This personal finance expert asked a group of American seniors what their biggest retirement regrets are — how many of them do you have?

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Retirement is no time for regrets. Your golden years should be spent reminiscing about a life well-lived — filled with hard work, meaningful relationships and hopefully enough savings for some much-deserved days on the beach.

Unfortunately, some Americans have more than a few regrets once they retire. A recent video on the My Retired Life YouTube channel explored these reflections, gathered from the host’s conversations with a sampling of folks in their 70s and 80s. Their responses are surprising, and maybe a little sad — but most importantly, they may inspire ways to avoid the same traps.

By considering their missteps now, retirees can take action to ensure they live their retirement years to the fullest, embracing experiences, enjoying their hard-earned money and nurturing their health.

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Regret 1: They wish they had retired earlier

Many retirees regret not retiring earlier, primarily because it would have allowed them to enjoy more of their retirement years in good health and with greater energy.

The 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that while workers often plan to retire around age 65, many end up retiring earlier, with a median retirement age of 62.

One way to help solidify any early retirement plans is to make sure you’re contributing consistently to one or more retirement accounts. While you may be contributing steadily, you may not realize that diversifying your investments with a gold IRA could help you protect your retirement fund from economic volatility.

One way to do is to open a gold IRA with the help of American Hartford Gold. This retirement account can help you stabilize your finances by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

One of the country’s most trusted precious metals companies – with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau – American Hartford Gold has helped thousands of clients protect their retirement.

When you sign up, you’re eligible to receive complimentary silver and a free investor guide that can help in both the protection and growth of your wealth.

Sadly, not everyone has the opportunity to spend retirement money on their own terms. Nearly one in five Americans have dipped into their retirement savings early because of an unforeseen medical bill or other emergency expense — highlighting the unpredictability of your quality of life and mobility during retirement when you’re not prepared. Retiring earlier (if you can afford to) may offer more enjoyment while you still have your health in check.

If you’re concerned about whether or not you’re making the right financial moves for your retirement today, getting advice from a financial advisor, like those found through WiserAdvisor, can help you to easily plan when, where, and how your retirement happens.

WiserAdvisor helps you find a financial advisor who can help you reach your financial goals. All it takes is a few minutes to answer some questions about yourself, and WiserAdvisor will provide you with a personalized match of two to three advisors. From there, you can book a free, no-obligation consultation to confirm if your match is right for you.

Read more: The average cost for health insurance has jumped to $8,435/year — but just a few minutes can help you find more affordable coverage

Regret 2: They wish they had spent more when they first retired

What comes first in retirement, saving or spending? Some of the interviewees in their 70s and 80s regretted not spending more money during their early retirement years, especially on experiences like travel, hobbies and family activities.

But recent data suggests seniors tend to wish they had saved more, reflecting America’s broader problem of retirement saving. Of course, retirement expenses and essential purchases are inevitable. But you can make the most out of them by downloading the Acorns app and linking it to your bank account.

With Acorns, when you spend money via debit and credit cards, the app automatically rounds up the total cost to the nearest dollar and invests the remainder in a diversified portfolio of ETFs. Sign up now and you can get a $20 bonus investment.

Regret 3: They wish they took better care of their health

Retirees often lament not prioritizing their health earlier in life, as bad diets and sedentary lifestyles have a way of catching up to us as we age.

The National Council on Aging says nearly 80% of adults aged 60 and up have two or more chronic conditions — ailments that highlight the importance of staying active and prioritizing nutrition to avoid endless doctor visits before and during retirement.

As you approach your golden years, finding affordable health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with different plans to navigate. U65 Health Insurance simplifies the search, allowing you to quickly compare rates from top providers in under five minutes.

Designed for pre-retirees and those under 65, including individuals with pre-existing conditions, U65 helps you secure coverage until you’re eligible for Medicare. Simply input your zip code, age, and household income, and U65 will show you quotes from leading insurers and a range of coverage options to help you find the best plan for you and your family.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.