Ann Marie retired from a long career insurance and is living proof that it’s never too late to create a life you truly enjoy.

After leaving Chicago and moving to Arizona, Ann Marie and her husband tried one 55+ community, realized it wasn’t the right fit, and made the brave decision to move again and start over.

Today, she shares what retirement really feels like, the good and challenging parts of 55+ living, how she found purpose after leaving her career, and what’s helped her build a fun, full life in this season.

This is an honest, encouraging conversation for any woman who is retired, approaching retirement, or quietly wondering, “Is this all there is?”

Because the truth is — it’s not too late. And it never was.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anne-Marie's Journey

04:27 Transitioning to Retirement Life

07:17 Finding the Right Community

09:51 Building Connections in a New Neighborhood

12:35 Engaging in Community Activities

15:19 The Dynamics of a 55+ Community

18:08 Navigating Social Life as a Single

20:40 Conclusion and Reflections on Community Living

21:23 The Importance of Community for Singles

22:43 Finding the Right Fit in a Neighborhood

24:13 Defining a Good Life in Retirement

25:59 Social Engagement and Activities

28:00 Navigating Social Dynamics in Retirement Communities

29:56 Rediscovering Passions and Overcoming Fears

35:34 Gratitude and Building Connections

When I retired at 53, I thought it would feel like freedom. Relief. A deep exhale after years of pushing.

And it did.

But what I didn’t expect were the emotional shifts that followed.

In this episode, I’m sharing what truly surprised me about retiring at 53 — the calm that came after the grind, the identity loss no one prepares you for, how friendships quietly change, what it’s really like living in a 55+ community, and why money feels completely different once you stop earning it.

This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about what happens when the structure of work disappears and you’re left to redefine purpose, productivity, and who you are in this next chapter.

If you’re approaching retirement, already retired, or quietly wondering what life after work really feels like, this episode is for you.

🤍 It’s never too late to begin again.

What if your next chapter didn’t require a complete life overhaul—just one intentional word?

In this episode of It’s Never Too Late, we explore the power of choosing One Word as a simple, meaningful alternative to resolutions—especially for women over 50. This approach helps bring clarity, focus, and alignment to your midlife

journey without pressure or burnout.

If you’re navigating reinvention, personal growth, or a new season of life, this episode will help you choose a word that guides your decisions, mindset, and energy—one day at a time.

Because it’s never too late to begin again. One word can change everything.

Not everyone thrives in a 55+ community - and pretending otherwise helps no one.

In this episode, I share what I've learned from over 20 years as a real estate broker and almost 8 years living in a 55+ community. I walk through the five types of people who flourish in these communities - and the five types who are often miserable, frustrated, or ready to move again.

This is an honest, experience-based conversation about expectations, personality, lifestyle fit, and mindset - without sugarcoating or sales fluff.

If you're considering a move, already living in a 55+ community, or helping someone else make the decision, this episode will give you clarity you won't hear from a brochure.

In today's episode, I'm sharing the #1 tip that helped me lose 115 pounds . No gimmicks. No perfection. Just the honest, practical mindset shift that changed everything for me in midlife weight loss.

If you're on your own journey, stalled out, or simply need a little encouragement, this episode will give you a simple, powerful strategy you can start using today.

Because losing weight in your 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond is possible - and it's never too late to feel good again.

Ever wondered how to make a new home look stylish and expensive without overspending? In this episode, Karen's daughter Meredith shares the exact tools, tricks, and budget finds she used to create a beautifully designed space—without breaking the bank.

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Today on It’s Never Too Late, Karen is joined by her daughter Meredith for a fun, inspiring conversation about decorating a first home on a budget. Meredith walks through how she planned every room using free tools to map out layouts, color palettes, and furniture ideas before buying anything.

She shares the affordable finds from Amazon, Target, Walmart and more that she used to create a warm, stylish, cohesive look in her new home—proving you don’t need a big budget to make a space feel elevated. We cover what she splurged on, what she saved on, and décor mistakes she avoided.

Whether you're refreshing your own home or helping your kids decorate theirs, this “Bougie on a Budget” episode is full of easy and smart ideas, along with some beautiful inspiration.

And yes—every item she used is linked below so you can shop her favorite finds.

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This podcast may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them - at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my channel!

______________________________________________________________Here are links to every item if available. In some instances, I tried to find a very similar item at the same store if the original was no longer showing as available.

FREE DESIGN TOOLS:

https://www.planyourroom.com

https://www.chatgpt.com

https://www.Pinterest.com

Almost everything is in my ShopMy Store or my Amazon Storefront. Look for the Bougie on a Budget Collection.

Other items are listed individually below.

https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3142614 https://amzn.to/3Y7JXnc

PAINT COLORS:

Throughout Home: Sherwin Williams Pure White

https://tinyurl.com/m9fhaeaz

Bedroom Wall: Sherwin Williams Sleepy Blue

https://tinyurl.com/cpn6tekc

Items not in my ShopMy Store:

Living Room Couch https://tinyurl.com/3a25n8a7

Office Desk https://tinyurl.com/3jczvnnj

Primary Bedroom Rug

https://tinyurl.com/3zjbrj4s

Primary Bed

https://tinyurl.com/3294kudj

Dining Room Air Purifier

https://tinyurl.com/v77uctsj

Air Diffuser

https://tinyurl.com/2mdh2k9s

In this personal episode, Karen shares her full journey of losing 115 pounds using GLP-1 medications in her late 50s and early 60s. She opens up about the struggles that led her to seek medical support, why she chose this route, the physical and emotional changes, and the realities no one talks about.

From the possible side effects and the slow, steady wins… to the mindset shifts and the challenges of rebuilding confidence, Karen gives an honest and uplifting account of life on GLP-1s — and life after major weight loss. If you’re curious about these medications, navigating midlife health changes, or simply looking for hope and inspiration, this episode will speak to you.

In this episode, Karen breaks down what it’s really like to live in a 55+ community—drawing from her personal experience and her professional background as a real estate broker of 20+ years. She explains what to look for when choosing a community, including costs, amenities, social dynamics, safety, and the importance of community ownership.

Karen also shares the pros and cons of 55+ living, plus the subtle things most people don’t think about until they move in. If you’re considering this lifestyle—or just curious—this episode gives you clear, honest insights to help you make the best decision.

✴️ FOLLOW ME-IT'S ALL FREE! ✴️

Subscribe to my YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@IGoByKaren-o7g

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Come to my Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/IGoByKaren

Check out my ShopMy Store: https://shopmy.us/shop/igobykaren

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 55 Plus Communities

02:48 Key Considerations When Choosing a Community

05:57 Understanding Community Dynamics

09:13 Costs and Fees in 55 Plus Communities

12:06 Amenities and Activities Available

14:51 Social Aspects and Community Engagement

18:13 Ownership and Management of Communities

20:56 Location and Accessibility

24:13 Positives and Negatives of Living in 55 Plus Communities