10 Things No One Tells People About Retirement
This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.

Weekend Reading
Many people dream about retirement like it’s a thrilling prison break—counting down the days until they’re free. But the hard truth? Retirement isn’t just about getting there; it’s about knowing what comes next.
READ THE ARTICLEHere, past podcast guest Robert Laura shares some of the most important—yet lesser known—aspects of the reality of retirement:
📌 Retirement is empty until you fill it: If you don’t actively shape your retirement with purpose and passion, it won’t feel like the paradise you imagined
📌 Your mental health matters more than the stock market: Depression, loneliness, and alcohol abuse can rise in retirement. Not because of money but often due to lack of purpose and connection.
📌 Retirement is one of life's most stressful events: It’s ranked alongside divorce and losing a loved one
📌 You lose more than a paycheck: Retirement means losing routine, social connections, and identity—things you’ll need to replace to feel whole
📌 Retirement still requires work: Not office work, but the work of staying active, building relationships, and keeping your mind sharp
📌 Don’t put off living until retirement: The habits and passions you start before retirement will carry over. Waiting until “someday” is a mistake.
The Bottom Line: Retirement isn’t just an escape—it’s a new adventure that YOU design. Instead of drifting aimlessly, take control and make it your best chapter yet.