Retirement is Short: Why Your Biggest Fear in Retirement Is Probably Wrong

Retirement is short—probably shorter than you think—and yet most people who've done everything right still can't bring themselves to spend their savings. After 20 years of working with retirees, I've seen it happen again and again: people save diligently, invest wisely, hit their number, and then spend the next 15 years afraid to touch any of it. The research backs this up. Retirees with $500,000 or more in savings had spent only 11.5% of their assets after two decades.

In this video, I explain why your retirement window may be narrower than you expect and why giving yourself permission to spend could be one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make.

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You'll learn why decades of "accumulation mode" can work against you in retirement, creating an identity problem that makes spending feel wrong even when the math says otherwise. We explore what I call the "time problem"—the window of robust health where you can actually enjoy your money is typically only 13 to 14 years for a 65-year-old, according to CDC healthy life expectancy data.

Using research from the BlackRock Retirement Institute and other sources, I show how retirees are often withdrawing just 2% annually when the classic "4% rule" suggests they could potentially sustain twice that amount. You'll also see the regret data—what retirees say they wish they'd done differently—and why "not being ready to truly live life after work" tops the list at 20.5%.

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Chapters:

0:00 The Retirement Spending Paradox
1:25 Why Savers Struggle to Spend
2:45 Your Healthy Retirement Window
4:08 The 4% Rule vs What Retirees Actually Do
5:31 The #1 Retirement Regret
6:21 Why Current Market Conditions Matter
7:29 Learning to Spend With Purpose

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Disclosure: The research and statistics presented in this video, including data from the BlackRock Retirement Institute, Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, CDC National Vital Statistics Reports, and other sources, are referenced for educational purposes only and may not reflect current conditions. The "4% rule" and withdrawal rate discussions are general guidelines based on historical research; individual results depend on market conditions, inflation, personal circumstances, and other factors. Past performance of the S&P 500 or any investment does not guarantee future results, and markets can decline as well as rise. Current interest rates on CDs and Treasuries referenced are as of December 2025 and are subject to change; income from these investments is not guaranteed. Covenant Wealth Advisors is a registered investment adviser. The information presented in this video is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information and is for educational purposes only. This content should not be considered investment, tax, legal, or financial planning advice, nor a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Because we don't know your individual circumstances, this general information may not apply to your situation. Before making any financial decisions, consult with a qualified financial advisor, CPA, attorney, or other appropriate professional who can evaluate your specific needs. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. For more information about our firm, including our services and fees, please visit our website or review our Form ADV, available at adviserinfo.sec.gov.