stream.
And those extra dollars? They can:
- Delay the need to draw down retirement accounts
- Bridge healthcare coverage gaps before Medicare eligibility
- Fund travel, hobbies, charitable giving, or meaningful family support
If you’re considering earning during retirement, our fiduciary team in San Diego can help structure your earnings in a way that’s both sustainable and tax-efficient—so your passion doesn’t become a tax headache.
The Case for Slowing Down
Prioritizing Peace, Wellness, and Quality of Life
On the other side of the coin, sometimes the most powerful choice is doing less—and doing it with intention. Those who opt for less activity often gain more—better sleep, stronger relationships, and improved health.
How to Budget for a Slower Life
Living intentionally doesn’t mean sacrificing your financial stability. In fact, it may enhance it—when you have the right strategy.
At Copia, we use the Wealth Recovery Account™ to help clients identify money that’s quietly being lost to fees, taxes, and inefficiencies. We then redirect those funds toward supporting a lifestyle focused on peace, wellness, and simplicity.
Reframing “Retirement Guilt”
Slowing down isn’t laziness—it’s intentional living. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not “doing more,” it’s time to let go of the “shoulds” and give yourself permission to design a life that nourishes you.
How to Financially Prepare for Either (or Both)
Use Your Wealth Recovery Account™ to Build Flexibility
Whether you’re dreaming of a second-act career, preparing to pause completely, or hoping for a bit of both, the Wealth Recovery Account™ is designed to give you options—so you’re never boxed into one lifestyle or financial outcome.
We design personalized retirement income plans here in San Diego that evolve with you—so you can make confident choices without worrying about what’s next.
Protecting Income with Smart Retirement Strategies
Whether you keep earning or not, your financial security still depends on one thing: income you can count on. That means designing income that is:
- Predictable
- Sustainable
- Tax-efficient
This is where comprehensive, coordinated planning makes all the difference—and why working with a fiduciary matters.
Planning for Purpose—Then Adjusting as You Go
Your retirement vision may evolve over time—and it should. The key is creating a flexible plan that moves with you.
That’s why we encourage regular check-ins with your financial planner to keep your retirement aligned with your values, goals, and needs at every stage.
FAQs
Q1: Is it too late to start a second career after 60?
A1: Not at all. Many of our most fulfilled clients began second careers well after 60. With the right financial strategy, reinvention is not only possible—it’s empowering.
Q2: What if I want to work—but not full-time?
A2: That’s perfect. We specialize in helping clients create “portfolio lifestyles” that blend part-time income, purpose-driven work, and plenty of flexibility.
Q3: How do I know if I can afford to slow down?
A3: That’s where we come in. With tools like our Retirement Income for Life Blueprint and the Wealth Recovery Account™, we can map out your future income, avoid potential income gaps, uncover hidden cash flow opportunities, and show you how to live more by worrying less.
Q4: Will working in retirement affect my Social Security?
A4: Possibly. It depends on your age and how much you earn. Our team will walk you through exactly how it could impact your benefits—so you can make an informed decision.
Q5: How do I start designing a retirement that reflects me?
A5: Begin with your values. Then work with a financial planner in San Diego who can help turn those values into an actionable plan with financial strategies that support the life you truly want.
The Hybrid Path: Work and Wellness
Why Part-Time or Passion Projects May Be the Best Balance
you might be craving the hybrid path—a rhythm of life that balances meaning, income, and joy.
Whether it’s:
- Hosting Airbnb experiences
- Teaching yoga a few mornings a week
- Launching a podcast or consulting part-time
The beauty of retirement today is that you get to write your own rules.
How to Design a “Portfolio Lifestyle” in Retirement
Think of your time and energy like a well-diversified investment:
- Part play
- Part purpose
- Part rest
- Part revenue
It’s not about staying busy—it’s about staying aligned with what lights you up.
Your Retirement. Your Rhythm.
Whether you’re craving a second act, a slower pace, or something uniquely your own—you deserve a retirement that reflects who you are today, not who you were in your working years.
So ask yourself: What kind of rhythm do I want my life to have?
Start there. Then let us help you design the financial plan to match.
Let’s start that journey together. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (619) 640-2622 or by clicking here.
Together, we’ll create a Retirement by Design that supports your lifestyle—your way.