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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by No one likes regrets. But for many retirees, that\u2019s a harsh reality. More often, these regrets are small decisions that felt harmless at the time.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n GOBankingRates asked five retirees<\/a> to share their biggest regret. Their answers reveal patterns that could save you decades of catch-up stress. Here\u2019s what they wish they\u2019d known sooner.<\/p>\n Also see what retirees will regret most in 10 years, according to ChatGPT<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Start Saving and Investing Early<\/p>\n One of the biggest retiree regrets is not saving enough money early on in their working years. For many people, saving and investing<\/a> feels optional in their 20s and 30s, especially when money is tight or retirement seems far away.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret not saving\/investing early,\u201d Helen F. said. Another retiree echoed this: \u201cI really only started investing in my 40s. Start early.\u201d <\/p>\n The earlier you start, the more time your money has to compound.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 2. Make Use of Workplace Retirement Benefits<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t take advantage of employer-matching contributions, you\u2019re turning down free money that could boost your retirement savings<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret not signing up for the company matching contributions. Most young people think retirement is a lifetime away, and it is,\u201d one retiree said. \u201cBut matching by the company is free money.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. Prioritize Health<\/p>\n Financial regrets weren\u2019t the only ones. One retiree mentioned they wished they had treated health as a long-term investment. <\/p>\n \u201cNot switching to eating healthier sooner, exercising more, and stopping making other things a priority over this,\u201d Nancy L. said. Poor health can make retirement more expensive and less enjoyable.<\/p>\n 4. Don\u2019t Wait Too Long To Get Professional Help<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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