View Full Version : Retirement now visible on the horizon!
happystuff
1-30-24, 9:59am
Just writing this post makes it seem more "real" and possible! Barring any unexpected events, it is beginning to look like I will be able to retire in 11-14 months! It seems surreal and I'm not sure if knowing makes it easier or harder to go into work every day now. :|(
Dh and I are starting to get our ducks in a row with finances, future wants/desires, etc. The hope is to retire into a smaller place, but still relatively close to family. Right now, we are socking a lot into savings to prep for any surprises and we are starting to navigate the Medicare mess in preparation. (Still have healthcare from work and the VA).
Again, just posting this as an "I put it in writing, so I'm GOING to do it!" type thing. LOL.
It's actually somewhat frightening!
Just writing this post makes it seem more "real" and possible! Barring any unexpected events, it is beginning to look like I will be able to retire in 11-14 months! It seems surreal and I'm not sure if knowing makes it easier or harder to go into work every day now. :|(
Dh and I are starting to get our ducks in a row with finances, future wants/desires, etc. The hope is to retire into a smaller place, but still relatively close to family. Right now, we are socking a lot into savings to prep for any surprises and we are starting to navigate the Medicare mess in preparation. (Still have healthcare from work and the VA).
Again, just posting this as an "I put it in writing, so I'm GOING to do it!" type thing. LOL.
It's actually somewhat frightening!
Don't be scared! You are doing all the right things and it will turn out very well. Yes, the Medicare/Tricare overlap is confusing.
You can do this!!
iris lilies
1-30-24, 11:37am
This is FABULOUS news! Wonderful! Yay!!!
rosarugosa
1-30-24, 12:29pm
Great news, Happystuff!
catherine
1-30-24, 12:30pm
Wow! So great, happystuff!!
early morning
1-30-24, 1:42pm
That's wonderful!! Neither my DH nor myself planned to retire when we did - he became disabled, and later, I had an -*ahem*- educational disagreement with our judge. (when you work in our court system, it's at the discretion of the judge) - so there was no planning in either case, lol. It sounds like you're doing a great job of getting ready for the transition to being retired - so happy for you!
Another thing I remember from that heady time right before retiring was how I slowly disengaged from the workplace. I did my work but cared less and less about being a part of it. Congratulations...the days will go quicker than you think.
Been retired 15 years. Make sure you have all the areas covered: cultural, educational, physical, creative, charitable, etc.
We found regular exercise, whatever you prefer, is really needed in retirement.
Charitable activities can cover many aspects of retirement. My husband gets physical activity from his Habitat work, social needs from the groups of guys he regularly volunteers with and creative mind use from thinking of new ways to do things and working out better systems.
Keep your mind exercised by any means you like.
happystuff
1-31-24, 9:15am
Thanks everyone. It does seems daunting. I guess the most right now is trying to figure out where we will be living. Current house is just too big and too much maintenance at t his point in time. Plus I really am ready for something smaller.
I hope everyone is correct and the days will go by quickly!
I hope everyone is correct and the days will go by quickly!
I wish I could remember the Noel Coward quote--something about "when you get older every 5 minutes it's time for breakfast again." I have certainly found that to be true!! So try not to wish away the next 11-14 months TOO much! :).
Congratulations! I'm planning on retiring 1/1/25, but told them I'd still work part-time. Lots to do in the next 11 months!
iris lilies
1-31-24, 5:28pm
Congratulations! I'm planning on retiring 1/1/25, but told them I'd still work part-time. Lots to do in the next 11 months!
oh great, you are in countdown mode!
Husband is retiring in about 3 years and is already getting things set in his mind on how everything will work with finances, healthcare, etc. I still have another 10 years before I hit 62 and can retire so we will start getting health insurance from my work instead of his. He currently has about $700,000 in his 401K and it should be at $1M by the time he does retire. He figured out that once I retire and start collecting my pension and Social Security, we will be golden. Just have to get through a few years (5-6) with him retired and me still working.
Congrats on seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I envy you!!
iris lilies
2-1-24, 8:43am
Klunick, it sounds like you guys are in great shape. If you have a pension PLUS social Security, and with that much in financial assets, you’ll be fine. We barely touch our assets, just using that stash for a new car, house renovation, or a big blowout trip to Europe when that happens, which is been only once in the past few years.
Otherwise, the pension makes all the difference in having a retirement that is luxurious. Without it, we would be perfectly fine but it is nice.
Congrats, beckyliz! and to your dh Klunick!
For us, I think the biggest issue is going to be "where". Looking at the housing market and prices is just frustrating to no end.
Klunick, it sounds like you guys are in great shape. If you have a pension PLUS social Security, and with that much in financial assets, you’ll be fine. We barely touch our assets, just using that stash for a new car, house renovation, or a big blowout trip to Europe when that happens, which is been only once in the past few years.
Otherwise, the pension makes all the difference in having a retirement that is luxurious. Without it, we would be perfectly fine but it is nice.
I have always had a fear of living with no money. Must come from dealing with the aftermath of my parents' divorce. Dad was an Officer in the Army and mom was a SAHM. Never had a want or need that couldn't easily be met. Then they got divorced and mom was left without a job or money coming in. She did get a job but obviously not paying nearly as much as my dad was making. We had to scrimp and save and eat toast for dinner many nights. I never lived on my own so I never had to worry about having enough money to pay for rent/food/etc. I worry about what will happen when my husband passes and it's just me. I think I will be ok maintaining the money as I am not someone who blows money willy nilly. My concern is making sure I have all the money I will need to live until death. That scares me. Heck it scares me to think about how things will change once my husband retires in a few years. I like living without worrying about money and I think when it does happen, I will have to worry even though in my head, I think we'll be just fine.
iris lilies
2-1-24, 6:07pm
Congrats, beckyliz! and to your dh Klunick!
For us, I think the biggest issue is going to be "where". Looking at the housing market and prices is just frustrating to no end.
what are your geographic limitations?
happystuff
2-2-24, 11:38am
what are your geographic limitations?
Definitely east/northeast - but not New England. While I would love Vermont, I'm over snow! LO Which is weird because we were also thinking PA - possibly mountains. Being near family, however, is a priority and that's all just up in the air right now.
happystuff
3-18-24, 9:30am
So, having just celebrated my birthday, my countdown is under a year! Haven't picked a specific "last day", but I'm counting at about 361 days to go! LOL.
happystuff
7-27-24, 9:32am
Just touching base with this again. Time is sort of going by quickly and sort of not - lol. I still have all the medical stuff to investigate. THAT seems daunting! I usually just "shut down" and go do something else. But, I know I will have to face it soon. Have been making decent strides in continuing to declutter the house. Still so much, but - again - I don't live alone. LOL.
Financially, have been plugging as much as possible into savings. Will have enough to upgrade my car (buying a siblings hybrid soon!) so that I will have a more reliable ride - especially if we end up moving further away from family.
That's really about it. Having a count-down is actually pretty terrifying!!!
iris lilies
7-27-24, 9:48am
Just touching base with this again. Time is sort of going by quickly and sort of not - lol. I still have all the medical stuff to investigate. THAT seems daunting! I usually just "shut down" and go do something else. But, I know I will have to face it soon. Have been making decent strides in continuing to declutter the house. Still so much, but - again - I don't live alone. LOL.
Financially, have been plugging as much as possible into savings. Will have enough to upgrade my car (buying a siblings hybrid soon!) so that I will have a more reliable ride - especially if we end up moving further away from family.
That's really about it. Having a count-down is actually pretty terrifying!!!
very exciting!
if you were talking about Medicare, yes, that is daunting, all those alphabet choices.
We went to a Medicare broker. The broker is paid by the insurance company. I’m sure that adds to our cost but it was worth it just to get some clarity for a few years. Now I will confess we have never changed our policies.
Besides all the alphabet coverage that you’re confronted with, there’s this thing called “Medicare advantage.“ It is a different kind of health insurance. The government dangles all kinds of incentives to people to sign up for Advantage plans. I would just caution you to be aware of the “gotchaS” in these Advantage plans. The rules of these plans are set by your state so they do very state-by-state.
happystuff
7-27-24, 11:31am
very exciting!
if you were talking about Medicare, yes, that is daunting, all those alphabet choices.
We went to a Medicare broker. The broker is paid by the insurance company. Ensure I’m sure that adds to your cost but else it was worth it just to get some clarity for a few years. Now I will confess we have never changed our policies.
Besides all the alphabet coverage that you’re confronted with, there’s this thing called “Medicare advantage.“ It is a different kind of health insurance. The government dangles all kinds of incentives to people to sign up for Advantage plans. I would just caution you too be aware of the “gotchaS” in these Advantage plans. The rules of these plans are set by your state so they do very state-by-state.
Thanks, IL. Yes, all the alphabets are daunting. And I have not heard very good things about "Medicare Advantage"; basically that if you select the appropriate medicare plan(s) for yourself, it really isn't needed. I also have to work the VA into all of this. Right now, the VA is my primary caregiver/medical - with my work insurance being secondary.
gimmethesimplelife
7-28-24, 8:47pm
Congrats! This is going to sound so odd coming from me, but given how the house I own 1/2 of in Phoenix has risen in value but if SO and I were to sell we could live somewhere less expensive on a retirement visa for an extended period of time. The thought stuns me. I hope you are not stunned but are actively embracing this new phase of your life. Rob
Happy, if you are on VA are you on Tricare? I'm sure that will be the determining factor, right?
Maybe this will help?
Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65 if I Have Tricare? (aarp.org) (https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/military-tricare-medicare-spouse/?cmp=KNC-DSO-VMF-Veterans-Benefits-NonBrand-Exact-42426-GOOG-Veterans-Medicare-Tricare-Exact-NonBrand&gclid=872839427b2a13fe25345fe5029a5edf&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=872839427b2a13fe25345fe5029a5edf&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Veterans-Benefits-NonBrand-Exact&utm_term=tricare%20and%20medicare&utm_content=Veterans-Medicare-Tricare)
happystuff
7-29-24, 5:32pm
Happy, if you are on VA are you on Tricare? I'm sure that will be the determining factor, right?
Maybe this will help?
Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65 if I Have Tricare? (aarp.org) (https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/military-tricare-medicare-spouse/?cmp=KNC-DSO-VMF-Veterans-Benefits-NonBrand-Exact-42426-GOOG-Veterans-Medicare-Tricare-Exact-NonBrand&gclid=872839427b2a13fe25345fe5029a5edf&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=872839427b2a13fe25345fe5029a5edf&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Veterans-Benefits-NonBrand-Exact&utm_term=tricare%20and%20medicare&utm_content=Veterans-Medicare-Tricare)
Had to look it up, but - no, I'm not on Tricare. I am not military retired, just a veteran.
Had to look it up, but - no, I'm not on Tricare. I am not military retired, just a veteran.
When I hit 65, I read in here to see what people I respected had done and I just did what Catherine did and it's been great--signed up for original Medicare and the AARP Plan G supplement. (Plan F was no longer available.)
I pay the 175 for part B directly out of my Social Security Check. I am auto billed 240 a month for the supplement. This amount will vary depending on where you live.
So not cheap but the deductible is around $240. Once you pay that, the rest is picked up by the two plans.
I get the cheapest drug plan which is around 10 dollars a month and is also taken out of Social Security.
So on my husband's recent bill (he is on same plans as I am) for his hip replacement, it said, cost $45,000, your portion $45.
iris lilies
7-30-24, 9:59am
When I hit 65, I read in here to see what people I respected had done and I just did what Catherine did and it's been great--signed up for original Medicare and the AARP Plan G supplement. (Plan F was no longer available.)
I pay the 175 for part B directly out of my Social Security Check. I am auto billed 240 a month for the supplement. This amount will vary depending on where you live.
So not cheap but the deductible is around $240. Once you pay that, the rest is picked up by the two plans.
I get the cheapest drug plan which is around 10 dollars a month and is also taken out of Social Security.
So on my husband's recent bill (he is on same plans as I am) for his hip replacement, it said, cost $45,000, your portion $45.
we have a G plan as well.
DH’s appendicitis cost around $30,000 and he paid $0. If he paid a small deductible, it didn’t register with either one of us.
happystuff
7-30-24, 6:41pm
Thanks! I'm taking notes. LOL
Best wishes Happystuff.
I would second a recommendation to meet with an impartial insurance broker.
I went with what I think is being called an Advantage policy. I don't pay any premiums and have both medical and drug coverage. I've had cataract surgery, another minor surgery, and a couple of minor in office procedures. Plus couple common medications. But am generally healthy without any big problems. I've never paid more than a few hundred dollars total towards my deductibles (and no monthly premiums). News says that about 50 percent of people over 65 have an advantage plan vs. regular medical plus a supplement policy.
A broker would be able to explain the details of the options. I've met with one twice now and there isn't a perfect answer for everyone. If you have the patience to browse though uTube, there are some presentations that compare costs for a major medical problem like cancer or heart disease of an advantage plan or Medicare with the plan of the day, which I guess is plan G these days.
My broker lead me into an advantage plan, but I'm thinking as a person gets older and has more issues, a supplemental plan like G may be the better, but I don't think either will hang a bank account out to dry and neither is significantly unacceptable. It's important to know that if you have an advantage plan and want to change to regular Medicare, and if you have certain preexisting conditions, you could be denied getting into the plan or pay a premium. So, once you go with an advantage plan it is possible there may be no switching to regular Medicare. There are a plethora of Advantage plans that can be changed without those restrictions. I've considered switching.
All opinions are worth considering, but talking with a broker has been very helpful for me. I even bought the little yellow book, Medicare for dummies. It's just complicated
iris lilies
7-30-24, 7:59pm
in the neighboring state where my brother and sister-in-law are in healthcare, they explained that Advantage plans are very tightly controlled as to medical care. For instance, you’re allowed X number of days in the hospital for X procedure. No exceptions. Etc. There are all kinds of limitations.
as you get sicker, just be aware that it’s not easy to jump from advantage to a supplemental plan, depends on the state and there are “ gotchas.”
But that is controlled and various from state of state so keep that in mind.
for us, it just wasn’t important how much the premiums cost. I was more concerned about getting caught up as we traveled between two regions with a health event.
but I know that a poster here, Flowerseverywhere, was happy with her Advantage plan in Florida when her husband had major cancer treatment. she’s a retired nurse, and she had no complaints
in the neighboring state where my brother and sister-in-law are in healthcare, they explained that Advantage plans are very tightly controlled as to medical care. For instance, you’re allowed X number of days in the hospital for X procedure. No exceptions. Etc. There are all kinds of limitations.
My broker told me that recommended medical treatments have to go through the same approval process through Medicare regardless of whether it's an advantage plan or regular Medicare. It was something I asked about. I have wondered if brokers have favorites they promote for better compensation. Worth investigating if a person is considering the advantage plan. Not sure who's right, just saying. My primary care doctor says he will not take Medicare patients and only accepts advantage plans because they compensate better. It's all worth asking a professional about. I'd might start with a primary care doctor before a broker. I get annual eye exams and some dental care and some other small incentives that Medicare plans don't offer.
It's complicated. I'm still considering switching back to Medicare. If money is the only issue I think a healthy person would come out ahead initially by not paying premiums and major medical expenses later that would require the larger deductibles may or may not consume the initial savings. I was power of attorney for a relative with a terminal illness and large end of life expenses. The relative had plan G and I have to say there was a relative simplicity to the billing processes and there were no questions about treatments.
iris lilies
7-30-24, 8:51pm
My broker told me that medical treatments have to go through the same approval process through Medicare regardless of whether it's an advantage plan or regular Medicare. Just saying.
I know, insurance has standards and guidelines. it was just my impression that Advantage plans are more rigorous, not open to flexibility, but I could be wrong.
rosarugosa
7-31-24, 6:47am
Just some tidbits of info that may be useful:
Social Security - if you decide to start benefits in Jan, for example, you will get your first check in Feb, possibly very late in the month depending on the day of your birthday. I find this rather counter-intuitive, so it's good to be aware from a financial planning or budgeting point of view.
Medicare - I think our options vary somewhat by state. I have always heard that Advantage plans are quicker to deny benefits, and that original Medicare with a supplemental plan is the best way to go if you can afford it. I did notice that I got a lot of marketing materials from companies wanting to sell me Advantage plans, which would seem to reinforce the idea that they are most profitable for the insurers.
I pay about $122 per month for a BC/BS supplemental plan in addition to original Medicare. That includes a rider of about $3 per month for a vision and hearing benefit. There's a $240 per year deductible and then no out of pocket unless I'm admitted to the hospital, which would then have an out of pocket of up to $1500. I was OK with that risk because I don't tend to get admitted to the hospital on any kind of regular basis, thankfully.
The prescription plans all pretty much suck. I switched this year to a plan that costs $6.00 per year in premiums, so at least my sucky coverage is practically free and doesn't seem any worse than my prior Aetna plan that cost about $35. per month. They do cover my statin in full, paid for my recent Paxlovid in full, and cover vaccinations in full. I get a couple of more expensive prescriptions filled through CostPlus Pharmacy.
I don't know anything at all about integration with VA benefits, so I have no insights on that factor. Good luck in navigating it all!
The restrictions and limitations imposed by plans that have a private insurer component (i.e. Advantage) will vary by insurance plan and then by region/state and those differences will apply to the "Advantage" part but not the Medicare part.
I have Medicare supplemental and I chose it a) because you can move from state to state and still retain the same plan and b) the plan was very good--in fact so good they phased it out. (Plan F for those of you famliar with the different options in the supplemental plan). To IL's point, the better the option, the more you pay (of course). I pay $293 + the Medicare cost. And I pay $83 for prescription coverage. But to me, it's worth it. Even if you are super healthy now, which (knock on wood) I am, who knows what will happen in the future, and I definitely don't have the funds to self-insure. Plus, when we selected our insurances, DH wasn't healthy at all--thank God he's come a long way, but still....surprises are expected at our age. So, Rogar, I never considered just getting Medicare and I would only do that if my back were against the wall financially.
To be clear, though, private insurers also manage MediGap/supplemental plans. For instance, my supplemental is a United Healthcare plan.
It is all definitely confusing.
The man I've watched on uTube is "The Retirement Nerd". I should watch more of his videos, they are reasonably good. He has several compared costs, but say it's not a one size fits all when comparing other issues with Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement and recommended a broker. He's down to earth and explains things clearly. I watched one for review called, "Medicare Supplement Plan Costs Are Going Up" . It compares overall costs for each over a lifetime and is eleven minutes long.
I caught a brief bit about how California is considering dropping the preexisting condition denial when switching from an Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement. And that it could get traction in other states. A bit of speculation, but not totally.
happystuff
11-5-24, 8:53am
So we met with our "finance guy" yesterday and I am now a go for retirement! I'm looking to have my last day in mid-March, but am trying to figure out how to use up my various days off as I will not get paid for any leftovers - i.e. vacation or sick days. Now that it is definite, I'm excited, thrilled and totally terrified!!! :0!
Yay Happy Stuff! You will love it!!
frugal-one
11-5-24, 9:56am
Happy days happystuff! Think of all the fun things you can do and try with your freedom!
Hooray, Happystuff, that is wonderful news!! That is SO soon--use up those sick days etc.
rosarugosa
11-6-24, 5:40am
That is great news, Happystuff!
happystuff
11-6-24, 8:04am
Thanks, everyone.
iris lilies
11-6-24, 10:08am
Thanks, everyone.
Wow! The next few months will go very fast, You are almost there.
i’m sorry your school district doesn’t pay out unused vacation time.
Wow! The next few months will go very fast, You are almost there.
i’m sorry your school district doesn’t pay out a used vacation time.
Yeah, that does seem weird.
happystuff
11-6-24, 6:10pm
They are weird. LOL. They will do sick days at $90 per day up to a specified limit.... for people hired on/before July 1, 2021. My start day is July 19, 2021.
Gotta laugh - welcome to my world. LOL
P.S. Not notifying them until I submit my Intent to Retire Letter at the beginning of the year. But I think they know. LOL
happystuff
1-29-25, 9:45am
It's done!! I officially sent in my Intent to Retire Letter! First day of retirement will be April 1st, 2025, however I also have approved vacation from March 16th thru March 31st!
Another meeting with finance guy next week and with some Medicare folks.
NOW it feels like it is happening! Not counting scheduled days off so far, I have 30 days of work left.
Just a bit nervous about going into work tonight, but... YAY!!!!! :cool:
iris lilies
1-29-25, 10:04am
That’s great news. The time will go my swiftly!
catherine
1-29-25, 10:23am
Oh, wow, I am SO happy for you, happystuff! On to the next stage of life!
iris lilies
1-29-25, 10:29am
Retirement is great! We retired ten years ago this April. I am very thankful for these last ten years, what I heard one retirement advisor call “young senior” years. Old decrepit health creeps up on us soon enough so the earlier we can stay away from work (if we don’t thoroughly enjoy it) the better off we are.
It's done!! I officially sent in my Intent to Retire Letter! First day of retirement will be April 1st, 2025, however I also have approved vacation from March 16th thru March 31st!
Another meeting with finance guy next week and with some Medicare folks.
NOW it feels like it is happening! Not counting scheduled days off so far, I have 30 days of work left.
Just a bit nervous about going into work tonight, but... YAY!!!!! :cool:
Hooray, so very happy for you! Enjoy retirement!
rosarugosa
1-30-25, 7:02am
That's wonderful, Happy! You've tolerated an unpleasant work situation with good grace, and soon it will be time to close that chapter. I retired in the dead of winter and even that was wonderful, but retiring in early spring with sunshine and daffodils - what could be better than that? :)
happystuff
1-30-25, 8:40am
Thanks everyone. Have about three more vacation days to use, so am looking at the calendar again. I know my supervisor isn't happy about all the days off in such a short time, but.... oh, well!
iris lilies
1-30-25, 12:01pm
That's wonderful, Happy! You've tolerated an unpleasant work situation with good grace, and soon it will be time to close that chapter. I retired in the dead of winter and even that was wonderful, but retiring in early spring with sunshine and daffodils - what could be better than that? :)
Yes, I pegged my retirement day to spring. I couldn’t grok the thought of one more spring spent in cubicle land.
And I remember that April 2015 week, the first one of freedom, it was a gorgeous sunny week.
Nine years on next month, I try to recall what it felt like to get up and go to work everyday but it is long ago forgotten. I have really good insurance through work along with Medicare but I had DH sign up for original Medicare rather than advantage. I have a sense though that all the rules may change as we "become efficient."
happystuff
2-27-25, 9:50am
Update - Yesterday I put in for my last available day (sick days not included). Doing a backward count-down, today is day 10 of my physical days left on the job! When I started this thread, it didn't seem like it would ever come and now... wow!
I just want to thank everyone again for the kind words of support and encouragement!
catherine
2-27-25, 11:28am
That is awesome, happystuff! Here's to a new, awesome stage of your life!
rosarugosa
2-28-25, 6:30am
So glad you are so close to the finish line!
chrisgermany
2-28-25, 7:45am
Congrats and enjoy!
happystuff
2-28-25, 9:16am
Again, many thanks for the support and encouragement.
What are you planning for your first day of retirement?
happystuff
2-28-25, 8:18pm
What are you planning for your first day of retirement?
In all honesty, nothing at this point! My last "physical" day of work is my birthday (that is my birthday present to myself - LOL). I will then be using my last days of vacation to take me to my first day of retirement - April 1st. Maybe I need to think of something foolish to do - ROFLOL. I'm open to suggestions!
Congratulations!! I retired Jan. 3 and every day has felt like a Saturday ever since. My first treat for myself was to get a pedicure; a gift for my poor tired feet.
Catch up on some sleep. Don't set an alarm in the morning. You still might wake up your usual time, in a panic that you might be late. I did for the first few weeks. Enjoy eating at a slower pace. Go see a movie in the afternoon. Enjoy!!
happystuff
2-28-25, 8:59pm
Congratulations!! I retired Jan. 3 and every day has felt like a Saturday ever since. My first treat for myself was to get a pedicure; a gift for my poor tired feet.
Catch up on some sleep. Don't set an alarm in the morning. You still might wake up your usual time, in a panic that you might be late. I did for the first few weeks. Enjoy eating at a slower pace. Go see a movie in the afternoon. Enjoy!!
LOL. Actually, I'm looking forward to getting up just a little bit earlier in the morning! I work 2nd shift, so I don't get into bed until almost midnight. My treat will be hitting the sheets at about 9:30 or 10 and getting up at about 6 or 6:30! I'm looking forward to becoming a first class "morning person" again. LOL
Maybe a road trip to look at houses?
My sister had researched and drawn up a list of local thrift stores that were new to us, and she took me on a thrifting expedition on my first day of retirement. Do something fun!
Maybe a road trip to look at houses?
Already doing this and, while I'm still hopeful, it's a bit frustrating right now. Not giving up, though!
My sister had researched and drawn up a list of local thrift stores that were new to us, and she took me on a thrifting expedition on my first day of retirement. Do something fun!
This is a possibility, although I don't know who I would go with. I used to thrift all the time! Fun just to get out and look.
I am not retiring, but if I were, I think I would go to a fabric store and buy fabric for a new quilt, and go to a bookstore and have lunch!
iris lilies
3-1-25, 3:19pm
And happy, don’t be become one of those irritating old retired people who shop at the stores at peak time when working people are also there! Ha ha ha.
I thought about this as I did exactly that yesterday, going to the grocery store after 4 PM on a Friday.
And happy, don’t be become one of those irritating old retired people who shop at the stores at peak time when working people are also there! Ha ha ha.
I thought about this as I did exactly that yesterday, going to the grocery store after 4 PM on a Friday.
Or taking up good Saturday hair appts that should be left for working people.
iris lilies
3-1-25, 7:21pm
Or taking up good Saturday hair appts that should be left for working people.yes! Hair, dr, dentist, etc appts should be done M-F and in middle of the day.
The beauty of being retired is you can set your own schedule, and go where you want to when you want to.
When I retired I made a list of projects to check off. Little home repairs, lunch visits with friends and relatives I'd not seen in a while, museums and day trips to towns close by, books on the wish list, an exercise program, etc. One of my greatest pleasures has been waking up and most days thinking, I can do anything I want today. The project list helped at first, but now things are pretty much on autopilot.
yes! Hair, dr, dentist, etc appts should be done M-F and in middle of the day.
Well, working 2nd shift, I already do these things! I have to get errands/chores done before mid-afternoon when I have to be at work. LOL
The beauty of being retired is you can set your own schedule, and go where you want to when you want to.
So true! I'm hoping I don't have too hard a time getting over the mid-afternoon "have to go to work" habit. LOL
When I retired I made a list of projects to check off. Little home repairs, lunch visits with friends and relatives I'd not seen in a while, museums and day trips to towns close by, books on the wish list, an exercise program, etc. One of my greatest pleasures has been waking up and most days thinking, I can do anything I want today. The project list helped at first, but now things are pretty much on autopilot.
I actually am writing a to-do/project list. I will admit to being very afraid of slipping into a lazy mode! Don't want my whole day spent in front of any kind of screens. (I know I would do that!!!!)
iris lilies
3-2-25, 9:34am
I actually am writing a to-do/project list. I will admit to being very afraid of slipping into a lazy mode! Don't want my whole day spent in front of any kind of screens. (I know I would do that!!!!)
I did that too for the first year of retirement. Made lists. Now I just join boards and do the work I have to do for these hobby groups, and spend the rest of my time either weeding, worrying about weeding, or sitting in front of screens for which I do for hours. Good luck if you can avoid that latter!
I hear you Iris. I just have forced myself to NOT check the phone when I first sit down to write. I spend a LOT of time thinking about yard work and getting myself to do it as it is very satisfying! I'm lucky to have a husband i like being with and we work well together on projects. I do NOT do any kind of event, group that requires meetings! Having taught for 31 years I went to too many useless meetings and have not patience for them. Book clubs and writing groups are a different thing altogether, although I find I get tired being social. I think that's from the lockdown and I found I enjoyed staying home.
iris lilies
3-2-25, 11:59am
I hear you Iris. I just have forced myself to NOT check the phone when I first sit down to write. I spend a LOT of time thinking about yard work and getting myself to do it as it is very satisfying! I'm lucky to have a husband i like being with and we work well together on projects. I do NOT do any kind of event, group that requires meetings! Having taught for 31 years I went to too many useless meetings and have not patience for them. Book clubs and writing groups are a different thing altogether, although I find I get tired being social. I think that's from the lockdown and I found I enjoyed staying home.
oh I go to meetings because when I’m on 8 boards, yeah, we have meetings. But the plant societies
I belong to have calendars crafted to meet only as often as we need to meet and no more often. In other words, we do not meet every month because we don’t have enough content and activities to meet every month.
And when things start to smell like something that happened at my old workplace, I step away from that thing or at least minimize my time with it if I can’t get away from it entirely. Or when something comes up that is “supposed” to be my job and I don’t wanna do it, I say “I don’t want to do that and I’m not doing it.” �� if the group really wants that thing done, they will have to find someone else to do it and I cheerfully cede that specific responsibility.
oh, I could talk for hours. I could have an entire section of this forum, devoted to volunteer groups and hobby groups. I find the organizational behavior of these volunteer groups fascinating and the issues that come up again and again – fascinating.
As part of simple living, Iris, you would be able to contribute a lot! I imagine there are lots of people who volunteer that would be interested in that topic.
iris lilies
3-5-25, 10:55am
As part of simple living, Iris, you would be able to contribute a lot! I imagine there are lots of people who volunteer that would be interested in that topic.
Sometimes my favorite Board that I serve on is the dog rescue group. We NEVER meet, Haha! My name exists to fill the role required by our State for our incorporation papers. And in the past few years that is all I do, other than occasional emails to those running the organization. Oh and I write a big check, guilt money for not doing more. :)
Yes, checks are good guilt fixers for me.
happystuff
3-14-25, 9:34am
Last day of physical work and it's a half day of school. I'll go in early and get out three hours early! Nice way to wrap things up.
iris lilies
3-14-25, 9:35am
Last day of physical work and it's a half day of school. I'll go in early and get out three hours early! Nice way to wrap things up.
YES!!!!
Wonderful, happystuff, enjoy!
Last day of physical work and it's a half day of school. I'll go in early and get out three hours early! Nice way to wrap things up.
Woo hoo!
happystuff
3-15-25, 9:06am
Thanks again to everyone. You have all been so wonderfully supportive. I am now officially on vacation for 11 days! It's all a bit surreal at the moment. I think it will start hitting me more next week - when I'm NOT going in to work at 3pm! LOL
And I am now retired!:cool:
iris lilies
4-1-25, 9:55am
Wonderful!
happystuff
4-1-25, 10:38am
Thanks so much! Again, you all have been so supportive through all of this! Now, if only Medicare B will be processed so I can get some health insurance!!! (work insurance ends as of today).
And, since the car is in the shop and I have no wheels, I'm cleaning and organizing the pantry. LOL
early morning
4-2-25, 8:14am
Congrats happystuff!
Congratulations, Happystuff! I recall that I did a fair bit of decluttering when I first retired, especially since I retired in the winter.
I am very excited that my sister is going to retire on 7/3! I had been urging her to seriously consider it because she is so very miserable in her job. She is 62, and seemed stuck on the idea that she could not possibly retire before age 65. Well she has made a lot of financial mis-steps in her life, but one thing she did right was to keep putting a good amount of $$ into her retirement plans at work, and she is very well compensated. We met with her financial advisors a few weeks ago, and they said there is no reason for her not to retire right now. I've watched her go from trepidation to near euphoria in the past few weeks. It's a wonderful thing!
Congrats to your sister, rr! And thank you and early morning for the well-wished.
chrisgermany
4-3-25, 8:34am
Enjoy!
Isn't it great when a plan works out well?
iris lilies
4-3-25, 9:16am
Rosa, that’s good news about your sister. My brother is 61 and he’s retiring this year so I’m glad he’s getting out of his rat race.
I’m so, so glad I retired when I did. And I could’ve even retired earlier, but without the luxury of spending whatever money I want to spend whenever I want to spend it. As it is, I retired when I was 60. It’ll be 10 years this month since retirement and I am so so glad that I didn’t have to go through Covid while employed. And then all the woke nonsense that my library would have of course taken up because that’s what we must do. And then, this past winter was so crazy with the bad weather, all I did it seemed was schedule meetings, reschedule meetings, cancel meetings around weather so I can’t imagine trying to get to work every day.
So I have officially completed my first month of retirement! I think I've been busier than every most days - LOL. Anyway, STILL don't have the complete fall-out of finances and still working on healthcare (i.e. medicare), but so far, so good. Thanks again for everything during this journey!
Happystuff, It gets to be busy with fun stuff and useful stuff once you get things settled! Enjoy the time!!!
iris lilies
5-1-25, 8:15am
So I have officially completed my first month of retirement! I think I've been busier than every most days - LOL. Anyway, STILL don't have the complete fall-out of finances and still working on healthcare (i.e. medicare), but so far, so good. Thanks again for everything during this journey!
i’m worried about your Medicare not kicking in. What’s going on with that?
Are you 65 yet, happystuff?
Are you 65 yet, happystuff?
I'm over 65.
IL, I finally just got my Medicare A and B card in the mail. Now I'm trying to figure out supplemental, dental and vision.
Happystuff, It gets to be busy with fun stuff and useful stuff once you get things settled! Enjoy the time!!!
I'm already surprised at how much "down time" I don't have! LOL But, you are right - it's all good!
iris lilies
5-2-25, 8:56am
I'm over 65.
IL, I finally just got my Medicare A and B card in the mail. Now I'm trying to figure out supplemental, dental and vision.
ok, that’s good.
Just to ask: do you really,need vision and dental insurance? We have never had it.We just pay the bills.
ok, that’s good.
Just to ask: do you really,need vision and dental insurance? We have never had it.We just pay the bills.
Same.
But I haven't ever really calculated the value. I recently went to the dentist and he wanted to do a lot of "maintenance" work. It would have cost $3000. At the moment, I passed. None of it is urgent. I don't know how foolish my decision is. If I could see how much of that a dental plan would have saved me, that would have helped.
I'm over 65.
IL, I finally just got my Medicare A and B card in the mail. Now I'm trying to figure out supplemental, dental and vision.
Happystuff, I followed my guru Catherine and got the Plan G (she had plan F but it was not available anymore) and got it through Aarp. It is expensive, but really good.
ok, that’s good.
Just to ask: do you really,need vision and dental insurance? We have never had it.We just pay the bills.
Same here. The amount the insurance paid out was not worth the premium IMO. BTW just got back from Mexico where had teeth cleaned for $35!
On the dental, I think it really depends on how much preventative services a person uses. Some of the plans will pay for themselves if you tend to do the recommended cleaning and exam twice a year with x-rays.
I never used to carry vision, but my medex plan offers a rider for about $3.00/month and pays a $200 benefit for my glasses and exam out of network, which I do every other year. So I pay $72 for $200, another one that more than pays for itself.
happystuff
5-11-25, 6:18pm
ok, that’s good.
Just to ask: do you really,need vision and dental insurance? We have never had it.We just pay the bills.
Just got back from trip, so trying to catch up.
Afraid that "just paying the bills" would be more than coverage, out-of-pocket, and co-pay. Vision - we BOTH have vision/glasses issues at higher costs. Dental - dh is working at least until his dental issues are taken care of.
iris lilies
5-12-25, 10:26am
Just got back from trip, so trying to catch up.
Afraid that "just paying the bills" would be more than coverage, out-of-pocket, and co-pay. Vision - we BOTH have vision/glasses issues at higher costs. Dental - dh is working at least until his dental issues are taken care of.
Yes, before his eye surgery DH got new eyeglasses every few years that bordered $1,000 in cost. I had normal bifocals which required replacement few years.
our dental bills aren’t much, tho, but every few years DH has a procedure of more than $1,000.
happystuff
5-23-25, 5:47pm
ok, that’s good.
Just to ask: do you really,need vision and dental insurance? We have never had it.We just pay the bills.
I'm really not sure. I did just do a dental appointment with no insurance. It was a couple hundred bucks, but was just a cleaning and exam. I know that I have filling that will need to be replaced in the future.
As far as vision, my issues apparently are "medical" so the VA and Medicare should be okay to cover them. My very slight dilemma is that I have an upcoming vision appointment and my VA appointment isn't until late this year. Still trying to sort through it all.
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