9 Things to STOP DOING After 55 To Enjoy Life More

Summary

In this insightful video, Dave Zer from Streamline Financial shares nine key behaviors that lead to a happier and more successful retirement. He emphasizes the importance of valuing time, not over-saving, prioritizing health, reducing unnecessary worry, and spending wisely. Zer also advises retirees to distance themselves from negative influences, stop over-supporting adult children, be authentic, and let go of regrets, highlighting that the best years of life can still lie ahead.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The happiest retirees prioritize not adding more things to their lives, but rather what they stop doing, which enhances their retirement success and life satisfaction.
• 📅 Successful retirees stop taking their time for granted, recognizing the limited weeks we have left and the importance of using time wisely and meaningfully.
• 💰 They cease saving unnecessarily, understanding that a certain point is reached where more wealth does not equate to more security or happiness.
• 🏥 Retirees prioritize health over work, especially when job stress begins to negatively impact physical and mental well-being.
• 🧘 Successful retirees stop worrying excessively, distinguishing between real fears and anxieties over imagined future dangers, and focusing on controllable aspects of life.
• 🤝 They stop spending time with people who do not uplift them, addressing the negative impact of such relationships on their happiness and well-being.
• 💸 Retirees stop spending money on things that do not align with their values, opting for investments in experiences and relationships that bring genuine joy.
• 👨‍👧 Over-supporting adult children is something successful retirees avoid, as it can create dependency and jeopardize the retiree's own financial security.
• 🌟 They embrace authenticity, stopping the pretense of being someone they're not, and living life true to themselves without conforming to others' expectations.
• 🚫 The happiest retirees let go of past regrets and live in the present and future, focusing on the possibilities ahead rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
• 📈 Lastly, they recognize that life satisfaction often peaks in the later years, with the 70s being a time of great contentment, encouraging retirees to look forward to this period of life.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dave Zer's retirement planning firm, Streamline Financial?

Streamline Financial focuses on helping people around the country who are getting close to retirement, with an emphasis on tax planning, income planning, and investment planning.

Why do some retirees continue to work even after they have enough savings?

Some retirees continue to work due to a perceived need for added security or to increase their lifestyle in the future, even though they may not be deriving joy or fulfillment from their work.

What is the significance of the 'life in weeks' chart mentioned in the script?

The 'life in weeks' chart is used to visually represent the limited time people have left, encouraging them to recognize the preciousness of each week and to use their time wisely and meaningfully.

Why is it important for retirees to stop taking their time for granted?

Retirees should stop taking time for granted because health typically declines with age, and if they wait too long, the enjoyment of their wealth can be constrained by physical limitations.

What is the connection between stress from work and health according to the script?

The script suggests that stress from work can negatively impact health, affecting sleep, exercise routines, and overall well-being, which can be a motivation for some to retire.

How does the script suggest retirees deal with unnecessary worry?

The script suggests that retirees deal with worry by recognizing that they cannot control everything, such as market fluctuations or world events, but can control aspects like portfolio allocation, tax expenses, and spending behavior.

What is the advice given for retirees regarding spending money on things that aren't aligned with their values?

Retirees are advised to reflect on their spending and invest in experiences and relationships that bring genuine joy, rather than spending on material possessions that may only provide temporary happiness.

Why should retirees be cautious about over-supporting their adult children financially?

Over-supporting adult children can create dependence and potentially jeopardize the retiree's own financial security in retirement, as the children may have more time and opportunities to improve their financial situation.

What is the main regret people have on their deathbed according to the script?

The main regret, as mentioned in the script, is not having the courage to be true to oneself and living the life that others expected, rather than the life one truly desires.

How can retirees avoid living with regret according to the script?

Retirees can avoid living with regret by forgiving themselves for past mistakes, letting go of past regrets, and focusing on living in the present and looking forward to the future.

What is the potential impact of surrounding oneself with negative people, as described in the script?

Surrounding oneself with negative people can drain one's energy and make one feel worse about themselves or life in general, which is why it's advised that retirees distance themselves from such individuals.