I’m a single boomer living paycheck to paycheck. I’ve been too busy living in the moment to plan for retirement.

As a boomer, born during the latter part of the generation, I still have a few more years of work before I can retire. Watching fellow boomer family and friends retire now, I have been giving my future some serious thought. I wonder if I did things properly to ensure a comfortable retirement for myself while also questioning some of the choices I made along the way.

Seeing my brother recently retire, I notice he has accumulated a substantial nest egg for himself. Working since he was 16, he took advantage of all the benefits offered by the union he joined early on. I look at him with much envy as he moves to a new stage while I still work and struggle financially.

I chose to follow my dream when I was young

Working since I was 17, I later jumped right into a full-time job after graduating from high school. Falling in love with Italy during my first paid vacation, I worked on and off in my early 20s, as I focused on my goal to live and work there. When the “working” part of that goal seemed unattainable, I decided to enroll in school instead, applying to a university in Rome.

Taking out a loan from a family member, I also worked at the university to help pay for my tuition. After two years of study, earning an associate degree, I remained another two years, working full-time at the university.

I didn’t start contributing to my 401(k) until I was in my 30s

Returning to the US after four years, I bounced around until I found my niche in the trade show industry. Working as an Operations Manager, I remained at the same company for 11 years, but, unwittingly, failed to contribute to their 401(k) until my fifth year there.

At the time, I was in my late 30s and not thinking about the future. I was simply enjoying my newfound career, all the traveling it allowed, and my single life. It was at this time that I met my financial advisor. He has assisted me since with rollovers as I moved around in the industry. I’m still contributing to my 401(k), but I’m not sure it’ll be enough to sustain my retirement.

I’m single and have no kids

After company downsizing and burnout, I followed an interest in the wine industry, taking a job in wine retail. I took a very big pay cut, even though I worked my way up to store manager. This is where I am now, as I start to contemplate what my retirement years will look like. Still single, with no children, you would think it would be an easy road ahead with just me to worry about.

My current situation would be perfect if I had someone in my life, contributing a second income, or if I had a second gig. Instead, I struggle, living paycheck to paycheck on my own.

I never bought a place

Recently, I reached out to my financial advisor to see if I am doing all I need to do for my financial future. Early on, I decided not to buy an apartment but to continue to rent. I felt I didn’t want to be tied down; I wanted the freedom to get up and go at any time. Now, I look at my assets, wondering if that was a good idea.

My financial advisor, knowing my situation, suggested I contribute more to my current 401(k). At the end of last year, I moved further from my job into a 55+ community to save money. Now, that freed-up cash will go toward my future.

I have some regrets

I certainly don’t regret my years living in Italy. In fact, hearing that an acquaintance recently announced his retirement and is planning a move to Portugal within the next year is making me seriously consider moving to Italy for my golden years.

I regret not starting a 401(k) sooner. The earlier you start, the more secure your future will be. When I first came home, the jobs I had prior to the event industry must have offered a 401(k), but I was busy finding myself. I would have been in a more comfortable position had I begun one in my late 20s.

I also don’t regret investing in property, as it is still not for me, with my “get up and go” attitude. I wonder if that is also why I am still single?

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