When Saving Becomes a Prison: Why Retirees Struggle to Spend and How to Break Free

2025-09-16

Are you afraid to spend money in retirement — even though you’ve saved diligently for decades? You’re not alone. Many retirees face a surprising challenge: shifting from saver to spender. In this episode of The Advised Podcast, Rick Luchini unpacks the psychology behind why it feels so hard to enjoy your money after years of disciplined saving. We talk about: Why the “middle-class millionaire” often struggles the most with spending The mindset shift needed to confidently move from accumulati...

Are you afraid to spend money in retirement — even though you’ve saved diligently for decades? You’re not alone. Many retirees face a surprising challenge: shifting from saver to spender.

In this episode of The Advised Podcast, Rick Luchini unpacks the psychology behind why it feels so hard to enjoy your money after years of disciplined saving. We talk about:

Why the “middle-class millionaire” often struggles the most with spending
The mindset shift needed to confidently move from accumulation to distribution
How to balance enjoying bucket-list experiences with the fear of running out

If you’ve ever worried about spending “too much” in retirement, this conversation will help you reframe your thinking and find the confidence to use your money with purpose.

Comments (3)