Life Starts at Retirement

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 retirement taught me about time and freedom• The life lessons that only come from living• And what I’d tell my younger self if I had the chanceIf you’re approaching retirement, newly retired, or simply reflecting on your own journey, I hope these lessons make you feel less alone—and maybe help you avoid a few detours I took along the way.Timestamps: 0:00 -   Introduction1:06 -   Time is wealth1:48 -   Start investing early3:00 -   Money isn't everything4:09 -   Don't chase money - chase your values5:07 -   Change is constant6:06 -   Patience - patience - patience6:51 -   Less stuff = less joy7:33 -   Invest in yourself8:04 -   Your competition is yourself9:17 -   Guard your health10:13 - Debt12:11 - Choose people wisely13:31 - Keep learning & keep laughing14:09 - Freedom is priceless15:35 - Saying NO16:35 - Be the BEST you! Thank you for being part of this community and for walking this chapter of life with me. 💛Here’s to growing older, wiser, and more intentional—together.🎂 63 years old today… and still learning.

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, or quietly wondering “Is it normal to feel this way?” — this video is for you. This isn’t about what retirement should look like.It’s about what it can feel like when you finally give yourself permission to live differently.✨ In this video, we talk about:👉 Identity after retirement👉 Social life👉 Recognition👉 Stress👉 Career advancement👉 Space at home👉 Income security👉 Purpose If you’ve ever felt excited and unsettled at the same time in retirement, you’re not alone.💬 I’d love to hear from you in the comments:What is one thing you’ve had to let go of — or know you need to let go of — in retirement? If you find comfort or clarity here, please consider subscribing.We’re having honest conversations about retirement, purpose, and living well — one season at a time.DISCLAIMER: I’m not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational purposes only. No official financial advice is being given. Please always check with a professional before making any investments or financial decisions. Your investments are your sole responsibility, these videos merely share my own opinions with no guarantee of gain or losses. #retirement #retire #tfsa #ccp #oas #lifestyle #retirementlife #retirementlifestyle #retirementplanning #retired #oldagepension #canadapensionplan #taxfreesavingsplan #retirees #retired #tfsa

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 success in retirement. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction0:48 - Relax2:27 - Friendship3:30 - Let excitement guide you4:30 - Be careful of big commitments5:22 - Be honest with yourself6:42 - Dress for the person you want to be7:16 - Retirement is a processRetirement is one of the four largest stages a person goes through.  The more you understand about it and what to expect, the more REMARKABLE it can be!! Please join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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), you are not alone.This is especially for anyone over 50 who is navigating identity shifts, confidence changes, or that powerful moment of choosing to live authentically instead of living for approval.💬 I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you’ve stopped caring about since retirement? Comment below — your story may inspire someone else.Things I no longer care about in retirement...Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:42 - What anyone thinks of me3:26 - Being liked by others4:33 - Other people's opinions5:55 - The need to justify myself6:23 - Looking younger7:10 - Energy suckers7:48 - To compare myself to others8:25 - Regrets#retirementplanning #retirement mindset #life after retirement, #women over 60 #not caring what people think #freedom #freedominretirement

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 obligationsChoosing experiences over expectationsWanting more joy, adventure, or personal growth…you are not alone — and you are not selfish.In this honest conversation, we explore:🔦 Why guilt shows up in retirement🔦 How to recognize when guilt is misplaced🔦 The emotional shift that comes with reclaiming your time🔦 Healthy boundaries for family relationships🔦 Why your joy does not take anything away from othersThis video is for anyone navigating the emotional transition into retirement, feeling torn between supporting loved ones and finally living the life they worked so hard to earn.Your time matters. Your happiness matters. And your dreams didn’t expire when your career ended.Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction8:13 - Be where your feet are9:00 - Give yourself permission9:14 - Schedule anchors10:12 - Love isn't on a timer10:31 - You matter too✨ Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for weekly guidance on emotional well-being, travel, purpose, and creating a joyful retirement lifestyle.

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:✔ Why some retirees decline after leaving work✔ The link between purpose, loneliness, and health✔ Why early retirement isn't the problem—losing meaning is✔ How to retire and live longer, happier, and healthier✔ Practical ways to stay mentally and physically engagedThis isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness so we can design a purpose-filled, vibrant retirement. Because life doesn’t end when work does—in many ways, it finally begins.Please check out my video about how to add remarkable things into your life! ✅https://youtu.be/mwMV6W_Qn74✨ New here? I’m Maureen, and this channel is all about inspiring people to make their retirement remarkable.   ➡ Subscribe for more retirement inspiration: Life Starts at RetirementPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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’re in your 50s or 60s, already retired, or just planning ahead, this video will help you:✨ Get clear about your future✨ Reduce stress and uncertainty✨ Discover how to fill your days with meaning✨ Build a retirement you LOVE — not just tolerate Welcome to Life Starts at Retirement — where we help you build a life filled with freedom, fun, and fulfillment. 💛Check out the video on how to find what you love here.....✅https://youtu.be/G-yWwd-ddrI?si=VBuItLJsMZNwkM2M

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 longer here.And what it means to move forward with love, awareness, and purpose. If you're in retirement or approaching it, you may find yourself reflecting on family, legacy, and time more than ever. You’re not alone. I hope this brings comfort, connection, and understanding to anyone who has walked through loss or is supporting a loved one through it.Thank you, Dad, for the lessons that continue long after you are gone.Please check out my video about the 8 signs you may be ready to retire ✅https://youtu.be/_T1BDpPC9lo?si=G8cJNG443pMgDG7rPlease check out my video about what I wish I had known before I retired ✅https://youtu.be/H7pPGcUp3o0?si=dOaQlRovInW3603pPlease check out my video on the 8 legal steps you can't ignore when you retire ✅https://youtu.be/k47IzMkJTQI?si=TqxjVq2V81ahWkoyPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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.📍 TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Introduction1:06 — Travel While You Can2:00 — Don’t Rush3:10 — Get Rewards Cards4:14 — Experiences vs. Stuff5:54 — Tried to Do It All7:06 — Spend the Money8:56 — Didn’t Record the Memories9:45 — Money vs. Time✨ Watch this before you plan your next trip!💬 Join the Conversation What’s your biggest travel regret or lesson learned on the road? Share it in the comments — your story might inspire someone else to travel smarter and live fuller.🧭 About This Channel Welcome to Life Starts at Retirement! I’m Maureen — traveler, storyteller, and cruise lecturer exploring what it means to live your best life after retirement. Subscribe for weekly videos on retirement lifestyle, travel tips, and inspiration to make every day an adventure.

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:✅ What the stability phase of retirement looks like day to day✅ How to build routines that feel joyful, not rigid✅ Why strong relationships and purpose create lasting happiness✅ Practical tips to create a retirement you truly love If you’re planning for retirement or already there, this video will inspire you to build a chapter filled with peace, purpose, and joy.🔔 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more real insights, inspiration, and practical tips to help you make retirement remarkable.👩‍💻 I’m Maureen Dobranski, and this is Life Starts at Retirement. On this channel, I talk about the real journey of retirement — not just the money side, but what it actually feels like to live day to day after work and to make your retirement remarkable📍 Today’s filming note: While you’re watching this, I’m actually traveling — enjoying another cruise, this time I'm in Venice!Please check out my video about the 8 signs you may be ready to retire ✅https://youtu.be/_T1BDpPC9lo?si=G8cJNG443pMgDG7rPlease check out my video about what I wish I had known before I retired ✅https://youtu.be/H7pPGcUp3o0?si=dOaQlRovInW3603pPlease check out my video on the 8 legal steps you can't ignore when you retire ✅https://youtu.be/k47IzMkJTQI?si=TqxjVq2V81ahWkoyPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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:✅ What the reorientation phase of retirement really means✅ Why identity and purpose feel uncertain after leaving work✅ Practical ways to explore new passions, routines, and goals✅ How to rebuild confidence and create a fulfilling life after workIf you’re feeling restless or unsure in retirement, this video will help you find direction, rediscover yourself, and create a chapter you truly love.👩‍💻 I’m Maureen Dobranski, and this is Life Starts at Retirement. On this channel, I talk about the real journey of retirement — not just the money side, but what it actually feels like to live day to day after work and to make your retirement remarkable📍 Today’s filming note: While you’re watching this, I’m actually traveling — enjoying another cruise, this time I'm in  Salerno, Italy!🔔 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more real-life insights, inspiration, and practical tips to make retirement remarkable.Please check out my video about the 8 signs you may be ready to retire ✅https://youtu.be/_T1BDpPC9lo?si=G8cJNG443pMgDG7rPlease check out my video about what I wish I had known before I retired ✅https://youtu.be/H7pPGcUp3o0?si=dOaQlRovInW3603pPlease check out my video on the 8 legal steps you can't ignore when you retire ✅https://youtu.be/k47IzMkJTQI?si=TqxjVq2V81ahWkoyPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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:✅ Why the disenchantment phase often surprises retirees✅ Common feelings of boredom, restlessness, or loss of purpose✅ Practical steps to overcome emptiness and find direction✅ How this stage can actually lead to growth and fulfillmentIf you’ve ever wondered “Is this all there is?” in retirement, this video will give you clarity, reassurance, and tools to navigate the tougher side of life after work.🔔 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more honest conversations, real-life insights, and practical tips to create a retirement full of meaning and joy.👩‍💻 I’m Maureen Dobranski, and this is Life Starts at Retirement. On this channel, I talk about the real journey of retirement — not just the money side, but what it actually feels like to live day to day after work and to make your retirement remarkable📍 Today’s filming note: While you’re watching this, I’m actually traveling — enjoying another cruise, this time through Pisa and Florence, Italy!Please check out my video about the 8 signs you may be ready to retire ✅https://youtu.be/_T1BDpPC9lo?si=G8cJNG443pMgDG7rPlease check out my video about what I wish I had known before I retired ✅https://youtu.be/H7pPGcUp3o0?si=dOaQlRovInW3603pPlease check out my video on the 8 legal steps you can't ignore when you retire ✅https://youtu.be/k47IzMkJTQI?si=TqxjVq2V81ahWkoyPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement.

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:✅ What the honeymoon phase of retirement really feels like✅ How long it typically lasts✅ Why some retirees start to feel restless or aimless✅ Practical tips to enjoy it fully and prepare for the next stageIf you’re planning for retirement or already there, this video will help you understand what to expect so you can make the most of this exciting chapter.🔔 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more insights, real stories, and tips to create a retirement full of purpose and joy.👩‍💻 I’m Maureen Dobranski, and this is Life Starts at Retirement. On this channel, I talk about the real journey of retirement — not just the money side, but what it actually feels like to live day to day after work and to make your retirement remarkable📍 Today’s filming note: While you’re watching this, I’m actually traveling — enjoying another cruise, this time I'm in Spain!Please check out my video about when you forget the money, you get happiness! ✅https://youtu.be/9OqDFDeKq2MPlease check out my video about 9 fun things to do after you've retired! ✅https://youtu.be/XDfNiTpcJ1Y?si=OLYcKPb982DWIZVSPlease check out my video on the 8 legal steps you can't ignore when you retire ✅https://youtu.be/k47IzMkJTQI?si=TqxjVq2V81ahWkoyPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement.

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:✅ What the pre-retirement phase really is✅ The emotions you’ll face — excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty✅ The biggest mistake people make (focusing only on money)✅ Practical tips to prepare for retirement beyond finances✅ Real-life examples of how to plan for purpose, connection, and joy.The pre-retirement stage is your golden opportunity to experiment, build routines, strengthen relationships, and start shaping the life you want after work. Don’t let it slip by focusing only on spreadsheets — because retirement is about more than money. It’s about meaning.This video is Part 2 of my 6-part series on the Emotional Stages of Retirement.Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss the next stage!👩‍💻 I’m Maureen Dobranski, and this is Life Starts at Retirement. On this channel, I talk about the real journey of retirement — not just the money side, but what it actually feels like to live day to day after work and to make your retirement remarkable📍 Today’s filming note: While you’re watching this, I’m actually traveling — enjoying another cruise, this time through Belgium!🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribePlease check out my video about loneliness in retirement ✅https://youtu.be/a4_OEVoJGcc?si=NlomXsaUbvJIBA4kPlease check out my video about the 3 stages of retirement....Go Go Phase, Slow Go Phase and No Go Phase. ✅https://youtu.be/4-_kDrQnwN8Please check out my video Forget the money...this is what makes retirees happy! ✅https://youtu.be/9OqDFDeKq2M?si=iFNcv16bvdr2jjBRPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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:✅ The 4 key emotional stages of retirement✅ Why the “honeymoon” feeling doesn’t last✅ 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 you understand what to expect — and how to make your next chapter the most meaningful one yet.This is the first video in a series of 6!  Please join me next week for Pre-retirement - The dreams and the reality!🔔 Subscribe to Life Starts at Retirement for more real conversations, practical insights, and inspiration to make retirement remarkable.

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 #RetirementSpending #FinancialFreedom #LifeStartsAtRetirementPlease check out my video about the 3 stages of retirement....Go Go Phase, Slow Go Phase and No Go Phase. ✅https://youtu.be/4-_kDrQnwN8Please check out my video on the 4 stages of retirement! ✅https://youtu.be/sELWGP7IyusPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement.

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 active and exploring your passions to finding new ways to give back and connect with others, these ideas are designed to spark inspiration and remind you that the best years can still be ahead.Retirement is your chance to do more of what you love—and maybe even discover something new. Timestamp00:00 - Find a hobby02:20 - Use your knowledge03:40 - Volunteer04:35 - Travel06:33 - Be active07:48 - Become a writer08:35 - Learn, Learn, Learn09:45 - Get a part time job 111:15 - ConnectionPlease check out my video about loneliness in retirement✅https://youtu.be/a4_OEVoJGcc?si=NlomXsaUbvJIBA4kPlease check out my video about the 3 stages of retirement....Go Go Phase, Slow Go Phase and No Go Phase.✅https://youtu.be/4-_kDrQnwN8Please check out my video on the 4 stages of retirement!✅https://youtu.be/sELWGP7IyusPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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 back, this video will challenge the idea that a bigger nest egg equals a better retirement. It’s about creating a life that feels rich — in meaning, not just money. If you’re retired, planning to retire, or just rethinking what truly matters, this video is for you.👇 Share in the comments: What brings you the most joy in this chapter of life?🔔 And don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, practical conversations about retirement and beyond.Please check out my video about loneliness in retirement ✅https://youtu.be/a4_OEVoJGcc?si=NlomXsaUbvJIBA4kPlease check out my video about the 3 stages of retirement....Go Go Phase, Slow Go Phase and No Go Phase. ✅https://youtu.be/4-_kDrQnwN8Please check out my video on the 4 stages of retirement! ✅https://youtu.be/sELWGP7IyusPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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 start living on your own terms.This video explores how retirement changes not just how you spend your time — but how you see yourself, your relationships, and your life’s meaning. Whether you're newly retired, counting down the days, or supporting someone through this major transition, this video is a must-watch. Let’s talk openly about the shift from doing to being, from chasing to choosing. Because retirement changes everything — and when we understand those changes, we can step into this next chapter with intention, courage, and maybe even excitement.👇 Share your own retirement transformation in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.Please check out my video about the 3 stages of retirement....Go Go Phase, Slow Go Phase and No Go Phase. ✅https://youtu.be/4-_kDrQnwN8Please check out my video on the 4 stages of retirement! ✅https://youtu.be/sELWGP7IyusPlease join our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement

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.  Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:35 - Routine4:10 - Purpose5:30 - Lonely6:55 - Identity8:36 - Finances9:40 - Balance10:55 - Mental HealthPlease check out our video on loneliness✅https://youtu.be/a4_OEVoJGcc?si=aSWAhyj8U16ardLVPlease consider joining our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/lifestartsatretirement