Life Starts at Retirement

Why do we keep so much stuff? This year I finally opened the storage room under our stairs — a space that hadn't been touched in years — and found everything from a box of my husband's forgotten beer can collection to baby shoes I could never part with. Here's what I found, what I kept, what I let go of, and the honest truth about why I'm still not finished. What's hiding in your storage room, closet, or garage? Tell me in the comments — I'd love to know I'm not alone. Join our community of 35,000+ retirees in the Life Starts at Retirement Facebook group: / lifestartsatretirement

Retirement sounds wonderful—but have you talked about what everyday life will actually look like when you’re both home together? After more than 40 years of marriage, I’ve learned that retiring together can change far more than your schedule. Suddenly, you may be sharing your time, your space, your money—and even the household jobs—in completely new ways. In this video, I’m sharing seven important conversations every couple should have before retirement. Some are practical, some are uncomfortable, and a few may be conversations you’ve been avoiding. But talking about them now could make your retirement—and your relationship—much happier. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:18 Who is in charge of the jobs? 2:51 How much togetherness is too much? 4:05 What about money? 5:31 How will you divide the household tasks? 7:40 What are your retirement goals? 8:54 Have you talked about death? 9:49 What do you want your legacy to be? Which of these conversations have you already had—and which one do you still need to have? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiration for making your retirement remarkable.

Why do we keep so much stuff? This year I finally opened the storage room under our stairs — a space that hadn't been touched in years — and found everything from a box of my husband's forgotten beer can collection to baby shoes I could never part with. Here's what I found, what I kept, what I let go of, and the honest truth about why I'm still not finished. What's hiding in your storage room, closet, or garage? Tell me in the comments — I'd love to know I'm not alone. Join our community of 35,000+ retirees in the Life Starts at Retirement Facebook group: http://facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement #retirement #retired life

Retirement is supposed to be relaxing... but no one tells you how quiet life can suddenly become. It isn't just the alarm clock that disappears. It's the little sounds, routines, conversations, and moments that quietly fade away—often before you even realize they're gone. In this video, I share the seven things that became unexpectedly quiet after retirement, along with the simple ways I learned to fill those spaces with purpose, connection, and joy. If you're already retired—or getting close—I think you'll recognize yourself in at least a few of these. ❤️ I'd love to hear from you. Which one surprised you the most? Leave a comment below and let me know. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 0:58 - Alarm clock 2:24 - Little conversations 3:51 - Having a title 4:55 - Deadlines 5:56 - Being needed 7:26 - Payday If you're enjoying these conversations, please consider subscribing to Life Starts at Retirement, where we talk honestly about making retirement one of the best chapters of life. Here is the video of how I felt when my granddaughter was at our trailer this summer. Watching my granddaughter become so independent filled me with pride—but if I'm honest, it also left a little ache in my heart. https://youtu.be/Df877eDaOEI

Last week, my 15-year-old granddaughter came out to our trailer with a friend — and for the first time, I realized she doesn't really need me anymore. It hit harder than I expected. In this video, I'm talking about the quiet, complicated grief of watching grandkids grow up — the kind nobody warns you about in retirement. Nobody has done anything wrong. Nothing bad has happened. It's exactly what's supposed to happen. And it still hurts a little. We talk a lot about retirement finances, staying active, finding hobbies. But nobody tells you retirement is also full of quiet goodbyes — the last board game, the last time they want you to push them on the swing, the last sleepover where they still want Grandma to read a story. You rarely recognize these moments while you're living them. If you've felt this too — with grandkids, or your own kids growing into teenagers — I'd love to hear about it in the comments. I read every one. 💬 Related video: 6 Lies I Believed About Strength https://youtu.be/fmC4vSgoC6E?si=eIhYDTfchb7QEzTl #retirement #grandparents #lifeafterretirement

Last week I shared one of the hardest videos I've ever made — and so many of you told me "I thought I was the only one." That got me thinking about the lies I've believed about what it means to be strong, and how they shaped my entire life, including retirement. In this video, I'm breaking down 6 lies I believed about strength — the quiet rules I never questioned until real life stopped asking permission. From "strong people don't struggle" to "if I say it out loud, it becomes real," these are the beliefs that kept me quiet for far too long. If any of these resonate with you, I'd love to hear which one in the comments. 💬 Related video: https://youtu.be/zN0bQZZ_LbI?si=lRhFx-dnQgrEsA8I #retirement #mentalhealth #strength 0:00 Intro 1:43 Lie 1: Strong people don't struggle 3:22 Lie 2: If I'm grateful, I don't have the right to struggle 4:42 Lie 3: Retirement should automatically make me happy 6:04 Lie 4: Needing help means I'm failing 7:18 Lie 5: If I say it out loud, it becomes real 9:23 Lie 6: Nobody wants to hear the hard parts

When I envisioned retirement, I pictured endless free time, relaxation, and pure happiness. But recently, I’ve been struggling with a wave of anxiety that I didn't see coming—and even worse, a deep sense of shame or disappointment for not feeling as happy as I "should" be. We always say retirement is supposed to be the happiest chapter of our lives. So why don't we talk about the days when it isn't? This is one of the most personal videos I've ever shared. After losing my dad, caring for my mom, trying to be there for my husband, my children, and my six grandchildren, I found myself struggling with feelings I never expected. For years, I believed that being strong meant never struggling. Maybe I was wrong. In this video, I'm opening up about anxiety, grief, retirement, and what I've learned about strength, kindness, and giving ourselves permission to be human. If you've ever wondered why retirement feels harder than you expected—or if you've been carrying emotions you haven't shared with anyone—I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone. ❤️ If this video speaks to you, I'd love to hear your story in the comments. Thank you for being part of the Life Starts at Retirement community. Disclaimer: I am sharing my personal story and lived experience. If you are struggling deeply with anxiety or depression, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. #retirement #mentalhealth #retirementjourney #anxiety #lifeafterwork

Retirement is supposed to be one of the happiest seasons of life—but it can also be one of the biggest adjustments a marriage will ever face After 43 years together, Ken and I discovered that retirement changed more than our schedules. It changed how we communicated, how we shared our space, how we divided responsibilities, and even how we saw each other. In this video, I'm sharing six lessons we learned the hard way: ✔ Love needs space. ✔ You have to get to know each other again. ✔ Communication becomes more important than ever. ✔ Roles need to be redefined. ✔ Contentment comes from building a life together—not expecting your spouse to provide all your happiness. ✔ It's about the partnership If you're retired, about to retire, or simply wondering what this next chapter might look like, I hope our story helps make your journey a little easier. Retirement is more than leaving work. Sometimes it's learning to fall in love with the same person all over again. Please check out my video about letting go of caring https://youtu.be/ZLc0ffvWalM #retirement #retirement advice #marriage tips

Are you struggling with retirement planning? Learn how to navigate life after work and avoid the common pitfalls retirees face. Over 40% of retirees report feeling unprepared for the transition into their post-career years. This video provides practical strategies to help you navigate this major life change with confidence. Whether you are nearing retirement or have already stepped away from your career, these insights will help you build a more fulfilling retirement experience. In this video I'll explore 6 important areas that many people overlook before they retire. From reviewing your finances for peace of mind to protecting your health, preparing for emotional ups and downs, and learning how to let go of the career you've left behind, these simple steps can help make your retirement...remarkable. Subscribe for weekly retirement lifestyle breakdowns, and comment below with your biggest worry about life after work so we can cover it in a future episode. To learn more about the4 stages of retirement, please check out this video. https://youtu.be/-YV971xqGkY #retirement #retirement lifestyle #how to retire

Effective retirement planning should begin at least 5 years before you actually retire. If retirement is getting closer, it can be hard to know what you should actually be doing — and when. In this video, I walk through a simple 5-year retirement countdown: what to focus on 5 years before retirement, 4 years before, 3 years before, 2 years before, and in your final year before you leave work. We’ll talk about the financial retirement income plan, practical, and personal steps that can make retirement feel much less overwhelming — from checking your numbers and reducing debt to thinking through healthcare, income, lifestyle, and what you actually want retirement to look like. If you’re within 5 years of retirement, this video will help you build a clearer plan and avoid leaving important decisions until the last minute. If you enjoy practical retirement advice and real-life ideas for making retirement remarkable, I’d love to have you subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement. #retirementplanning #retirementchecklist #retirementtips #retiringsoon #lifestartsatretirement

Retirement isn't just about what you start doing—it's also about what you stop doing. In this video, we'll explore 9 things many retirees continue doing that quietly steal happiness, peace of mind, and fulfillment. From worrying about what others think to obsessing over finances and postponing experiences, these habits can keep you from enjoying the retirement you've worked so hard to achieve. If you're retired, nearing retirement, or simply planning ahead, these lessons may help you make the most of the years ahead. In this video: ✔ Stop spending money on things that don't bring joy ✔ Stop staying busy just to feel productive ✔ Stop putting off meaningful experiences ✔ Stop worrying about other people's opinions ✔ Stop neglecting your health ✔ Stop waiting for the perfect time ✔ Stop letting the news control your mood ✔ Stop obsessing over your financial plan ✔ Stop living as if you have forever Remember: Retirement isn't the end of life—it's the beginning of living on your own terms. Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for practical tips, inspiration, travel ideas, and strategies to help make your retirement remarkable. #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #LifeStartsAtRetirement

Are you holding back on your dream of seeing the world because you're worried about the cost? In this video, we are breaking down the ultimate guide to traveling the world in retirement without breaking the bank! After years of hard work, it's finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and explore. I’m sharing my best insider tips for retirees to find affordable flights, budget-friendly accommodations, cheap (but amazing) local food, and incredible free or low-cost activities. You don't need a fortune to make your retirement lifestyle truly remarkable! Join our community of retirees over on our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - The Truth About Retirement Travel 01:26 - How to Score Affordable Flights (The Best Tools) 04:42 - Hidden Accommodation Gems for Retirees 07:02 - Eating Like a Local Without Breaking the Bank 09:09 - Incredible Activities That Cost Next to Nothing If you enjoyed honest conversations about retirement lifestyle, purpose, travel, happiness, and aging well, please subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement! #RetirementTravel #BudgetTravel #LifeStartsAtRetirement #RetiredLife #SeniorTravel Tips

Have you ever found yourself bored in retirement? Wondering - Is this all there is to retirement? Many retirees dream of having unlimited free time, only to discover that too much free time can sometimes lead to boredom, loneliness, and a lack of purpose. In this video, I'm sharing 15 practical and enjoyable ways to beat retirement boredom and bring more excitement, connection, and meaning into your life. We explore how to navigate this retirement journey and offer insights on what to do. If you are looking for motivation to overcome your retirement fears, this video is for you. Whether you've been retired for years or are just beginning this new chapter, these ideas can help you stay active, engaged, and looking forward to each day. Retirement isn't the end of your story—it's the beginning of a brand-new adventure. Which tip resonates most with you? Let me know in the comments below! Subscribe for more videos about retirement lifestyle, happiness, travel, purpose, and making your retirement remarkable. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 0:48 - What have you always wanted to try 1:29 - Take an online course 2:05 - Journal / Write 2:52 - Read more books 3:25 - Join a fitness class 4:00 - Walk / Hike 4:24 - Learn a new sport 4:57 - Volunteer 5:24 - Join a club / group 5:55 - Connect with friends & family 6:37 - Travel 7:21 - Be a local tourist 7:50 - Learn new skills 8:14 - Try new recipes 8:38 - Start a side hustle #retirement #retirementlifestyle, #lifestartsatretirment, #retiredlife, #retirementtips, #retirement planning

VIDEO DESCRIPTION Retirement was supposed to be the season where life finally slowed down… but for many of us, it feels like we’re being pulled in every direction.In this video, I open up honestly about the emotional struggle of being part of the sandwich generation — trying to balance grandchildren, aging parents, marriage, travel, distance, and guilt… all at the same time.I talk about: feeling guilty for not seeing my grandchildren enough, worrying about my mom, struggling to balance retirement and travel with my husband Ken, and the emotional tug-of-war so many retirees quietly carry every day. I’m also learning something important: wherever we are, we need to try to truly BE there. To be present in the moment instead of constantly feeling torn between the people we love.That doesn’t mean we stop caring. We still text, call, FaceTime, and stay connected. But maybe part of this stage of life is learning that love doesn’t always require us to physically be everywhere at once. If you’ve ever felt stretched between generations, overwhelmed by responsibility, or guilty no matter what you do… this video is for you. #retirement #sandwichgeneration #retirementlifestyle #family #lifestartsatretirement

Retirement is often sold as a dream, filled with white sand beaches and endless relaxation, but the reality can be quite different. But what if some of the things we’ve been told about retirement simply aren’t true? In this video, I’m sharing 13 of the biggest retirement lies and myths that many retirees discover after they leave work behind. From “you’ll never feel stress again” to “you’ll sleep in every day” and “you’ll finally feel free,” retirement often looks very different than people imagine. Some surprises are wonderful. Others can leave people feeling confused, lonely, restless, or wondering why retirement doesn’t feel the way they expected. If you are retired, close to retirement, or dreaming about retirement someday, this video may help you prepare for the emotional, mental, and lifestyle changes nobody really talks about. Topics include: • Retirement boredom • Friendship changes • Sleeping and energy • Stress after retirement • Freedom vs responsibility • Travel expectations • Feeling younger in retirement • And more… Retirement is not the end of life. For many people, it’s the beginning of learning who they are without the job title. If you enjoy honest conversations about retirement lifestyle, purpose, travel, happiness, and aging well, I’d love to have you subscribe. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:13 - You'll finally be happy 2:02 - You'll be bored 2:55 - You'll sleep in 4:00 - You won't feel stress anymore 4:40 - Retirement is the end 5:12 - You'll travel all the time 5:55 - Retirement & marriage 7:10 - You'll feel young & free 8:04 - You'll know what to do 8:57 - You won't care what others think 9:48 - You'll spend less 10:19 - You're friendships won't change 11:17 - Retirement is freedom Please join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement #Retirement #RetiredLife #RetirementPlanning #LifeAfterRetirement #RetirementTruth

Retirement isn’t just about money… it’s about purpose, connection, happiness, and creating a life you truly enjoy. In this episode, I sit down with retirement author and speaker Martin Hurlburt to talk about what makes retirement meaningful, how fear can hold us back, and why community matters more than ever after leaving the workforce. Martin also shares two incredible FREE resources designed to help retirees live happier, more fulfilling lives. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Happy Retirement Handbook: https://storiesofretirement.com/free-resources 📘 Buy a copy of How David Defeated Fear or watch the FREE video version: https://howdaviddefeatedfear.com/books One of Martin’s most powerful ideas is encouraging retirees to meet weekly in small groups to discuss one chapter or step at a time. Retirement can sometimes feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to. Whether you're newly retired, planning retirement, or searching for more joy and purpose in this next chapter, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. ✨ If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone approaching retirement. #retirement #happy retirement, #retirement planning, #retirement lifestyle #life starts at retirement

How much money do you REALLY need to be happy in retirement? It’s probably not the number you’ve been told. In this video, we’re flipping the script on retirement planning. Because while money matters… it’s not only what creates a truly happy retirement. I’ll show you why the happiest retirees focus on three things most people overlook: ✔️ Meaningful relationships ✔️ A lifestyle that fits YOU ✔️ A sense of purpose after work Too many people chase a number… and still feel lost when they get there. If you’re planning for retirement—or already there—this might completely change how you think about happiness. What to YOU think matters for a happy retirement? Please join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement For great ideas about inexpensive things you can do, please check out this video... https://youtu.be/GqWc-xS4ObU?si=L9LlxTmoHyQ5DZuZ

Many people believe retirement is about savings, pensions, and free time. And although that's a big part of it....there’s something even more powerful shaping your future: Your thoughts. The thoughts, the beliefs you repeat every day may be creating either freedom, joy, purpose… or loneliness, fear, and stagnation. In this video, we explore: ✔ Why some retirees thrive while others feel lost ✔ Negative thought patterns that quietly damage retirement ✔ How mindset shapes health, relationships, and happiness ✔ Practical steps to create a better next chapter ✔ Why it’s never too late to rebuild life after retirement If retirement feels smaller than you hoped, this message may change everything. Negative thoughts that damage retirement 3:38 - It's too late 4:15 - Nobody needs me 4:50 - I don't have enough money 5:15 - Nothing ever changes How to change your retirement by changing your thoughts 5:50 - Catch your automatic thoughts 6:11 - Replace your thoughts with strong truths 6:36 - Act in alignment BONUS - Every morning ask yourself - What kind of retirement am I thinking into existence today?? 👉 Comment below: What thought do you need to release in retirement? Subscribe for more videos on retirement mindset, purpose, happiness, and making your retirement remarkable!

Retirement should be exciting—not stressful and so in this episode of Life Starts at Retirement, I sit down with financial planner Brian Face to talk about retirement financial planning, common mistakes people make, and how to create confidence with your money in retirement. We cover: ✅ How to create the lifestyle you want in retirement ✅ Common retirement planning mistakes ✅ Income strategies for retirement ✅ Managing fear about market downturns ✅ How to create peace of mind with your finances If you're getting close to retirement or already retired, this conversation can help you make smarter decisions and enjoy the next chapter of life. 👉 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more retirement tips, lifestyle ideas, and expert interviews. 👉 Please join my Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement To reach Brian Face please go to www.face2faceplanning.com for a complimentary 15 minute chat. #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #FinancialFreedom #RetireSmart #LifeStartsAtRetirement

Have you ever wondered why some people live to 100… and still feel happy, healthy, and full of purpose? In this video, I’m sharing my review of The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner — and more importantly, what it really means for us in retirement. This isn’t about extreme diets or complicated routines. It’s about simple, powerful habits that people around the world use every day to live longer and better. In this video, we’ll explore the 9 key lessons from the Blue Zones ✔ Movement is built into lifestyle ✔ Purpose doesn't retire ✔ Stress is managed not eliminated ✔ Eating simple and mindful ✔ People matter more than anything ✔ Eat mostly plants ✔ Enjoy life - in moderation ✔ Your world is bigger than yourself ✔ Your environment shapes you If you’re looking for more energy, more connection, and more purpose in retirement… this might just change the way you think about aging. 💬 I’d love to hear from you: Which of these habits do you already practice? 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more videos on living your best life after 60.