How Smart Retirees SPEND MORE to Save BIG | Happy Retirement Series

[@oldsesalt8496]

"Buy nice or buy twice." I saw a sign in a parts store behind the counter. It said "the sour taste of poor quality will last long after the sweet smell of low price is gone." It was right over and over and over again.

[@machintelligence]

Buy quality and you will only cry once. Usually refers to tools, but has wider application.

[@happycook6737]

YES. So I saw commercials for a lower cost chain hair salon. $22 cut no shampoo or style. To say the "stylist" butchered my straight hair (bobcut- just trim off 2 inches please) would be polite. 🤬🤬😠😠😠No 2 parts of the bob were even, she randomly thinned hair, and she SHAVED the back of my head! 😤 In fact it was so bad, later when my husband was holding down the restaurant table and I trotted up to the counter to order, a lesbian asked me with a wink and smile if I wanted "company"! My reply, "Uh, 🤪 my husband and I are on a date night." She said, "Oh, please excuse me. I like your hair by the way " The next day I paid $44 to a different stylist to try to "fix" the train wreck. It looks 100% better but will need to grow out for 2 years to get back to collar length. Sigh, paid twice and it's still not what I wanted. $66 gone! Did I mention my hair looks so bad colleagues asked me if I tried a DIY cut off a KZbin???!!! I said, "Nope-- I paid twice for this." One of my favorite colleagues, because he has a great sense of humor said, "Go tell 'em you want a refund and make 'em buy you a wig." 🤣

[@fortunino]

I retired at 39 from the Military then sold a business that was my side hustle at 41. After taxes I make about 70k a year just on that income, not a lot but at 54, I'm barely grey haired when my dad was bald at my age. Since 'retiring' I've started 3 businesses, 1 failed, the other two I still own and that adds another 60k a year and I 'work' about 20 hours a week. The point is; plan in your twenties and stick to it. have good advisors(Mine is Brenda Gay Mclean, look her up) and just because you're 'Rich' don't buy what you think the 'Rich' buy. My oldest car is 13, my watch is 30 years old and I don't own the latest phone. I pay cash for just about everything and carry little to no unsecured debt. If your friends judge you by your 'stuff' get new friends or none at all. Peace brothers and Sisters.

[@dustinbowie3616]

That’s great

[@amandabellz4056]

Congrats , you fully own your life.

[@shannoninnes3974]

Al Green in his book recommended starting in the teens, he said drop out of school, learn what you need on your own and find the business you would like to start and find someone successful doing and tell them you will work hard for nothing and/or room and board. Make an agreement over several yrs that you will give them the best work in exchange he teaches you the whole business and you agree not to open a business x miles from him later when you leave. If you don't perform your fired, if they don't show you all, quit.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

You’ve found a niche in retirement planning. That’s the psychological aspect. It’s either not being addressed, or it’s not being done deep dive like you do. Great job as usual!

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you!

[@dougimmel]

Your motivations are well placed, sir, and you HAVE made a difference. THIS is what I believe people need more than anything, is the knowledge, that, at the end of it all, THEY MATTERED. Keep it up.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you for kind words Blake

[@frenchiemomma201]

Holy Schmidt! That was a good video. Not the same stuff every financial advisor is talking about. Thanks!

[@HolySchmidt]

You bet

[@PhotoFoxman]

Thanks for all your great videos, Jeff! My wife and I are getting closer to retirement and your insight is helping us get ready with greater purpose. House is paid off, no debt, decent savings and after 36 years we still like each other. Haha! I like photography and fly fishing.

[@shegabs]

Excellent. We purchased a camper van years ago. (One big purchase) Best purchase ever. We spend a lot of time wandering and camping. We are avid hikers. Camping is inexpensive, hiking is free, outdoors is free. Great talk, never thought of the way you put it. Makes alot of sense.

[@Josh-qk6yn]

You have made a big impact in my life - I really appreciate your life coaching/financial lessons.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you for the kind words Josh

[@sheilakeeler2178]

This is one of the most thought provoking posts concerning retirement/spending/time that I have seen. Thank you.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you Sheila!

[@sharonlugone5955]

The One Thing is a brilliant concept! Thank you so much! I'm 72 and launching my career as an artist. This is a dream deferred since high school, when my oh so practical mom talked me out of it. With all the time in the world and enough money to support this passion, I'm setting up my studio and buying supplies.

[@patrickmurphy9431]

Very much enjoy your videos. Have just retired (45 years of electrical contracting 🤪)and appreciate what you’re doing for us so much Jeff !

[@genevievepicone5731]

I am new to you. I just subscribed. Like many if us, grew up with no extras, large family and hard working papa.Never taught to respect money. Thank God my husband did! Now, retired, comfortable life...I need to break foolish habits! Holy Schmidt has opened my eyes! Never too late to learn. I've shared this with my brother. Thank you for your wisdom!

[@grandmaraps]

That's one of the best description I've heard of trying to figure out what your passion is. And that's good for any age group.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks for the kind words

[@cfair4464]

Thank you for your videos, they are thoughtful and helpful as I prepare to retire in next 5-7 years, very practical advice delivered in a simple to comprehend manner.

[@patrickscott258]

Great job. Very sincere and humble. Love your work! BTW - your great grandfather was sly like a fox. Bet he never had to go grocery shopping again! Easily worth the short term pain.

[@HolySchmidt]

Aha! Never thought of it that way!

[@happycook6737]

So true!

[@michaelfortney7510]

As a lifelong owner of a German car repair shop, I have seen people pour money into a really bad car due to an emotional attachment to the car. I added up how much a customer spent on a horrible car once, and never dared show him he spent a brand-new Corvette and a couple years of college for his kids on a piece of junk. Ouch. I lived slightly backwards of your "One big thing"...from age 12 or so I started living a full and daring life. I've done more in my 65 years than 95% of my friends. It helped I've been self-employed for 40 years, had free time, a cooperative wife and kids and a steady flow of hard-earned money. (No inheritance). So now I am 65, still work about half time and no real bucket list. My kids are constantly reminding me of things like "Dad, remember when you rented that authentic Hummer and we all got to drive it off road and it was really awesome and super dangerous?" That to me is the way to live...but for many they wait until their bodies are worn out. And for the record Yes, I did tell the boat driver to dunk my wife while she was para sailing in North Carolina...Life life fully while you can. You do a great job.

[@fishpotpete]

I've always been a fan of "repair". But I do weigh the pro/cons for any repair and as I get older, the more physical/messy repairs get jobbed out. But I've also have been learning more about electronics and how to repair those. So I get the benefit of learning a new field (electronics/troubleshooting) and doing an activity that is much less taxing on the body (and wallet). I can't even begin to calculate how much I've saved and learned by at least trying to do everything myself... and it's much more rewarding of an experience when you're successful. And even if you failed a repair, you probably have learned something new in the process! Great videos as always BTW!

[@HolySchmidt]

You are too kind :)

[@grannygoes7882]

You are so right about having the "one thing." I've been retired for a couple of years and I haven't figured out my one thing yet. I raised a bunch of kids and worked full time and didn't develop any hobbies to speak of. It is really important, more important than money really. I've always cooked and still enjoy it but my husband can only eat so much lol! I'm looking for that one thing and hopefully I'll find it. My husband isn't retired yet and he has a million hobbies. He'll never be bored. I think it's harder in rural areas. I'm just very limited on what there is to do with the exception of outdoor activities. They are abundant where I live so am grateful for that. My parents never really figured out what to do with their time. My mom died early and my dad watches the news and waits for the mailman. Very sad way to spend your time!

[@HolySchmidt]

The one thing is often something that is weird and unusual and that is okay. (In addition to KZbin, I collect coins and build models for example). Follow your interests and get really involved.

[@grannygoes7882]

@@HolySchmidt Thanks for your reply! I really enjoy your videos!

[@felixperez7068]

I like that you enjoy helping and educating people. Please keep doing it. Thank you.

[@jimlengel42]

Thank you for this. I really like the way you walked about "the one thing." That is how I picture my retirement.

[@HolySchmidt]

My pleasure Jim.

[@generatorjohn4537]

As a retiree. Our biggest monthly expense is insurance. Medical, home, automobile, umbrella, long term care insurance policies. Recently dropped cable TV. That was a $70 monthly savings. Every little bit helps.

[@bobgiacopasi]

Bingo. Loved the Clarabelle/twinkies reference. Great insight for a not so old guy on the "one thing".

[@jodyfredericks9710]

I have learned a lot from watching you. It has been nice knowing we have made some great decisions along the way. Thank you

[@speak2theresafox]

I was really struggling with this and you reached in and pulled me out of a deep well. Thank you so much.

[@WalfredoCirne]

Very nice video! Down to earth, logical, rational. Thanks, Schmidt!

[@gregj2647]

Always enjoy your videos and look forward to the next one. I retired 2 years ago at 62 and wish I had found your channel earlier. Your insight is very helpful.

[@daveed4475]

Thanks for another helpful video Jeff. “The one thing” helped focus on “my 3 things” and how to make more space for these by eliminating less purposeful things I spend time on.

[@happycook6737]

Mr. Schmidt, thank you for your fabulous, inspiring videos. Singlehandedly you ARE making a huge difference in so many lives because you have an incredible gift for explaining difficult financial topics in a way ordinary people can understand and implement. 👍👏🏆

[@lindascott5083]

Yep, I am retired but even though I have a part time job, I still find myself sitting, reading, crocheting, watching movies etc. The winter is the hardest. I walk on my treadmill most days of the week and outside when I can, but finding things to do that dont require you to nickle and dime yourself into the poor house is very challenging. Thankyou for this video which has help raise my consciousness to this issue and given me a few ideas.

[@happycook6737]

If you live near a university they often have free educational programs on various topics. Kahn academy online has free courses on many interesting topics. There is also Open University. You can become a paid tutor online for people learning English or teach a class on Outschool. The great thing about online is no gas/car needed and no chance of catching a cold, etc. Snowing? No worries, fire up the computer. If you don't know how to use a computer ask at your local library.

[@tvstation8102]

Going back to college myself! It is going to cost a fair bit paying tuition each semester, but the affordable health insurance can't be beat. I won't have to worry about qualifying for ACA subsidies for the next few years, so can take full advantage of Roth conversion in my early 50s:)

[@johnkeogh961]

I really enjoy your videos, I learn many new things and am reminded of things I have learned before. Your demeanor and presentation style also make it easy to listen to you. Thank you for what you do.

[@theeardrafter]

Just forgot To say Thanks for all your helpful information and the way you deliver is quite calming

[@jazziered142]

This is why you shop at the thrift store, buy very specific items, and resell on eBay. You get to shop, and you get a little extra income. :)

[@HolySchmidt]

Very nice!

[@sactopyrshep]

My one thing is buying a horse and learning how to carriage drive. I wake up every morning looking forward to spending 3-4 hours each day in nature, caring for the horse, taking driving lessons and interacting with others who share my passion. I am provided daily physical and mental exercise and socialization. No matter what’s going on in the rest of my world this activity provides me with a consistent source of enjoyment and accomplishment.

[@jeffmelodia2077]

Thank you for this. As an early retiree this completely makes sense.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Jeff!

[@mariefrancois7123]

I love your content. I can retire, but work because I like my job. Your videos have taught me a lot.

[@HolySchmidt]

It’s funny, we never talk about it but a lot of people love their job. Perhaps there is a video in there somewhere!

[@jimsimpson9410]

Great job as always. In fact, I think for me, this was one of your best video's . I'm 61 and a few years away from retirement but I have several hobby's I'm looking forward to spend more time doing. Golf is certainly one of them.

[@HolySchmidt]

Hit ‘em straight Jim!

[@darcysalmon7781]

When I retired, I had a bucket list of adventures to do. One of the things I did was learn how to play piano and harp. I have always played for birthdays or an ill relative, but I am actually playing harp at the neighborhood wine bar for Valentines Day. Whaaaat... my 1st gig... the only thing I can think of is "but I don't want to work". Anyway; this is way too fun... so it must not be work... 🎵🎶 I am still working on my retirement bucket list after 7 years and having a great time.

[@lindahurley5642]

I’m thinking about my one thing. Thanks for the reminder.

[@terryB4713]

Thank you once again for a Great Video. I've had to semi retire to help my Mother on a daily basis she's 93. Wouldn't change it for the world get to spend time that can never be replaced. I did have to withdraw $ from my retirement since it happened rapidly. FMLA doesn't pay your bills.. But this is something Money can't buy!

[@oldsesalt8496]

I do alot of retail therapy. But I do much of it at the grocery store. And I buy healthy foods and food that doesn't spoil. So I've got a nice little food bank going on.

[@HolySchmidt]

Seems like the way to do it

[@debbiekohlFL]

Jeff, I really enjoy your videos and have seen quite a few of them. I would love for you to talk about exactly what those on fixed income can do to beat inflation. Keep up the great work!

[@agustusmaine6269]

Think about assets to own to sustain independent living in your life and retirement. This takes long term planning. Examples are home improvement investments that pay off in your lifetime as well as increase the value of your estate (both returns on your investment).

[@radicalrenegade8528]

Yup. Retired early and I don’t have to work so rich in time thing strikes home. You make excellent videos and are obviously trying to help. You might look into when bad things happen to people in retirement and how to handle it. Death, divorce or some other significant emotional event.

[@lcee6592]

Great insight on the difference between spending and spending wisely! I think this really applies even before retirement or at least start adjusting for retirement when ready to step into it.

[@2legit2Kwit]

Buying a Subaru Outback was the best decision I ever made. Buy nice or buy twice

[@happycook6737]

To all retirees, consider volunteering to listen to children read at your local elementary school. At some schools you can even volunteer through the computer by zoom. We need all the help we can get because parents do not have any time

[@cindyvitale9515]

You are very wise. God bless you for sharing your wisdom! I am retired and find I have to fight the spendees.

[@priola7587]

I loved this episode. First, I think it accurately reflects some of my worst spending habits. I’m retiring this fall. I’ve been thinking about my future lifestyle and activities plan, especially surrounding budgeting, but hadn’t considered it in terms of one thing I’m passionate about. Definitely a great idea. Thanks.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks very much!

[@RetiredSignDude]

VERY thoughtful of you to include the Howdy-Dooty link!

[@HolySchmidt]

No problem!

[@usaalways1869]

Thank you Sir ! I’m close to retiring and enjoy your videos

[@kmng3207]

Love love, love your videos you’ve been so helpful

[@herb7877]

VERY good info... I was a little surprised at your 7/10 lottery winners go broke. I thought it would be about 9.9 /10. I was a mortgage banker / broker for ~35 years and had several for clients. Most had financial problems before winning and most continued the same path afterwards.

[@HolySchmidt]

Hi Herb, it was something I suspected but didn’t really test until now

[@herb7877]

@@HolySchmidt "Dateline" did a show several years back profiling several large Lottery winners. Most had major issues before & afterwards. Pretty much what I had witnessed.

[@legiontheatregroup]

Jeff I love your videos but have to take exception to one of your points. All my cars are old (youngest is 17 years old), I drive a lot of miles a year, and I have never reached the point where keeping them in good repair is more expensive than a new car payment. Have you priced new cars lately? In my experience proper maintenance of a vehicle (which most people don’t bother with) is always less expensive than new car payments regardless of the age of the vehicle.

[@HolySchmidt]

You never owned my first car! All kidding aside, I hear you. Thanks for the comment.

[@vannshuttleworth4738]

It's not just what you saved for retirement, but what you spend in retirement. Good video. (did they make Twinkies when your great grandfather was around?)

[@HolySchmidt]

I think they were invented in the 30s

[@vannshuttleworth4738]

Someone's gonna look it up. (Internet, you know what to do.)

[@Clover12346]

Just found your videos. They are so helpful. I’m going to retire in 6 mos. Thank you.

[@lynnparsons2235]

Excellent video. I really enjoy your messages. Thank you!!

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Lynn

[@rdmckeever7645]

Enjoyed your take on the emotions of using money. Another fine video, thanks...

[@alaplex100]

I add the prices as I grocery shop. I just round off to the highest dollar . I always end up spending less than the total. And I don't buy lottery tickets. Why? Just look at the people buying them. They probably never heard of a mutual fund.

[@peterjohnson4012]

Practical and helpful information. Easy to understand.

[@ohhiguy]

Yeah, you made a difference with me. Love your videos and kind helpfulness.

[@VegasNegus]

Very helpful info as always! Amusing story about your grandfather btw. Many thx.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks. I’ve been laugh for years on that one

[@brbball]

Geoffrey - Thank you for more thought-provoking material. For your new book and ongoing videos, safe to assume you are familiar with the sadly common and devastating impact of adverse childhood experiences on the developing brain which can impair mental health, including addiction, physical health, impulse control, and decision making, among many other negative health outcomes? Lots more information is available by searching for cdc ace. (CDC is Centers for Disease Control; ACE is Adverse Childhood Experiences). To the extent it is helpful, I am currently a mental health clinician (LCSW), but previous career was in finance (MBA, inactive CPA).

[@markcummings6856]

Thank you, Jeff. Appreciate your videos and efforts! Very helpful.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Mark

[@usaalways1869]

New sbscriber 👍 Very straight forward videos very refreshing thanks. Great advice

[@jethromackelfishe2144]

Love your channel. I was wondering if you could cover the additional SSA benefit for folks that served in the military. I was Active Duty from 02/82-09/02. What specifically would I need to do to see this?? Thanks

[@richardc488]

Thank you Schmidty great information 🤑 I purchased the most expensive car I ever had once I retired.

[@HolySchmidt]

Lol. As long as you can afford it!

[@nrs6956]

Take a deep breath and think!

[@vinnyg2619]

Great video and great advice! I'm still working but I was almost thinking you were talking to me directly. I dabble in photography and it can be a money pit. I got over the gear buying but the software draws me in. I have finally come to terms to not keep on buying software or even upgrading software every year. Maybe every 2 to 3 years in upgrading if something is a "need/really want" to make it more affordable. But I can honestly say that it's hard for me to pass the ice cream isle when shopping without giving buying a thought!

[@HolySchmidt]

I hear you Vinny!

[@julianaore-giron8507]

Great video!! Practical, on point and thoughtful. Thank you!!

[@m.a.cm.a.c9308]

Great job, loved the Twinkie video!

[@uncareid5557]

I take issue with your repair/replace auto statement. If you find the right garage it is always cheaper to fix up that clunker. A $2500. tranny repair sounds like a lot but not compared to a $350./month payment for the next four years. I drive a 2006 RX 330 that will probably still be in my garage ten years from now.

[@edwinguard404]

Holy Schmidt! That was a helpful video.

[@maryrekar2150]

This is such a good, real, down to earth video. How would you address couples who don’t see the same one thing and it makes retirement difficult? I am thinking about travel. One is a homebody and one likes to travel. Thank you.

[@davebrown5223]

True or not, I like the message behind the Twinkie story.

[@davetabler8924]

Loved the Twinkies story. May be apocryphal, yes, but makes the point about the prudence of list shopping. I'm very glad that YOUR One Thing is making these videos. I've been retired 11 years and always find myself nodding my head in agreement as you point out various ways to make the most of one's retired years.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks for the kind words Dave!

[@hellongoodbye]

Thank you for your work and guidence.

[@moyockmoo2]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@mikemc330]

Nice job.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you

[@reebeeable]

This is really helpful. THANK YOU!

[@HolySchmidt]

My pleasure reebee

[@johnnyspropshop]

Good stuff as always, thanks for sharing.

[@steveodell3360]

Great info and advice! As newly retired folks, my wife and I have really enjoyed and learned from your series! You nail a lot of realities like a sniper, keep ‘‘em coming!!

[@HolySchmidt]

Thank you Steve!

[@jeanellematthews5177]

I plan on retiring in 3 years. I plan on doing volunteer work and gardening. I also would like to make home improvements. Is this wise?

[@chumbawumba1959]

"... and if you live to shop, this is DEFINITELY YOU!" LoL

[@davidgeorge2486]

Good One! Thanks, Happy Sunday Night!

[@commonsense6967]

I temember watching Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bill! Yikes! I might be your grandpa's age!?

[@stevecooper3579]

thanks j

[@HolySchmidt]

You bet Steve.

[@amyniemann9564]

I can’t seem to get my husband to retire??? What can I do? We can afford it, he loves his work but we are getting older. I don’t know what to do.

[@dianediliberto1876]

Thank you for another great video.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Diane

[@dwighta8215]

The lady with the shopping basket is hot but looks to be loading that basket up!

[@melaniewelch9267]

I am 45 years old with very little set aside for retirement at this point. I have always been curious about the stock market and have witnessed some people who played the game right and retired early because they used the stock market. When I ask them, most said that they invested very little to start with, but their portfolio grew. I do have a significant amount of capital that is required to start up but I have no idea what strategies and direction I need to approach to help me make decent returns

[@idellameyer7411]

I recommend to pick up and read a few books. Peter Lynch is where I was recommended to start. Learn different strategies so that you might develop your own

[@millyk5685]

@@idellameyer7411 When it comes to making such big retirement planning decision, It is of paramount importance to seek advise from a financial coach, I got in touch with an investment broker and through her guidance I made enough passive income to sustain me during the pandemic when I got laid off and I've decided to stop working entirely, I'm currently living off my investments which brings in about 700k in annual profits. I’d suggest you go with a broker

[@melaniewelch9267]

@@millyk5685 This is really impressive, who is this advisor?

[@HolySchmidt]

Probably best not to listen to anyone who promises big returns without fully understanding the risk. Also if anyone recommends a name or phone number here in the chat be very cautious.

[@millyk5685]

@@melaniewelch9267 'Yvonne Kathy Dean' is my coach, you may have come across her on a few interviews, just look her up online to get in touch with her, her details are provided online

[@patrickarrigo6288]

Great video you are making really think about retirement

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Patrick

[@bloodpurple6953]

Hoping to retire at the end of the year-turn 65 in August, full SS retirement is at 66.5 years for my birth year. My wife wants me to keep working full time, but I've been a nurse for 39 years and my plan is to work in something outside of nursing-ie: on line or UPS truck driver, etc. part time since if I start collecting SS next year, I can only make $19K/year anyway. My wife's point is that we still have a mortgage, car payments, etc. I will have a couple pensions (small) and have close to $200K in IRAs and TSP (I'm a VA nurse). If I have a part time job, I think I can make it work, but I'm in really good health so I could work until age 66.5 years and save even more in my IRA, TSP, etc. My question to you is: should I retire and work part time or keep working for 2 more years or until I pay off my mortgage? I know it's ultimately my decision, but I wonder constantly, what the best advice is because I hear and read a lot of things! Also, my "one thing" is and has always been making artwork, but it's a very sporadic business as far as selling it! I'd be grateful for any advice, even if it's just your opinion! Thanks in advance and your content is very much appreciated.

[@priola7587]

I’m curious. Is your wife working to pay off those debts?

[@davidfunvideos]

Me personally I don't think I would consider retirement until I have my Mortgage paid off.

[@victoralfaro1569]

Great advice thanks.

[@HolySchmidt]

My pleasure

[@timpitcher288]

I recognized quite a few folks in this video ... not so many with the good habits!

[@HolySchmidt]

:) thanks Tim!

[@theeardrafter]

Got My statement and realized the sliding scale of benefit increase per month is much lower in the first year of your FRA and increases on a sliding scale as you near 70! Bah humbug Was it this way for a long time? I was under the impression I could take the total value at 70 and subtract it by the amount at full retirement age then .... divide that value by how many months there are (in my case 44 months ) and wah lah the monthly increase but noooo. What did Pecsi say? They do something to you at the drivethru

[@johngill2853]

Spending your money unwisely isn't a problem just for retired people. Many working people also have that problem and continue into retirement.

[@driftingintoretirement]

Love your interesting videos

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks for the kind comment

[@bobb7918]

Hate to tell you TV watching is not free if you have cable.

[@generatorjohn4537]

It was never about the Twinkies. Your Great grandfather made sure he would never be sent to the grocery store again!