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
Read Next: I Retired a Millionaire \u2014 The Best $30,000 I Ever Spent Preparing for Retirement<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Check Out: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home<\/a>\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 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 Learn More: Warren Buffett\u2019s Advice To Prepare for a Recession Is S-Tier<\/a>\u00a0<\/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 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