Nearly half of Americans aged 60 and older can't afford their daily needs, the National Council on Aging estimates. Over 3,800 older Americans reached out to Business Insider to share their financial regrets and the lessons they wish they had learned earlier. Six shared advice on saving, investing, and preparing for retirement.
Updated 1/27/25: BI reporters worked with participants to refine their letters for clarity and to ensure key quotes and details from their interviews were included.
Read: "She's 93 and still job searching. Why older Americans work, even if they're sick":
https://trib.al/1CU30Az Read "A trucker in his late 70s who can't afford to retire shares the big regret he made decades ago that may have changed his circumstances."
https://trib.al/1bzl4gj Read "A woman who retired at 55 after a brain tumor lost her savings paying off $100,000 in medical debt. She regrets being so generous."
https://trib.al/cs9ralp Read: "A woman who retired early at 58 thought she was ready with over $500,000 in savings. A few years later, it was gone."
https://trib.al/LzrU7w6 00:00 - Dear Younger Self
00:49 - "Save Money And Invest In A Roth IRA Or 401(k)"
02:21 - "Don’t Pile Up Debt"
04:36 - "Prioritize Your Health"
05:54 - "Don’t Retire Early"
08:29 - "Pursue A Career You’re Passionate About"
10:12 - "What We Did Right"
11:53 - Credits
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