Life Lessons From My First 6 Months of Retirement

[@retirethisway]

Besides running out of money, what’s your biggest fear in retirement?

[@Dave23-24]

Money really not an issue, it all works out. So the big fear is staying healthy. I exercise, gym, run, hike, but if you get sick or the spouse gets sick the money will run out if you need extended care. All you can do is postpone the inevitable. Then if you don’t have someone special in your life it would be loneliness 😊

[@Oglulubell]

Health Insurance Coverage. Have you seen the news that Pres. Trump is looking to get rid of ACA Subsidies?

[@ChilliPepper-n2b]

Finding the time to do everything I want to . There is so much free stuff to do money will not be a issue. My dad retired at 72, on government pension. When he passed away 12 years later he had managed to save $70k. My in-laws retired at 70 with $45k. She is now 81 and has over $100k. Proviso is both have/ had their own home and no debt.

[@meemka8251]

Being lonely and not having someone special. There, I am being brutally honest with myself and anyone who reads this comment.

[@RobertMusilli]

My mom died at 65, a year after her retirement. All her plans (and my father's) went up in smoke. I worry about running out of road.

[@ConserveMore]

I have many years before retirement but I'm a planner so I appreciate the videos you make. Thanks!

[@josephmoodler2711]

I had a very challenging technical career. I enjoyed developing new products and solving difficult problems along with a team of intelligent people. I do miss this part of working, but I do not miss the office politics, long unproductive meetings, difficult customers, and impossible deadlines.

[@retirethisway]

Yeah, I don’t miss those either!

[@tonioyendis4464]

I learned how to be happy on Day 1 of my retirement & never looked back or for one second not know what to do with my time! I worked 50 yrs for government & corporate. To get away from all the dysfunctional managers & bs politics; it's like escaping from the matrix; if you can get out alive. Shalom

[@retirethisway]

That’s a great analogy!

[@ChilliPepper-n2b]

Another great post. II am transitioning away from work the next 2 years , travelling regularly and adjusting my mindset. Then I plan on taking a gap year before retirement. Focus on me . Get plenty of sleep, focus on great food, go the gym, yoga, Pilates , hiking, biking, learning to cook starting a food garden. Finding myself and what clicks with me. Remember it is ok to do nothing. Stand on the grass in bare feet and breath the air, sit on the beach watching the waves, lie down in a open field and watch the clouds drift by.

[@retirethisway]

That all sounds so wonderful!

[@ChilliPepper-n2b]

@ stopped watching the tv and rewatching your posts for inspiration .

[@The333]

I like the gap year idea! I am stealing that.

[@retirethisway]

I’m honored!

[@gerdamarsh]

Pretty spot on. First couple years did stress our marriage. Smoother sailing now. Keep up the videos. They’re sweet.

[@retirethisway]

I’m glad you’re back to smooth sailing!

[@kmmarch60]

First of all, I’ve gotta say I love this channel. My biggest fear in retirement is running out of money. I think I’ve got enough but it does play on my mind…

[@retirethisway]

Mine too! It’s such a common fear once the paychecks end.

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

Thank you! My old boss said that when he retired he would forget everything about work, not to call and ask. He is still going strong years later. My turn very soon!

[@retirethisway]

That’s awesome!

[@theepichamster1443]

When I mostly retired, I really started researching stocks and boy did it pay off the last two years. I have always loved investing so this is boring to my wife, but exciting to me. Just something to think about during your downtime in the winter. I would be happy to share a couple of KZbinrs I watch.

[@retirethisway]

That would be great, thanks!

[@kathleenb.8346]

I am 67 still working, full-time as a registered nurse, still physically, fit and very active. One of my children lives close by the others are all many states away. My biggest concern about retiring is not having purpose, being bored, and not having enough money. Your videos have helped me tremendously shift. My thinking. My plan now is to work as long as I can and start collecting Social Security ASAP and invest it.

[@retirethisway]

Thanks for tuning in! I'm sorry that your takeway from this is to work as long as you can! That certainly wasn't my intent. Get out there and enjoy life!

[@meemka8251]

@@retirethisway I think working as long as you can and enjoying life can go hand-in-hand if one truly enjoys one's work. @kathleenb.8346: If you can wait about 3 more years (until 70) before collecting Social Security you will receive roughly 25% more in monthly benefits than if you take it at 67.

[@nata3467]

I can not WAIT ! I have so many plans mostly around being outdoors, writing, volunteering, baking and cooking more. I have a fund for travel and will most likely volunteer while abroad. I am single, have a dog, one child and parents to spend time with also. I have my future home bought and paid for come April 1 . The next couple of years will all be dedicated to be ready financially and mentally for the end of my life long career.

[@retirethisway]

All of that sounds wonderful! Congrats to you for such good planning!!

[@davidoutland2086]

Retirement is good for those that planned properly. As I stated previously I am enjoying immensely.

[@retirethisway]

That is wonderful!

[@The333]

Being a lone-wolf, divorced dude already, I do have concerns about retirement feeling even more like being shipwrecked on an island, but oddly, I also sort of welcome a period when my entire day/week is not dictated by whatever fire drill is going on at the office. I figure I will have a bout 2 or 3 weeks of living in my bathrobe, eating Fruit Loops not shaving and and watching The Office for the 8th time and then I will get my act together. I definitely need to hike Scotland. ;) Good stuff.

[@retirethisway]

That sounds like a lovely transition to retirement! And a hiking trip through Scotland also sounds awesome!

[@shartmann2008]

Lone wolf divorced dudette and really looking forward to retirement. I really don't think I'll be bored, maybe lonley, but not bored. Will NOT miss work and all that drama.

[@scottjackson163]

I envy those who are unmarried. You can do as you please, or will be able to do so in retirement. No need to explain to another human being what you are doing or why. No need to defend your thoughts or respond to situations or demands not of your making.

[@midlife_minimalist]

My job has become boring so I’m looking forward to not being bored at least at first. I started volunteering with a local cat rescue back in 2020 and recently took over their bookkeeping and taught myself quickbooks to do it. Contemplating trying to take on a few small business customers to help with their admin/quickbooks after at least 6 months into retirement. I like solving problems, organizing, creating efficient systems. I can also do more for the rescue with the additional time. Countdown to May of this year after almost 36 years in large corporate America.

[@retirethisway]

That’s right around the corner! It’s smart to have a transition to retirement plan. 😀

[@vernshird711]

I've crunched the numbers and decided to pull the plug at the end of 2025. Although we're only in our mid-to-late 50s, we met with an estate planner since we don't have kids...we jointly created a plan that works for us. We're doing fine financially so my main concern, like others have stated, is health. It's been brutally cold the past month so, outside of walking our dog, my only other daily exercise is on the stationary bike in our basement. We are adventure travelers so I need to stay in shape to fully enjoy our future trips.

[@retirethisway]

Happy to hear you’re so close to retiring! Staying healthy is so important at our age. For me, my gym membership is well worth it. I love the group exercise classes!

[@JeffreyGill-g7x]

Tomorrow (Monday) will be Day 1 of retirement for me. My menu will include completing my beginner pickleball class, then more pickleball, eventually yoga, maybe low-key kayaking, acrylic painting, and reading. Looking forward to it all. Your channel is GREAT! Thanks for doing it.

[@retirethisway]

How fun, Congrats! And I am so glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@anhbaoconnecticut3128]

Congratulations!

[@sidjacobson3993]

Healthcare…. Having someone to support you during healthcare procedures… drive for professional accomplishment… feeling like procrastination vs relaxation… watching too many you tube videos… to do lists getting longer and more expensive… surprise car and house repairs or travel for family health issues.

[@retirethisway]

Yes, balancing healthcare, personal goals, and unexpected expenses can be challenging, but it's all part of finding that new rhythm!

[@RobertMusilli]

I can't wait to have that happy relaxed look on my face in a few years

[@retirethisway]

You got this!

[@gregkloe]

I figure my first year will be consumed by selling my current home and buying another and the resultant work it will need. I will need to discipline myself to mix in some other activities since I know I can be super focused on a task at hand. One last thing Trena: your hair! Beautiful!

[@retirethisway]

Home shopping and then making it yours is a great first year. Tons of fun and opportunities for creativity! And thank you!

[@golt4576]

A flexible schedule is key, its your time now. Be physically and mentally active another key. Volunteering a great way to help and hey its your time doing what you want.

[@retirethisway]

Absolutely!

[@ZhannaDavidova]

I just turned 50, and I'm honestly feeling overwhelmed about taxes and retirement. I have a little over £300k saved, but with changing tax laws and the rising cost of living, I’m starting to wonder how much of my savings will actually go to taxes.

[@retirethisway]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's important to talk about these challenges, and I'm glad you're considering your future seriously. Remember, you're not alone in this journey!

[@RetirementContentment]

This is so helpful. I have been retired for four weeks now. I love being retired, but not all days are perfect. Just like the rest of life, there are ups and downs. It is important to find something that lights us up, great way to phrase it. Thanks for your channel!

[@retirethisway]

Thank you! And congratulations!!

[@TammieMiller-q7s]

I just finished my freshman year of retirement. I did a lot of dog sitting last Summer unexpectedly but made enough for a new refrigerator. I also did a full kitchen redo which was planned. I didn’t have any formal plans but I’m enjoying trying to find my passions. I’m also doing some travelling. I’ve joined a couple of book clubs and some social clubs. With all that I have down time but I’m learning that’s ok. Retirement for me is all about exploring both near the house and far away.

[@retirethisway]

Thanks for sharing!! I’m so happy to hear you’re doing so well!

[@davidoutland2086]

Thank you for sharing your journey, I'm sure it will help others.

[@retirethisway]

I sure hope so!

[@davidoutland2086]

@@retirethisway you found your purpose

[@Expressitc]

Biggest concern is getting bored and losing purpose.

[@retirethisway]

It’s true for so many. It’s easy to fill our days with work, but more challenging to fill our days with activities we love.

[@KevinMetzler-je4iz]

Great video. Thanks for the insight.

[@retirethisway]

You’re very welcome!

[@mitchmitchell4915]

Great insights, as usual!

[@retirethisway]

Thanks so much!

[@bowl816]

The biggest concerns are: Running out of money Health problems Losing my spouse - the battles with surviving kids Losing a sense of identity Loneliness Things I am looking forward to: More free time Travel Time to volunteer at church Time to spend with my kids Time to exercise Time to play golf Time to garden Time to start a KZbin channel Time to go thrifting Time to play poker again Time for Bible study I could go on and on. I will be retired in 7 months or less. I took a retirement package at work. Ready for my new chapter.

[@retirethisway]

Wow, that’s a lot of really great things to look forward to. You’re gonna have a great next chapter!

[@rockinrodlittle]

You’ve got at least 18,600 admirers. Well done and keep on producing. Your approach is perfect - not preachy with a bunch of “here’s what you need to do”.

[@retirethisway]

Thank you! I’m so glad my videos are resonating with you!

[@rockinrodlittle]

@ you’re doing amazing. I love how you show that you don’t have all the answers and struggle. I follow a lot of retirement channels as there is a lot of wisdom out there. Your community will grow due to your natural ability to empathic.

[@retirethisway]

Ah, thank you!

[@danitzm]

I am a 63 year old man who just retired and getting a divorce after a 30 year marriage and relocating. I hope I am not overwhelmed with stress with all the changes or perhaps worse underwhelmed with boredom as I try to start a new life.

[@retirethisway]

It sounds like you have a lot of changes ahead, but remember that every new beginning is an opportunity for growth. Embrace the journey, and take it one step at a time!

[@machineoutlivestheman1192]

Great video!

[@retirethisway]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@91210paige]

I guess I can understand feeling like you need something to do or feeling like you should be doing something. But that is just because we've been trained on the hamsters wheel all our lives. You don't have to do a thing. Like planet fitness no judgement zone. I did my time I'm retired. relax. binge watch things in the winter. Plan your garden whatever gets you going. Don't let your mind ruin your retirement.

[@retirethisway]

Wise words for sure! 😀

[@BlairK-k3p]

The gym is a great daily destination. Sauna there even better. It's anti aging, gives energy, and some are $10 a month.

[@retirethisway]

I agree! I love my gym!

[@91210paige]

Heck no afternoons are for Naps! Possibly Spooning

[@retirethisway]

🤣

[@ShockfactorCA]

It’s funny I am 3 years from retirement and I get asked by friends, what will you do in retirement, in a judging way. I say anything I want. I can see how people judge. All stages of life we are judged. They can all judge me when I am at the coffee shop sipping my morning coffee and they are driving by me going to work. I will just SMILE.

[@retirethisway]

Yes! Retirement is a chance to build a new chapter of life!

[@toddmaniatoddmania9844]

5:55-6:04 😂 Hilarious, and so accurate!

[@retirethisway]

Thanks! It was fun to edit that part too!

[@billyrayband]

this is retirement therapy...

[@retirethisway]

😀

[@tree6196]

Hi Trena. The information you present is so inspirational once again for me and so many others! You address the same thoughts and feelings of so many and it's really beneficial to see how you address them. Thank you!

[@retirethisway]

I’m glad it resonated with you!

[@lettuceboy2382]

Trena I have the Sunday Scaries!

[@retirethisway]

Oh no!!

[@ZACTY-hm8nl]

As long as I have my wife, I will be happy. We plan to sell everything and move to The Villages FL, we will own our home but of course have taxes and utilities with normal cost of living. We also plan to live in Lima Peru for the hot hot hot months in FL when it's cool in Lima. We are very compatible and my wife has family in Lima to keep her busy and The Villages has so many activities, some we will do together while others apart. My fear of "early retirement" is will the ACA still be there until I reach 65 and if it is, will it continue to have the current subsidy? Insurance can be overly expensive!

[@retirethisway]

Sounds like a wonderful place! Enjoy!

[@ZACTY-hm8nl]

@@retirethisway I like watching your videos, they do help in planning, especially that you have an ACA health plan so I know that’s a viable option to keep from breaking the bank!

[@retirethisway]

Glad I can help!

[@stevebrown9363]

Nice channel and message. I'm coming up on two years of retirement and at first, I was going crazy with boredom. My wife is 10 years younger than I am and she is still working so extensive travel and stuff isn't really possible. Worse, we decided to move to Iowa where her family is from but I know nobody. So... a few months after leaving the world of work I joined SCORE (a non-profit organization that does mentoring for small business owners). With SCORE I can use my business and life experience to help others and it adds a much needed avenue for me.

[@retirethisway]

That's awesome! SCORE sounds like a perfect fit for you. Helping others is such a great way to keep busy and meet new people. Plus, who doesn't love sharing their wisdom?

[@chriscummings5727]

Great job! Keep up the good work! Well done and to the point!

[@retirethisway]

😀

[@91210paige]

We are brainwashed to always be busy. I think as long as you keep a soft schedule of somethings instead of just a schedule of Dr. appts.

[@retirethisway]

Most definitely!

[@ScottDamery]

I could totally replace work with pickleball, just wait...😜

[@retirethisway]

🤣🤣

[@johnnay2372]

When you left the govt job how did you find dental insurance? Is there a site to go to? Could yiu convert the one you had at work and switch to self pay?

[@retirethisway]

Hi! I didn't work a government job... Check out this video about health insurance options to help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2HCeZWmfrB_e5o

[@johnnay2372]

@ ops sorry i thought you did

[@retirethisway]

@@johnnay2372 no worries!

[@drticktock4011]

It's about both...the numbers and purpose. See Two Sides of FI See Fritz Gilbert's Retirement Manifesto.

[@retirethisway]

You’re so right!

[@lost-south-lake-crafters]

Great video. Thanks for sharing! A lot of times, I think we consider ourselves HUMAN DOINGS instead of human beings. Recently, I took a Forest Therapy Guide course and learned how disconnected most people are from just simply BEING rather than doing constantly.

[@retirethisway]

You are so right! Thanks for the insight!

[@davidjensen8090]

Good stuff, thanks. Regarding volunteerism : I volunteered for my local Red Cross during the peak lock-down period of Covid in 2020, delivering blood and platelet crates to local area hospitals. That was really enjoyable, and the shifts typically lasted 2-4 hours, depending upon the number of affected hospitals on any given route. So yeah...that Red Cross van that you pass on the highway most days? Chances are, it's being driven by a blood delivery VOLUNTEER, not a paid employee. The volunteer network for the Red Cross is vast, so it's worth a look if you are interested.

[@retirethisway]

Thanks for the idea!

[@JoannePelletier-w3p]

Hello ! I was supposed to be retired last year…Even if I have a bad job, I stayed at work because of fear…having no passions…no hobbies and no family. Hope to find something I like and free myself! Thank you for your videos! ❤

[@retirethisway]

Thanks for sharing! Start exploring new interests now so you can get yourself ready! You can do it!

[@gjd8849]

You have great hair

[@retirethisway]

😊

[@superman9772]

yep... this is a great informative video AND really important for the ;pre retirement persons... retirement is like a new career

[@retirethisway]

yes, but a fun one!

[@wharrison7131]

Sunrise?

[@retirethisway]

Not sure what you mean??

[@rockinrodlittle]

@@retirethiswayI know what he means - you’re retired and up at sunrise. 😂😂. I totally relate. Not a morning person

[@retirethisway]

Oh! Yes, I still get up way too early. 🤣

[@rockinrodlittle]

@@retirethisway I only set an alarm to catch a flight. The rest of the time - que cera cera

[@thelanceman]

After 4 months retired at age 60 it was just a little too much free time. Just found part time work so let's see if that is what I need. I also know this part job cannot give me any stress or I'll find something else. I cant lose!

[@retirethisway]

There’s nothing wrong with that at all! The nice thing about retirement is you can do anything you like, even work part time, on your own terms!

[@meemka8251]

Hi Trena- The content of your videos just keeps getting better and better, more relatable, more insightful and more thought-provoking. I've come to look forward to your weekly videos and they never disappoint. Great work and great wisdom!

[@retirethisway]

Ah, thank you!

[@jdneilso]

Biggest fear, running out of money for sure.

[@retirethisway]

Yep, that’s a biggie for many. Even those with millions saved.

[@wayneninnemann4490]

Fears, none except the funding. But I do have a problem I have not heard anyone mention yet in the many retirement videos I have watched. I'm having trouble convincing myself I'm old enough to retire. That may sound a little funny, I mean I believe I will be 62 this year, it just seems as though I am speaking about someone else when I say it! How can I be this old already! I was just turned 30 a few years ago right? Anyway, I really like your channel. keep up the great work.... :)

[@retirethisway]

You are not alone my friend! I just turned 60 and it feels surreal! And yes, you are old enough to retire. You are young at heart. 😀

[@martind6791]

Great video and nice to hear for someone 6 months in as well. Keep it up, you’re appreciated

[@retirethisway]

Thanks!

[@user-cr3fz8lz2i]

I’ve been retired for 10 months now and LOVE IT! It’s everything I imagined! I have plenty to do when I want, or I can do nothing and enjoy it! The key for me was to plan for the change, make daily changes in retirement so you can feel the difference. Don’t do the same routine, make some changes and reset, refresh, and regain your life!!! 😊😊😊

[@retirethisway]

Great advice!

[@shartmann2008]

Love the snotty voice of the hater/doubter/losers! hee hee hee

[@retirethisway]

that was fun!

[@JTDIYM]

I feel so rude saying this but you're very good looking considering you're not 20 anymore

[@retirethisway]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment, though I've found that confidence and self-acceptance only get better with age - no qualifiers needed.

[@Dave23-24]

Well said 😊

[@7SideWays]

Retired in 40s 4 years ago. The math was easy. Biggest fears are health, purpose, social network and routine. Thank you!

[@retirethisway]

Yes, those are the biggies! Congrats on retiring so young.

[@70qq]

🤘

[@retirethisway]

thanks!

[@FrankMSeleno]

Hi Trena...My vibe. You appear to be real catch! (multitalented retired single guy ). BTW great hair! 🙂

[@retirethisway]

😊 thank you

[@FrankMSeleno]

@@retirethisway You're welcome! You were grounded for a whole summer? Interesting. Did you reveal details in another video?

[@apollo1464]

Ready to go back to work? 😉

[@retirethisway]

Absolutely NOT!

[@Breezeyogi]

Why retire. How boring.

[@retirethisway]

Because there is so much more to life than just working. 🤣