Ep 75: How to Decide When to Move into a Retirement Community
by Financial Design Studio, Inc. / July 2, 2026Whether you are considering a retirement community for yourself or your parents, it can be a hard conversation to start. In this episode, Michelle interviews Royce on the process of retiring and having to downsize, how she picked the community, and what the experience has been like for her and her family.
Take a listen right here, or watch the video on YouTube!
Related Links for Retirement Communities
FDS Resources on Retirement Planning:
- Article: Should I Change my Investments Before I Retire?
- Article: Leaving a Legacy by Thinking Two Generations Deep
- Video: How to Build a Timeline for Your Retirement
- Free Guide: Two Questions We Ask Every Client Before They Retire
FDS Resources on Caring for Aging Parents:
- Podcast: Relocating to Take Care of Aging Parents
- Podcast: Healthcare for Aging Parents
- Podcast: How to Manage Your Aging Parent’s Finances
- Podcast: Organizing Your Aging Parent’s Possessions
Timestamps
1:30 Meet Royce!
4:34 What has retirement looked like for you?
8:18 Did you expect to move into a retirement community?
15:36 What was it like downsizing?
17:35 What was it like moving?
27:39 How did you decide on your retirement community?
35:54 What advice would you give to adult kids with older parents?
39:10 What advice would you give to early retirees?
Credits for Episode 75
Host: Michelle Smalenberger, CFP®
Guest: Royce
Executive Producer: Anna Lewis
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Recommended Reading
Ep 74: Is Your Marriage Ready for Retirement?
In this episode, Michelle interviews Dave and Diane about how they built their finances together and are now preparing to retire together.
Ep 73: Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Teens + College Students
In this episode, we cover helping your teen find a job and eventually a career, banking and credit cards, and how plan for big savings goals.
Financial Design Studio, Inc.
We are financial advisors in Deer Park and Barrington, IL. A team with a passion for helping others design a path to financial success — whatever success means for you. Each of our unique insights fit together to create broad expertise, complete roadmaps, and creative solutions. We have seen the power of having a financial plan, and adjusting that plan to life. The result? Freedom from worrying about the future so you can enjoy today.