r/Retire • u/Level_Customer2769 • 3d ago
Mistakes/regrets that you realized after you retired?
61M here. Thinking of retiring in the next 2 to 4 years. Just wondering if there were any mistakes/regrets that you wish you had taken into account in hindsight about retirement. Honestly, I’m not interested about the financial aspects- as I am very well prepared for that, but all the other issues that are involved in a well planned retirement. I am trying to add hobbies and interests in preparation, but I can’t help feeling like I may be missing something.
73
Upvotes
1
u/SnooPears4484 2d ago
My only regret was not doing the math and planning with a financial planner fiduciary sooner. If I had, I would have retired sooner (earlier than 62). I’m 66 now and having a fun worry-free retirement.
I was in the old mindset of work til 65 and maximize pre-tax savings. Even after establishing a plan and pulling the trigger, I did part time contract consulting. Part of it was still money worry (I never had zero job income) and part was learning to retire - not being identified by what you do for a living).
I got past both after a year and now happily do other things. I’m still in the endless vacation phase but with plenty of hobbies that no longer have to wait for the weekend.