Life Starts at Retirement

One of you wants to get out early and explore. The other wants a leisurely breakfast. One enjoys a busy itinerary; the other needs more downtime. How do you plan a holiday that feels good for both of you?

In this video, I’m sharing seven practical ways to travel together and both enjoy it—especially in retirement, when we may have more time to travel but different interests, energy levels, and ideas about spending money.
We’ll talk about discussing expectations before booking, agreeing on a budget, sharing the planning, respecting each other’s pace, and making r...

Are you waiting for your next trip to do something different? You don’t have to go far—or spend a lot—to make retirement more interesting.

In this video, I’m talking about adventures close to home and why they can matter more than we expect. A visit to a nearby town, a local history tour, a class you’ve been curious about, or a walk somewhere unfamiliar can give us something we may be missing: a chance to learn, meet people, and discover interests beyond our usual routine.

I also talk about the things that can h...

Travelling in my 60s is teaching me more than the history of the places I visit. It’s helping me understand my energy, my priorities, and what makes an experience worthwhile.

In this video, I share seven honest lessons about travelling after 60—from considering demanding journeys while they’re manageable to choosing comfort, asking for help, and deciding what I’m willing to miss.

I also talk about changing plans when they no longer work, leaving time for the people we meet, and bringing something useful home into everyday retirement.

Getting older doesn’t affect eve...

What have you been saving for “someday”? 

A trip, time with someone you love, a new interest—or something you’ve wanted to do for years?
In retirement, we may finally have more freedom, but it can still be surprisingly easy to postpone the experiences that matter to us. There’s always another responsibility, another reason to wait, or the hope that a better time will come. 

In this video, I reflect on making retirement memories now, allowing our dreams to change with us, and taking practical steps that fit our lives today.
This doesn’t have...

As we get older, some life lessons begin to mean more than they once did.

In this video, I share nine reminders about protecting your peace, choosing kindness, caring for your health, taking chances, and deciding what success means to you now. These lessons made me pause and reflect on what deserves my time and energy in this chapter of life.
I hope one of them speaks to you, too. Which lesson resonated with you most? And what lesson would you add from your own life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Happiness in retirement doesn’t always arrive automatically. Sometimes, it begins with the small things we choose to do every day.

In Part 2 of my September series, we’re talking about **The Happiness Habit**—seven simple habits that can give your days more structure, connection, purpose and joy. These aren’t dramatic life changes. They’re small, realistic things you can begin doing today—even if retirement hasn’t felt quite as happy or fulfilling as you expected.

In this video, we’ll explore seven happiness habits:
00:00 – Introduction
03:13 – 1. Give the day a beginning
05:02 – 2. Put one thing on the c...

Retirement can leave you wondering: Who am I now? Without the job, the routine, and the responsibilities that once defined your days, it’s easy to feel a little lost.

But perhaps you’re not lost at all. Perhaps you’re becoming someone new.

In this video, we’ll talk about the emotional side of retirement—the loss of identity, the uncertainty, and the opportunity to rediscover who you are beyond your working years. You don’t need to have everything figured out. This new chapter isn’t about finding your way back to the person you were. It’s...

Last week, I didn’t make a video.

It wasn’t because I had run out of ideas or because something terrible had happened. I was simply full.

After six consecutive weeks at the trailer with different grandchildren, working on my speeches, continuing my work as a mortgage broker, and travelling to Edmonton to help my mom, I reached the point where I couldn’t summon the energy to do one more thing—even something I normally enjoy.
Retirement is supposed to give us more time. But somehow, that time can quickly fill with family, responsi...

Why do we keep so much stuff?

This year I finally opened the storage room under our stairs — a space that hadn't been touched in years — and found everything from a box of my husband's forgotten beer can collection to baby shoes I could never part with.

Here's what I found, what I kept, what I let go of, and the honest truth about why I'm still not finished.

What's hiding in your storage room, closet, or garage?

Tell me in the comments — I'd love to know I'm not alone. Join our commun...

Retirement sounds wonderful—but have you talked about what everyday life will actually look like when you’re both home together?

After more than 40 years of marriage, I’ve learned that retiring together can change far more than your schedule. Suddenly, you may be sharing your time, your space, your money—and even the household jobs—in completely new ways.

In this video, I’m sharing seven important conversations every couple should have before retirement. Some are practical, some are uncomfortable, and a few may be conversations you’ve been avoiding. But talking about them now could make you...

Why do we keep so much stuff?

This year I finally opened the storage room under our stairs — a space that hadn't been touched in years — and found everything from a box of my husband's forgotten beer can collection to baby shoes I could never part with.

Here's what I found, what I kept, what I let go of, and the honest truth about why I'm still not finished. What's hiding in your storage room, closet, or garage?

Tell me in the comments — I'd love to know I'm not alone. Join our community of 35,000+ retire...

Retirement is supposed to be relaxing... but no one tells you how quiet life can suddenly become. It isn't just the alarm clock that disappears. It's the little sounds, routines, conversations, and moments that quietly fade away—often before you even realize they're gone.

In this video, I share the seven things that became unexpectedly quiet after retirement, along with the simple ways I learned to fill those spaces with purpose, connection, and joy.

If you're already retired—or getting close—I think you'll recognize yourself in at least a few of these.

 ❤️ I'd love to hea...

Last week, my 15-year-old granddaughter came out to our trailer with a friend — and for the first time, I realized she doesn't really need me anymore. It hit harder than I expected.

In this video, I'm talking about the quiet, complicated grief of watching grandkids grow up — the kind nobody warns you about in retirement. Nobody has done anything wrong. Nothing bad has happened. It's exactly what's supposed to happen. And it still hurts a little.

We talk a lot about retirement finances, staying active, finding hobbies. But nobody tells you retirement is also full of quie...

Last week I shared one of the hardest videos I've ever made — and so many of you told me "I thought I was the only one."
That got me thinking about the lies I've believed about what it means to be strong, and how they shaped my entire life, including retirement.

In this video, I'm breaking down 6 lies I believed about strength — the quiet rules I never questioned until real life stopped asking permission.
From "strong people don't struggle" to "if I say it out loud, it becomes real," these are the beliefs that kept me quie...

When I envisioned retirement, I pictured endless free time, relaxation, and pure happiness. But recently, I’ve been struggling with a wave of anxiety that I didn't see coming—and even worse, a deep sense of shame or disappointment for not feeling as happy as I "should" be.

We always say retirement is supposed to be the happiest chapter of our lives. So why don't we talk about the days when it isn't?

This is one of the most personal videos I've ever shared. After losing my dad, caring for my mom, trying to be there for...

Retirement is supposed to be one of the happiest seasons of life—but it can also be one of the biggest adjustments a marriage will ever face

 After 43 years together, Ken and I discovered that retirement changed more than our schedules. It changed how we communicated, how we shared our space, how we divided responsibilities, and even how we saw each other.

In this video, I'm sharing six  lessons we learned the hard way:

✔ Love needs space.
✔ You have to get to know each other again.
✔ Communication becomes more important than ever.
✔ Rol...

Are you struggling with retirement planning? Learn how to navigate life after work and avoid the common pitfalls retirees face.

Over 40% of retirees report feeling unprepared for the transition into their post-career years. This video provides practical strategies to help you navigate this major life change with confidence. Whether you are nearing retirement or have already stepped away from your career, these insights will help you build a more fulfilling retirement experience.

In this video I'll explore 6 important areas that many people overlook before they retire. From reviewing your finances for peace of mind to...

Effective retirement planning should begin at least 5 years before you actually retire. If retirement is getting closer, it can be hard to know what you should actually be doing — and when.

In this video, I walk through a simple 5-year retirement countdown: what to focus on 5 years before retirement, 4 years before, 3 years before, 2 years before, and in your final year before you leave work.

We’ll talk about the financial retirement income plan, practical, and personal steps that can make retirement feel much less overwhelming — from checking your numbers and reducing debt to thinking through healthcare, income...

Retirement isn't just about what you start doing—it's also about what you stop doing.

In this video, we'll explore 9 things many retirees continue doing that quietly steal happiness, peace of mind, and fulfillment. From worrying about what others think to obsessing over finances and postponing experiences, these habits can keep you from enjoying the retirement you've worked so hard to achieve. 

If you're retired, nearing retirement, or simply planning ahead, these lessons may help you make the most of the years ahead.

In this video:
✔ Stop spending money on things that don't bring...

Are you holding back on your dream of seeing the world because you're worried about the cost? In this video, we are breaking down the ultimate guide to traveling the world in retirement without breaking the bank! 

After years of hard work, it's finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and explore. I’m sharing my best insider tips for retirees to find affordable flights, budget-friendly accommodations, cheap (but amazing) local food, and incredible free or low-cost activities. You don't need a fortune to make your retirement lifestyle truly remarkable!


Join our community of...

Have you ever found yourself bored in retirement? Wondering - Is this all there is to retirement?

Many retirees dream of having unlimited free time, only to discover that too much free time can sometimes lead to boredom, loneliness, and a lack of purpose.

In this video, I'm sharing 15 practical and enjoyable ways to beat retirement boredom and bring more excitement, connection, and meaning into your life. We explore how to navigate this retirement journey and offer insights on what to do.

If you are looking for motivation to overcome your retirement fears, this...

VIDEO DESCRIPTION

Retirement was supposed to be the season where life finally slowed down… but for many of us, it feels like we’re being pulled in every direction.In this video, I open up honestly about the emotional struggle of being part of the sandwich generation — trying to balance grandchildren, aging parents, marriage, travel, distance, and guilt… all at the same time.I talk about:feeling guilty for not seeing my grandchildren enough,worrying about my mom,struggling to balance retirement and travel with my husband Ken,and the emotional tug-of-war so many retirees quietly carry every day.I’m...

Retirement is often sold as a dream, filled with white sand beaches and endless relaxation, but the reality can be quite different.

But what if some of the things we’ve been told about retirement simply aren’t true?
In this video, I’m sharing 13 of the biggest retirement lies and myths that many retirees discover after they leave work behind.
From “you’ll never feel stress again” to “you’ll sleep in every day” and “you’ll finally feel free,” retirement often looks very different than people imagine. Some surprises are wonderful. Others can leave people feeling confused...

Retirement isn’t just about money… it’s about purpose, connection, happiness, and creating a life you truly enjoy.

In this episode, I sit down with retirement author and speaker Martin Hurlburt to talk about what makes retirement meaningful, how fear can hold us back, and why community matters more than ever after leaving the workforce. 

 Martin also shares two incredible FREE resources designed to help retirees live happier, more fulfilling lives.

📘 Get a FREE copy of The Happy Retirement Handbook:
https://storiesofretirement.com/free-resources

📘 Buy a copy of How David Defeated Fear...

How much money do you REALLY need to be happy in retirement?

It’s probably not the number you’ve been told.

In this video, we’re flipping the script on retirement planning. Because while money matters… it’s not only  what creates a truly happy retirement.
I’ll show you why the happiest retirees focus on three things most people overlook:
✔️ Meaningful relationships
✔️ A lifestyle that fits YOU
✔️ A sense of purpose after work

Too many people chase a number… and still feel lost when they get there. If you’re planning for retirem...

Many people believe retirement is about savings, pensions, and free time. And although that's a big part of it....there’s something even more powerful shaping your future: Your thoughts.

The thoughts, the beliefs you repeat every day may be creating either freedom, joy, purpose… or loneliness, fear, and stagnation.

In this video, we explore:
✔ Why some retirees thrive while others feel lost
✔ Negative thought patterns that quietly damage retirement
✔ How mindset shapes health, relationships, and happiness
✔ Practical steps to create a better next chapter
✔ Why it’s never too late to rebuild life...

Retirement should be exciting—not stressful and so in this episode of Life Starts at Retirement, I sit down with financial planner Brian Face to talk about retirement financial planning, common mistakes people make, and how to create confidence with your money in retirement.

We cover:
✅ How to create the lifestyle you want in retirement
✅ Common retirement planning mistakes
✅ Income strategies for retirement
✅ Managing fear about market downturns
✅ How to create peace of mind with your finances

 If you're getting close to retirement or already retired, this conversation can help you make smarter...

Have you ever wondered why some people live to 100… and still feel happy, healthy, and full of purpose?

In this video, I’m sharing my review of The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner — and more importantly, what it really means for us in retirement. This isn’t about extreme diets or complicated routines.
It’s about simple, powerful habits that people around the world use every day to live longer and better.

In this video, we’ll explore the 9 key lessons from the Blue Zones
✔ Movement is built into lifestyle
✔ Purpose doesn't retire
✔ Stress is...

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...

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
✔ The two biggest retirement spending mistakes
✔ How to spend...

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

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...

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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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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!

💬 We cover things like:
• Why being together 24...

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...