When I was working, money stress usually came in the form of “Do I have enough to cover the mortgage, the kids’ college, and maybe a decent vacation without selling a kidney?” Retirement, however, brings a new flavor of financial stress. Suddenly, the paycheck stops, and the pot of money you worked so hard to build has to last… well, as long as you do. And let’s be honest, watching your savings slowly tick downward can feel about as fun as watching paint dry — except the paint doesn’t keep you awake at night.

Here’s the truth: money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about emotions — security, fear, pride, even identity. If you’ve ever lost sleep worrying about whether you’ll outlive your money, you already know this. And since I’ve spent more than my fair share of nights staring at the ceiling doing retirement math in my head (and getting different answers every time), I want to share some strategies for coping with the emotional side of money.

Acknowledge That Stress Is Normal

First, let’s cut ourselves some slack. Financial stress in retirement isn’t a sign of poor planning or bad decisions. It’s a sign that you’re human. You’ve spent decades trading your time for money, and now you’re living off what you’ve saved. Of course that feels unsettling at times. Pretending otherwise just makes it worse.

Separate Fear from Reality

The mind loves to spin worst-case scenarios: “What if the market crashes? What if inflation goes through the roof? What if I live to 110 and have to start selling my furniture on eBay?”

Here’s what helps: put numbers to your fears. Instead of vague worry, talk with a financial advisor or use a retirement calculator. Once you see the actual data, you’ll often realize your situation is far less dire than your imagination makes it. And if adjustments are needed, better to know now than to let the fear run wild.

Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t control inflation, market swings, or government policies (if only!). But you can control your spending, your health, and your lifestyle choices. Every dollar saved, every healthy habit formed, and every bit of community you build adds to your financial security in indirect ways.

Think of it like this: stressing about things you can’t change is like yelling at the weather forecast. It doesn’t help, and the neighbors start to worry about you.

Practice Gratitude and Perspective

I know, I know — “gratitude” can sound like one of those fluffy self-help words. But it works. Take a moment each day to notice what you do have: a roof over your head, friends, family, freedom from that daily commute. Remembering what’s solid in your life helps balance out the fear of what’s uncertain.

I once heard someone say, “You’re richer than you think if you count the things money can’t buy.” That might sound corny, but it sticks with me. We get so caught up in our finances, we forget how lucky we are in almost every other way imaginable!

Stay Connected (Don’t Suffer in Silence)

Financial stress can feel isolating, like you’re the only one secretly panicking while everyone else in retirement seems to be cruising on yachts. Trust me, you’re not alone. Talk to friends, a financial advisor, or even a therapist if money worries are stealing your peace of mind.

Sometimes just saying out loud, “I’m worried about running out of money,” takes away half the power of the fear.

Build an Emotional Safety Net

Alongside your financial safety net, build an emotional one. That could mean:

• A hobby that relaxes you when money stress flares up
• Exercise (nothing clears financial cobwebs like a good walk)
• Meditation, prayer, or whatever helps you find calm
• A support group of fellow retirees who “get it”

When your emotions are steady, your decisions about money are smarter. And in retirement, calm thinking is worth its weight in gold.

Remember: Money Is a Tool, not a Scorecard

One of the hardest parts of retirement is letting go of the idea that your worth is tied to your net worth. Money is just a tool to support the life you want — not a measure of your value as a person. If you need reminding, ask the people who love you. They don’t care what’s in your 401(k). They care about you.

Closing Thoughts

Financial stress in retirement is real, but it doesn’t have to steal your joy. By facing it honestly, focusing on what you can control, and building both financial and emotional safety nets, you can move from fear to confidence.

And if you’d like a deeper dive into not just surviving but thriving through financial storms, my book Surviving Financial Crises in Retirement has plenty more practical tips (and yes, a few more bad jokes).

Because at the end of the day, retirement isn’t just about money. It’s about peace of mind. And that, my friends, is priceless.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, get your financial house in order today!

Happy retirement planning!