Saving often takes a back seat. Retirement feels far away, and there's always a bill, a trip, or a repair that feels more urgent. But many retirees say their biggest regret is not starting sooner.¹ Here's why: if you save $1,000 a month starting at age 40, with a 7% return, you could potentially have a ~$758,000 nest egg by age 65.* Start at 50, and you'd need to save ~$2,520 a month to reach a similar goal. That's the cost of waiting (in this hypothetical example). Start small. Automate it. The earlier you start, the more freedom you'll have to choose how your story plays out.

Many people claim Social Security early out of fear, then wish they'd waited. Claiming at 62 locks in a smaller payment for life, while waiting until 70 can raise monthly benefits by about 32%.² Delaying won't be right for everyone, but the right timing can turn patience into lasting peace of mind.

Many retirees regret carrying debt into their later years. It shrinks their options and limits what they can enjoy. Every payment toward interest is one less toward freedom. Consider this approach: Pick a payoff date. Automate extra payments. Every balance you clear may increase your financial flexibility in retirement.

Nearly two-thirds of adults over 50 mistakenly believe Medicare will cover nursing home costs. Most haven't named a medical power of attorney or identified who could care for them.³ That's why long-term care often becomes a crisis instead of a choice. Planning ahead isn't just about care. It's about protecting choices, dignity, and the people who matter most.

Some retirees wish they had worked a little longer, not for the job itself but for the freedom it gave them later. It's not the right play for everyone, but even part-time work can stretch savings and reduce pressure. Think of it as adding time to the game clock. Flexibility now can ease the pressure when life throws a surprise play.

Some retirees don't just regret their income. They regret the path they stayed on. Many were pushed out of the workforce before they were ready.⁴ They stayed too long in stalled roles, didn't learn new skills, or failed to grow their network. So keep moving forward. Upskill, network, stay ready. Staying engaged and prepared can help protect against career surprises.

Some retirees say their biggest regret wasn't financial. It was waiting too long to enjoy life. Travel, adventure, even simple experiences became harder as health issues crept in.⁵ The lesson? Don't delay the moments that matter. Build a plan that lets you live fully today while still protecting tomorrow. Your best memories shouldn't be on hold.

Many retirees regret going it alone. Some underestimated how much of a nest egg they'd need. Others claimed benefits too early or didn't prepare for losing a spouse. Missed details like RMD rules, survivor benefits, or how withdrawals are taxed, can quietly erode your plan. But you don't have to do it alone. Professional guidance can turn complex choices into confident moves toward the life you want.