John Hankins: Reinventing Yourself at 71 & Making Peace With Money

From IBM to Inner Peace: How John Hankins Turned Financial Anxiety into a New Calling

What do you do when you’ve built a successful career, climbed the corporate ladder, and still feel like something’s missing?

For John Hankins, the answer came at age 71—well after most people settle into retirement. Instead of slowing down, John reinvented himself as a certified financial therapist, blending decades of experience in social work, business, and IT into a meaningful second act.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, John sits down to share the winding path that took him from community mental health in West Philly, through 35 years in tech and corporate life, to a late-stage career pivot that’s changing lives—one financial conversation at a time.

Inside the Episode: A Story of Reinvention, Resilience & Real-World Wisdom

John Hankins isn’t your average therapist—or your average retiree. A licensed social worker with certifications in financial therapy and financial social work, John offers a unique approach to personal finance: one rooted in emotional intelligence, empathy, and lived experience.

After decades in the tech world—including a long run at IBM—John realized something was missing. Despite the stability, the salary, and the travel perks, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his work lacked meaning. So he started over.

In our conversation, John opens up about the emotional side of money—why financial anxiety is so prevalent, especially around retirement, and how traditional therapy often misses the mark when it comes to our relationship with finances. He also shares his personal story, including a life-altering lymphoma diagnosis, an aborted kidney donation, and how those challenges propelled him toward his current mission.

Whether you’re decades into your career or just starting out, John’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention—and the importance of addressing the emotional side of money.

Key Takeaways from John Hankins’ Journey

• It’s never too late to pivot. John began his financial therapy practice at 71, proving that reinvention isn’t limited by age.
• Money is emotional. For many, financial stress isn’t about lack of income—it’s about unresolved emotional patterns tied to money.
• Retirement is more than a number. The anxiety of “deaccumulation” (spending after saving) is real and often overlooked in both therapy and finance.
• Experience matters. John’s 35 years in business and tech gives him insight that many therapists or financial advisors don’t have.
• Giving back is healing. From nonprofit work to attempted organ donation, John’s story is filled with examples of service bringing personal clarity.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too old to try something new, or if financial stress has quietly been sabotaging your peace of mind—this episode will resonate.

🎙 Listen Now:
👉 John Hankins – Reinventing Yourself at 71 & Making Peace With Money

Connect with John Hankins

• Website: https://www.financial-therapy.me
• Financial Therapy Association: https://www.financialtherapyassociation.org
• Facebook: John Hankins Financial Therapy
• LinkedIn: John Hankins, MSS
• YouTube: @johnhankinsfinancialtherapy

Interested in being a guest on Direct Or Detour?

👉 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/directordetour

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