Re: Retirement

kitcat51 · ‎09-15-2016

I'm almost 74 & I'll be working til I drop dead...so much loss, not a happy retirement story. Enjoy yours @JFD12

foxywoods · ‎05-28-2010

I don't understand the question!

I would jump at the chance especially since you have a healthy pension!

Enjoy your free time and secure finances and your good HEALTH.

patbz · ‎03-10-2010

I retired at 63 along with DH ( in his fifties ) from Federal Govt. Neither of us received full benefits but DH had significant health issues and we would both get good pensions plus SS was coming up. We had a great financial plan, which we felt would carry us going forward.b within a year of retiring, we moved out of state and added a mortgage. 20 years later we are so glad we retired when we did and that we had a plan in place that covered all contingencies we've encountered.

Linda0215 · ‎10-23-2015

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@Linda0215 I understand the fear about money and insurance. We have a great financial advisor and we do a budget every year for them...they calculate out our expenses and things are adjusted for inflation every year.

Our money is calculated out each year and we know how much money we can withdraw and still maintain our living style...which is not a big lifestyle...but we know exactly where we stand.

Of course, things can happen that will change that budged plan but it gives us peace of mind.

If you do not have an advisor, it might not hurt to make an appointment and discuss your concerns...but you will have to work with them meaning move your money to their company and we do pay a yearly fee....it is based on our portfolio. We are very happy, our investor is based as one of the top 10 in the state.

Goodluck

Thank you for your input. i work for a bank and we have a very good wealth management group. Your post has influenced me to contact them and have them set up a budget for me. I certainly need it!

DSD2 · ‎01-09-2016

@JFD12 retirement is one of the most important decisions you will make. It is different for everyone.

I've always believed (still do) that life is short and very fragile. If one has the opportunity to retire after a lifetime of hard work, then do it.

After suffering a brain aneurysm rupture at 60, I had no choice but to work hard, recover and return to work. God was with me and I was able to do so. When I reached full retirement age at 66 plus, I did retire. I have not experienced one moment of regret. Retirement is what one makes it. I have never been bored and am grateful every day that I lived long enough TO retire. Many do not...

I wish you much happiness in whatever road you choose.

Roscoe the Rascal · ‎04-19-2016

@Linda0215 wrote:
I'm also struggling with the decision to retire. I'll be 71 next month, still working full time, and am petrified to pull the trigger. Biggest fear is money and medical. I will, however, get a pension from my employer and with social security I should be okay. More and more I feel like I've overstayed my welcome at work and I'm past my expiration date. Anyone else have that feeling?

I am 70 and also struggle with the idea. Just scary to take the next step. I don't feel like I am too old for what I do and they are lucky to have me. I work with a good crowd. I do like the fact I have pretty good medical insurance and hate to give that up. Just hard to move on for me. My concern is what will I do all day 7 days a week. I have always worked.

Linda0215 · ‎10-23-2015

@Roscoe the Rascal wrote:
@Linda0215 wrote:
I'm also struggling with the decision to retire. I'll be 71 next month, still working full time, and am petrified to pull the trigger. Biggest fear is money and medical. I will, however, get a pension from my employer and with social security I should be okay. More and more I feel like I've overstayed my welcome at work and I'm past my expiration date. Anyone else have that feeling?
I am 70 and also struggle with the idea. Just scary to take the next step. I don't feel like I am too old for what I do and they are lucky to have me. I work with a good crowd. I do like the fact I have pretty good medical insurance and hate to give that up. Just hard to move on for me. My concern is what will I do all day 7 days a week. I have always worked.

We could be twinsies. I feel absolutely the same. Am I a fool to give up my great health insurance? My guaranteed income? The social aspect? These are the things that hold me back, but I'd also like to enjoy my retirement while things are still good healthwise. I think I've made up my mind and this will be the year I pull the trigger. Time to explore Medicare supplement plans. Fun fun.

qvcfreak · ‎03-10-2010

@Scooby Doo wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@JFD12 I retired from the Federal Government at 50 w/full benefits & never looked back.
Me >>>>as I walked out the door & NEVER looked back.
How did you do that with full benefits? You didn't reach the minimum age requirement.

I retired at 51 too from the State with full benefits. Rule of 80 (age plus years of service = 80)

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

I retired a little earlier than planned because Mom was into dementia and Dad needed help taking care of her. He wanted to keep her home with him but by then she was almost completely gone and she became combative.

Long story short (and keeping out the painful details) Mom eventually passed away. Dad passed a few years later. At that point I was able to do a fair amount of trail riding. I have 2 horses and great riding friends! And Dh and I did some traveling. Then I got diagnosed with uterine cancer, went thru surgery, chemo and radiation. I've got my life back again and doing what I can to stay healthy now.

I've never regretted retiring. My experience with my parents and my cancer journey taught me not to take my time left on this earth for granted.

roeroe1005 · ‎03-13-2010

@JFD12,

Do it!

I worked in corporate for 30 years but was only 49 when there was a re-organization. The VP of HR asked if I wanted to stay. I was an executive secretary but would be in secretarial position that was "circled"; meaning a lower position, no raises, etc. I was leaving with a year's severance & medical, 8 weeks of vacation that were banked, plus my current 5 weeks. Only thing was losing my sick days. I had no intention of staying. Six months later the company left NY for IL and secretaries had an awful package. Glad I didn't stay.

So I enjoyed my paid year of no work and then got into a local school district. I loved my job as secretary to the Principal. Lower pay than what I was making in corporate, but my medical was about 1/4 of what I was paying and more holidays! And I didn't have to drive in bad weather! Somehow I ended up becoming Union President for clerical and custodians. I had to work 10 years to retire with full benefits. I stayed 12 years because I did love my job. I also chaperoned the students' spring break trips to Europe, so I got to travel, for free, to Italy (4x), Paris (2x), Barcelona, London (2x), Budapest, Vienna & Prague. And I chaperoned the senior class' trip to Florida several times. Who had it better than me??

If you get bored, you can always work part time and quit when you've had enough! And not feel guilty. I help my nephew and his wife picking up their 5 year old from school a few days a week. I also work one day a week just to give me a reason to put real clothes on.

Good luck and enjoy!