Money is always stressful, but between on-again, off-again, on-again tariffs, inflation, and a general sense of uncertainty, all things finance have been especially anxiety-inducing lately.

Much of the advice given is geared toward people who have time to make up losses in the stock market. But what if you’re retired or close to retirement age? That’s the matter at hand on this week’s episode of Explain It to Me, Vox’s call-in podcast where we answer the questions that matter to you most.

Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary knows that worry firsthand. She’s on the edge baby boomer and Gen X and is looking ahead to when she’s no longer working. “Like many people, I’m stressed to the max,” she says. “So I am punching a lot of pillows and crying and screaming and doing a little cussing, but trying to not let the fear dictate moves. And that’s the key.”

What other advice does she have for people looking to retire soon? And how should those of us who have more time talk with our older loved ones about their retirement plans? Below is an excerpt of our conversation, edited for length and clarity. You can listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. If you’d like to submit a question, send an email to askvox@vox.com or call 1-800-618-8545.

What should people who are approaching retirement age be doing right now in this economic moment?

You want to do a retirement budget. Figure out what it would take if you retired to live in retirement. And if you have a shortfall, then there are some things that you need to do.

Try to boost your savings. Try to look at your........

© Vox