One thing I have found is that no one realizes how much you are going to be spending on insurance once you retire. My husband and I have additional insurance besides Medicare and it costs a fortune. My brother-in-law retired at 55 and went back to work as he couldn't afford insurance. It can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 every three months per person. Unless people have pensions or other income, social security won't make it. My prescriptions used to cost $700.00 per month and I purchase prescription insurance as well. It can be tough unless you have really saved a nice nest egg.