Business Insider asked more than 3,800 older Americans about their life regrets. In the video, six people shared their stories and explained what they wish they had done differently. Their regrets include retiring too early, not investing more aggressively, and parting with assets.
What would you say to your younger self? Six older Americans asked themselves this question and wrote a letter to Business Insider Video.
They’re just a few of the more than 3,800 older Americans who shared their life regrets over the past three months through reader surveys and emails to reporters. See the full list of stories and watch the video here.
Their letters emphasize that they would have acted differently and that they are proud. A former healthcare worker says she wishes she had been more assertive at work. One truck driver said he shouldn’t have sold his house. One health librarian explained that she had missed out on an investment opportunity. The manager said she left too soon. One couple also said they wish they had prioritized their passions and saved more carefully.
Scroll down to meet each person and read the full letter.
We look forward to hearing from you. Are you an older American with a life regret you would be happy to share with a reporter? Fill out this quick form.
Hank Faber, 77 years old
Hank Faber. brian hansen
Faber, a truck driver from Indiana, said he regrets leaving the farm. He estimates the farm is now worth more than $1 million. Accumulate debt. Not being financially prepared for health problems. Don’t build a large nest egg for retirement.
He said he has no plans to retire anytime soon, but is grateful to have found a career that allows him to keep playing music and enjoy it.
Anita Clemmons Swanagan, 59 years old
Anita Clemons Swanagan. Clancy Morgan/Business Insider
Swannagan, who held various positions in prisons and hospitals, accused himself of providing too much financial support to friends, of not prioritizing his own health early in life, and of not giving himself more pay. He said he regrets not insisting that he do so.
Still, the Illinois resident said she’s proud of herself for returning to work after the first of her two strokes, raising her three daughters and remaining positive about the future.
Nancy Seeger, 64 years old
Nancy Seeger. Gregory Nizer
Seeger, a health librarian in Ohio, said she wishes she had taken the time to learn investment strategies earlier in life, opened a Roth IRA earlier in her career and changed jobs sooner.
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But she also made many smart decisions, including securing adequate health insurance before her cancer diagnosis and overcoming a recent layoff to start a freelance writing career. He also said.
Misty Miller, 65 years old
Misty Miller. austin meyer
Miller, a staff services manager in California, said she regrets retiring too early, overspending and cashing out her 401(k) in her first year. However, she said she was able to stay positive by connecting with many people in her life and continuing to work.
Steve Dacus (67 years old) and Mary Dacus (69 years old)
Steve and Mary Dacus. brian hansen
Former salesman Steve Dacus and former secretary Mary Dacus both said they wish they had pursued careers they were passionate about, worked longer and been more careful with their savings before retiring. .
The couple, who live in rural Illinois, said they are proud to have cared for their parents and are looking forward to leaving their home and moving to another community.
