Top 3 Money Regrets from People at the End of Their Life

Author: Vanessa Stoykov
Category: Financial Freedom

During a cost-of-living crisis, it’s hard to think beyond paying the next bill or keeping up with rising costs. But reflecting on the financial regrets of those in their later years can provide us with perspective, especially in times like these. Even when money is tight, our long-term financial choices and attitudes still shape our future. Over the years, I’ve learned that some of the most common money regrets have little to do with buying luxury items, but rather with decisions we didn’t make. Here are the top three money regrets from those looking back on their lives.

1. Not Focusing on Financial Education Sooner

One of the most common regrets people have is not taking the time to understand how to manage their money better, earlier. Even in a crisis like we’re experiencing now, there are still opportunities to learn and grow financially. Whether it’s understanding how to deal with debt, knowing the importance of superannuation, or learning about smart ways to save, financial education empowers you to make the most of what you have.

Many people in their later years wish they had sought advice sooner, particularly around investments, debt management, and retirement planning. The reality is that it doesn’t matter how much or how little you have—what matters is knowing how to best use it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by today’s financial pressures, now is the perfect time to access free resources through your super fund, community organizations, or online courses that focus on making informed financial decisions.

2. Not Prioritising Health and Wellbeing

With everything costing more these days, it can be tempting to cut corners when it comes to health spending. However, many people regret not investing more in their physical and mental health earlier in life. Health costs can skyrocket as we age, and when people look back, they often wish they had prioritised their wellbeing when they were younger and healthier.

This doesn’t mean spending money on expensive treatments, but it does involve budgeting for regular check-ups, exercise, and stress relief. In times of financial strain, prioritising health can feel like a luxury, but it’s one of the most important long-term investments you can make.

3. Letting Money Stress Impact Relationships

While the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on everyone, it’s important to remember that relationships are worth more than money. Many people regret letting financial stress take over their lives and relationships. Whether it’s disagreements with a partner or missing out on time with family due to long work hours, the price we pay for financial stress often shows up in broken relationships.

It’s crucial to find ways to ease the strain, whether through open communication with loved ones or seeking help from professionals like financial counsellors or mental health experts. Many employers and community organizations offer free resources that can help you manage stress, without adding more financial burden.

Final Thoughts
While today’s economic pressures are real and challenging, the regrets of those at the end of their lives can serve as valuable lessons. It’s about making smart decisions today that prioritise education, health, and relationships, even when money is tight. By doing so, we can face the future with fewer regrets and a sense of peace, knowing we made the best choices we could.

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Authors

Vanessa Stoykov

Vanessa has been passionate about writing and storytelling since her days of hiding under the doona with her torch to read after bedtime.
Kathy Skantzos

Kathy is a yoga-loving world traveller who also happens to moonlight as a business journalist and writer. She was the finance editor of news.com.au and the Managing Editor of CEO Magazine (Asia) before joining Vanessa and the evo squad.
Shayne Sommer

Shayne is second dan black belt in karate, and a budding romance writer with a difference. Why? Because she writes romance stories that always have a money lesson.
Antoinette Colbran

Specialising in stories for 50+ women, Antoinette draws from her own experiences to help other women avoid the pitfalls and see the benefits of understanding their money situation.
Michael Crooks

Michael Crooks is a more than 20 year writer and documentary maker who has worked with Time Inc and the BBC, who wants to expose the truth from real victims of financial crime to help others avoid their mistakes.
Kim Payne

Kim Payne has spent the past three decades as a speaker, trainer, business coach, and consultant in financial services. She has worked with and transformed hundreds of brilliant, educated, high achievers who are chronically under-living.
Rebecca Pritchard

Rebecca Pritchard is on a mission to help men and women achieve equality when growing a family.
Antony Perring

Ant is a writer, designer and business builder with a love of food, design and good living. He writes on food and money in an easy to do way.
Julie Hyde

Julie Hyde is a leader of leaders. A disruptor and a powerful people enabler who empowers leaders to make big things happen.
Joshua Pennell

As a Dad to four kids and a business owner, Josh is passionate about family and finances and is known as The Family Finance Guy.
Sid Lal

Sid is a serial entrepreneur who set up his first business when he was still in University. Since 2009 he has been heading Bruce Clay, first in India & more recently in Australia.
Lou Johnson

Lou Johnson believes in the power of sharing stories to build empathy, understanding and connection. Growing up surrounded by books and storytelling, alongside her drive to make a difference led her to a highly successful career in book publishing.
David Rae

Dave is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and has been a financial adviser since 2003. He works with a range of clients and has a strong focus on ethical and sustainable investing.
Natallia Smith

Natallia specializes in assisting pre-retiree single women—whether they are never married, widowed, separated, or divorced—understanding deeply the importance of financial stability during life's pivotal moments such as separation, divorce, retirement, and the loss of a loved one.
Mark Hoy

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Mark established Wollemi Wealth Management in 2013. His business is built almost entirely on referrals and word of mouth — a testament to the trust, integrity, and long-term relationships he forms with his clients.
Derek Gascoigne

Derek Gascoigne is the State Manager for UniSuper Advice in Victoria and Tasmania. Derek has been with UniSuper for over 15 years, and his career in superannuation and financial services spans 27 years and counting.
Annika Bradley

Annika Bradley is Head of Advice Strategy, Research & Technical at UniSuper. She brings over 20 years of experience across investments and wealth management in both the public and private sectors.
Wayne Leggett

Wayne has been a recipient of numerous industry awards and was one of the first to qualify as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He has been heavily involved in industry affairs at the highest level, including serving as national president of the Association of Financial Advisers (now FAAA).
Conrad Francis

Conrad Francis is the Founding Director of Inspired Money, a Perth-based financial coaching and financial planning, mortgage broking and money coaching firm he established in 2011.
Andrew Beks

Andrew Beks is a Chartered Accountant and the founder of Simplified Business and Accounting.