Good morning, Retirement Starts Today Community! Welcome to Every Day is Saturday, the newsletter reminding us that in retirement, every day is Saturday (including Thursday mornings).

​​Click here to view a recent video from my YouTube channel about Top Income Plans for Million Dollar Retirees (Which Should You Choose?)

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This holiday season tune in as we revisit some of our favorite podcast episodes of 2025.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:50 - Spending Struggles in Retirement
• 04:40 - Connecting with Your Future Self
• 06:12 - Underspending Biases and Longevity Risk
• 12:01 - Real Estate in Retirement
• 14:10 - Renting vs. Owning
• 16:10 - Home Equity for Long-Term Care

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​Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple​

Retirement Headlines: Why Spending in Retirement Feels So Hard

Managing money in retirement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset. Many retirees struggle to spend confidently because of deeply ingrained habits or fears about running out of money. Whether you’re worried about inflation, market downturns, or just want to avoid making a mistake, these concerns often hold people back from fully enjoying their golden years.

For some, the challenge is spending too much too soon, prioritizing short-term wants over long-term needs. For others, it’s the opposite: an overwhelming fear of overspending leads to underspending, leaving dreams unfulfilled. Both extremes come with their own risks, but the key lies in understanding what’s driving your behavior.

Retirement is meant to be enjoyed. By recognizing these tendencies and addressing them head-on, you can find a balance that lets you spend in alignment with your goals without fear of running out of resources.

How to Spend Without Guilt or Fear

If you’ve ever hesitated before making a purchase in retirement, you’re not alone. A lot of that hesitation comes from psychological biases like pessimism or loss aversion, where the fear of losing money outweighs the joy of spending it. The solution? Build a plan that gives you permission to spend.

One powerful way to do this is by connecting with your future self. Imagine waking up at 100 years old and reflecting on what you wish you’d done more of. Write those things down and make them a priority while you still have the time and energy to enjoy them. Pair that with flexible guardrails—like adjusting spending during market dips—and you’ll have the confidence to spend without worry.

The goal isn’t to empty your accounts recklessly but to enjoy your retirement in a way that feels rewarding. By addressing the fears head-on and putting plans in place, you’ll create a financial roadmap that prioritizes both security and fulfillment.

Rethinking Real Estate in Retirement

Your home is likely one of your biggest assets, but it’s also a source of untapped potential. Have you considered how renting, downsizing, or even leveraging your home equity could help you live a more flexible, stress-free retirement? These are options many retirees overlook, but they could make all the difference.

Renting, for example, isn’t “throwing money away.” It can actually free you from the headaches of homeownership, like maintenance and repairs, while giving you the flexibility to live where you want. Downsizing is another option, but keep in mind that it rarely delivers as much financial benefit as people expect—especially if you’re staying in the same area.

If you’re worried about future costs, such as long-term care, your home equity can also act as a contingency plan. Tools like reverse mortgages or simply selling your home can provide the funds you need while letting you confidently spend from your savings now.

Financial Independence Is About Freedom

Once you’re financially independent, every decision doesn’t need to be purely financial. This is where many retirees get stuck—they’re still making choices as if they need to maximize every dollar. But in retirement, financial independence means freedom to make decisions based on what makes you happiest.

This mindset shift is key when it comes to things like housing. Renting instead of owning, for instance, isn’t about financial efficiency—it’s about reducing stress and enjoying life. Similarly, using your savings for things that bring you joy shouldn’t feel indulgent; it’s the very reason you saved in the first place.

By letting go of the need for every decision to “pencil out,” you can focus on living a life that aligns with your values and dreams. Financial independence isn’t just about having enough money; it’s about having the freedom to live on your terms.

Resources

• ​Morningstar Article: Tips to spend less or more in retirement by Samantha Lamas
• ​Click here to view my YouTube channel, Even Better Retirement
• ​Click here to order my book, Retirement Starts Today: Your non-financial guide to an even better retirement

I need your help...

I will be starting a new segment on my podcast: Retire TO something, not FROM something.

The segment will be brief at the end of the show and will share a fun retirement idea, along with links to learn more. Volunteer work and part-time “fun” jobs will be a common theme.

​Click here to share your ideas!

That's it for our four hundred and seventh installment of "Every Day is Saturday." As always, I read (and usually reply to) every listener email. Got a question? Hit reply—you just might hear your name on the show.

Enjoy your “Saturday,”
​Benjamin Brandt