I Retired Early & Alone 5 Years Ago — 3 Things I Didn't Expect

I retired early and solo five years ago—and while retirement has given me freedom I’m incredibly grateful for, there are a few things I didn’t expect. In this video, I share three surprises I’ve experienced since retiring early: why financial anxiety can stick around even when the numbers say you’re doing okay, how retirement can change friendships, and the surprising difference between simply living alone and actually retiring alone. I also share the one thing I wish I had done before I retired. We spend so much time preparing financially for retirement, but I’ve learned that preparing for how we’ll actually spend our time matters too—especially when retiring solo. If you're approaching retirement, already retired, or wondering what early retirement might really feel like once the honeymoon phase wears off, I hope my experience gives you something to think about. Thanks for watching and being part of the Solo Second Act community. ❤️