Hitting your 60s is often seen as the golden era — retirement is either around the corner or already here, the kids are grown, and ideally, decades of hard work are finally paying off.
But this stage of life can also come with a fair share of “if only I had…” financial realizations. From missed savings opportunities to unexpected expenses, the lessons that surface around this time can be both sobering and eye-opening.
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The upside? Those lessons don’t have to be learned the hard way. By paying attention to the most common financial regrets that tend to surface in your 60s, it’s possible to sidestep costly missteps and set yourself up for a more secure, stress-free future.
Think of it as a roadmap to help you plan smarter while there’s still time to make a difference.
So, what are the most common financial regrets people face in their 60s — and more importantly, how can you avoid them? Here are the biggest takeaways, along with practical tips to help you make better money moves today.
“My biggest regret is not earning more when I was younger,” Diane Darling, speaker and consultant, and author of “The Networking Survival Guide and Networking for Career Success.”
“When you’re over 50, it is all but impossible to get a job. It’s wise to earn the most money when you can,” Darling said.
By the time you reach your 50s and beyond, the job market can be less forgiving, and starting over or climbing the ladder is far more difficult.
That’s why it’s so important to maximize your income potential while you can. Negotiating salaries, pursuing promotions or even picking up side hustles in your prime earning years can make a significant difference to your long-term financial security.
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Additionally, Darling suggested that people save at least six months of sufficient funds to live without a job.
“That way, if you are ever asked to compromise your ethics and/or you find yourself out of work, you don’t take a job in a panic,” she added.
Building a strong safety net is another key step in avoiding future financial regrets.
Having at least six months of living expenses set aside provides breathing room if life throws an unexpected curveball — whether that’s a layoff, a sudden health issue or a career shift you didn’t see coming.
With that cushion, there’s less pressure to make quick decisions that might not be in your best long-term interest.