How to Money · Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Jean Chatzky likens retirement account balances to 'precious cargo,' citing research showing people hesitate to use special gifts, fearing regret of using them too soon. She argues this mentality leads to hoarding and prevents people from enjoying the financial security they worked hard to achieve.
“Retirement account balances are the ultimate precious cargo. We can't let go and we're hoarding and it's such a shame because people are not experiencing the joy that they saved for so many years for.”
“And so when you're offered a chance to go on that income path, particularly knowing that you're going to get a do over at some point in the future, if you want it, I would say, go on the ride.”