Investing at any age comes with challenges, but in your 70s, the stakes feel higher. Unlike in your younger years, you don’t have decades to recover from mistakes or ride out market crashes. Your focus now is to protect what you’ve built, generate a steady income, and make sure your wealth lasts for as long as you need it.

In a survey of roughly 1,200 baby boomers (aged ≈ 48 to 90), many common regrets surfaced: 

• Not starting retirement savings early enough. 
• Not being better prepared for emergencies (medical issues, job loss, etc.). 
• Not understanding the full impact of withdrawing Social Security benefits too early.

For many, the regret wasn’t a single big mistake, but a series of smaller ones that compounded (missed contributions, not asking for help, not planning for inflation). 

It’s not usually one bad decision that causes regret; it’s neglecting the fundamentals over time: savings, understanding risk/benefit, and planning ahead.

Read: Investing in Index Funds: 2025 Best Guide for Beginners

Here are some of the most common mistakes boomers make with money in their 70s and how to avoid them. 

Taking Too Much Risk 

Some boomers in their 70s feel pressure to “make up” for lost time, especially if they feel underprepared for retirement. This can lead to putting too much money in high-risk assets like individual growth stocks or speculative funds. 

A common guideline: subtract your age from 100. That number is the maximum percentage of your portfolio that should be in stocks. At 70, that means around 30% in equities and 70% in safer assets like bonds and cash. 

And instead of chasing one or two “hot” stocks, use mutual funds or ETFs to diversify. It lowers the risk of one bad bet sinking your retirement. 

Playing It Too Safe 

On the flip side, some retirees swing too far in the other direction, parking everything in savings accounts or certificates of deposit. While safe, these don’t keep up with inflation. Over time, your money loses purchasing power. 

The key is balance: hold enough cash for emergencies and short-term needs, but keep a portion in growth-oriented assets so your portfolio can outpace inflation. Even conservative bond funds or dividend stocks can protect your future spending power. 

Chasing New Trends 

Cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence stocks, or the latest biotech breakthrough—there’s always a new trend that promises sky-high returns. And yes, they can look tempting, especially when headlines highlight overnight millionaires. 

But here’s the reality: speculative investments swing wildly. If you’re in your 70s, a sharp downturn could wipe out savings that took decades to build. You simply don’t have the same recovery window younger investors do. 

Instead of gambling, focus on time-tested investments: dividend-paying stocks, municipal bonds, or income-focused ETFs. These may not double overnight, but they provide steady growth and peace of mind. 

Panic Quickly 

Many retirees panic when they see red in their portfolio. It’s natural. But moving in and out of the market based on headlines is a losing game; even professionals often get it wrong. 

If you’ve built wealth by investing consistently over time, don’t abandon that discipline now. Markets rise and fall, but the long-term trend has always been upward. Rather than selling out of fear, maintain a mix of investments aligned with your age and risk tolerance. 

Ignoring the Sequence of Returns 

Here’s a concept many overlook: the order in which your investments gain or lose money matters a lot once you start withdrawing. 

Imagine two retirees, both with $1 million portfolios and both earning the same average return. If one experiences market losses in the first few years of retirement, they’ll end up with far less money than the other, even though their long-term returns are identical. 

This is called the sequence of returns risk. The solution? Build a retirement “income bucket strategy.” Keep a few years’ worth of living expenses in cash or short-term bonds. That way, if markets dip, you won’t be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover daily needs. 

Forgetting About Longevity 

Many people underestimate how long they’ll live. Advances in healthcare mean it’s not uncommon to live well into your 90s. If you retire at 70, that’s 20–25 years your money still needs to last. 

That’s why sustainable withdrawal strategies are crucial. Financial planners often recommend the 4% rule, withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually (adjusted for inflation). It’s not a perfect rule, but it’s a good starting point to avoid overspending. 

Your 70s are not the time to gamble, panic, or swing from one extreme to another. The smartest approach is balance: protect your savings, generate a steady income, and allow for enough growth to outpace inflation. 

Remember, investing at this stage isn’t about chasing the next jackpot. It’s about peace of mind, stability, and making your money last as long as you do.