In 1976, Mick Jagger famously said:

“When I turn 33, I’ll retire. That’s the time when a man has to dedicate himself to other things.”

That was almost 50 years ago.

He’s now over 80—and still performing, still touring, and still doing what he loves.

And that might be one of the best lessons we can learn about retirement.

Behind the Music (and the Myth)

In the 1990s, I was hooked on VH1’s Behind the Music. You probably remember the formula:

• A struggling band finds success
• They get rich, fast
• And then… they lose it all—bad decisions, bad managers, bad luck

But The Rolling Stones broke the mold.

Mick Jagger actually studied at the London School of Economics before rock and roll stardom. The band not only built wealth—they built something that lasted. Financially, artistically, and personally.

They didn’t retire, because they didn’t want to.
They had purpose, and they still do.

Jagger found meaning in the music, in the millions of fans, and in continuing to create something timeless.

Retirement Looks Different Now

But that doesn’t mean life hasn’t changed for him.

A friend of mine has a home next to Jagger’s in Mustique, a quiet island in the Caribbean.
One day, Mick stopped by—not for anything glamorous—but to ask their kids to help him hook up a PlayStation  for his own young kids.

Let that image sink in:
From electrifying stadiums with 60,000 fans…
To fumbling behind a TV with HDMI cables.

That’s retirement in a nutshell.

The Real Question Isn’t always“Can I Retire?”

For most people, the financial side of retirement is important—but not the full picture.

The more difficult and emotional question is:

“What am I retiring to?”

For decades, work provides structure, identity, and meaning. When that goes away, it can feel unsettling—even if you’ve saved enough to walk away.

Some people fear boredom. Others fear irrelevance. Many simply aren’t sure what would fill the void if they stopped working.

That’s not a financial issue. It’s a purpose issue.

What’s Your Encore?

Mick Jagger’s encore is more touring. Yours might be:

• Traveling more
• Spending time with grandkids
• Mentoring or giving back
• Launching a new project
• Writing, creating, or teaching

Whatever your version of “retiring” looks like, it helps to start thinking about it now—not just with spreadsheets, but with imagination.

Because the best retirement plans aren’t just about stopping work.
They’re about creating the freedom to do what you love

Ready to Plan for Your Encore?

If you’re wondering when you can retire—or more importantly, how to feel ready—we’d love to talk.

At Stonebrook Capital, we help clients align their money with their values, their goals, and their next chapter—whatever that may be.

Whether you're five years away or already retired but feeling unsure, let’s build a plan that supports not just your lifestyle… but your purpose.

Let’s talk.