Retirement advice often emphasizes saving aggressively, cutting expenses, and preparing for a long life. But a growing number of retirees are discovering a different kind of regret — not that they didn’t save enough, but that they were too frugal to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“Saving Regret” Is More Common Than You Think

A survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that nearly 60 percent of people aged 60 to 79 expressed regret about their past financial decisions. Some wished they had saved more, but many also felt they had been overly cautious and missed out on meaningful experiences while they had the health and freedom to enjoy them.

The Longevity Factor

Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School revealed that retirees who learned more about their potential lifespan were significantly more likely to regret not making long-term financial decisions, such as purchasing lifetime income products or delaying Social Security. The regret over not buying those tools increased by more than 40 percent once people were informed of their realistic longevity expectations.

Missed Opportunities Are a Common Theme

In a national sample of Americans over 50, major regrets included not saving enough (57 percent), not purchasing long-term care insurance (40 percent), not creating guaranteed income for life (33 percent), and retiring too early (37 percent). These decisions often stemmed from fear — fear of outliving savings, fear of market crashes — but they also led to missed opportunities for travel, family time, or creative pursuits.

The Emotional Cost of Caution

A Bankrate survey found that 22 percent of respondents said their biggest financial regret was not saving earlier for retirement. However, 40 percent of those with regrets hadn’t done anything to address them in the past year, citing inflation and uncertainty as barriers. The result is a sense of being stuck — not just financially, but emotionally.

What This Means for You

It’s natural to want to be prepared, but excessive caution can rob retirement of its joy. Striking a balance between financial security and life satisfaction is the real challenge — and the real opportunity.

Start a Joy Fund

Set aside a portion of your retirement income — even 5 to 10 percent — specifically for meaningful experiences. Travel. Family outings. Lessons. Things that make you feel alive.

Plan Smart, Not Just Safe

Talk to an advisor who can walk you through options like lifetime annuities, long-term care plans, and the best time to take Social Security. These tools aren’t just about income — they’re about peace of mind, which can free you up to actually enjoy retirement.

Review Regularly

Your circumstances will change. So should your plan. Revisit your budget, your goals, and your mindset every year. Ask yourself: Am I holding back because I have to — or because I’m afraid to let go?

Don’t Wait for Someday

One of the most repeated regrets among retirees is putting off joy. Experiences are often best enjoyed when your health and mobility are still strong. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Avoid Retirement Regret

The research is clear: a retirement focused only on preservation can lead to missed moments and lasting regret. By blending financial discipline with intentional joy, you give yourself permission to not just survive retirement — but to truly live it.

The world of cryptocurrency is experiencing a notable resurgence. Bitcoin has surpassed the $104,000 mark, and Ethereum has seen a 40% increase over the past week. These developments are fueled by optimism surrounding potential U.S. interest rate cuts and a surge in institutional investments.

Bridging Traditional Finance and Digital Assets

The integration of cryptocurrency into mainstream finance is becoming more apparent. Galaxy Digital’s debut on the Nasdaq and eToro’s public listing signify a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional financial markets. Additionally, Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 index underscores this trend.

Regulatory Developments on the Horizon

Regulatory clarity is essential for the continued growth of the crypto market. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to establish new rules for crypto tokens, aiming to provide a clear framework for issuance, custody, and trading. This move is expected to foster innovation while safeguarding investors.

Innovations Making Crypto More Accessible

Emerging cryptocurrencies are introducing features designed to enhance user experience. JetBolt (JBOLT), for instance, offers zero-gas technology on the Skale blockchain and has already sold over 353 million tokens during its ongoing presale. Cardano’s integration with Brave Wallet and Tron’s surpassing of Ethereum in stablecoin supply highlight the evolving landscape of digital currencies.

What This Means for Everyday Investors

For those new to cryptocurrency, the current environment presents both opportunities and considerations. The increased involvement of established financial institutions and the development of user-friendly platforms make entering the crypto market more approachable. However, it’s essential to do your homework and understand your financial goals and risk tolerance before investing.

Staying Informed and Secure

As with any investment, staying informed is crucial. Recent events, such as Coinbase’s reported cyberattack, underscore the importance of security in the digital asset space. Prospective investors should prioritize platforms with strong security practices and remain cautious of scams or hype-driven trends.

As always, before making any financial decisions or investing in cryptocurrency, consult a licensed financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your personal financial strategy.

When most people hear the term “wealth management,” they assume it’s only for millionaires with investment portfolios and private banking relationships. But here’s the truth: financial planning is for everyone—especially those who don’t yet consider themselves wealthy.

The past few years have shown us how quickly financial stability can be disrupted. Whether it’s a job loss, an unexpected emergency, or a global crisis, having a financial plan in place can make a huge difference in how you weather the storm.

The Misconception of “Wealth Management”

There’s a popular myth that only the rich need to manage their money. But that idea misses a crucial point—wealth doesn’t come first. Planning does. You build wealth by managing what you have, even if it’s not much right now.

According to a Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse, only about 6 percent of Americans are considered “wealthy,” with a net worth of $1 million or more. That leaves the vast majority—94 percent of us—outside of that elite bracket. But that doesn’t mean financial literacy and planning aren’t for us. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

More than half of Americans don’t use a budget, and many don’t know how much they spent in the past month. Shockingly, almost half of American households had no savings in retirement accounts and average hundreds of dollars a year in avoidable fees like overdrafts and late payments.

These stats reflect a broader issue: a lack of confidence and understanding when it comes to money. Building financial literacy means learning how to:

• Create a budget that reflects your lifestyle and goals

• Save consistently, even in small amounts

• Avoid unnecessary debt

• Plan for short- and long-term financial goals

You don’t need to become a financial expert—you just need to start with the basics.

Start Financial Planning Where You Are

Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or enjoying a stable income, there’s never a bad time to take control of your finances. Start small: track your spending for a month, build a basic budget, or open a savings account just for emergencies.

If you’re not sure where to begin, consider working with a financial professional. They can help you set goals, make smart choices, and create a roadmap for your future.

It’s not about how much you make—it’s about how well you manage what you have.

Financial planning is not reserved for the ultra-wealthy. It’s a vital step toward a more secure and empowered life. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have later.