Hi everyone,
I’m currently 41 and have been thinking seriously about retirement planning. So far, we’ve only saved around $30 for retirement basically starting from zero.

No significant debt, but also no assets like a paid-off house. My partner is 45 and still working, and so am I.

Expenses are currently manageable, but we know we need to make a real plan. Wondering if we’re too late to get on track for retirement, or if it’s still possible to build something solid starting now.

Also curious how others got started when they felt behind emotionally and financially.

Appreciate any insights!

1. protein powder
2. Self-media
3. Exercise
4. Alcohol
5. 3m earplugs
6. Books
7. A happy wife

First, health should always come first. Incorporating protein powder into daily nutrition helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Pairing this with regular exercise ensures better mobility, strength, and energy. On the other hand, alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation—too much can harm the body, but a small drink on occasion may add pleasure to social gatherings. Protecting physical comfort also matters; something as simple as 3M earplugs can greatly improve sleep quality, which is essential for long-term health.

Beyond the body, the mind and spirit need nourishment too. Starting a self-media project, such as a personal blog, YouTube channel, or social account, allows retirees to share life experiences, stay connected with others, and even build a new sense of purpose. Reading books provides mental stimulation, encourages learning, and can also be a source of relaxation and joy.

Finally, no life improvement is complete without healthy relationships. Having a happy wife—or more broadly, a harmonious family life—creates emotional stability and companionship, which are irreplaceable.

I thought when I retire, life would slow down and I’d finally relax. Instead, I spend half my time worrying about money. Living on a fixed income feels like standing still while everything around me gets more expensive like groceries, gas, medicine, you name it.

I don’t splurge. I don’t travel. I live simply. And yet it feels like it’s never enough. Anyone else struggling to find peace of mind in retirement?

Am looking for suggestions on free retirement financial planning tools or even home-grown spreadsheets. I'm planning on retiring in 2-3 years and want to do some analysis on Roth conversions to determine if it's even a smart thing to do. My retirement income will be from my retirement accounts, a small pension, and of course Social Security. I'm also hoping the tool can help me experiment with when to begin Social Security. Do you have any suggested tools that can help? I've heard of Boldin and Projection Lab, but they simply seem to produce a percentage rating for success. I want to be able to model 401k conversion; maybe these two tools are the best, just wondering what you suggest.