Retirement now visible on the horizon!

[happystuff]

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!

[Tradd]

Woo! How exciting!

[Tybee]

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]

This is FABULOUS news! Wonderful! Yay!!!

[rosarugosa]

Great news, Happystuff!

[catherine]

Wow! So great, happystuff!!

[early morning]

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!

[pinkytoe]

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.

[sweetana3]

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]

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!