I'm 61 and retired about 3 years ago. I have lost 45 pounds, and my blood pressure has dropped into normal range. A take a walk or bike ride almost every day. I make music and art, garden, cook, read, write, travel, and get to follow my muse wherever it may lead me. I haven't been this happy and healthy since childhood. Retirement is paradise to me. Thank you for your videos.
I retired at 57, 7 years ago. My wife and I saved and invested early allowing me to exit the workforce when I did. We are not special and believe most people can do this with the appropriate level of planning and discipline. The key message I would communicate to others is don't delay retirement if you have the financial wherewithal to do so. Too often I have seen many people delay retirement and then experience health issues which constrain the very things they wanted to do post-retirement. Moreover, the most significant benefit of retirement for me is that I no longer have to deal with people I do not want to. That has proved to be the ultimate blessing.
I just turned 60. And you're 100% right: I have come to realize that NOBODY is really ever thinking about me; most people are completely preoccupied with their own narrative. It is indeed liberating to accept this fact.
I retired at 67 and love it. A number of my friends have not retired because they struggle to find meaning in their lives outside of work. I cycle, travel, cook for homeless folk, enjoy music concerts and manage my investments. I have no regrets and at 72 enjoy the freedom. The trick is to make sure you have meaning and purpose.
Thank you. My wife died on active duty Navy in 2014 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I retired a few years later. I am retired from nearly 30 years on active duty in the US Navy. I worked for a few month after, but decided at the age of 61 that there was more to life. Now. I am doing things that I want which started in the Navy…visiting nearly 100 countries. I have a couple of things on my bucket list which I am sure that I can complete in the next few years. God bless all of you.
I Left my job after 17 years when my wife said this job is killing you. It took 2 years to get healthy. Lost 25 pounds and became a Nutrition Coach. I make less money, but don't need the money and am more relaxed and happy.
The health is absolutely true. I retired at 61 because I had enough. Earlier is better for sure. Don’t let yourself work just to have a bigger pile once you pass for your family to fight over.
Retire as soon as possible. My husband retired this year in January and died suddenly of a heart attack on our 35th wedding anniversary in May. He was 63...he had originally thought he would wait until 65, but a granddaughter was born and we moved it up..as she lived in another state...he had 5 months with her
I am one of the first in my friendship group to retire, and one of the least wealthy! I realise now that a lot of them dont want to retire because they don't have good relationships with their partners. Their jobs protect them from the reality of their unhappy home lives. Sad but true.
Was planning to retire at 62, but when I discovered I could pull from my retirement at 59-1/2 I did some rethinking. Was working on my feet 8 hours a day with a bad back, arthritis in hands and neck, and really so exhausted at end of day i didn't do anything. Plus, worked for a company that wanted you to do the work of 2-3 people and really had no loyalty to longtime, hardworking employees. I retired April 1 and don't regret it. Have always been frugal so the financial aspect hasn't changed. Been able to take care of self and exercise. It isn't perfect, but life is less stressful.
I retired a year earlier than planned due to the arrival of a toxic, incompetent boss. My wife and I both felt that interactions with her were unhealthy, and agreed that it wasn't worth it. So we'll hang on to our car for 15 year years instead of 12, that sort of thing. Freedom, peace, family, and health are the real gold. It's refreshing to hear a financial expert who shares this perspective.
Perfect timing for me to view this video! Today I am retiring after 23 years in accounting. I am 61 and so happy to walk away from the deadlines and daily stress. I love my job but the stress is too much. We have been savers all our lives and it is time to walk away and into a new chapter! ❤🎉
I’m 52, plans to retire at 60 but maybe work 2 days a week to keep ticking along. It’s heart warming to read peoples stories on retirement. Stay happy everyone
I'm so ready, today was my last day! It's a little scary but I think less stress will improve my health. I agree completely with avoiding negative people!
I knew there was stress in my job, but not until I retired did I realize how much stress and how much it affected my health. Happy to be retired and working on healthier habits and enjoying the simple things in life.
I retired about 8 months ago. I had pretty confident thoughts about the financial aspects. Once I retired, finances became a non-issue. I probably worked too long. I’m playing catch up with having fun travelling and especially health maintenance: eating well, exercise, and sleep. Retiring was among my the best decisions I ever made. It’s like going back to being in college and not taking life too seriously. Work has a way of focusing your attention in a very skewed way. Other parts of life are truly more important.
My dad retired at 65. He worked hard and provided an amazing life for his family and wife. It was a very well deserved retirement. Sadly he only had 10 more reasonable years and then his health declined. He passed away 80.5yo. He deserved a much longer and fulfilling third age of life. Don’t wait too long.
The video is very helpful. All correct. I was super happy when I retired at 59. Did my doctorate for four years and now I am free, did my bit, check check check. Got rid of negative people, including lifelong friends. Got my OK money pot. All good. Very happy.
I just turned 59. I’m a self-employed musician with no plans to ever fully retire. find it very liberating that I have the financial and emotional flexibility to tell people who steal my joy to go pound sand. 😂
I’m 57 and worked hard for 17 years in a highly stressful and dangerous job. Left and came back a year later in a different capacity. I e stayed an additional 3 years. Not worth it! 20 years of my life is more than enough. Toxic and highly stressful environment that’s killing me slowly. Putting in for my retirement this week. Enough is enough. Plan on working to get myself healthier and pursue the things that bring me joy. Life is too short!❤
The only person who could help me get out of a stressful 20 year career was me. It’s amazing what you’ll put up with at work when you’re a single person with a mortgage and a degree to pay for. One day I burst into tears in my office and HAD to make a change. I refinanced my mortgage so the repayments were less than half and got a job with practically no responsibility that paid much less but it saved my life. I no longer care about keeping up appearances with an impressive job title. And can I tell you, no one wants to hire a senior manager into a junior job, it was much tougher than finding a more senior role so I asked my manager for a different role and replaced myself with a new manager who I then reported into and worked from home, they thought I was crazy but did it. Anyway I now have no stress and my health is returning, a big leap of faith. Take care
Time is the greatest commodity out there. You can always go back into the workforce and make more money if you have to but you can never make back time.
I am not retiring (I'm 66) but I am cutting down to two days per week. I love my job and it's not stressful, I get a lot of positive things from it like company, job satisfaction and some extra income. I'm recently widowed and that's one major life change, I'd rather not change everything at once. Two days will be enough though.
I am 59 and 6 mos away from retiring. I have not made it through the entire video yet but #3 IS THE MOST important IMO. I see so many people my age who are in terrible shape, at least 30lbs overweight or more and stressed out, usually drinking everyday and they eat terribly. I see others that are just starting their 70s and they can hardly do anything any longer and have already had numerous surgeries or medical related issues. Many of these things could have been solved long ago by simply walking at least an hour a day and eating better. The focus on money is just way overblown and more people should cut their expenses, retire NOW and focus on living a healthy life!
The sad part is that the modern job has become so damaging to health, and this is almost a universal experience. The expectation of killing stress has become so normalized that people see retirement as their only option for improving their health.
I really struggled adjusting to retirement. So much so that I actually went back to work part time for a year. Now I am officially retired and have found that joining a gym has really helped me. I have never had a gym membership in my life but my Medicare advantage plan pays for it so I thought WTH. I get up every morning get dressed in my work out clothes and head to the gym. It gets me up and out of the house and then while I am out and about I run my errands. Besides feeling healthier with my work out I have a routine and by the time I get home I already feel like I have accomplished so much. Also we had our first grandchild arrive end of last year so that keeps me busy too. Retirement life is so much better! But it is a huge adjustment. Be kind to yourself if you are struggling like I did. It really takes time to settle into your new life.
7:14 Great quote there. Here's the whole context from Matthew 6 Jesus' sermon on the mount: Matthew 6:25-34 Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
This is a great video. I am 65 and still working. I transitioned to a new job 6 weeks ago after almost 20 years at my previous position. The first month at my new job was difficult, but I haven't had so much fun at work in a long time! I'm grateful for the opportunity. I was late saving for retirement and am enjoying my new job, so I'll continue working for now. My brother is 64 and retired at 60 for health reasons. He flourished in retirement. He had heart surgery last week; it made the point about time stand out.
I turned 55 this year. My how time flies , like so many other people , I have am not where I want to be in life, but that is life , I'd still say, I have lived a good life. Will I die tomorrow ,next year , or when I am 80 ? I'm sure many of us wonder . I have made mistakes, I have done good deeds, I have also done things I am not proud of . So I don't do things like that anymore, the latter that is. A common theme in my life is , hubris . Don't seek revenge, try to forgive others who have crossed you .from now until I die, I only wish to do good deeds, never take advantage of others because life is too short. Tha KS for making this video .
Just passed 80 . Years ago I decided to pick an age and a $ amount and which ever came first would be the trigger . The $ amount came first so I quit which I guess should have been the end of that part of my life BUT right out of the blue I was offered an opportunity that was going to take 40% of my time in a totally unrelated industry. So I thought about it said yes and 20 years later I am still in this part time gig which to be honest makes me laugh .
Everyone has a different idea about ‘retirement’… I love what I do and am allowed to work a shift that makes me happy…7 days on 7 days off… I still contribute to the institution and interact with others and provide value…and then I have a week off to be me out of work. It’s a win win win in my opinion.
I am 62. Thinking about retiring at 63. Have over 600K saved. This video makes a lot of sense. If my health gets bad at 66 or sooner, I will totally regret F-ing working all the time. Seriously thinking about going out to pasture. Time is not my friend. Great Video! It's got me thinking, big time!
A tenth one... be careful of the partner that you have. My ex was in her mid 40s when we were together and I am 12 years older. Her expectations were still those of a 20 year old regarding what a man should do. Meaning time with her, time to support her kids, fix things around the house, not contribute financially to any bills, reply to calls within a certain time, had no concept of work, couldn't manage her money. All of these things came from anxiety and were a real energy sap.
I had planned to retire at 65, assuming my savings would be adequate at that point. However, my company moved to another state and I was offered a considerable severance package which allowed me to retire last year. I definitely didn’t work too long. I liked my job but the relocation and new management make my decision easy.
Four years ago told my wife this job is sucking up my soul. She said let's review our finances. Ended up retiring three years ago at age 57. Life gets shorter and shorter.
I've been semi-retired for almost 3 years now. I am retiring this September and I am super excited about this. I invested well and a day after my retirement I am going to do and enjoy the rest of my life immensely.
I stopped working at 65 from a job (deskside support) I mostly enjoyed but didn't need for income, and am enjoying retirement. Plenty of time for chess, movies, pickleball, reading, volunteering, exercise, naps, etc. What I'm unable to do is come to terms with the fact that at 77 I'm approaching the end of my life, and still acting as if I have another 50 years to go. One of these days I'll have a stroke; with whatever mind I'll have left, I'll lie there regretting the time I wasted, the trips I didn't take, the piano I didn't practice. Knowing something is one thing. Acting on it is another thing altogether.
You get to choose your friends. You, to some degree, get to choose which family members you spend time with. You almost never get to choose your co-workers. In less than six months I can choose to never again have co-workers. I may work part time if the situation is comfortable. 'Not going to lie...there are people who I will not miss.
My brother-in-law had a dream of retiring in Costa Rica, and even though he had enough money, he kept working to get more. He then was diagnosed with cancer and never realized his dream. Such a shame
Right on. When you’ve saved all of your life, it can be very hard to stop saving, it’s a habit. I think I am saving more in my first year of retirement than I ever have while I was working and it needs to stop. I have lived this first year of retirement as a miser, skimping and saving at every turn, and for what? For no reason at all. 😮. I retired at 55 and I honestly couldn’t have worked a year longer. Covid was devastating for my health even though I never had a bad case of Covid. What I have had has affected me in so many ways and I am not the same as I used to be. I don’t know whether it will ever get any better. So it’s time to spend the hell out of the money, in the right way of course. These are all great points. Great job.
Everything is spot on. The last two years my occupational commitments have been detrimental to my health. Many times I told confidants that “This is actually killing me.” I’m retiring at year’s end. Do I have finances to carry me through? I *think* so, but if not, I’d rather eat ramen than have more years needlessly stripped from my life. When I was younger I had almost nothing and was significantly happier. Stuff ≠ happiness.
#4 - Worrying - This is KEY. Along with spending time with people are worrisome, and do not know how to enjoy life, and focus on the negative. *** 34 YEARS clean and sober - and the #1 rule was: Do not worry about the Things you can not change. VERY GOOD video. Great life advice for all ages.
I retired at 60 w/a disability. The time off allowed me to become very healthy and get proper sleep. Best decision I ever made. The injury was a blessing
The worst thing you can do is to give up work, I see men, in particular, going from 100% to zero: they lose their purpose, status, social interactions and their ‘brains go to mush’…..I’ve been part-time teaching 3 days per week since 55 and love the life work balance, work ‘kicks me up the ass’ and forces me to ‘switch on’!
Dave, I am a teacher who will retire in about 5 years. Yet I learn so much from your videos, and I´m not talking money here, even though your philosophy and mine there pretty well mesh. I´m talking about your wisdom in getting people to plan what they want to do and who they wish to be, to be happy retirees. I think I will be ready, but I also think I´ll keep watching some of your videos. There still might be more for me to learn and consider. All I can say is....Thank you!
Good video. Americans from the baby boom gen were sometimes taught to fear retirement (alzheimer's, nursing homes, running out of money) and to save relentlessly for the future. Respecting my future self made sense to me but now that I am my future self I have to recognize that and start living. Time for me to retire before I hit 67 in October. Thanks.
Everyone needs to question why they are working and what they are trying to achieve whilst living on this planet. We are all on the same train ,just getting off at different times . We need to really find out what makes us happy and fulfilled whist riding that train.I have had my time on the hamster wheel and now enjoying the simple life ,lots of beach walks which we both love,playing guitar ,reading, life in the slow lane is great.
Thank you so much. I am turning 65 in a month. I have listened to so many webinars and videos and somehow your video was the turning point. the questions you asked gave me a different perspective and helped me to stop worrying and set a date for my retirement. Thank you
Each one of these resonated with me! Especially the value of work vs what I am getting out of work, it’s has now gone into the negative. It’s time to live life on my terms, not my employers terms. I gave notice of retirement last week and my last day will be Sept 6th. Ive run the number of working one or two more years and it does increase my overalll success. BUT.... it’s time to focus on me and live a more simple life. My Monte Carlo is just above 80 and I’m surprisingly comfortable with it. I’ll flex, readjust, pick up PT work if/when needed. I now realize there is no guarantee of tomorrow and I need to live the last 1/3 of my life now!
I’m 53 and was ready to retire at 55 with $2.5 million. My nursing job asked me to stay on but only work 2 x 12hr shifts. It has changed my life!! I can see myself doing this for another 5 years but definitely stopping after that!!
I decided when I was 55/6 that I wanted to retire at 60 and looked at what the financial, etc situations would likely be and what I’d need to give up to retire at 60 and if it was worth it to me. I decided it was and did it, very happy with my choice.
The best thing my husband did was retire at 62. I was a little nervous about the money, but I told him if he could show me that we'd have enough to live on, I'd be in too. He found out what we'd get from his pension and our social security and it was totally doable even though we had to pay for medical insurance until our Medicare kicked in.
I got rid of friends where the relationship was not generally 50:50. I told people who drained me to get counselling. I started to enjoy my own company. I had my daughter at 38 and focused on being a mum. We now do fun things together like weekends away, city breaks, spa days festivals, etc. I had little money, but I had joy and time with my daughter that I would not trade. My part-time work was very stressful, so I gave it up, now at 62 I am going to.work for low pay in a job I will love and my focus is now health and fitness and developing a spiritral life. I have lost 28Ib, and my mental and physical health is good and improving. My plan is to live nomad when I eventually stop working. When I am 90 I may start drinking and smoking 😅
I am semi-retired, so that I work no more than about twelve hours a week over three days from home as a freelance teacher and tutor. My specialties are math and physics, but I am also a certified English instructor. We live in my husband's home country in Southeast Asia, so our expenses are quite low, helping make all this possible. I turned 57 this year.
I slowed down my work schedule at the age of 52, slowly reducing my work schedule to 15 to 20 hours per week. I fully retired 2 years ago at 59. It was a very good decision. The best is to wake up early especially during the summer, have my coffee outside, read the paper and then have breakfast with my wife. Then I ride my ebike for 30 miles on beautiful bike trails, come back home for lunch. Afternoon at the pool with friends at the condo. I liked the life satisfaction chart that you showed, my life satisfaction followed exactly the same path as the chart. I will also remember what you said about having regrets. I need to forget about past mistakes, we’ve all made mistakes and we need to forgive ourselves and look forward to many beautiful years to come.
Just retired at 70. Adjusting to not having to do my own car and house is hard. We have the cash but still have the cash struggle mindset. Thanks for this video.
Unfortunately, because of poor financial decisions, my retirement plan is basically not to retire (I’m 59). I love my job and they seem to like me so it could be worse.
I semi-retired at 49, best decision in a long time. I def have less money but have cut back on excess that I never really needed such as always going out for dinner and drinking at pubs. My health has dramatically improved. Wise advice and well said Mr. Zoller👍🙏
I love the video. So insightful. My wife and I are 60 and we're retiring at 62 with plenty of assets. I can't wait to live a healthier life, slow down, and enjoy the simple things in life. We both love to travel and foresee one month short term rentals in Europe...instead of a hurried three week vacation going from place to place.
One of the best videos that I have seen for retired people, or those considering retirement. I have been retired for 2 years now. I wholeheartedly agree with the thoughts presented here. They are so encouraging and supportive toward living a genuine, peace-filled retired life. Thank you and God bless. 🥰
I think work can be really good for some people, but I think it needs to be appropriate. I worked from 21 to 51 in a high stress job. Then 51 to 67 in a school as an assistant, then 68 to 70 as a part time lab technician. I was financially secure at 51 but enjoyed the interraction with the people and the pleasure from doing a good job. I guess at 71 I'm retired now (probably) but I don't regret it at all.
Great video and so so so very true. Retired 1.5 years ago and it has been great. Much less stress because I let go of work. Loss 24 lbs and working on enjoying the next 30 years with my beautiful wife of 13 years.
I've thought about a lot of things you've mentioned here, however you've articulated them brilliantly, a recommended watch for anyone over 55 or close to retirement. Thank you.
Men: 1) Stop being a person women want. Dressing that way, driving nice car, nice house. All a waste of money. Act poor. 2) Cut your hair at home. 3) Cheap thrift store clothes 4) No expensive vacations to impress others. 5) Stop caring what others think
I’m now 68, and one thing I’ve realised is that it’s OK to cash in my investments. I don’t necessarily mean spending them, just that they can a source of too much anxiety. Let’s face it, investing should be a long-term strategy and it’s very tempting to think “just one more year”. But at some point you have to face reality, you’ve invested all those years, now is the time to go for cash in the bank and stop thinking about what the markets may do.
Excellent. Retirement offers lots of extra time to do inexpensive enjoyable things. Lots of time for exercise and activities, binge watching, reading, volunteering, travel if having enough savings.
Well, I’m feeling good. I’m doing super good at 66 and retired. Of course I play golf and watch grandkids, have lots of friends and enough money to live comfortably. Life is gorgeous!
Thank you for the video! I retired at the end of January from and very stressful job I am 66 now my blood pressure was 120/70 at my check up the other day my doctor said man retirement agrees with you he was always worried about how high it was before. I lost 18 lbs and have worked on eating right. I think the biggest thing is getting to the understanding that you have traded all those years working while slowly killing yourself for the money. A paid off home a pension from the job from hell is nice but being able to say to yourself I think I will do this today is what I like about retirement I do what I want, and the idea that you will go crazy from boredom is totally ridiculous if you will get up and get to moving work on you to be as healthy as you can be. I truly believe health is wealth! Money is great but if your body is sick your just poor it’s plain as can be.
I am 59 and enjoy my work. Been with the company 30 years have $2.6M saved. No Children. Until I know what I want to do post retirement, I will keep working. People retire for the sake of retiring and all of a sudden don’t know what to do. That’s a slow physical and mental death. The mind needs to keep active as well as the body. I can retire now, but I choose not to.
Some stress at work is to be expected. But if its affecting your health, its time to get a new job or move to another company, whether you retire or not.
I really appreciate this and it has helped me. I've been doing a little of everything you have said and at the same time I do very positive things daily. I casted my cares on the Lord because he cares. I'm 60. I was in the Air Force, college, 28 years in a hospital which was stressful most of the time. After having open heart surgery, major neck surgery, and about 20 plus other surgeries, diabetes, and 2 staff infections. Amazingly I am not a diabetic anymore, I'm my heart patients healthiest patient, my blood work is perfect. I have lost so much weight that my weight is perfect. At one point retirement was the last thing on my mind, it was uncertainty and immediate danger. Survival was the most important. I almost died, but now in my retirement I'm getting happier. I'm seeking Jesus Christ and keep my eyes on him and not the news to much. I know that it lasted 3 years of pain and I had given up, but Jesus didn't give up on me. Thanks
Great comments. I was made redundant when I was 63, had been planning for another few years to build up the nest egg, but just thought “ there is no joy in that for me” and lots of stress in finding a job. So did a financial plan, looks pretty good with a few adjustments to spending ( reduced material acquisitions, more experiences) feel much more settled.
Work, although essential, can absorb all of your energy, your life force. Not working is also a challenge with the need to build meaningful activities. Focusing on relationships both family and friends, good nutrition, daily exercise, and prayer will do wonders.
My dad retired at 70. Four years later he had a major stroke and spent the next 7 years in a nursing home. He couldn't walk or feed himself and his speech was virtually non-existant. He worked very hard all his life to look after us. We never expected this because my grandfather lived an active healthy old age until he was 96. The weekly chart in this video really resonated me. Wow! When you see your live coins laid out like that it makes you question the status quo...
Part-time, remote work is awesome, btw. I’m 59, retired 5 years ago, and was bored. Doing pt work (1-2 hrs a day, from home or on a cruise ship) is really fun. My wife says I’m a different person - joyful, happy, content. Highly recommend 😊
I saw your video by chance wondering how a young man could give retirement advice. I was surprised to see that my approach to retirement earlier this month is perfectly aligned with your suggestions....without knowing about you previously. Excellent feedback.
I'm 61 and retired about 3 years ago. I have lost 45 pounds, and my blood pressure has dropped into normal range. A take a walk or bike ride almost every day. I make music and art, garden, cook, read, write, travel, and get to follow my muse wherever it may lead me. I haven't been this happy and healthy since childhood. Retirement is paradise to me. Thank you for your videos.
I retired at 57, 7 years ago. My wife and I saved and invested early allowing me to exit the workforce when I did. We are not special and believe most people can do this with the appropriate level of planning and discipline.
The key message I would communicate to others is don't delay retirement if you have the financial wherewithal to do so. Too often I have seen many people delay retirement and then experience health issues which constrain the very things they wanted to do post-retirement.
Moreover, the most significant benefit of retirement for me is that I no longer have to deal with people I do not want to. That has proved to be the ultimate blessing.
I just turned 60. And you're 100% right: I have come to realize that NOBODY is really ever thinking about me; most people are completely preoccupied with their own narrative. It is indeed liberating to accept this fact.
I retired at 67 and love it. A number of my friends have not retired because they struggle to find meaning in their lives outside of work. I cycle, travel, cook for homeless folk, enjoy music concerts and manage my investments. I have no regrets and at 72 enjoy the freedom.
The trick is to make sure you have meaning and purpose.
Thank you.
My wife died on active duty Navy in 2014 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
I retired a few years later.
I am retired from nearly 30 years on active duty in the US Navy.
I worked for a few month after, but decided at the age of 61 that there was more to life.
Now. I am doing things that I want which started in the Navy…visiting nearly 100 countries.
I have a couple of things on my bucket list which I am sure that I can complete in the next few years.
God bless all of you.
I Left my job after 17 years when my wife said this job is killing you. It took 2 years to get healthy. Lost 25 pounds and became a Nutrition Coach. I make less money, but don't need the money and am more relaxed and happy.
The health is absolutely true. I retired at 61 because I had enough. Earlier is better for sure. Don’t let yourself work just to have a bigger pile once you pass for your family to fight over.
Why don't any of these retirement channels mention part-time work? Lawyers, doctors and other professionals have this option. I do. I LOVE IT!!!
Retire as soon as possible. My husband retired this year in January and died suddenly of a heart attack on our 35th wedding anniversary in May. He was 63...he had originally thought he would wait until 65, but a granddaughter was born and we moved it up..as she lived in another state...he had 5 months with her
“Stop oversupporting adult children because they have more time than you”. Brilliant. 🤯Mind blown
I am one of the first in my friendship group to retire, and one of the least wealthy! I realise now that a lot of them dont want to retire because they don't have good relationships with their partners. Their jobs protect them from the reality of their unhappy home lives. Sad but true.
Was planning to retire at 62, but when I discovered I could pull from my retirement at 59-1/2 I did some rethinking. Was working on my feet 8 hours a day with a bad back, arthritis in hands and neck, and really so exhausted at end of day i didn't do anything. Plus, worked for a company that wanted you to do the work of 2-3 people and really had no loyalty to longtime, hardworking employees. I retired April 1 and don't regret it. Have always been frugal so the financial aspect hasn't changed. Been able to take care of self and exercise. It isn't perfect, but life is less stressful.
I retired a year earlier than planned due to the arrival of a toxic, incompetent boss. My wife and I both felt that interactions with her were unhealthy, and agreed that it wasn't worth it. So we'll hang on to our car for 15 year years instead of 12, that sort of thing. Freedom, peace, family, and health are the real gold. It's refreshing to hear a financial expert who shares this perspective.
Perfect timing for me to view this video! Today I am retiring after 23 years in accounting. I am 61 and so happy to walk away from the deadlines and daily stress. I love my job but the stress is too much. We have been savers all our lives and it is time to walk away and into a new chapter! ❤🎉
The stress of my teaching job impacted me so badly that I had a health crisis. Not worth it so I got out at 55. It was killing me.
I’m 52, plans to retire at 60 but maybe work 2 days a week to keep ticking along. It’s heart warming to read peoples stories on retirement. Stay happy everyone
I'm so ready, today was my last day! It's a little scary but I think less stress will improve my health. I agree completely with avoiding negative people!
I knew there was stress in my job, but not until I retired did I realize how much stress and how much it affected my health. Happy to be retired and working on healthier habits and enjoying the simple things in life.
That’s great to hear!
I retired about 8 months ago. I had pretty confident thoughts about the financial aspects. Once I retired, finances became a non-issue. I probably worked too long. I’m playing catch up with having fun travelling and especially health maintenance: eating well, exercise, and sleep. Retiring was among my the best decisions I ever made. It’s like going back to being in college and not taking life too seriously. Work has a way of focusing your attention in a very skewed way. Other parts of life are truly more important.
Than you for sharing this!
My dad retired at 65. He worked hard and provided an amazing life for his family and wife. It was a very well deserved retirement. Sadly he only had 10 more reasonable years and then his health declined. He passed away 80.5yo. He deserved a much longer and fulfilling third age of life.
Don’t wait too long.
I am 72 and love my work and value I can add to those around me. I still feel like I have a lot to give.
I'm 53. I have recently reduced my hours. I would rather be time rich rather than constantly chasing greater wealth.
The video is very helpful. All correct. I was super happy when I retired at 59. Did my doctorate for four years and now I am free, did my bit, check check check. Got rid of negative people, including lifelong friends. Got my OK money pot. All good. Very happy.
I retired from my job at 56 and I'm now 60. I still have a young daughter to look after and I am thankful for having the time to spend with her.
I just turned 59. I’m a self-employed musician with no plans to ever fully retire. find it very liberating that I have the financial and emotional flexibility to tell people who steal my joy to go pound sand. 😂
I’m 57 and worked hard for 17 years in a highly stressful and dangerous job. Left and came back a year later in a different capacity. I e stayed an additional 3 years. Not worth it! 20 years of my life is more than enough. Toxic and highly stressful environment that’s killing me slowly. Putting in for my retirement this week. Enough is enough. Plan on working to get myself healthier and pursue the things that bring me joy. Life is too short!❤
Okay that was a great quote at 7:20, worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's trouble it just steals today's peace....
I retired in January, then my wife passed away 1 week later. She was the financial person so I’m trying to figure things out now.
This validates my thought process in retiring at 55.
The only person who could help me get out of a stressful 20 year career was me. It’s amazing what you’ll put up with at work when you’re a single person with a mortgage and a degree to pay for. One day I burst into tears in my office and HAD to make a change. I refinanced my mortgage so the repayments were less than half and got a job with practically no responsibility that paid much less but it saved my life. I no longer care about keeping up appearances with an impressive job title. And can I tell you, no one wants to hire a senior manager into a junior job, it was much tougher than finding a more senior role so I asked my manager for a different role and replaced myself with a new manager who I then reported into and worked from home, they thought I was crazy but did it. Anyway I now have no stress and my health is returning, a big leap of faith. Take care
Time is the greatest commodity out there. You can always go back into the workforce and make more money if you have to but you can never make back time.
A friend of mine saved for his retirement for years until cancer hit him at 60 years old. He did not have a chance to retire one single day!
I am not retiring (I'm 66) but I am cutting down to two days per week. I love my job and it's not stressful, I get a lot of positive things from it like company, job satisfaction and some extra income. I'm recently widowed and that's one major life change, I'd rather not change everything at once. Two days will be enough though.
I am 59 and 6 mos away from retiring. I have not made it through the entire video yet but #3 IS THE MOST important IMO. I see so many people my age who are in terrible shape, at least 30lbs overweight or more and stressed out, usually drinking everyday and they eat terribly. I see others that are just starting their 70s and they can hardly do anything any longer and have already had numerous surgeries or medical related issues. Many of these things could have been solved long ago by simply walking at least an hour a day and eating better. The focus on money is just way overblown and more people should cut their expenses, retire NOW and focus on living a healthy life!
The sad part is that the modern job has become so damaging to health, and this is almost a universal experience. The expectation of killing stress has become so normalized that people see retirement as their only option for improving their health.
I really struggled adjusting to retirement. So much so that I actually went back to work part time for a year. Now I am officially retired and have found that joining a gym has really helped me. I have never had a gym membership in my life but my Medicare advantage plan pays for it so I thought WTH. I get up every morning get dressed in my work out clothes and head to the gym. It gets me up and out of the house and then while I am out and about I run my errands. Besides feeling healthier with my work out I have a routine and by the time I get home I already feel like I have accomplished so much. Also we had our first grandchild arrive end of last year so that keeps me busy too. Retirement life is so much better! But it is a huge adjustment. Be kind to yourself if you are struggling like I did. It really takes time to settle into your new life.
Just turned 51. Listening to these topics with very open ears. Trying very hard to retire within the next 3 years. 🤞🏽🤞🏽Thank you for posting.
7:14 Great quote there. Here's the whole context from Matthew 6 Jesus' sermon on the mount:
Matthew 6:25-34
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
My physiotherapist told me my job was aggravating my knee so I retired. Now I go to the gym 5 days a week and my knee is feeling much better.
Failure to Launch syndrome (adult kids at home with helicopter parents) is a retirement destroyer.
Retire from 9-5 job ASAP. Post-COVID workplace is just awful. It's not worth it.
This is a great video. I am 65 and still working. I transitioned to a new job 6 weeks ago after almost 20 years at my previous position. The first month at my new job was difficult, but I haven't had so much fun at work in a long time! I'm grateful for the opportunity. I was late saving for retirement and am enjoying my new job, so I'll continue working for now.
My brother is 64 and retired at 60 for health reasons. He flourished in retirement. He had heart surgery last week; it made the point about time stand out.
I turned 55 this year. My how time flies , like so many other people , I have am not where I want to be in life, but that is life , I'd still say, I have lived a good life. Will I die tomorrow ,next year , or when I am 80 ? I'm sure many of us wonder .
I have made mistakes, I have done good deeds, I have also done things I am not proud of . So I don't do things like that anymore, the latter that is.
A common theme in my life is , hubris . Don't seek revenge, try to forgive others who have crossed you .from now until I die, I only wish to do good deeds, never take advantage of others because life is too short. Tha KS for making this video .
Just passed 80 . Years ago I decided to pick an age and a $ amount and which ever came first would be the trigger . The $ amount came first so I quit which I guess should have been the end of that part of my life BUT right out of the blue I was offered an opportunity that was going to take 40% of my time in a totally unrelated industry. So I thought about it said yes and 20 years later I am still in this part time gig which to be honest makes me laugh .
Everyone has a different idea about ‘retirement’…
I love what I do and am allowed to work a shift that makes me happy…7 days on 7 days off…
I still contribute to the institution and interact with others and provide value…and then I have a week off to be me out of work. It’s a win win win in my opinion.
I am 62. Thinking about retiring at 63. Have over 600K saved. This video makes a lot of sense. If my health gets bad at 66 or sooner, I will totally regret F-ing working all the time. Seriously thinking about going out to pasture. Time is not my friend. Great Video! It's got me thinking, big time!
A tenth one... be careful of the partner that you have. My ex was in her mid 40s when we were together and I am 12 years older. Her expectations were still those of a 20 year old regarding what a man should do. Meaning time with her, time to support her kids, fix things around the house, not contribute financially to any bills, reply to calls within a certain time, had no concept of work, couldn't manage her money. All of these things came from anxiety and were a real energy sap.
I had planned to retire at 65, assuming my savings would be adequate at that point. However, my company moved to another state and I was offered a considerable severance package which allowed me to retire last year. I definitely didn’t work too long. I liked my job but the relocation and new management make my decision easy.
Four years ago told my wife this job is sucking up my soul. She said let's review our finances. Ended up retiring three years ago at age 57. Life gets shorter and shorter.
I've been semi-retired for almost 3 years now. I am retiring this September and I am super excited about this. I invested well and a day after my retirement I am going to do and enjoy the rest of my life immensely.
I stopped working at 65 from a job (deskside support) I mostly enjoyed but didn't need for income, and am enjoying retirement. Plenty of time for chess, movies, pickleball, reading, volunteering, exercise, naps, etc.
What I'm unable to do is come to terms with the fact that at 77 I'm approaching the end of my life, and still acting as if I have another 50 years to go. One of these days I'll have a stroke; with whatever mind I'll have left, I'll lie there regretting the time I wasted, the trips I didn't take, the piano I didn't practice.
Knowing something is one thing. Acting on it is another thing altogether.
You get to choose your friends. You, to some degree, get to choose which family members you spend time with. You almost never get to choose your co-workers.
In less than six months I can choose to never again have co-workers. I may work part time if the situation is comfortable. 'Not going to lie...there are people who I will not miss.
My brother-in-law had a dream of retiring in Costa Rica, and even though he had enough money, he kept working to get more. He then was diagnosed with cancer and never realized his dream. Such a shame
Right on. When you’ve saved all of your life, it can be very hard to stop saving, it’s a habit. I think I am saving more in my first year of retirement than I ever have while I was working and it needs to stop. I have lived this first year of retirement as a miser, skimping and saving at every turn, and for what? For no reason at all. 😮. I retired at 55 and I honestly couldn’t have worked a year longer. Covid was devastating for my health even though I never had a bad case of Covid. What I have had has affected me in so many ways and I am not the same as I used to be. I don’t know whether it will ever get any better. So it’s time to spend the hell out of the money, in the right way of course. These are all great points. Great job.
Thank you!
Everything is spot on. The last two years my occupational commitments have been detrimental to my health. Many times I told confidants that “This is actually killing me.” I’m retiring at year’s end. Do I have finances to carry me through? I *think* so, but if not, I’d rather eat ramen than have more years needlessly stripped from my life. When I was younger I had almost nothing and was significantly happier. Stuff ≠ happiness.
#4 - Worrying - This is KEY. Along with spending time with people are worrisome, and do not know how to enjoy life, and focus on the negative. *** 34 YEARS clean and sober - and the #1 rule was: Do not worry about the Things you can not change.
VERY GOOD video. Great life advice for all ages.
I retired at 60 w/a disability. The time off allowed me to become very healthy and get proper sleep. Best decision I ever made. The injury was a blessing
I'm worried about affording health care until 65 . So I have to work 9 more years.
The worst thing you can do is to give up work, I see men, in particular, going from 100% to zero: they lose their purpose, status, social interactions and their ‘brains go to mush’…..I’ve been part-time teaching 3 days per week since 55 and love the life work balance, work ‘kicks me up the ass’ and forces me to ‘switch on’!
Dave, I am a teacher who will retire in about 5 years. Yet I learn so much from your videos, and I´m not talking money here, even though your philosophy and mine there pretty well mesh. I´m talking about your wisdom in getting people to plan what they want to do and who they wish to be, to be happy retirees. I think I will be ready, but I also think I´ll keep watching some of your videos. There still might be more for me to learn and consider. All I can say is....Thank you!
Good video. Americans from the baby boom gen were sometimes taught to fear retirement (alzheimer's, nursing homes, running out of money) and to save relentlessly for the future. Respecting my future self made sense to me but now that I am my future self I have to recognize that and start living. Time for me to retire before I hit 67 in October. Thanks.
I like how you’re thinking about your future self !
Just turned 63, no kids, no spouse. Retirement will happen when I find it, or it finds me.
Everyone needs to question why they are working and what they are trying to achieve whilst living on this planet. We are all on the same train ,just getting off at different times . We need to really find out what makes us happy and fulfilled whist riding that train.I have had my time on the hamster wheel and now enjoying the simple life ,lots of beach walks which we both love,playing guitar ,reading, life in the slow lane is great.
Thank you so much. I am turning 65 in a month. I have listened to so many webinars and videos and somehow your video was the turning point. the questions you asked gave me a different perspective and helped me to stop worrying and set a date for my retirement. Thank you
Good stuff! I'm 65 and 3 years retired. A recent severe head injury showed me the light. What am I saving my 401k for?
Pretty good! *My take away messages:*
1) treat every week preciously
2) stop spending time with people who do not uplift you
Each one of these resonated with me! Especially the value of work vs what I am getting out of work, it’s has now gone into the negative. It’s time to live life on my terms, not my employers terms.
I gave notice of retirement last week and my last day will be Sept 6th.
Ive run the number of working one or two more years and it does increase my overalll success. BUT.... it’s time to focus on me and live a more simple life.
My Monte Carlo is just above 80 and I’m surprisingly comfortable with it. I’ll flex, readjust, pick up PT work if/when needed.
I now realize there is no guarantee of tomorrow and I need to live the last 1/3 of my life now!
Sept 6 is a good day 🙂
I’m 53 and was ready to retire at 55 with $2.5 million. My nursing job asked me to stay on but only work 2 x 12hr shifts. It has changed my life!! I can see myself doing this for another 5 years but definitely stopping after that!!
I decided when I was 55/6 that I wanted to retire at 60 and looked at what the financial, etc situations would likely be and what I’d need to give up to retire at 60 and if it was worth it to me. I decided it was and did it, very happy with my choice.
The best thing my husband did was retire at 62. I was a little nervous about the money, but I told him if he could show me that we'd have enough to live on, I'd be in too. He found out what we'd get from his pension and our social security and it was totally doable even though we had to pay for medical insurance until our Medicare kicked in.
I got rid of friends where the relationship was not generally 50:50. I told people who drained me to get counselling. I started to enjoy my own company.
I had my daughter at 38 and focused on being a mum. We now do fun things together like weekends away, city breaks, spa days festivals, etc. I had little money, but I had joy and time with my daughter that I would not trade.
My part-time work was very stressful, so I gave it up, now at 62 I am going to.work for low pay in a job I will love and my focus is now health and fitness and developing a spiritral life. I have lost 28Ib, and my mental and physical health is good and improving.
My plan is to live nomad when I eventually stop working. When I am 90 I may start drinking and smoking 😅
I am semi-retired, so that I work no more than about twelve hours a week over three days from home as a freelance teacher and tutor. My specialties are math and physics, but I am also a certified English instructor. We live in my husband's home country in Southeast Asia, so our expenses are quite low, helping make all this possible. I turned 57 this year.
I slowed down my work schedule at the age of 52, slowly reducing my work schedule to 15 to 20 hours per week. I fully retired 2 years ago at 59. It was a very good decision. The best is to wake up early especially during the summer, have my coffee outside, read the paper and then have breakfast with my wife. Then I ride my ebike for 30 miles on beautiful bike trails, come back home for lunch. Afternoon at the pool with friends at the condo. I liked the life satisfaction chart that you showed, my life satisfaction followed exactly the same path as the chart. I will also remember what you said about having regrets. I need to forget about past mistakes, we’ve all made mistakes and we need to forgive ourselves and look forward to many beautiful years to come.
Just retired at 70. Adjusting to not having to do my own car and house is hard. We have the cash but still have the cash struggle mindset. Thanks for this video.
Unfortunately, because of poor financial decisions, my retirement plan is basically not to retire (I’m 59). I love my job and they seem to like me so it could be worse.
I semi-retired at 49, best decision in a long time. I def have less money but have cut back on excess that I never really needed such as always going out for dinner and drinking at pubs. My health has dramatically improved. Wise advice and well said Mr. Zoller👍🙏
I love the video. So insightful. My wife and I are 60 and we're retiring at 62 with plenty of assets. I can't wait to live a healthier life, slow down, and enjoy the simple things in life. We both love to travel and foresee one month short term rentals in Europe...instead of a hurried three week vacation going from place to place.
One of the best videos that I have seen for retired people, or those considering retirement. I have been retired for 2 years now. I wholeheartedly agree with the thoughts presented here. They are so encouraging and supportive toward living a genuine, peace-filled retired life. Thank you and God bless. 🥰
Your life in weeks definitely resonated.
Same here!
I think work can be really good for some people, but I think it needs to be appropriate. I worked from 21 to 51 in a high stress job. Then 51 to 67 in a school as an assistant, then 68 to 70 as a part time lab technician. I was financially secure at 51 but enjoyed the interraction with the people and the pleasure from doing a good job. I guess at 71 I'm retired now (probably) but I don't regret it at all.
The “life in weeks” image got to me!
It can be an eye opener!
Great video and so so so very true. Retired 1.5 years ago and it has been great. Much less stress because I let go of work. Loss 24 lbs and working on enjoying the next 30 years with my beautiful wife of 13 years.
I've thought about a lot of things you've mentioned here, however you've articulated them brilliantly, a recommended watch for anyone over 55 or close to retirement. Thank you.
Men:
1) Stop being a person women want. Dressing that way, driving nice car, nice house. All a waste of money. Act poor.
2) Cut your hair at home.
3) Cheap thrift store clothes
4) No expensive vacations to impress others.
5) Stop caring what others think
I’m now 68, and one thing I’ve realised is that it’s OK to cash in my investments. I don’t necessarily mean spending them, just that they can a source of too much anxiety. Let’s face it, investing should be a long-term strategy and it’s very tempting to think “just one more year”. But at some point you have to face reality, you’ve invested all those years, now is the time to go for cash in the bank and stop thinking about what the markets may do.
Excellent. Retirement offers lots of extra time to do inexpensive enjoyable things. Lots of time for exercise and activities, binge watching, reading, volunteering, travel if having enough savings.
Well, I’m feeling good. I’m doing super good at 66 and retired. Of course I play golf and watch grandkids, have lots of friends and enough money to live comfortably. Life is gorgeous!
Thank you for the video! I retired at the end of January from and very stressful job I am 66 now my blood pressure was 120/70 at my check up the other day my doctor said man retirement agrees with you he was always worried about how high it was before. I lost 18 lbs and have worked on eating right. I think the biggest thing is getting to the understanding that you have traded all those years working while slowly killing yourself for the money. A paid off home a pension from the job from hell is nice but being able to say to yourself I think I will do this today is what I like about retirement I do what I want, and the idea that you will go crazy from boredom is totally ridiculous if you will get up and get to moving work on you to be as healthy as you can be. I truly believe health is wealth! Money is great but if your body is sick your just poor it’s plain as can be.
I am 59 and enjoy my work. Been with the company 30 years have $2.6M saved. No Children. Until I know what I want to do post retirement, I will keep working. People retire for the sake of retiring and all of a sudden don’t know what to do. That’s a slow physical and mental death. The mind needs to keep active as well as the body. I can retire now, but I choose not to.
Some stress at work is to be expected. But if its affecting your health, its time to get a new job or move to another company, whether you retire or not.
I agree.
I really appreciate this and it has helped me. I've been doing a little of everything you have said and at the same time I do very positive things daily. I casted my cares on the Lord because he cares. I'm 60. I was in the Air Force, college, 28 years in a hospital which was stressful most of the time. After having open heart surgery, major neck surgery, and about 20 plus other surgeries, diabetes, and 2 staff infections. Amazingly I am not a diabetic anymore, I'm my heart patients healthiest patient, my blood work is perfect. I have lost so much weight that my weight is perfect. At one point retirement was the last thing on my mind, it was uncertainty and immediate danger. Survival was the most important. I almost died, but now in my retirement I'm getting happier. I'm seeking Jesus Christ and keep my eyes on him and not the news to much. I know that it lasted 3 years of pain and I had given up, but Jesus didn't give up on me. Thanks
Great comments. I was made redundant when I was 63, had been planning for another few years to build up the nest egg, but just thought “ there is no joy in that for me” and lots of stress in finding a job. So did a financial plan, looks pretty good with a few adjustments to spending ( reduced material acquisitions, more experiences) feel much more settled.
Work, although essential, can absorb all of your energy, your life force. Not working is also a challenge with the need to build meaningful activities. Focusing on relationships both family and friends, good nutrition, daily exercise, and prayer will do wonders.
*Love this.* I have similar conversations with clients about the amount of news they are consuming... at some point, it's just not healthy!
Love this video. I struggle with tip 8, because I grew up poor and don't want my kids to struggle like I have.
Agree completely - I retired as soon as the numbers told me I could (at 53). Ability to choose how I spend my time is the greatest thing.
My dad retired at 70. Four years later he had a major stroke and spent the next 7 years in a nursing home. He couldn't walk or feed himself and his speech was virtually non-existant. He worked very hard all his life to look after us. We never expected this because my grandfather lived an active healthy old age until he was 96. The weekly chart in this video really resonated me. Wow! When you see your live coins laid out like that it makes you question the status quo...
Part-time, remote work is awesome, btw. I’m 59, retired 5 years ago, and was bored. Doing pt work (1-2 hrs a day, from home or on a cruise ship) is really fun.
My wife says I’m a different person - joyful, happy, content. Highly recommend 😊
53 and focused on health and longevity. goal is to retire at 60. but i need to do projects and keep active once i do
I saw your video by chance wondering how a young man could give retirement advice. I was surprised to see that my approach to retirement earlier this month is perfectly aligned with your suggestions....without knowing about you previously. Excellent feedback.