7. The Lifestyle Trap: People Expect Too Much and Save Too Little
Finally, the biggest trap of all:
Americans over 40 often underestimate what retirement will cost and overestimate what they’ll feel satisfied with.
Many imagine:
-
Traveling often
-
Eating out
-
Maintaining a house
-
Helping kids
-
Enjoying hobbies
-
Upgrading technology
-
Staying socially active
All of which cost money — and usually more than expected.
The real trap?
You don’t feel the pressure now because you’re still working… but once the paychecks stop, the gap hits hard.
The solution:
Create a lifestyle plan now:
-
What does your ideal retirement look like?
-
How much does it actually cost per month?
-
What can you adjust or prepare for now while life feels stable?
This is how you flip the trap into a strategy.
