Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 17:24:23 GMT -5
Can't wait until it's over. I've had a job since I was 14. I'm 55, still have time to do some things before my body totally turns bad on me and am making plans. It hasn't been easy but I've been contributing the maximum allowable into an IRA since 1989 which I converted to a Roth when the tax liability could be spread out over four years between 1996-1999. Anybody my age who didn't take advantage of that when it was available made a serious error in judgement. That having been stated, it probably still wouldn't have happened for another four and half years anyway if not for my father's passing and subsequent inheritance. I'd give it all back to have Pops here again. He was my best friend, knew it and I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell him when it mattered for years before he became ill in the end. I'm really going to miss him but there's no way to change that now so I'm going to having to man up, drive on and enjoy what is left of my own life. He made the next 4 1/2 work free years of my life possible, so I'm dedicating them to him.
A dream fly fishing trip in Montana with my best Army buddy is already on the agenda for next spring. I feel really fortunate to have had such a wonderful friend for so long and this will be great for both of us.
Next on my bucket list is a dream truck. I've never had one like I wanted. For that matter, I've only owned six POVs my entire life. Two of them are still in the driveway which is one of the reasons I've been able to load up my IRA. Car payments are a horrible decision most make. I'm looking at Chevy and Toyota. Somewhat surprisingly, my research indicates Chevy is ahead of the technology curve on Toyota. They're also a better bargain on the price tag. I'm not a vehicle guy so any opinions on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Last is a boat, one that will be a walleye king for up north which is where I want to summer, Minnesota or Wisconsin. I've been to Ontario several times which would be really cool but I'm not sure the Canadians would let me stay for four or fiver months a year without questions. Any boat suggestions from aficionados would also be greatly appreciated.
Pops told me the biggest difference in being retired is waking up in the morning is a pleasure. He said he never missed working a single day. I'm going to find out. Any suggestions on this one would also be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by sparks on Aug 28, 2016 19:26:52 GMT -5
Congrats, Mark. Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, but it seems he left you a gift of life in retirement.
Maybe someday I'll get to retire, but I'll just have to wait it out. I have quite a few years to go. Enjoy it, very happy for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Aug 28, 2016 19:54:52 GMT -5
...Congrats and do enjoy this new life...I took the plunge three years ago, and there are those mornings I wake up and am glad the suit and tie stay hung up...Of course, I am still raising younger children, and that keeps me very busy...but save for that, I do enjoy my time away from formal work...
...and don't be like this fellow...
|
|
|
|
Post by papipeguy on Aug 28, 2016 20:37:03 GMT -5
Congratulations. I too retired at 55. That was 8.5 years ago and never looked back. I spent over 33 years with the same company and I chose my retirement date when I joined at the age of 22. A lot of luck was involved but it's better to be lucky than good.
My advice is, #1 find a good financial advisor. From this point forward it isn't so much about making money as it is about keeping it. You have to plan to live to 95 years old so plan accordingly. #2, take 6 months off from doing anything. You deserve the time to think about your future. #3, this is my favorite, get up early, take a walk and wave to your neighbors as they head to work. You'll be amazed with what goes on in the neighborhood during the day.
Enjoy yourself. You earned it and should savor it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Motto on Aug 28, 2016 20:38:42 GMT -5
G'day. Happy retirement Mark, I used to dream of a little sailing folk boat, a modern traditional designed small Drascombe Lugger, for sailing & a bit of casual sea fishing, & a Zap Cat mini racing motor boat, both are trailable for sea or lakes, I did RYA sea navigation & skipper courses & dinghy lessons many years ago, & I still enjoy reading sea yarns old & new, but a pipe dream. But these days I am content with food on my table & reasonable health, & a few luxuries, a pipe of tobacco & small sipping spirit & a good book , a decent movie occasionally , a brisk walk, some family company at times & the company of my animals, & Muzak. I have relatives in Ontario a nice place to live, my family used to visit, but I never got the opportunity, my Uncle & Auntie used to fish winter & summer in Canada & holiday in the Florida sunshine. Happy days for the old war heroes....be'Seein'Ya....
|
|
puffadder
Junior Member
Gone but not forgotten.
Posts: 173
Favorite Pipe: Baki Gourd Calabash
Favorite Tobacco: Straight Virginias
Location:
|
Post by puffadder on Aug 29, 2016 0:17:21 GMT -5
Congratulations on taking the big step and hope you enjoy every minute of it. The fishing trip sounds great, especially with a friend. An old fishing buddy of mine was retired and would sit on the bank with his line in the water smoking a pipe, but sometimes when I reached my limit he'd have none which caused me to scratch my head and ask. He told me it was all about relaxing. "Some days I bait the hook, some days I don't"
|
|
|
|
Post by antb on Aug 29, 2016 1:23:36 GMT -5
Lucky man! Do make time to really appreciate life and be thankful for every single day. My Dad retired at 55 and thoroughly enjoyed the next 20 years of his life! You are so privileged; me?, I'll probably have to work until I keel over.
|
|
|
|
Post by puffy on Aug 29, 2016 14:09:37 GMT -5
Being retired is great with a couple of drawbacks.The years roll by at a very rapid rate.I retired when I was 52.It doesn't seem like very long ago,but I just turned 74.I have no idea how that 22 years passed so fast.One statement about money.Things cost a good bit more now than when I first retired.Including most pipe tobacco blends.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2016 4:34:07 GMT -5
Greatly appreciate the kind thoughts and feedback. A lot of good ideas - I've taken notes and am ready to begin another journey.
|
|
charl
Junior Member
Posts: 490 
First Name: Charl
Favorite Pipe: Stannie/Svendborg
Favorite Tobacco: Old Gowrie
Location:
|
Post by charl on Sept 1, 2016 1:52:17 GMT -5
Wonderful! All the best of luck and enjoy every moment!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2016 22:51:22 GMT -5
Wonderful! All the best of luck and enjoy every moment! Many thanks. It's starting to sink in and I'm really enjoying the experience already. 12 more work days and a wake up for my "exit interview." I've earned it but at the same time am extremely fortunate as well. Moving forward with both thoughts will be the key. |
|
|
|
Post by trailboss on Sept 4, 2016 15:37:32 GMT -5
Congratulations on making your goal!
I am 55 also, and as of last November I became eligible for full retirement via my pension...the sad part is that I really like my job but with each passing month, I leave retirement money on the table...even though I am increasing my retirement benefit, it doesn't make sense to not retire.
I am going to start looking for a gravy train retirement job, I have several options but the health insurance factor leads me to deciding that I am going to plug away for a few years. If I was single, I would head to the middle east...my brother says he would hire me to work behind the wire...the first 95k is tax free, and all expenses but pipe tobacco are pretty much paid for...I offered to put the wife up in a place in Ireland or Australia so I could take furlough there. To avoid the the crunch I have to stay abroad and not touch US soil....Oh well..I have some options anyway..
Congrats!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 10:45:41 GMT -5
Congratulations on making your goal! I am 55 also, and as of last November I became eligible for full retirement via my pension...the sad part is that I really like my job but with each passing month, I leave retirement money on the table...even though I am increasing my retirement benefit, it doesn't make sense to not retire. I am going to start looking for a gravy train retirement job, I have several options but the health insurance factor leads me to deciding that I am going to plug away for a few years. If I was single, I would head to the middle east...my brother says he would hire me to work behind the wire...the first 95k is tax free, and all expenses but pipe tobacco are pretty much paid for...I offered to put the wife up in a place in Ireland or Australia so I could take furlough there. To avoid the the crunch I have to stay abroad and not touch US soil....Oh well..I have some options anyway.. Congrats! Thank you sir. Sounds like you have a plan. I think healthcare is probably the elephant in the room for all of us. I have a service connected disability and can get minimal treatment through the VA; however, my research indicated I could also obtain a fairly reasonable plan with acceptable deductible and maximum out of pock for approximately $325/month which would give me more options. I have an appointment scheduled with an agent next Monday to learn more. |
|
|
|
Post by trailboss on Sept 5, 2016 17:39:20 GMT -5
That is quite a good rate...for me and my wife it is $1,100 out of pocket per month for me to keep the same benefits I currently enjoy...which is a pretty nice plan.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2016 19:26:51 GMT -5
That is quite a good rate...for me and my wife it is $1,100 out of pocket per month for me to keep the same benefits I currently enjoy...which is a pretty nice plan. Looks like we were both right. $325 wouldn't buy much but a major medical policy. I settled for $475/month for an acceptable max out of pocket, deductible and a few perks. Combined with my VA options, it'll be sufficient, protect the nest egg and allow me to sleep soundly. I could have worked a few more years and done a little better; however, what are some of the last productive years of one's life worth? A little planning and I got this - Feels good and the morning pipes are going to taste that much better. |
|
