Life Starts at Retirement

40 Episodes
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By: Maureen Dobranski

Retirement Around the world, many people are wanting to enjoy retirement through new experiences, adventures and embracing this fun and dynamic time of their lives. Life Starts at Retirement focuses on a positive attitude, well being, relationships with a minor focus on financial knowledge to ensure your retirement will be remarkable.I upload a new PODCAST every Saturday at NOON! Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

The first year of retirement - Why it feels strange!
Yesterday at 4:19 PM

Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom… so why does the first year feel so different?

In this video, we’re talking about the reality of your first year of retirement—the part no one really prepares you for.
From the unexpected loss of structure… to the shift in identity… to that strange feeling when time suddenly works differently—this phase can catch even the most prepared retirees off guard. You might find yourself asking:
Who am I now that I’m not working?Why do I feel unsettled when I thought I’d feel relaxed?Why does time fe...


Retirement spending - Too much vs too little!
03/28/2026

You spent your whole life saving for retirement.....So why does spending that money feel so difficult?

 In this video, we talk about something many retirees struggle with but rarely discuss — the retirement spending sweet spot.
Some retirees spend too quickly and worry later.
Others become so cautious they miss out on the experiences they worked their whole life for.

So how do you find the balance? In this video, you’ll learn:

✔ Why it’s so hard to switch from saving to spending
âś” The two biggest retirement spending mistakes
âś” How to spend...


Happy retirees share their secrets!
03/21/2026

What separates retirees who simply pass the time… from those who truly thrive?
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about starting a new chapter with intention.

In this video, I’m sharing 5 powerful habits of successful retirees that can completely transform this stage of life from ordinary to extraordinary. We’ll explore:

✔️ Why structure brings freedom, not restriction
✔️ How movement fuels both your body and your energy
✔️ The importance of connection in avoiding loneliness
✔️ Why learning keeps your mind sharp and engaged
✔️ And how finding your purpose can give your days meaning again


My sister is retiring....so I asked her the questions we all wonder about
03/14/2026

Retirement is one of life’s biggest milestones — and for my sister, it’s happening next week.

In this video, we sit down for a heartfelt sister-to-sister conversation about what retirement really feels like when it’s just around the corner.

We talk about:
• The emotions leading up to retirement
• What she’s most excited about
• What surprised her the most
• The dreams she has for this next chapter of life

If you’re retired, close to retirement, or wondering what this new stage of life might feel like, I think you’ll really...


5 things I'd tell my 60 year old self!
03/07/2026

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Why making friends after 60 is so hard (And what to do about i!)
02/28/2026

At 5 years old, everyone is your friend.
At 60? It’s… different. Why does it feel harder to build friendships later in life — and what can we do about it? Today I’m sharing:
The emotional shift that happens after retirementWhy waiting for someone to knock on your door doesn’t workWhere to meet like-minded peopleSimple conversation tricks to break the iceThe “3 Question” strategy I useBecause when you retire...
You plan for the money.
You plan for the freedom.
But no one really prepares you for the loneliness.

If you're nearing 60, retired — or about to be — this con...


AI for retirement FINANCES - No tech skills required!
02/07/2026

Are you retired (or close to it) and wondering how AI can actually help with money decisions?

In this video, I show simple, practical ways retirees can use AI for budgeting, planning, and financial clarity — without being tech-savvy. AI isn’t just for young people or big corporations.

Retirees can use it to:
• Organize finances
• Think through spending decisions
• Plan retirement income
• Reduce financial stress
• Ask better questions before big money moves

In this video, I break down real-life ways I use AI for retirement finances, what it can (and can’t) do...


AI for RETIREMENT - Made easy!
01/31/2026

If artificial intelligence is making you feel curious, nervous, or like you may be too old to learn.....this video is for you!

Retirement is changing — and AI is becoming one of the most powerful tools retirees can use to save time, reduce stress, and live with more confidence! In this easy introduction to AI for Retirement, we explore how artificial intelligence can help you:
Make better financial decisions
Simplify daily tasks
Plan travel and adventures
Stay organized, curious, and confident in retirement

You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You don’t need...


Late to RETIREMENT savings - How to build enough starting where you are
01/24/2026

If you’re starting to save for retirement later in life, you are not alone — and you are not out of time.

In this video, we’re shifting the focus away from scary retirement numbers and toward what really matters: your lifestyle, your choices, and what your money is doing today.

We’ll talk about how to start small without feeling defeated, how to use catch-up contributions wisely, and why continuing to earn (even a little) can completely change the retirement picture. Most importantly, we’ll redefine what “enough” actually means for you — not for a calculator or a...


7 Habits of the quietly WEALTHY in retirement!
01/17/2026

Quiet wealth isn’t about luxury cars, big houses, or showing off.  Especially in RETIREMENT!  

It’s about peace, intention, and knowing when you already have enough. In this video, I share the habits of the quietly wealthy — people who live well, plan wisely, and don’t let money control their lives. These are not flashy habits, and they rarely make headlines, but they’re the ones that actually last. We’ll talk about why the quietly wealthy:Know what “enough” truly meansSpend intentionally, not emotionallyProtect their time as carefully as their moneyOften live below their meansStay curious, engaged, and mental...


Retirement...how it CHANGES your marriage
01/08/2026

Retirement changes everything — including your marriage.

From spending more time together, to redefining roles, routines, and expectations, retirement can bring both beautiful moments and unexpected challenges for couples.

In this video, we talk honestly about how retirement can impact your relationship, what many couples aren’t prepared for, and how to navigate this new season of life together. Whether you’re newly retired, planning to retire soon, or supporting a spouse through the transition, these insights can help you protect your connection while building a remarkable retirement!

đź’¬ We cover things like:
• Why being together 24...


Goodbye 2025......Looking forward to 2026!
12/31/2025

Goodbye 2025, Looking Forward to 2026 is a moment to pause, reflect, and gently reset.

In this video, I share the life lessons, unexpected realizations, and quiet thoughts that shaped 2025—and how they’re guiding the way I’m stepping into 2026. Whether you’re in retirement, approaching it, or simply navigating a new chapter of life, this is an honest conversation about growth, letting go, gratitude, and choosing what truly matters as a new year begins. No resolutions. No pressure. Just reflection, perspective, and hope. I

f you’re looking ahead to 2026 with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, or curiosi...


It's my birthday! Life & Money lessons I've learned!
12/26/2025

Today is my 63rd birthday, and instead of celebrating with cake and candles, I wanted to share something far more meaningful—the biggest life and money lessons I’ve learned along the way.
These are lessons I didn’t fully understand in my 20s, 30s, or even my 40s. Some came from smart choices, others from hard mistakes, loss, change, and starting over more than once.
Retirement has a way of clarifying what truly matters—and what never did. In this video, I talk honestly about:
• The biggest money lessons I wish I’d learned sooner
• What retiremen...


8 things I needed to let go when I retired!
12/20/2025


Retirement isn’t just about leaving a job — it’s about letting go of parts of yourself you didn’t even realize you were holding onto.

In this video, I share 8 things I personally needed to let go of after I retired — not all at once, and not without some resistance. Things like old identities, expectations, guilt, and the constant need to feel productive. Some of these surprised me.
Some were harder than I expected.

And all of them changed how I experience this chapter of life. If you’re newly retired, thinking about retirement...


Your first year of retirement: Things to make your retirement REMARKABLE!
12/13/2025

In today's video I talk about 7 things to make your first year of retirement....REMARKABLE!  

Retirement is pictured at your "golden years," the "best time of your life" and something we can't wait to get to.  But for many people, retirement is a struggle.  We go from being busy, having a purpose and working for 30 years to nothing.  That can be difficult. 

And so after talking to many, many retiree's I've come up with a list of 7 things to help you through that first year.  To help you get on track and to set yourself up for suc...


I don't care anymore...the FREEDOM I found in retirement
12/06/2025

Retirement didn’t just change my daily routine — it changed my mindset. After years of worrying about what people thought, explaining myself, and living by expectations… I finally reached the stage of life where I can say: I don’t care anymore — and I have never felt more free.

In this video, I share the unexpected emotional freedom that came with retirement — letting go of people-pleasing, releasing comparison, and finally choosing peace over pressure.
If you’re nearing retirement or already there and wondering why life suddenly feels lighter (or why you're ready to stop caring what others think...


Letting go of GUILT in retirement
11/29/2025

Guilt is one of the most common — and most hidden — struggles retirees face.

In this episode of Life Starts at Retirement, we talk openly about the guilt that comes with finally prioritizing yourself after decades of putting everyone else first. From feelings of obligation toward family and caregiving responsibilities, to the pressure of being needed, available, or “useful” — this emotional weight can quietly steal the joy from what should be one of the most fulfilling seasons of life.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for:Traveling or enjoying freedom in retirementSaying “no” to family obligationsChoos...


Letting go of GUILT in retirement!
11/29/2025

Guilt is one of the most common — and most hidden — struggles retirees face.

In this episode of Life Starts at Retirement, we talk openly about the guilt that comes with finally prioritizing yourself after decades of putting everyone else first. From feelings of obligation toward family and caregiving responsibilities, to the pressure of being needed, available, or “useful” — this emotional weight can quietly steal the joy from what should be one of the most fulfilling seasons of life.

We explore the importance of giving yourself permission to enjoy your retirement life. It's about embracing retirement happiness and unders...


Does retirement actually shorten your life
11/22/2025

Is retirement making people die sooner?
It sounds dramatic—but surprisingly, some studies suggest our health can decline faster after retirement, especially when we lose purpose, routine, social connection, and a sense of identity.

In today’s video, we dive into the research, the myths, and what really impacts life expectancy after retiring.
In this video, I cover:
âś” Why some retirees decline after leaving work
âś” The link between purpose, loneliness, and health
✔ Why early retirement isn't the problem—losing meaning is
âś” How to retire and live longer, happier, and healthier
âś” Practical ways to stay men...


5 Milestones you MUST do before you retire
11/15/2025

Thinking about retirement… or getting close? Before you take that final step, there are 5 essential milestones every future retiree should hit to protect their finances, strengthen their relationships, and build a life filled with purpose and joy.

In today’s video, we’ll walk through the Top 5 Milestones You MUST complete Before You Retire — from organizing your money and redefining your identity, to building a lifestyle you can’t wait to wake up to.

These are the milestones most retirees wish they’d focused on sooner… and the ones that help you avoid regret later. If you’...


Retirement and the death of a parent
11/08/2025

Losing my Dad was something I thought I had already prepared myself for.

He had dementia, and over time, we lost him in small pieces. I believed I had grieved already… but when he actually passed, the grief was unlike anything I expected.

In this video, I’m opening up about: What it feels like to lose a parent later in life. 
How grief can change our understanding of our own aging.
How my relationship with my Mom has shifted — and become more precious.
How family dynamics change when someone we love is no long...


1 year of travel....Here's what we would do differently!
11/01/2025

Are you dreaming about traveling in retirement — or already living it? After a full year of travel, we’ve learned a few hard-earned lessons. In this honest video, we share the biggest travel regrets retirees have (and how you can avoid them!).

From waiting too long to see the world, to trying to do it all at once — these are the moments we wish we could do differently. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fiftieth, these insights will help you make the most of your retirement adventures.

📍 TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Introduction
1:06 — Travel While You Can
2...


Retirement's stability stage - Building a life you truly love
10/11/2025

The final stage of retirement is the stability phase — the point where life feels balanced, purposeful, and truly yours.

In this video, Retirement’s Stability Phase – Building a Life You Truly Love, I explain how retirees move from uncertainty to confidence, creating routines, relationships, and meaning that make retirement deeply fulfilling.

You’ll learn:
âś… What the stability phase of retirement looks like day to day
âś… How to build routines that feel joyful, not rigid
âś… Why strong relationships and purpose create lasting happiness
✅ Practical tips to create a retirement you truly love If you’re planning...


Retirement's reorientation stage - How to find yourself again
10/04/2025

After the excitement fades and disenchantment sets in, many retirees enter the reorientation phase — the stage where you start asking, “Who am I now?”

In this video, Retirement’s Reorientation Phase – How to Find Yourself Again, I share how to navigate this powerful stage of self-discovery and build a retirement filled with clarity and purpose.

You’ll learn:
âś… What the reorientation phase of retirement really means
âś… Why identity and purpose feel uncertain after leaving work
âś… Practical ways to explore new passions, routines, and goals
âś… How to rebuild confidence and create a fulfilling life after work


Retirement's disenchantment stage - When retirement feels empty
09/27/2025

The honeymoon glow of retirement doesn’t last forever — for many, it’s followed by the disenchantment phase, when retirement feels empty, aimless, or even disappointing.

In this video, The Disenchantment Phase of Retirement – When retirement feels empty, I explains why this stage happens, how long it can last, and most importantly, what you can do to move through it.

You’ll learn:
âś… Why the disenchantment phase often surprises retirees
âś… Common feelings of boredom, restlessness, or loss of purpose
âś… Practical steps to overcome emptiness and find direction
âś… How this stage can actually lead to growth and...


Retirement's honeymoon stage - Freedom, fun...and whats next
09/20/2025

The honeymoon stage of retirement feels like pure freedom — no alarms, no deadlines, just fun and adventure. But what happens when the vacation feeling wears off?

In this video, The Honeymoon Stage of Retirement – Freedom, Fun and What’s Next, I explore why this stage is so exciting, why it doesn’t last forever, and how to prepare for what comes next.

You’ll learn:
âś… What the honeymoon phase of retirement really feels like
âś… How long it typically lasts
âś… Why some retirees start to feel restless or aimless
âś… Practical tips to enjoy it fully and prepa...


Pre-retirement stage - The dreams and the reality
09/13/2025

Retirement doesn’t start the day you stop working — it actually begins years earlier in what I call the Pre-Retirement Phase. This is the stage where dreams and reality collide, and how well you prepare now can make the difference between a retirement that feels exciting… or uncertain.

In this video, I’ll explain:
âś… What the pre-retirement phase really is
✅ The emotions you’ll face — excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty
âś… The biggest mistake people make (focusing only on money)
âś… Practical tips to prepare for retirement beyond finances
âś… Real-life examples of how to plan for purpose, connection, a...


Life after work - The 4 emotional stages of retirement
09/06/2025

Retirement is more than numbers — it’s an emotional journey. In this video, Life After Work – The 4 Emotional Stages of Retirement, I walk  you through the ups and downs most retirees experience: the excitement of freedom, the shock of change, the challenges of restlessness, and finally, the joy of finding balance.

You’ll discover:
âś… The 4 key emotional stages of retirement
✅ Why the “honeymoon” feeling doesn’t last
âś… How to handle the tough moments of disenchantment
✅ Practical tips to build purpose, joy, and stability after work If you’re planning for retirement or already living it, this video will help...


Retirement spending thoughts
08/30/2025

Retirement spending isn’t as simple as “save a million and live on 80% of your income.”

In this video, I break down surprising new insights from a JP Morgan study that reveal how retirees actually spend their money. You’ll learn about the curve of retirement expenses, why partial retirement often leads to higher spending, and how volatile costs—like healthcare or travel—can shake up your budget. If you’re planning for retirement or already there, this video will help you rethink the old rules and prepare for a more flexible, confident retirement lifestyle.

 #RetirementPlanning #RetirementSpend...


9 BEST things to do in RETIREMENT!
08/23/2025

In this video, we share with you some of the BEST things you can do with your time during retirement!

Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a whole new adventure and so in this video, I’ll share 9 of the best things you can do in retirement to fill your days with joy, meaning, and excitement.

Whether you’re looking for fun hobbies, new travel ideas, or simple ways to stay connected and engaged, these tips will help you make the most of this new chapter in life. From staying ac...


Forget the money! This is what makes RETIREES happy!
08/16/2025

We spend decades saving for retirement — chasing numbers, building portfolios, and planning for financial freedom. But when the paychecks stop and the days open up, many retirees realize something surprising: money alone doesn’t make you happy.

In this video, we explore what really brings joy and fulfillment in retirement — and it has nothing to do with how much you have in the bank. Drawing from my real life experience, I talk about what has made a direct and deep difference in my happiness during my retirement. Whether it’s nurturing relationships, discovering new passions, or finding ways to give...


RETIREMENT Changes everything! The transformations no one talks about!
08/09/2025

Retirement is supposed to be the reward — the golden years we’ve worked for our whole lives. But what happens when the freedom you've dreamed of brings more questions than answers?

In this video, we’re diving deep into the emotional and personal transformations that retirement brings — the ones no one really warns you about. From losing structure and routine to rediscovering purpose and identity, retirement can shake you up in ways you never expected. You’ll hear about the quiet grief that can come with walking away from a long-held role, and the surprising joy that emerges when you s...


7 things that can make your RETIREMENT harder than you think!
08/02/2025

In this video I share the top 7 things that I went through when I first retired.  I have to be honest, I didn't expect many of these issues to bother me.  And they really did. 

When you know what to expect when you retire, you'll have a greater chance of making your retirement remarkable!   Life is to be enjoyed, after all, you save all your life to be able to enjoy your retirement.  

Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction
1:35 - Routine
4:10 - Purpose
5:30 - Lonely
6:55 - Identity
8:36 - Finances
9:40 - Balance
10:55 - Menta...


Retirement Reality Checklist!
07/26/2025

#retirement #retirementplanning

Retirement often feels like the ultimate finish line—a time to relax, pursue hobbies, and travel. But for many, the reality of retirement looks very different from what they expected.

In this video, titled "Retirement Reality Check: What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired," I’ll share the five biggest lessons I’ve learned since stepping away from the 9-to-5 grind. If you’re dreaming about retirement or even just starting to plan for it, these insights could help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

Retirement is a journe...


5 Things that disappear in RETIREMENT
07/12/2025

Are you ready to retire and live a more authentic life?

In this video, I'm sharing the 5 things I wish I knew before retiring, and what vanishes in retirement that no one tells you about. I talk about the unexpected aspects of life after work that many people overlook.

The transition to retirement can bring about challenges you didn't see coming! Whether you're nearing retirement, on a path to financial freedom, or just curious about the changes it brings, this video will provide valuable insights and help you prepare for this significant life transition.

...


6 Things that could ruin your RETIREMENT
07/05/2025

You have worked hard for your retirement, saved money, built your retirement nest egg so don’t let these 6 mistakes ruin this for you.

This video discusses 6 things that can ruin your retirement. Many of these have been around for a long time but may be new to you in this stage of your life. By learning about these events that can ruin your retirement, you can be well on your way to making your retirement remarkable!


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👉Retirement reality checklist - What I wish I knew before I retired...


YOU MIGHT BE CLOSER TO RETIREMENT THAN YOU THINK
06/28/2025

Are you wondering if it’s finally time to say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind?

In this video, we explore the most common (and surprising) signs that you might be more ready for retirement than you think. Whether you’re dreaming of travel, craving more free time, or just feeling like your purpose is shifting — this episode will help you recognize the emotional, mental, and lifestyle clues that it might be time to take the leap.

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Why do people wait to retire?
4:07 - How much time do you really have left?
5...


The average 60 year old has this much saved for retirement
06/14/2025

Most people are worried about their retirement savings. We've heard it all our lives - you need at least $1 million to retire!

In this video I show you what the average 60 year old has saved for retirement and why that $1 million amount may be misleading. Find out why!

Learn the 9 assumptions you need to know to plan for your retirement future! Whether you are nearing retirement or just curious about how you compare, this video will give you insights along with the 9 valuable assumptions.
0:00 - Intro
4:01 - Life Expectancy
4:59 - Inflation
5:47...


6 things you should LET GO for a happier retirement!
06/07/2025

Are you retired—or thinking about retirement—and wondering what changes you should be making?

In this video, I’m sharing the Top 6 Things to Stop Doing as You Retire or Age. These aren’t  financial tips—they’re real lifestyle habits that could be holding you back from truly enjoying this next chapter of life.

Retirement is supposed to be the time when you finally get to live life on your terms. But sometimes, the habits we’ve built over decades start working against us. From saying yes to everything, to holding onto guilt, or even underestim...


What no one tells you about RETIREMENT! Loneliness!
05/31/2025

Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a life well lived—freedom, travel, hobbies, and time for ourselves. But there’s a part of retirement that often goes unspoken: loneliness.

In this video, I open up about the quiet moments that caught me off guard. Even with a full schedule and plenty of people around, I’ve felt an emptiness I didn’t expect.

And for some, that loneliness comes after a life-changing event—like the loss of a partner through death or divorce. After sharing your days, your stories, your plans with someone, the silence ca...