15 Things Retirees Finally Stop Buying in Retirement
Retirement changes more than your calendar, it changes your relationship with money entirely. For decades, many of us spent money […]
Retirement changes more than your calendar, it changes your relationship with money entirely. For decades, many of us spent money […]
Retirement is supposed to be the season of life when the alarm clock loses its authority and Monday becomes just
Imagine sitting at your kitchen table one morning with a cup of coffee in your hand when you open the
For many Americans, retirement used to follow a familiar script. You worked for decades, paid off the house if you
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, communicate, manage money, stay healthy, travel, and learn. For retirees, that creates
When I look at people who reach their 80s in remarkably good health, I notice something that may surprise you.
Retirement is supposed to be the time when I finally get to decide what I want to do with my
Most people think of retirement as a single destination, the day you stop working and start relaxing. In reality, retirement
Note: This is part 2 of the RMD series – part one is here: Requirement Distributions Explained Understanding how much
After spending decades saving for retirement, I finally reach the point where I can enjoy the money I’ve worked so
For years, I have heard the same message repeated by financial experts, television personalities, and countless headlines. “You need one
Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of hard work. After years of alarm clocks, meetings, deadlines, and
Most people spend years creating a traditional estate plan. I know I have thought about wills, beneficiaries, retirement accounts, and
Retirement is often sold as the reward at the end of a long career. For decades, I pictured a life
For decades, retirement planning focused on one big question. Would I have enough money to stop working? That question still
Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of hard work. I spend years imagining mornings without alarm clocks,
Retirement has always been about looking ahead. The difference now is that the future of retirement is changing faster than
Most of us spend years worrying about the things that could shorten our lives. We try to eat a little
If you had retired in 1985 and somehow awakened in today’s world, you might wonder if you had stepped into
Ask someone in 1985 what retirement looked like, and the answer would have been predictable. Leave work on Friday, collect
When I mention artificial intelligence to friends my age, I usually get one of two reactions. The first is excitement.
Retirement is supposed to be a season of freedom. I finally have time to travel, pick up new hobbies, spoil
Sometimes the Most Expensive Money Is the Money You Spend Too Soon I understand the temptation. You look at your
One of the biggest surprises I discovered while studying retirement planning is that most retirees do not spend their money
Retirement gives me something that many working people never have enough of, time. Time to travel, time to explore new
If someone asked me to name the biggest threat to a comfortable retirement, they might expect me to mention inflation,
Retirement is supposed to be the season of life when I finally get to enjoy the fruits of decades of
Retirement changes almost everything. My schedule changes.Yet one thing becomes more important than ever: the quality of my relationship with
Most people think power is something that belongs to politicians, CEOs, and billionaires. Retirement seems far removed from the political
I have been writing on this blog for over two years now, and most of the things I’ve written about
Many people spend decades preparing financially for retirement. They contribute to retirement accounts, pay off mortgages, build investment portfolios, and
If there is one retirement topic guaranteed to spark anxiety, heated debates, and endless speculation, it is Social Security. The
Retirement is one of the few times in life when a simple question can produce a hundred different answers. Ask
A few years ago, I stumbled across the FIRE movement while browsing retirement forums. FIRE, which stands for Financial Independence,
For years, I have listened to financial advertisements that promise retirees something that sounds almost magical. Guaranteed income. Protection from
Retirement has become one of the most celebrated goals in modern life. For decades, we are told to work hard,
Retirement promises many wonderful things. Freedom from alarm clocks, from rush hour traffic, from endless meetings that could have been
For decades, Baby Boomers were often described as the luckiest generation in modern history. They benefited from a booming post-war
Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of hard work. You finally get to sleep without an alarm
Retirement has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Not long ago, many people viewed retirement as a relatively short
For years, investing was relatively straightforward. A company went public, proved itself in the stock market, and eventually earned a
Retirement planning is often presented as a one-size-fits-all process. Save diligently, invest wisely, delay Social Security if possible, and enjoy
The Retirement Dream vs. The Retirement Reality You spent decades imagining it. The morning you’d sleep in without guilt, the
Retirement Fear Is More Common Than You Think I have met plenty of people who spent decades doing everything right.
Where Future Retirees May Find Safety, Comfort, and Stability When I talk with retirees about where they want to spend
I have lived through enough market panics to know one thing with certainty. Every crash feels different when it arrives,
Nobody hands you a manual for sex after sixty. Your doctor talks about cholesterol, the financial advisor talks about withdrawal
For years, I believed owning a home in retirement was the gold standard of success. Society trains us to think
Retirement changes many things. My schedule slows down. I finally have time to exercise, travel, garden, play golf, spoil grandchildren,
Retirement changes many things. Your schedule changes, and priorities change. Sometimes your knees begin making noises that sound like microwave
Retirement changes almost everything. Your schedule shifts, and priorities change. Stress levels may drop, at least until you look at
A few years ago, the idea of artificial intelligence helping manage retirement money sounded like science fiction. Most of us
I have a confession. I love travel in retirement more than I ever expected. I thought I would enjoy the
I will be honest. When I first started traveling in retirement, travel insurance felt like one of those annoying extras.
Travel in retirement hits different. I say that as someone who has watched people wait decades for the “right time,”
I’ve spent a lot of time studying where retirees actually go for vacation, not where glossy brochures tell them to
I still remember the moment the idea hit me. I was sitting at my kitchen table, coffee in hand, staring
I have seen people spend decades dreaming about retirement, only to feel worse a year after they finally get there.
I get the appeal. Warm weather. Lower costs. Ocean views that make your old commute look like a bad joke.
I used to think debt was just part of life. A mortgage here, a credit card balance there, maybe a
I remember the first time I read Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises by Ray Dalio. It felt less like
I have a confession. For years, I assumed Social Security would be my financial safety net. Not my whole plan,
I know this idea might feel uncomfortable at first. For decades, we’ve been told that a paid-off home is the
The 4 percent rule has been treated like gospel for decades. If you have spent any time planning your retirement,
Most people hear the word recession and think of fear, loss, and uncertainty. I hear something different. I hear opportunity.
I’ve been around long enough in the investing world to notice a pattern that keeps repeating itself. It shows up
I have to admit, the idea of retiring in another country used to feel like something reserved for movie characters
I used to think of physical strength and financial strength as two completely separate worlds. One belonged in the gym,
I’ve heard this exact conversation more times than I can count. Someone hits their late 60s, looks at a healthy
I have heard from more retirees than I can count, and I have noticed a pattern. Many walk in feeling
I have had this conversation more times than I can count. It usually starts the same way. Someone leans in,
Retirement advice usually sounds serious. Save more. Spend less. Watch your withdrawal rate. Eat kale. Walk daily. Try not to
I have a friend who never expected to become the sole decision maker late in life. For decades, life ran
I will admit something up front. When I first retired, I thought I had this whole “cash buffer” thing figured
I will be honest with you. A 30 percent market drop in retirement is not a hypothetical scenario. It is
I used to think reinvention had an expiration date. Somewhere around 50, maybe 60 if you were ambitious. Then I
I used to think identity theft was something that happened to “other people.” You know, the folks who click suspicious
I’ll be honest with you. If you’re retired and still paying full U.S. prices, you’re playing the game on hard
I have lived through enough market cycles to know one thing with absolute certainty. Recessions never arrive politely. They show
I will say this up front. You can live abroad on Social Security, it can work. I have seen it
I used to think I had a financial plan. I had spreadsheets. I had account statements. I had a vague
Retirement is supposed to be the reward at the end of decades of work. For years we imagine waking up
Retirement brings a lot of freedom. You finally control your schedule. No alarm clock, commute, or Monday morning meetings that
When I talk with retirees, one theme comes up again and again. Many people miss the old pension plans. Those
A few years ago, when someone mentioned Bitcoin at a retirement gathering, the reactions ranged from blank stares to jokes
If you are retired and living off your investments, the words “bear market” probably make your stomach tighten a little.
If there is one topic retirees love to avoid, it is long term care. I get it. It is not
Retirement portfolio rebalancing sounds simple. You pick a mix of stocks and bonds, check it once a year, and nudge
When I talk to retirees about improving their quality of life, I usually hear about diet, walking, or finally getting
Retirement should feel like a long vacation with your favorite person. No alarm clocks. No commutes. No office politics. Just
Retirement gives you something you probably did not have enough of during your working years, time. The problem is that
When I talk to retirees about legacy planning, I hear the same thing over and over. They want their kids
Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom. No alarm clock. No commute. No meetings that should have been emails. For
If you are retired and still afraid to spend your money, you are not alone. I have spoken with retirees
Real estate has built more quiet wealth than almost any other asset class. Yet most retirees assume they missed the
Retirement planning advice usually focuses on money. Build the portfolio. Reduce debt. Optimize Social Security. Control taxes. I have written
If you are like most retirees I talk with, you spent decades building your nest egg. Then one day the
Worried about a stock market crash in retirement? Learn why the market hasn’t fallen yet, what hidden forces are holding
When people picture millionaires, they often imagine private jets, sprawling beach houses, and the ability to buy guacamole without checking
Retirement is often sold as the golden era of life, a time filled with travel, hobbies, family visits, and the
If there is one thing I have discovered about retirement, it is this, you finally have the time to relax,
One of the great myths about retirement is that saving money means living smaller. Smaller house, smaller meals, smaller life.
If you’ve spent any time around investing media, you’d think the path to financial success is paved with hot stock
Retirement is often sold as a single, dramatic moment. One day you’re answering emails and setting alarms, the next day
Let’s dig into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough. Retirement is supposed to be about freedom, joy, and
If you had told me years ago that U.S. Treasury bonds would become dinner table conversation, I would have laughed
Let’s start with the basics: Social Security isn’t breaking tomorrow, but it is definitely acting its age. In 2026, retirees
If someone had told me 20 years ago that we’d be talking about longevity as if it’s the latest smartphone
Retirement has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re counting down vacation days, the next minute
Let’s start with the numbers, because cold hard facts are like kale smoothies, tough to swallow, but ultimately good for
I’ll be the first to admit it, nostalgia is comforting. There is something soothing about remembering a time when gas
When I first started writing about retirement, I assumed most people worried about the big obvious things. Housing, healthcare, food,
When I first retired, I naively assumed my tax days were behind me. After all, I wasn’t earning a paycheck
If retirement came with a warranty, the fine print would probably say, “Results may vary wildly from expectations.” Before I
Retirement has a funny way of shining a very bright light into corners we didn’t spend much time looking at
I’ll be honest, the first time I used a retirement calculator, I was hoping it would pat me on the
When you first hear someone say, “Just be grateful,” do you have the same reaction most adults have? Maybe you
The Unexpected Surprises of Retired Life Nobody Talks About When I was working, I used to daydream about retirement the
Look, I get it. You’re probably eyeing that last slice of pumpkin pie and thinking about whether you really need
Todays post is admittedly a little of the track from my “usual” posts – if there is such a thing.
When most of us imagine a “good retirement,” we tend to picture a comfortable nest egg, decent health, and maybe
If retirement were simply about money, most of us would have figured it out by now. Save enough, invest wisely,
I still remember the first time I heard the term “robo-advisor.” My immediate mental image was a shiny robot in
I’ve learned over the years that nothing gets a roomful of retirees to lean in faster than the words “memory,”
I’ve learned over the years that getting “rich” in retirement doesn’t always mean yachts, golf carts with custom rims, or
Travel Security Risks Retirees Should Know Before Hitting the Road Whenever I talk to fellow retirees about travel, the first
I’ll be honest with you, once I retired, I thought I’d be sipping iced tea on a beach every other
I’ve spent a lot of time talking with retirees over the years, not just the ones who white-knuckle their way
A First-Person Reflection on Lyn Alden’s book Broken Money. Every now and then, a financial book lands in my lap
When most people think of surviving a financial crisis in retirement, they picture spreadsheets, calculators, and mild chest tightness. What
I still remember the first time a doctor looked over his glasses at me the way a mechanic looks at
When I retired, one of the first surprise line items in my budget turned out not to be golf or
When I first retired, I thought money would be the star of the show. After all, it’s what we all
Every so often, a book comes along that doesn’t just give financial advice, it redefines the way we think about
Somewhere between paying off the last mortgage bill and the first day I didn’t have to set an alarm clock,
I’ve noticed something interesting about retirement: it’s one of those times in life when hindsight becomes crystal clear. After a
Upon retiring, I had this romantic vision of sipping coffee on the porch every morning, watching the sunrise, and not
When I first retired, I remember staring at my IRA statement one morning with my coffee in hand, thinking, “So
When I first retired, I thought hobbies were something people did just to fill time between naps and doctor’s appointments.
I always like to start with the broad strokes before we dig into the weeds. Here’s the overview of major
When I first heard about the “bucket approach” to retirement income planning, I pictured myself sitting at the beach, a
When I first retired, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. No more Monday alarms, no more meetings that could’ve been
I’ve always believed that retirement should be about freedom—the freedom to sleep past sunrise, wear socks that don’t match, and,
When I first retired, I’ll admit, I had this funny idea that my calendar would suddenly be filled with events,
When most of us first think about retirement, our minds go straight to financial spreadsheets, travel plans, and maybe a
I learned something recently that really made me want to tell everybody I know, the fact that the government now
When I was working, money stress usually came in the form of “Do I have enough to cover the mortgage,
When I first retired, I thought the highlight of my day might be putting together an Ikea bookshelf, or maybe
Every time the headlines start yelling about “the worst day since…” I picture two versions of retired me. One version
I have a confession to make. For years I walked past a quiet spare bedroom and treated it like a
When most people think about retirement, Florida is the first state that comes to mind. Palm trees, sandy beaches, year-round
Every new year brings its own set of worries, hopes, and unexpected surprises, but 2025 feels like one of those
When I first retired, I thought I’d finally be able to slow down, relax, and maybe take better care of
When I left the 9-to-5 world, I thought I was finished with deadlines forever. I imagined mornings with coffee on
Remember when a cup of coffee cost fifty cents and a movie ticket was under two bucks? Yeah… me neither,
There’s a reason they call it “downsizing” and not “down shaming.” Just because you move into a smaller space doesn’t
When I first started digging into Medicare, I thought I’d just sign up, pick a plan, and then go about
When I was younger, I used to think that going broke in retirement was something that happened only if you’d
I’ve got a confession to make, I used to think “passive income” meant I’d be sprawled in a hammock, sipping
If you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, you know that slow climb to the top is kind of fun,
I’ve always said that retirement is a little like owning a classic car. You’ve got the mileage, you’ve earned the
I remember the first Monday after I retired. I woke up early, as usual, poured a cup of coffee, and
You’d think after decades of early alarms, skipped lunches, and mind-numbing meetings, sleep would come easy in retirement. No more
Nobody warned me about the empty Tuesdays. I had dreamed about retirement for years — freedom from alarm clocks, meetings,
Many people think retirement is the end of learning. After all, you have spent decades juggling jobs, kids, taxes, and
I’ve lived through recessions, booms, crashes, inflation spikes, and a few government shutdowns. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned,
There’s something oddly liberating about getting older. Maybe it’s the way I no longer feel the need to impress anyone.
After decades of working, saving, and squinting at spreadsheets, I finally retired. My mortgage was paid off, my nest egg
I still remember the day I officially retired. There wasn’t a marching band, no confetti cannon, not even a cupcake
If you’re retired or approaching retirement, the world of investing can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded—especially when it
When I first started paying attention to bonds, I’ll be honest—I thought they were the oatmeal of the investment world.
I’ll admit it—I’ve had more than one daydream where I’m sipping espresso in a sunny European café, or wading into
When I first stepped into retirement, I thought I’d just relax, maybe sip some lemonade on the porch while the
I still remember the day I realized my relationship with debt had to end. We had a long history together,
Let me confess something right off the bat: I used to think “getting out of your comfort zone” was a
Retiring abroad is one of those ideas that seems as dreamy as it is daring. I remember the first time
I never thought I’d say this, but I kind of love getting older. Not just because I can now wear
I’ll admit it—when I first heard people talking about retiring early, I thought, “Sure, right after I invent a money
Investing like Warren Buffett in retirement? Now there’s a goal that sounds both wise and delightfully ambitious—like deciding to get
I’ve been retired long enough now that I can confidently say two things: First, I no longer know what day
I’ll admit, when I first retired and my nest emptied, I thought: “Finally, peace and quiet!” But after a few
I remember the day I retired. Although there were no balloons, or the obligatory sheet cake with “Congratulations!” piped across
When I first dipped my toes into the Medicare waters, I half expected a lifeguard to blow the whistle and
I always thought that when I finally retired, I’d just be content to relax with a good book, sip coffee
I love talking about budget-friendly adventures—because let’s face it, travel doesn’t have to drain your retirement savings to be fun.
I know what you’re thinking, “in a recession? That sounds like a financial disaster, not an opportunity!” And trust me,
Retirement is a funny thing sometimes. One day, I’m dreaming about all the free time I’ll have, and the next,
Ah, estate planning. Not exactly the most thrilling topic to chat about over a cup of coffee, but trust me—this
Retirement is an exciting chapter filled with opportunities for adventure, personal growth, and, yes, even romance. Whether you’re rediscovering love
As someone who has spent a good amount of time researching and writing about retirement, I’ve come across countless stories
If you follow the news lately, which I don’t really recommend by the way, you know there are lot’s of
Retirement can be an exciting time, but it also comes with a big question: how do I make sure my
Retirement is supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but for many, it also comes with financial concerns.
Downsizing in retirement is a big decision, and it’s not always an easy one. After years of building a home
There are many exciting things about retirement, but one challenge that can emerge — as you find yourself more free than
Retirement is an exciting phase of life, one where I have ample time to focus on my health and well-being.
Retirement is supposed to be a time of freedom, relaxation, and enjoyment. After decades of working hard, I finally had
As a retiree, I’ve often found myself pondering how economic downturns might impact my financial well-being. Lately, after watching some
Most people I know can’t wait to retire – the ones that haven’t already retired, that is. But there are
Retirement is a significant life milestone that requires careful financial planning. Ensuring financial security in your “golden years” means understanding
It’s been said that aging is one of the most difficult and scary times of peoples lives, mostly because it’s
The question on everyone’s mind when they are looking into retirement, is “do I have enough money”? This question troubles
Reinventing Yourself After Retirement: A New Chapter, A New You Retirement is often seen as the grand finale—the long-awaited golden
Retirement is often seen as the golden phase of life, where people finally get to relax and enjoy the fruits
If you have done any reading at all about the importance of socialization in retirement, you most likely have read
It sounds almost cliché to most people, that once you retire the first thing you have in mind is to
Retirement can be one of the most fulfilling phases of life, offering a newfound freedom to pursue passions, spend time
Most people spend their entire lives making money, which of course is needed to survive and have the things
Have you ever thought about what your legacy would be when you die? I know, that sounds a bit
When you hear the word hobby, what does it make you think of first? Maybe something like stamp collecting, scrapbooking,
Another thing to consider is if you are married, or living together as a couple, have you thought about who
I would like to talk about something we can all relate to – happiness. It’s one of the things that
There are many things to consider when you want to decide when to retire, but one of the most important
Are there reasons for not wanting to retire? Yes! Maybe most of us simply assume that everyone really, really wants
How can I maximize the money I have? Very carefully, of course! There are ways to make your money last
Act your age? Why start now! There is no reason you can’t just reinvent yourself and change the way you
When we think about our lives being a long and almost unimaginable journey, it is almost overwhelming isn’t it? The
When we’re young, we don’t really have a filter on our thoughts about what we want to be when we
So, you have been working for about 40 years now, give or take a decade or so. Honestly, do you
When you are considering when to retire, there is usually the typical question of “do I have enough money” –
Embracing a Positive Mindset in Retirement: Pathways to Happiness Retirement marks a significant transition in life, moving from years of
Hello, it’s me again! I wanted to reach out and discuss something that I have seen quite a bit of