I am 51 and spend most of my days alone, on purpose. People have caused me nothing but trouble since I have been a child. I can love others better when I am not in the room.
I retired 4yrs ago at 57 and couldn't be happier. I don't distance myself from people to teach them a lesson, I distance myself because I finally learned mine.
As an introvert, and a person who has been single most of her life, I absolutely love time alone. OK, maybe not just sitting in a room with no reading or writing materials, but curling up with a good book, playing the piano for hours, going for a long walk, or tackling a sewing project are some of the things I enjoy in retirement. I also like traveling alone - less wrapped up in conversation with travel partners and more time to observe the surroundings. I do spend one day a week volunteering and golf every other week so that I have *some* interaction with the outside world.
I'm 63 and retired three years ago at 60. My wife and I are both retired and we do not miss working one bit! Without getting too detailed, we are financially set thanks to pensions (plural) coupled with great health benefits from the department of Defense. We spend our leisure time exercising at the gym daily, traveling all over the world comfortably, and traveling all over the states, visiting family and friends. We are very grateful for what we have.
Im retired 2 years … let me comment. 1. Yes. I went from being important to not being needed. DONT SELL you soul to a company that doesn’t care about you. I heard that, thought … not me! . Prepare for the next step. I struggle(d) with depression. 2. Health is Key in retirement. Work out hard. Don’t drink. Eat clean! Thats the investment people miss. 3. Yes… work on dropping the fear and retire. Live on a budget but still live. Thank you so much for bringing in a relationship with God. After focusing on my career for so long, this is made a huge impact and getting back to what’s important so thank you.
I am 62, single man never married, have lived alone for the last 35 years? I work Part-time now but soon will be fully retired. I'm not lonely but sometimes wish I had someone to travel with? I do many things alone, if I want to do something, I just do it
You could do a travel club where a group goes together. they have singles travel clubs as well where everyone is there to have a good time and build some friendships.
I am quite happy being alone. My husband and I do all kinds of things together but when he's in the garage puttering all day ( many days) , I am perfectly content. I read, exercise, play piano or violin, cook, work on my spreadsheets, work in the garden, watch favorite movies, do a sewing project or whatever.
As a therapist nearing retirement, after seeing this, I should spend more time teaching my clients how to appreciate and make the most out of solitude. Great video!
I've always been a solitary guy, so being alone with my thoughts is the default. However, as I start to think about how I want to spend retirement, I feel compelled to reinvent myself to some extent. I do love being on my own, but I also think there's value in getting out of my comfort zone. A big part of being successfully retired has to be pursuing new experiences.
Great video Dave...totally hits home. I have been retired for 2 years now, (currently 63), and I find myself going through cycles of being busy with hobbies and travel, and then periods of boredom, too much TV and drinking...all of those things that you mentioned...very accurate. Your message is clear - look out for those negative aspects of retirement and work on eliminating or improving upon them. Focus more on community, God, family and relationships.
recently divorced after 32 years , i’ve spent most of 1.5 alone & learning… put yourself first , find hobbies, workout and do you. it can be very difficult, but insightful
I enjoy Solitude. I spend 90% of my 12 hour workday alone with podcast. Love my wife and family but I need an extra hour alone when I get home to chill. My Job is complex I mix and deal with explosives for mines. A bit stressful,I enjoy silence.
I am 72 years old, retired, am introverted, have pretty much lived alone all my life. I may be alone but not lonely, when out in public I’m okay, but glad to be home alone. I do what I want whenever I want, I’ve thought about becoming more active in public but just would rather be alone!!!! Thanks 🙏
The best thing you can do to make your retirement less financially stressful is to pay of all your debts before you retire. During my last 10 years of work I made some not inconsiderable sacrifices in order to retire debt free and it was worth it. I also got rid of my car at retirement. Considering how little driving I needed to do it was cheaper to take taxis. My income classifies me as low income but I am awash in money because of having no car.
I LOvE my time alone! I was lucky to work in Saudi Arabia as a healthcare worker when I was in my twenties. People thought I was crazy to work there, but I got to save money and travel. I got to go to my family's homeland, which was Crete, and loved the experience. Now, I enjoy my children when I choose to and save the most time for myself (happily divorced for years....ex wife is a great friend). I think the reason I am happy is because I have always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and for staying healthy through nutrition, NOT medicine or drugs. Being nice to others is just a given. Setting good clear boundaries is also a given. I have never met a stranger, but am also an introvert, lol! Nice video!
It is so interesting that "increased time alone" is so often viewed as a negative. I'm an extrovert, no children, who divorced and retired at age 62. ( I started drawing on my pension at age 56 and then worked part-time as a consultant for my employer.) Now, fully retired at age 63, I love my increased time alone, as well as spending time with others volunteering, officiating basketball and volleyball and playing pickleball, bicycling, and visiting friends and siblings in other states. I also have been doing a lot of traveling the last year- both with friends and traveling solo. I'm planning to live a nomadic life beginning 2025, for the next 6 or 7 years while I'm most active. This would involve living in different states and countries- 2 or 3 months at a time. While I am open to being with someone romantically, it may also mean time traveling with friends, or alot of time alone. Never underestimate the pleasure of your own company!
I am 76, been retired for 6 years and I found That developing a hobby is important BEFORE you retire. Maybe learn a new skill, for me it was writing computer programs. Social media is another thing that allows you to have contact with people with similar interests world wide. My work was in the background of the entertainment industry working on sound, now I work in the virtual world, Second Life, with a dance troop with people from all over the world.
Spot on! Thank you…. I’m now 76 and practice the 3’Cs, I’m traveling more and worrying less about finances - while I can. I’m not rich at all, but my retirement years get better as I find everything you say applicable to me.
Some truth here. I took a company buyout at 58 when my department was eliminated. My wife and I planned for this, we seen the way corporate was headed. The first 3 months was an adjustment, not having routine and being “the go to guy” absolutely impacted me. We do have 8 rental units, and I am performing handyman work. We have 1.4 m in retirement. Think we’ll be ok, but may go back to work force. Summary 8 months in, have a plan for sure to include, faith (purpose), health, financial, family, friends, plan and implement things you always wanted to do. We have started biking vacations, take our e-bikes with us and bike different parts of east coast.
Dave, your videos are awesome! I drive by Dave Ramsey's HQ all the time and you are way better. Your whole strategy about the psychology of retirement is spot on. I'm months away from retirement and I have tremendously enjoyed your videos. I think it is time that you make yourself more of a national brand!
Point number 3 is on point. You save for 30 or 40 years while working. Now it's time to retire and you have no clue how long your going to live. So you spend wisely instead of spending on the things that will make you happy in retirement for fear of running out of money. Then you wind up being 90 years old and haven't even spent half your money. Other scenario is that you spend on everything and run out at 82 but live ton100
Retirement is often about serving family picking up grandchildren when two parents need to work holding together the extended family while often looking after parents or one parents in their late 80s and 90s.
I am an attorney. I practiced law for 35 years helping people who were defrauded by powerful corporations , adult survivors of sexual abuse , victims of sexual harassment and others who were downtrodden by the more powerful. I retired at 67. I was bored out of my mind. You can only travel , play golf etc for so long . I found it to be meaningless. I went back to practicing , mentoring young lawyers etc. sorry but retirement sucks.
At 18, fresh out of high school, we can't figure out why we need to save for retirement. I was 18 yesterday and now I'm eligible for social security, now in my 60's. Time goes far too quickly.
This is me to the tee. I found that my circle of friends have always been work related. As a single person without kids, my friend circle is now very, very small. It can be very lonely especially around various holidays.
It's one of the BEST videos I've come across regarding retirement, finances, health, spending time, and gratitude! And thanking God for all the blessings!! Enjoy retirement by doing what's best for you...
I laughed out loud at your #2 triangles. When I tried to retire at 57 one minute after the bonus cleared the bank, I said to my boss (who was an awesome boss to be clear): "The young dude has plenty of time & energy, but empty pockets. The dude in the middle is hurrying with his briefcase looking at his watch, plenty of money & energy but not time, and the old dude is sitting on a park bench leaning on his cane with plenty of time and money but no energy. I want my time while I still have my energy." They made me a crazy great offer to stay on part time 2 days a week for a couple years, which turned out to be a great transition and win-win for all. Loving life, can't relate to #1, 3, or 4; I enjoy both alone & friend time. But I love your holistic approach to this topic, and your brother is a treasure.
All great points and definitely on point. A retired co-worker of mine engaged in an exercise along the lines of, "You find out that you have 1 year left of life. How would you wrestle with that journey, come to terms with those parts of your life that have not yet found peace, and, embrace the finality of the last day?". The fear of facing our own mortality is a difficult topic at the best of times. And, while it might seem extreme to deliberately & intentionally put ourselves in that frame of mind the benefits are immeasurable. This is definitely applicable to the process of retiring given that one's work life has many benefits built into it - purpose, connection with others, contribution in hopefully a meaningful way. However, by applying the same type of process one is able to face the prospect of grieving the end of a part of one's life. The part of themselves that is inextricably bound to our sense of self we adopt because of this daily work routine where we can hopefully face the uncertainty of entering into a new phase of life with a greater sense of ease, purpose, and grace moving forward.
I’m 68 now - I retired when I was 50 ! I spend 98% of my time alone now in the comfort of my own thoughts and solitude. I got rid of 90% of my personal belongings that I’ve accumulated in the 68 years of living including most of my friends . I enjoy coming home to a quiet and peaceful home , no one to deal and haggle with except with my own desires! So, before you retire , make sure your : - home is paid off , - your healthcare is covered, - you have monthly income of at least $5,200.00 a month, - your car is paid off, - you live alone , - you have few friends (1 or 2 will do) - you belong to a health or tennis club - and if single,, stay single ! Then enjoy your retirement years ! They can truly be golden!
Excellent advice ...and great delivery thank you. I gave up work for 2 years and can honestly say this advice is spot on ...I went back to work because I got fed up with the English weather.
I’m not retired, but I’ve seen it from the opposite end. I think many retirees cannot self soothe or self entertain. They may lose track of time if the day and day of the week, because essentially, they’re no longer in a schedule. Almost don’t need a calendar and clock. But, as a result, they wonder, why is everyone else so busy? Where are they going? They limits not want to be bothered. I’d sort of think if this in terms of hair growth. Bear with me. There’s growing phase and there’s resting phase. I think there’s a 3rd phase. It I’m no expert. Working people are in the maintenance and/or growing phase. They’re still working. They still don’t have a lot of time. They may have personal pursuits and goals, outside of the job also. Retirees, who are often putzing around the house and watching TV are in resting phase. This causes quite the clash, too. Try explaining to a retiree, why you can’t sit and chat all day. They’ll tell you that you’re selfish. I have also found this with people who haven’t been retired too long and people younger than myself, who’ve retired early. And I had one neighbor, who decided that, in addition to my job, I was going to be her free nanny, working for her. Of course, while she simply watched TV. That didn’t work out for her. My mother wanted me to drop my job, so I could tend to the failed family business. Me having food and shelter, were non issues, to her. So, there can be a divide, often generational, where neither much understands the other.
I retired 2 yrs ago at 59! Wife and I live very comfortable and rural!!! Staying rural living on a dead end 1 lane country road, we are left alone and in solitude! And we both prefer it, only trespassers we get are deer! 😍. I like to control when I deal with people! Also do a lot of puzzles and woodworking projects! So my mind is constantly working n not idle!!!!!
If you have the Lord in your heart you are never alone and you always have hope in the future. You also have a group of friends and people that share in the purpose of learning to be more like Christ and becoming a blessing to others everywhere you go.
Thank you Dave. This is just what I needed this morning in some challenging circumstances away from home. I feel like I know these four things in my head but sometimes need to strengthen the conviction of my heart. Fear of growing old; the acronym is FOGO and means fire in my second language (Portuguese). I will remember that!
I would imagine that the Solitude issue is less so for hunters, hikers and fishermen. The utter Solitude he spoke of is probably very rare nowadays, because even alone in the woods, I'm typically listening to a book or podcast. Years back was probably my greatest period of solitude. I was completely alone with no communication to the outside world for 13 days while out elk hunting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I know a lot of people would probably struggle with being completely alone for that long.
Great video! Everything you went over is spot-on with my personal experiences and beliefs. That "life satisfaction" graph unbelievably mimics my life so far in a nutshell. I'm 100% sure I'm retiring at age 49. I love my alone time and will fill that time with figuring out how to contribute to the other categories in the pie chart. A human can do many great things if he/she has the time to do so.
I retired at 60. I lasted 2 months before finding a new job. At 62, I’m still working, albeit part-time. I found after working for 42 years I’m happier this way.
Life has to end someday. Looking forward to the great equalization is a experience. Whether you are wealthy, poor health problem or others you dont take it with you when pass away. Good luck.
I don't understand the "no distractions" part of spending time alone. I'm not retired yet, but spend a great deal of time alone with books and computer, reading, playing games, programming, designing 3D Printable objects, etc. Why would I need to sit alone without doing those things? In fact, I've often thought that the elderly have a new advantage in their lives. They can socialize online. You now can go fishing with other humans, exploring, fighting monsters, etc. even in poor health, through computers and Internet.
Interesting video - but most people cannot afford to retire - and must keep working at whatever menial job is available to a senior citizen, or suffer as a pauper due to lack of savings.
The perfect place to be alone, without a phone, book, etc. is a slow walk in the forest, noticing everything and feeling at one with the natural world. For everyone else, volunteer.
Regarding the Kitsis references, I was pretty successful savings for retirement, my problem is the spending. I developed many frugal tendencies which remain difficult to overcome. I fear I will pass with a huge unspent surplus
I agree 100%. We just bought a new car, got rid of a 20 year old car that had lots of problems. It was still hard to buy a newer car. I am 70 years old and used money I inherited from my father from 12 years ago. It took me a couple months to convince myself to spend $40,000 on the largest and most expensive car I have ever owned. We are also very frugal, but it really is ok to spend money on things that can improve your life.
Depends on Discipline. Health, depends on what you consume food wise. 63 been on SS for past year, but still like to draw plans and do that part time, cannot retire 100%, need to do a little something everyday.
Great tips if you have retirement income. We only have social security, so will have to work part time as long as possible. But I don’t really mind, my part time job gives me a purpose and connection with others. I enjoy it. I would like to travel though, good tip to not wait.
My alone time and while fixing bikes or riding bikes, although I mostly ride with at least one person. I know a few retirees that are mostly alone: I must say that there are reasons, they are not fun to be with, and they have nothing to give (money, ressources, teaching, safety, entertainment…)
The Covid lockdown helped prepare me to being more comfortable being alone. I still work, but am more focused on retirement to move into the next quieter chapter.
I am 51 and spend most of my days alone, on purpose. People have caused me nothing but trouble since I have been a child. I can love others better when I am not in the room.
"I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in maturity " A Einstein
The worst part of retirement is that it comes at the end.
I retired 4yrs ago at 57 and couldn't be happier.
I don't distance myself from people to teach them a lesson, I distance myself because I finally learned mine.
As an introvert, and a person who has been single most of her life, I absolutely love time alone. OK, maybe not just sitting in a room with no reading or writing materials, but curling up with a good book, playing the piano for hours, going for a long walk, or tackling a sewing project are some of the things I enjoy in retirement. I also like traveling alone - less wrapped up in conversation with travel partners and more time to observe the surroundings. I do spend one day a week volunteering and golf every other week so that I have *some* interaction with the outside world.
Other people are making my life shorter by giving me stress and drama. I'd rather be in my garden and with my plants and pets instead.
For introverts, time alone is bliss.
time spent alone … aaah … an introvert’s sanctuary ❤ sewing and art projects are lovely
I'm 63 and retired three years ago at 60. My wife and I are both retired and we do not miss working one bit! Without getting too detailed, we are financially set thanks to pensions (plural) coupled with great health benefits from the department of Defense. We spend our leisure time exercising at the gym daily, traveling all over the world comfortably, and traveling all over the states, visiting family and friends. We are very grateful for what we have.
So close to retirement I can taste it. I already have plenty of time in solitude. It energizes me. And I'm never alone. God is always with me.
Been retired 2 years. I’ve never been so busy in my life. Praise God.
Blessings
Im retired 2 years … let me comment.
1. Yes. I went from being important to not being needed. DONT SELL you soul to a company that doesn’t care about you. I heard that, thought … not me! . Prepare for the next step. I struggle(d) with depression.
2. Health is Key in retirement. Work out hard. Don’t drink. Eat clean! Thats the investment people miss.
3. Yes… work on dropping the fear and retire. Live on a budget but still live.
Thank you so much for bringing in a relationship with God. After focusing on my career for so long, this is made a huge impact and getting back to what’s important so thank you.
I am 62, single man never married, have lived alone for the last 35 years? I work Part-time now but soon will be fully retired. I'm not lonely but sometimes wish I had someone to travel with? I do many things alone, if I want to do something, I just do it
You could do a travel club where a group goes together. they have singles travel clubs as well where everyone is there to have a good time and build some friendships.
Undistracted solitude lowered my blood pressure. I'm golden in retirement.
I am quite happy being alone. My husband and I do all kinds of things together but when he's in the garage puttering all day ( many days) , I am perfectly content. I read, exercise, play piano or violin, cook, work on my spreadsheets, work in the garden, watch favorite movies, do a sewing project or whatever.
As a therapist nearing retirement, after seeing this, I should spend more time teaching my clients how to appreciate and make the most out of solitude. Great video!
Avoid stress at all costs. Family, job, financial. If it’s negative eliminate it 😊
took a voluntary buyout at age 55 and i was so mentally ready for it. i love my solitude. i socialize when i feel like it. life is good.
I've always been a solitary guy, so being alone with my thoughts is the default. However, as I start to think about how I want to spend retirement, I feel compelled to reinvent myself to some extent. I do love being on my own, but I also think there's value in getting out of my comfort zone. A big part of being successfully retired has to be pursuing new experiences.
Great video Dave...totally hits home. I have been retired for 2 years now, (currently 63), and I find myself going through cycles of being busy with hobbies and travel, and then periods of boredom, too much TV and drinking...all of those things that you mentioned...very accurate. Your message is clear - look out for those negative aspects of retirement and work on eliminating or improving upon them. Focus more on community, God, family and relationships.
I'm introverted, but after 10 months of near total isolation, I'm definitely lonely. I guess I better find a senior walking group or something.
recently divorced after 32 years , i’ve spent most of 1.5 alone & learning… put yourself first , find hobbies, workout and do you. it can be very difficult, but insightful
I love being retired. 8 years now it's great as t doing the things I've always wanted to do and learning new things.
I had a college professor who noted about aging that “our bodies prepare for death while our spirits prepare for life.”
I enjoy Solitude. I spend 90% of my 12 hour workday alone with podcast. Love my wife and family but I need an extra hour alone when I get home to chill. My Job is complex I mix and deal with explosives for mines. A bit stressful,I enjoy silence.
I am 72 years old, retired, am introverted, have pretty much lived alone all my life. I may be alone but not lonely, when out in public I’m okay, but glad to be home alone. I do what I want whenever I want, I’ve thought about becoming more active in public but just would rather be alone!!!! Thanks 🙏
I'm use to spending time alone, so this part of growing old should be no problem for me.
I am enjoying my tremendous time alone. It means you have outgrown low-level lessons in life, and drama bores you. Being alone is healthy.
The best thing you can do to make your retirement less financially stressful is to pay of all your debts before you retire. During my last 10 years of work I made some not inconsiderable sacrifices in order to retire debt free and it was worth it. I also got rid of my car at retirement. Considering how little driving I needed to do it was cheaper to take taxis. My income classifies me as low income but I am awash in money because of having no car.
I LOvE my time alone! I was lucky to work in Saudi Arabia as a healthcare worker when I was in my twenties. People thought I was crazy to work there, but I got to save money and travel. I got to go to my family's homeland, which was Crete, and loved the experience. Now, I enjoy my children when I choose to and save the most time for myself (happily divorced for years....ex wife is a great friend). I think the reason I am happy is because I have always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and for staying healthy through nutrition, NOT medicine or drugs. Being nice to others is just a given. Setting good clear boundaries is also a given. I have never met a stranger, but am also an introvert, lol! Nice video!
I recently retired and plan to have zero before I die. Spending money and having a great time traveling
The struggle of life never ends. FACT! Until life ends. Be ready for the end.
It is so interesting that "increased time alone" is so often viewed as a negative. I'm an extrovert, no children, who divorced and retired at age 62. ( I started drawing on my pension at age 56 and then worked part-time as a consultant for my employer.)
Now, fully retired at age 63, I love my increased time alone, as well as spending time with others volunteering, officiating basketball and volleyball and playing pickleball, bicycling, and visiting friends and siblings in other states. I also have been doing a lot of traveling the last year- both with friends and traveling solo.
I'm planning to live a nomadic life beginning 2025, for the next 6 or 7 years while I'm most active. This would involve living in different states and countries- 2 or 3 months at a time. While I am open to being with someone romantically, it may also mean time traveling with friends, or alot of time alone. Never underestimate the pleasure of your own company!
In our state, the university is free for people over 65 so I am just going to go back to university during retirement
I stopped working 2 years ago. Too early to draw a pension, so I see it as ‘practicing for retirement’. All I can say is …best decision ever!
Dunno, I'm in my 70s and have retired twice already. It gives me a few weeks off to contemplate and get my next business started.
I am 76, been retired for 6 years and I found That developing a hobby is important BEFORE you retire.
Maybe learn a new skill, for me it was writing computer programs.
Social media is another thing that allows you to have contact with people with similar interests world wide.
My work was in the background of the entertainment industry working on sound, now I work in the virtual world, Second Life, with a dance troop with people from all over the world.
Spot on! Thank you…. I’m now 76 and practice the 3’Cs, I’m traveling more and worrying less about finances - while I can. I’m not rich at all, but my retirement years get better as I find everything you say applicable to me.
I"m nearing retirement and a I appreciate your insight. Thank you Sir.
Love your videos! You always make it a point to focus on things other than money, and you always make me think about what's really important.
Some truth here. I took a company buyout at 58 when my department was eliminated. My wife and I planned for this, we seen the way corporate was headed. The first 3 months was an adjustment, not having routine and being “the go to guy” absolutely impacted me. We do have 8 rental units, and I am performing handyman work. We have 1.4 m in retirement. Think we’ll be ok, but may go back to work force.
Summary 8 months in, have a plan for sure to include, faith (purpose), health, financial, family, friends, plan and implement things you always wanted to do. We have started biking vacations, take our e-bikes with us and bike different parts of east coast.
Dave, your videos are awesome! I drive by Dave Ramsey's HQ all the time and you are way better. Your whole strategy about the psychology of retirement is spot on. I'm months away from retirement and I have tremendously enjoyed your videos. I think it is time that you make yourself more of a national brand!
Point number 3 is on point. You save for 30 or 40 years while working. Now it's time to retire and you have no clue how long your going to live. So you spend wisely instead of spending on the things that will make you happy in retirement for fear of running out of money. Then you wind up being 90 years old and haven't even spent half your money. Other scenario is that you spend on everything and run out at 82 but live ton100
There is no reason why time alone has to be spent with zero stimulation or entertainment.
Retirement is often about serving family picking up grandchildren when two parents need to work holding together the extended family while often looking after parents or one parents in their late 80s and 90s.
I am an attorney. I practiced law for 35 years helping people who were defrauded by powerful corporations , adult survivors of sexual abuse , victims of sexual harassment and others who were downtrodden by the more powerful. I retired at 67. I was bored out of my mind. You can only travel , play golf etc for so long . I found it to be meaningless. I went back to practicing , mentoring young lawyers etc. sorry but retirement sucks.
At 18, fresh out of high school, we can't figure out why we need to save for retirement. I was 18 yesterday and now I'm eligible for social security, now in my 60's. Time goes far too quickly.
This is me to the tee. I found that my circle of friends have always been work related. As a single person without kids, my friend circle is now very, very small. It can be very lonely especially around various holidays.
It's one of the BEST videos I've come across regarding retirement, finances, health, spending time, and gratitude! And thanking God for all the blessings!! Enjoy retirement by doing what's best for you...
I laughed out loud at your #2 triangles.
When I tried to retire at 57 one minute after the bonus cleared the bank, I said to my boss (who was an awesome boss to be clear):
"The young dude has plenty of time & energy, but empty pockets. The dude in the middle is hurrying with his briefcase looking at his watch, plenty of money & energy but not time, and the old dude is sitting on a park bench leaning on his cane with plenty of time and money but no energy.
I want my time while I still have my energy."
They made me a crazy great offer to stay on part time 2 days a week for a couple years, which turned out to be a great transition and win-win for all.
Loving life, can't relate to #1, 3, or 4; I enjoy both alone & friend time. But I love your holistic approach to this topic, and your brother is a treasure.
All great points and definitely on point. A retired co-worker of mine engaged in an exercise along the lines of, "You find out that you have 1 year left of life. How would you wrestle with that journey, come to terms with those parts of your life that have not yet found peace, and, embrace the finality of the last day?". The fear of facing our own mortality is a difficult topic at the best of times. And, while it might seem extreme to deliberately & intentionally put ourselves in that frame of mind the benefits are immeasurable. This is definitely applicable to the process of retiring given that one's work life has many benefits built into it - purpose, connection with others, contribution in hopefully a meaningful way. However, by applying the same type of process one is able to face the prospect of grieving the end of a part of one's life. The part of themselves that is inextricably bound to our sense of self we adopt because of this daily work routine where we can hopefully face the uncertainty of entering into a new phase of life with a greater sense of ease, purpose, and grace moving forward.
I’m 68 now - I retired when I was 50 ! I spend 98% of my time alone now in the comfort of my own thoughts and solitude. I got rid of 90% of my personal belongings that I’ve accumulated in the 68 years of living including most of my friends . I enjoy coming home to a quiet and peaceful home , no one to deal and haggle with except with my own desires!
So, before you retire , make sure your :
- home is paid off ,
- your healthcare is covered,
- you have monthly income of at least
$5,200.00 a month,
- your car is paid off,
- you live alone ,
- you have few friends (1 or 2 will do)
- you belong to a health or tennis club
- and if single,, stay single !
Then enjoy your retirement years ! They can truly be golden!
Good video. Some of these things do throw people off. As a natural introvert I had no problem lol.
Excellent advice ...and great delivery thank you.
I gave up work for 2 years and can honestly say this advice is spot on ...I went back to work because I got fed up with the English weather.
My wife hates to see me enjoying myself alone. Help 😂
I’m not retired, but I’ve seen it from the opposite end. I think many retirees cannot self soothe or self entertain. They may lose track of time if the day and day of the week, because essentially, they’re no longer in a schedule. Almost don’t need a calendar and clock. But, as a result, they wonder, why is everyone else so busy? Where are they going? They limits not want to be bothered. I’d sort of think if this in terms of hair growth. Bear with me. There’s growing phase and there’s resting phase. I think there’s a 3rd phase. It I’m no expert. Working people are in the maintenance and/or growing phase. They’re still working. They still don’t have a lot of time. They may have personal pursuits and goals, outside of the job also. Retirees, who are often putzing around the house and watching TV are in resting phase. This causes quite the clash, too. Try explaining to a retiree, why you can’t sit and chat all day. They’ll tell you that you’re selfish. I have also found this with people who haven’t been retired too long and people younger than myself, who’ve retired early. And I had one neighbor, who decided that, in addition to my job, I was going to be her free nanny, working for her. Of course, while she simply watched TV. That didn’t work out for her. My mother wanted me to drop my job, so I could tend to the failed family business. Me having food and shelter, were non issues, to her. So, there can be a divide, often generational, where neither much understands the other.
I retired 2 yrs ago at 59! Wife and I live very comfortable and rural!!! Staying rural living on a dead end 1 lane country road, we are left alone and in solitude! And we both prefer it, only trespassers we get are deer! 😍. I like to control when I deal with people! Also do a lot of puzzles and woodworking projects! So my mind is constantly working n not idle!!!!!
Volunteer. Rewarding and much needed.
I'm the kind of guy that would do well tending a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere. Being alone is actually desired.
If you have the Lord in your heart you are never alone and you always have hope in the future. You also have a group of friends and people that share in the purpose of learning to be more like Christ and becoming a blessing to others everywhere you go.
Thank you Dave. This is just what I needed this morning in some challenging circumstances away from home. I feel like I know these four things in my head but sometimes need to strengthen the conviction of my heart.
Fear of growing old; the acronym is FOGO and means fire in my second language (Portuguese). I will remember that!
I would imagine that the Solitude issue is less so for hunters, hikers and fishermen. The utter Solitude he spoke of is probably very rare nowadays, because even alone in the woods, I'm typically listening to a book or podcast. Years back was probably my greatest period of solitude. I was completely alone with no communication to the outside world for 13 days while out elk hunting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I know a lot of people would probably struggle with being completely alone for that long.
EXCELLENT video. The psychological side of money & retirement are so very
Important to our experience. More of this please 😊😊
Great video! Everything you went over is spot-on with my personal experiences and beliefs. That "life satisfaction" graph unbelievably mimics my life so far in a nutshell. I'm 100% sure I'm retiring at age 49. I love my alone time and will fill that time with figuring out how to contribute to the other categories in the pie chart. A human can do many great things if he/she has the time to do so.
Love how you Talk about retirement as a whole and that you address the value of our relationship with God.
I retired at 56. The worst thing is trying to figure out what to eat for lunch or dinner. Btw. I love having an hour or two alone and playing music.
I retired. I go hiking periodicaly alone, in the nature. No phone
I retired at 60. I lasted 2 months before finding a new job. At 62, I’m still working, albeit part-time. I found after working for 42 years I’m happier this way.
Keep working. Sitting on the porch is boring. 😢
Great advice and I very much liked the illustrations. Helped me a lot to understand and memorize. Thank you.
Life has to end someday. Looking forward to the great equalization is a experience. Whether you are wealthy, poor health problem or others you dont take it with you when pass away.
Good luck.
Excellent video!personally I find prayer very important along with a curiosity that keeps the mind active
I enjoy my own company.
Thank you for discussing non $ issues in retirement. Working on my relationships and purpose portfolio now.
That quote perfectly describes how I want to be able to spend my retirement!!
The thing I didn't take into account...You become invisible.
I don't understand the "no distractions" part of spending time alone. I'm not retired yet, but spend a great deal of time alone with books and computer, reading, playing games, programming, designing 3D Printable objects, etc. Why would I need to sit alone without doing those things?
In fact, I've often thought that the elderly have a new advantage in their lives. They can socialize online. You now can go fishing with other humans, exploring, fighting monsters, etc. even in poor health, through computers and Internet.
Interesting video - but most people cannot afford to retire - and must keep working at whatever menial job is available to a senior citizen, or suffer as a pauper due to lack of savings.
Great video. I thought of all the non financial factors mentioned and it’s beautiful to know oneself.
With age comes wisdom.
The way Dom to know being alone is the best time we get.
Retired for 5 years now. When does the bad part start?? 😂😂
That was extremely valuable information that I have seen on retirement that doesn’t talk just about $. Thank you so much
We’re both introverts, and cherish the quiet time retirement affords.
The perfect place to be alone, without a phone, book, etc. is a slow walk in the forest, noticing everything and feeling at one with the natural world. For everyone else, volunteer.
Regarding the Kitsis references, I was pretty successful savings for retirement, my problem is the spending. I developed many frugal tendencies which remain difficult to overcome. I fear I will pass with a huge unspent surplus
I agree 100%. We just bought a new car, got rid of a 20 year old car that had lots of problems. It was still hard to buy a newer car. I am 70 years old and used money I inherited from my father from 12 years ago. It took me a couple months to convince myself to spend $40,000 on the largest and most expensive car I have ever owned. We are also very frugal, but it really is ok to spend money on things that can improve your life.
You forgot to graph " Time spent with Bourbon".
exercise, cook, read, clean, get a part part time job, volunteer at hospitals, and schools.
Depends on Discipline. Health, depends on what you consume food wise. 63 been on SS for past year, but still like to draw plans and do that part time, cannot retire 100%, need to do a little something everyday.
Great tips if you have retirement income. We only have social security, so will have to work part time as long as possible. But I don’t really mind, my part time job gives me a purpose and connection with others. I enjoy it. I would like to travel though, good tip to not wait.
Very true, I retired a year ago at 55 y/o and I am bored! I am considering returning to work at least until my husband also retires.
Súper helpful especially the triangles! Thank you very much! ❤
I live alone for 30 yrn I usually have TV or radio on in background but feel OK. I do work so I have some social contact but at alone at home
My alone time and while fixing bikes or riding bikes, although I mostly ride with at least one person.
I know a few retirees that are mostly alone: I must say that there are reasons, they are not fun to be with, and they have nothing to give (money, ressources, teaching, safety, entertainment…)
The Covid lockdown helped prepare me to being more comfortable being alone. I still work, but am more focused on retirement to move into the next quieter chapter.
nice vid,,,,new sub....best line...."Say hi to a shy kid". Very rewarding for 5 seconds of your time.
This makes retirement seem like a dream. When you are with God, you are not alone.
My days are too full...I need to run away from my family to truly retire & get a break. I'm still working, but now it's for free.🥴
People do not understand that one wants to be left alone and very happy with it.
Excellent info....thanks for making !
Why would you have no phone, TV or books and just sit alone with your thoughts?