Welcome to the Oath Money & Meaning Institute
Exploring what really
matters for retirement.
The Oath Money & Meaning Institute is a research initiative focused on exploring the complex relationship between wealth and well-being by regularly engaging with hundreds of everyday Americans who are retired or working toward retirement through surveys and face-to-face meetings. Oath also curates research from leading experts on topics related to finding fulfillment and happiness in retirement.
While much retirement research focuses purely on monetary investing, Oath delves into what brings lifelong fulfillment, how the current environment affects investors’ outlook and behavior, and what role money plays in achieving peace of mind in retirement.
As a resource, the Oath Money & Meaning Institute offers:
Consumer Surveys
Review data from our most recent survey focused on a single demographic – American investors nearing or living in retirement:
- Average age: 60-75
- Investment time horizon: 20+ years
- Average investable assets: $500k
- Location: across the United States
Research Reports
Insights we uncover are presented in regular reports which also include real stories and input from investors.
Our research helps uncover:
- The true impact of wealth on happiness and fulfillment
- The daily challenges and triumphs of people nearing or living in retirement
- What it really means to be secure, comfortable, and confident at this new life stage
Commentary
We use this data to help all investors better understand the role of money in retirement, as well as equally important non-financial aspects that are essential to a fulfilling life.
Here we curate:
- Published articles from Oath
- Analysis of third-party research on retirement
- General commentary on current retirement issues affecting investors
Why is This Type of Research Needed?
Oath believes that money or wealth alone often does not bring fulfillment in retirement. Instead, investors should take a wealth & well-being approach to estate and financial planning. We know that people hold different values, and individual investment approaches should reflect this. Oath’s mission is to align wealth, a meaningful life, and personal values.
By regularly capturing the views and experiences of retiring or retired investors, Oath believes we can gather wise and meaningful insights. This has the potential to provide a powerful platform for changing the traditional investments-only focused conversation. By studying past and present actions and desires of investors, Oath can develop individualized futures that align with what clients truly want.
Join the Conversation
Thinking about retirement? Recently retired? We invite you to share your story. This is your chance to make your voice count and inspire better solutions for others on the same path.
If you’re a professional or part of an organization with a heart for service, connect with us. We believe in partnerships that make a real difference.
Support our mission of helping every American find meaning, security, and opportunity in retirement – because what you value should always come first.
Participate in SurveyAbout Us
The Oath Money & Meaning Institute is a division of Oath, a full-service, integrated financial and estate planning firm that helps clients grow, manage and protect their assets.
Serving thousands of clients in 33 markets across 25 states, Oath’s wealth & well-being approach simplifies decisions and provides clear, ongoing guidance, helping people live well today while ensuring peace of mind for tomorrow.
Learn MoreConsumer
Surveys
The goal of our research is to capture insights from a large sampling of investors who share many characteristics.
The Institute’s inaugural survey was fielded in September 2025 and we published our first findings in December 2025.
Research
Reports
The Oath Money & Meaning Institute aims to dive deeper – listening to retirees and pre-retirees through ongoing conversations, research, and collaboration. We hope to shine a light on the real experiences, challenges, and aspirations that define this pivotal stage of life.
We published our first data-driven report in December 2025. Based on conversations with thousands of retirement investors, our founder, Rod Yancy, has already begun to compile key themes for a fulfilled retirement (excerpted from his recent article published in Forbes):
Receive Report02 Adopt a Healthy Retirement Mindset
A happy life isn’t built on perfect circumstances; it’s built on a resilient attitude. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
03 Take a Holistic Approach
Get your house in order. Bring your financial, investment, and estate planning into one clear view so you can make decisions with confidence.
04 Set the Right Goals
Identify what genuinely brings you happiness and fulfillment, and weave things like family, legacy, and charitable giving into your plan.
05 Understand the Role of Money
Money is a tool. It can create opportunities, but it has limits in its ability to create fulfillment. Knowing those limits frees you to focus on what really matters.
Commentary
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Your Most Valuable Asset Isn’t Money
January 27, 2026
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The Retirement Truth That Catches Many Off Guard
January 12, 2026
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The Surprising Retirement Regret That’s Changing How We Think About Money
January 5, 2026
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Making 2026 Your Most Purposeful Year Yet
December 19, 2025
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A Stoic Approach to Risk Tolerance in Retirement
August 12, 2025
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The Five Pillars of a “Successful” Retirement
June 30, 2025
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Explore what really matters for retirement.