October 20, 2025

5 Things to Sell BEFORE You Retire

9 minutes

Retirement planning: 5 things to sell before you retire—downsize the house, cut support for adult children, ditch RV/boat “toys,” drop the second car, and release your work identity with my Keep-Sell-Swap test.

If you want a calmer, freer retirement, subtraction beats addition. In this video I walk through five high-impact things to sell (or stop funding) to lower ongoing costs, reduce stress, and buy back time for what matters most—travel, family, health, and fun.

What you’ll learn:

• How to decide if your house is sized for your next chapter

• A smart boundary for funding independent adult children without hurting your plan

• Cheaper alternatives to ownership (boat clubs, rentals, peer-to-peer)

• A simple test to see if you still need a second car

• Why letting go of your old work identity creates real freedom

My 3-step Keep, Sell, or Swap framework:

Does this serve my next chapter—or my last one?

What’s the real all-in cost (cash, time, stress, space, opportunity)?

What becomes possible if I release it?

Try the 60-Day Swap: live exactly as if the item is gone (park the RV, ignore the second car, use rentals). Track real inconveniences vs. habit itches. Decide with data, not guilt.

🔗Click here for my free checklist 12 Must – Do Steps to Retire Sooner and Smarter.

🔗 Click here for the free MAGI Calculator Template (Microsoft Excel download). Use it to estimate your MAGI for ACA plans.

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal experience and research. It is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making major retirement or financial decisions. I am not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from reliance on this information.

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By Mike Upland

4.8

66 ratings