Dying to Retire Podcast

Douglas

Doug is a retired federal employee, conservative, and Marine Corps veteran (1980s) with over 40 years in the workforce — blue-collar work, corporate life, and federal service — before walking away on his own terms. On Dying to Retire, he talks straight — no HR-speak, no toxic positivity, no polish — about what retirement actually looks like: the money, the identity shift, the marriage dynamics, and the reality of building a new life abroad. Doug is currently in the final stages of building his own retirement home outside Antigua, Guatemala, and shares the real numbers and real headaches as they happen. Think of it as a seat at the firepit — a cigar, a beer, and no-shit conversation between guys who have earned the right to talk straight. Questions or comments? Email me: dyingtoretirepodcast@gmail.com Follow me on X: https://x.com/Dying2Retire YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DyingToRetirePodcast

  1. Episode 1

    #001: Welcome to Dying to Retire

    In this podcast, I briefly go over:  Welcome to Dying to RetireAbout Me and Why I Decided Its Time To Retire If you have any questions or comments, please email me at DyingtoRetirePodcast@gmail.com. Podcasts/YouTube followed:www.youtube.com/@AzulWellshttp://www.youtube.com/@HolySchmidthttp://www.youtube.com/@RootFP Background music: The Elm Tree Collection – Alitu Music Library ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! ========================== ========================== * ** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ==========================

    #001: Welcome to Dying to Retire
  2. Episode 2

    #002: Retirement Triggers and Stressors

    In this thrilling podcast, I dive into the 800-pound gorillas in the room—or are they elephants?—as I reveal Ten Everyday Stressors That Might Signal It's Time to Retire. Explore burnout, quiet quitting, and work-life balance issues. Learn how to recognize retirement readiness and manage pre-retirement anxiety. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #practiceretirement #retirementplanning #retirementplans #retireearly #retirementlessons #workplacestress #workstress #retirementtriggers #retirement

    #002: Retirement Triggers and Stressors
  3. Episode 3

    #003: When To Pull The Retirement Trigger

    In this thrilling episode, I explore the 'Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go Years' retirement concept, share insights on multi-generational living with in-laws, and reveal eye-opening statistics on Americans' retirement readiness and savings goals. Discover how these trends impact financial planning and work-life balance in today's changing landscape. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #retirementplanning #retirement #workstress #work #retirement #retirementpreparation #quietquit #hostileworkenvironment

    #003: When To Pull The Retirement Trigger
  4. Episode 4

    #004: Man Retires, Gets Shamed. Woman Retires, Get Praised

    In this thrilling podcast episode, I explore surprising reactions from men and women to retirement plans, tips for your first meeting with a financial advisor, and why rookie federal employees should start saving their sick leave for a smoother retirement transition. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #retirementplanning #retirement #genderequality #menshealth #doublestandards #RetirementCountdown #ReadyOrNot

    #004: Man Retires, Gets Shamed. Woman Retires, Get Praised
  5. Episode 5

    #005: Options for Americans Wishing To Retire Overseas

    Discover why women react differently to men's retirement plans, as a female perspective explains. Plus, explore the rising trend of Americans retiring abroad. Learn about affordable destinations where retirees can live on less. Compare U.S. vs. international retirement costs. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== ========================== Links: - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12923603/cost-retirement-world-map-expensive-affordable.html - https://vividmaps.com/cheapest-retirement/ ========================== #retirementplanning #retirementplans #retirementplanning #retireabroad #expat

    #005: Options for Americans Wishing To Retire Overseas
  6. Episode 6

    #006: The Three Horsemen of the Retirement Pension Apocalypse

    Unmasking the 'Three Horsemen of the Pension Apocalypse' threatening retirement benefits. Plus, why should federal employees brace for impact during election season? Discover how quiet quitting and shift shock trends could affect government workers and their pensions. Federal workers become political targets for both parties' reform agendas every four years. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #dyingtoretirepodcast #DyingToRetire #federalpension #benefits #fehb #federalemployees #fegli #federalpension #federalemployees #federalpension #federalemployees #retirement

    #006: The Three Horsemen of the Retirement Pension Apocalypse
  7. Episode 7

    #007: Why I Had To Embrace Quiet Quitting Going Into Retirement In Order To Minimize A Micromanager

    In this episode, I explore why employees nearing retirement may consider 'quiet quitting.' Discover five reasons, including burnout and lack of recognition, and how setting boundaries can enhance work-life balance as you transition to retirement. ========================== Hi! I’m Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I’m stepping away from the daily grind—and hopefully the Beltway traffic—to explore life in my wife’s home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences—both the successes and the mistakes—while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit ‘Like,’ subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #quietquiting #quittingmyjob # PracticeRetirementItFeelsGood! #retirement #quietquit #micromanagement #quietquitting

    #007: Why I Had To Embrace Quiet Quitting Going Into Retirement In Order To Minimize A Micromanager
  8. Episode 8

    #008: I See Freedom in Retirement/She Sees a 'Slouch on the Couch'

    In today’s short episode, we explore the humorous dynamics of retirement, where one partner sees a future couch potato while the other envisions freedom. We discuss whether banishment to the couch is really that bad and dive into the nuances of what makes a roast, using Jennifer Lawrence and Mike Pence as our comedic examples. Tune in for a quick laugh on your market run! ========================== Hi! I'm Doug. Welcome to my journey to retirement and beyond! After over 40 years in an eclectic career, I'm stepping away from the daily grind and, hopefully, the Beltway traffic to explore life in my wife's home country of Guatemala. Join me as I share my experiences, successes, and mistakes while navigating this exciting transition. If you enjoy the ride, please hit 'Like,' subscribe, and leave a comment. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! ========================== *** This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, retirement planner, or any other type of professional consultant. The content provided here is general information that may interest you but should not be considered personalized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, retirement planners, or legal experts, before making decisions based on the information presented in this podcast or its associated comments section. Your financial and retirement situation is unique, and professional guidance is essential for making informed choices about your future.*** ========================== #retirement #retirementplanning #retirementstrategy #retiredhusband #workingfromhome #workingwife #retirementdreams #lifeafterretirement

    #008: I See Freedom in Retirement/She Sees a 'Slouch on the Couch'

About

Doug is a retired federal employee, conservative, and Marine Corps veteran (1980s) with over 40 years in the workforce — blue-collar work, corporate life, and federal service — before walking away on his own terms. On Dying to Retire, he talks straight — no HR-speak, no toxic positivity, no polish — about what retirement actually looks like: the money, the identity shift, the marriage dynamics, and the reality of building a new life abroad. Doug is currently in the final stages of building his own retirement home outside Antigua, Guatemala, and shares the real numbers and real headaches as they happen. Think of it as a seat at the firepit — a cigar, a beer, and no-shit conversation between guys who have earned the right to talk straight. Questions or comments? Email me: dyingtoretirepodcast@gmail.com Follow me on X: https://x.com/Dying2Retire YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DyingToRetirePodcast