S4E32 – Retiring With Purpose: A Conversation With Kevin Skarritt

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Guest: Kevin Skarritt (pronounced “scare it”)

Kevin shares a real-world look at retiring in stages, shifting identity after work, and building a life that feels meaningful day to day. From an early career on the trading desk to web development, branding, and agency ownership, Kevin eventually traded deadlines for woodworking, stained glass, music, and time on the water in Ludington, Michigan. He talks candidly about timing a move, budgeting with a spouse, the value of a trusted financial planner, and adapting when health surprises change the plan.

What We Cover

• From markets to makerspace: Kevin’s path from Series 7 stockbroker to web and branding agency owner, then into retired life filled with creative projects.

• The 2008 reset: How losing key clients forced hard choices and a cross-country move, with college costs on the horizon.

• Planning the pivot: Talking through retirement years in advance, right-sizing lifestyle, and using a financial plan to set boundaries that still allow for joy.

• Retire to something: Why it helps to list hobbies, volunteer ideas, and part-time interests before you leave work.

• When plans change: Health events that limited some outdoor goals, and how Kevin built a deep bench of interests so he never feels stuck.

• Home base by the lake: Why Ludington checked the boxes for nature, trails, and a strong arts community.

• Money talk as a team: Budgeting styles in marriage, aligning on priorities, and the simple rule they use now: if it brings real joy and fits the plan, it’s worth it.

• Time apart matters: Practical advice for couples who suddenly spend every hour together after retirement.

Kevin’s Practical Tips

• Start retirement talks early and revisit them regularly.

• Work with a financial advisor to set spending guardrails you can trust.

• List at least three activities you can do if your first choice becomes tough.

• Build structure in your week even without a traditional schedule.

• Plan for healthy space as a couple.

Listener Takeaways

• Retirement works best when you know what you are going to, not only what you are leaving.

• A clear plan gives you confidence to spend on what matters.

• Flexibility is a skill; practice it before you need it.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Intro and guest welcome

• 02:10 Kevin’s winding path through finance, science, and the web

• 10:45 Agency downturn, relocation, and college bills

• 17:40 Early retirement talks and the role of planning

• 23:20 “Retire to something” and building a bench of interests

• 28:30 Health surprises and staying adaptable

• 33:10 Why Ludington and the pull of the arts community

• 38:00 Budgeting together and spending for joy

• 43:10 Time apart for couples in retirement

• 46:30 Final thoughts and contact info

Connect With Us

Have questions about your own retirement timeline? Start with a Fit Meeting at srbadvisors.com or email info@srbadvisors.com.