Looking for advice on Retirement
Dec 17, 2017 09:16:53 #
WOW!!! Thanks to all for sharing your stories. The response was way more than I could have expected. I am really encouraged that so many of you are able to fill your days with interesting activities. I also took heed of the advice too stay active. We will be spending most of the year on Cape Cod which has great opportunities for walking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, and golf. The Cape is a photographers haven with both sunsets and sunrises over water, lighthouses, salt marshes, wildlife, Colonial villages and a community of great photographers. If needed, I could probably supplement my income with some 'moonlighting' projects. And yes, DNW, restoring a neglected spirituality is on the cards.
One comment hit me like a nail through my forehead - 'every day that goes by is a greater percentage of the days you have left'. That is a sobering thought and convinced me it is time to get serious about retiring and not just push it off to 'some day'.
My sincere thanks to all of you for sharing.
One comment hit me like a nail through my forehead - 'every day that goes by is a greater percentage of the days you have left'. That is a sobering thought and convinced me it is time to get serious about retiring and not just push it off to 'some day'.
My sincere thanks to all of you for sharing.
Dec 17, 2017 09:17:20 #
repleo wrote:
I know there are a lot of retirees here on UHH and... (show quote)
Just do it, you don't realize how much of life you miss working until you retire, of course you have to work out the financials , do you have a pension ? do you want to move? I was advised to not sell my House if we wanted to move for at least 2 years after we moved so we could come back if we wanted. DO you want to travel? do you worry about the house when your not there? If your working you cannot do what you want!
Dec 17, 2017 09:18:30 #
Dec 17, 2017 09:30:52 #
repleo wrote:
I know there are a lot of retirees here on UHH and... (show quote)
Observing my father, 96 years old, he is very active in the church, he helps with meals on wheels, volunteers with the local school district, gardens then donates the food to those less fortunate along with his pecans from his orchard and finally just keeps active looking for ways to be of service to others in the community. PS he is still in great demand to perform weddings, several a week.
Dec 17, 2017 09:36:34 #
waynecrowley
Loc: enerywhere/anywhere
At 77, I retired 20 yrs ago. We sold the house, bought a motorhome, invested the remaining house proceeds and hit the road. There are many opportunities to stay free by volunteering just a few hours a week, the rest of the time you are free to explore the area and check out photo opportunities. Your primary expense will be for fuel and maintenance of the motorhome. Insurance should be comparable to what you pay for the house, food costs about the same. We enjoyed the life until health forced us to settle down. There are many great photo opportunities to be had in the U.S. and Canada, as well as any other place you travel to or visit. Enjoy life before age and health force you to slow down.
Dec 17, 2017 09:41:06 #
I really believe as active as you already are that you will end of saying, "How did I ever find time to work". As most of us have experienced, the aging process will frustrate us at times but you can find ways to overcome. Photography is very adaptable to this season of our lives. Lighten the gear, be challenged by sites such as HH, and find others to shoot with. Keeps your mind sharp and you meet such grand new friends. I am excited for you-it's a good thing this so called retirement. And as one suggested the Word of God will strengthen you as nothing else will and give you peace. Find a good church home if you do not currently have one. Worship the Father and serve Him and serve others. With your DIY skills there are needs you can fill. Some new senior church friends could need your skills. As I said, where did you ever find the time to work? Blessings to you as you go forward.
Dec 17, 2017 09:49:16 #
I retired at the age of 61. My advice to anybody is, debelop at least 3 or 4 hobbies. This allows you to do what ever tickles your fancy at the time. I do serious woodworking, metal working, hunting, fishing, photography and lots of volunteering. All of this keeps me from just sitting around and vegetate. It is important to keep your mind busy. Lots of luck and good wishes.
WJH
WJH
Dec 17, 2017 09:49:43 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
I am 74 years old. I am still working and struggling to repair my nestegg (which was considerable before 2008).
A family issue with one of my children and her disabled child made my step up to the plate and support them.
Recently sold my townhouse in PA and I had owned real estate both investment and homesover the years and
never lost money until this sale. About 150K.
I don't know what retirement means. I ride my bike every week. I am involved in local politics and the chamber of
commerce. I am active in creating video or stills for charities. I study cinema creation and stills online. I hang out
with working people usually a bit younger then me. I have been interested in the human dynamic for years and
think that documentary in stills and video can move mountains of ideas.
I have fear sometimes but always think of this quote.
“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”― Mark Twain
This is the first time I talked of personal situations and life. I feel this might OK with the folks here.
A family issue with one of my children and her disabled child made my step up to the plate and support them.
Recently sold my townhouse in PA and I had owned real estate both investment and homesover the years and
never lost money until this sale. About 150K.
I don't know what retirement means. I ride my bike every week. I am involved in local politics and the chamber of
commerce. I am active in creating video or stills for charities. I study cinema creation and stills online. I hang out
with working people usually a bit younger then me. I have been interested in the human dynamic for years and
think that documentary in stills and video can move mountains of ideas.
I have fear sometimes but always think of this quote.
“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”― Mark Twain
This is the first time I talked of personal situations and life. I feel this might OK with the folks here.
Dec 17, 2017 09:51:50 #
I retired at 62. I'm 65 now. My wife semi-retired and makes as much as I do working 20-25 hours a month. I just draw Social Security. We sold everything, bought an RV and moved out west away from Ohio. We travel the Southwest, moving campsites every 2 weeks or so. In between moves I spend my time sightseeing, hiking, metal detecting (not found much) and of course taking photos. I also hit any and all local thrift stores to buy items on the cheap that I resale on Ebay. I average an extra $300 a month. I'm plenty busy enjoying my retirement and wouldn't change a thing. Life is good.
Dec 17, 2017 09:54:25 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
Travelin Bud that would make you a pioneer like the early American's. Good fortunes to you.
Dec 17, 2017 10:03:58 #
I’m 75 and have found volunteering invaluable. Keeps you moving, keeps them little grey cells occupied, keeps you out of trouble.
Dec 17, 2017 10:04:06 #
Tom Daniels wrote:
Travelin Bud that would make you a pioneer like the early American's. Good fortunes to you.
Ha! The pioneers never had it so good! LOL Thanks, Tom!
Dec 17, 2017 10:04:47 #
I retired in 2010 from the NYC Dept of Ed & never looked back.
I have at least 5 hobbies that keep me quite busy but now I have 2 granddaughters & that keeps me busy especially since one involves an overnight stay in NJ every week.
So now, it’s too cold to fish & get out for pictures but we bought a condo in FL so I’ll get back to that a little in the winter.
As for your knees getting stiff. Go to the gym and get a trainer to show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knees. Go to the gym for an hour to an hour & one half 3 Times a week. You’ll find your knees will be greatly relieved.
Above all else...keep busy.
BTW, if you have that low-stress job, stick it out until you can’t take it anymore. It’s a great feeling to know that you can wake up one morning and say, “I’m not going into work today, or ever again!”
I have at least 5 hobbies that keep me quite busy but now I have 2 granddaughters & that keeps me busy especially since one involves an overnight stay in NJ every week.
So now, it’s too cold to fish & get out for pictures but we bought a condo in FL so I’ll get back to that a little in the winter.
As for your knees getting stiff. Go to the gym and get a trainer to show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knees. Go to the gym for an hour to an hour & one half 3 Times a week. You’ll find your knees will be greatly relieved.
Above all else...keep busy.
BTW, if you have that low-stress job, stick it out until you can’t take it anymore. It’s a great feeling to know that you can wake up one morning and say, “I’m not going into work today, or ever again!”
Dec 17, 2017 10:25:24 #
Hello, you are on the right track to start planning for retirement before you retire. I didn’t and am spending my first year doing the planning. My wife asks me everyday where is your retirement plan. A book that is both of insightful and humorous is “How to Retire Happy, Wild and Free” by Ernie J. Zelinski. Good luck and as others have said...keep moving because once you stop, you drop!
Dec 17, 2017 10:37:05 #
Hal81 wrote:
Im 87 and been retired for 24 years. The thing not to do is head for that big soft chair or they will soon be putting you in that big box. Keep on the move shooting photos as you go. Good luck on your retirement.
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