Every time I go grocery shopping I notice how much less my pension buys compared to just five years ago.
I have lived debt free since 2001 and that is the biggest relief in retirement.
I made the mistake of cashing out a 401k early in my 50s, still paying for that choice.
My wife and I never invested in stocks, just real estate, and it has treated us well.
06:08 At 72 I find peace in knowing I don’t need to chase big returns anymore, just stability.
I still enjoy putting a little into index funds, keeps me feeling engaged with the future.
We never had children so our retirement costs are simpler, but sometimes I worry about who will help us later.
I am 65 and shocked how much healthcare premiums take out of our budget.
After retiring I realized it’s not just about money, it’s about keeping a purpose every day.
10:01 I thought Social Security would cover more, but it barely handles basic bills.
I had to go back to part time work at 67 because my savings didn’t stretch as far as I planned.