Core Insights - Retirement planning is complex and often causes anxiety due to uncertainty about savings and timing [2][3] - A proactive approach to retirement involves not just saving money but also planning for spending [2][5] Group 1: Retirement Planning Basics - The average person tends to retire three years earlier than initially planned, indicating the need for early preparation [4] - The focus should be on replacing income rather than accumulating a specific amount of savings, such as $1 million or $2 million [5][6] Group 2: Key Retirement Metrics - The "retirement longevity number" is crucial, which combines expected retirement age, life expectancy, and annual spending needs [5] - Factors like mortgage status and Social Security benefits significantly influence retirement spending and should be considered in planning [6]