A Machu Picchu moment and what it means for aging and retirement

Apr 16, 2026

Younger generations are rethinking retirement — considering more flexibility and well-timed breaks over a traditional model of holding a job until a certain age and then stopping work. 

Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss how modern financial planning is changing. She also explains how health savings accounts can support career flexibility and reduce reliance on employer‑sponsored health insurance later in life.

Long will explore these topics further in June at AICPA ENGAGE, the profession’s biggest conference. She is presenting sessions focused on retirement and on health care financial literacy on June 10 in Las Vegas.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• A preview of Kelley Long’s ENGAGE sessions and a related JofA article.
• The factors that are leading younger generations to approach retirement differently.
• How “mini‑retirements” can fit into long‑term career and financial planning.
• How Long’s trip to South America crystallized her views on timing and retirement.
• The role of social connections in cognitive health.
• Some ways that health savings accounts can support career changes or time off.
• How potentially being overinsured can affect financial planning.