What Happens If You Can’t Afford to Retire?

What happens when the date you planned to retire arrives, but the money does not? Through Ellen, an explicitly fictional example, we look at the gap between the age you hope to stop working, the age you can afford to stop, and the age work may stop being available to you. This U.S.-focused explainer covers retirement savings uncertainty, Social Security claiming choices, older workers, Medicare costs, and local sources of help. It is educational, not individualized financial or benefits advice. Check your own estimates and eligibility with the relevant agencies. Chapters: 0:00 The date on Ellen's calendar 0:59 Retirement is not one event 1:39 Retirement's three clocks 3:20 The monthly arithmetic 4:47 Social Security choices 6:24 When work stops being an option 8:53 Medicare and surprise costs 10:43 The social cost 11:48 What unaffordable retirement looks like 12:35 Measure the real gap 13:55 Benefits and local help 15:32 Ellen's next choices