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#115933 - 04/22/07 01:31 PM
Re: Retiring?
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 477
Loc: Sanford, Florida
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I'm not retiring soon, but I did retire kinda early.........I worked from the time I was 16 until I was 34, when I got married, and quit working to be able to travel with my husband who was doing alot of volunteer work for a veterans organization at the time which required a lot of travel. So I guess you could say I retired 16 years ago, when we got married. My biggest concern at the time was no longer having my own paycheck, it took some getting used to being given a montly "allowance" to handle groceries and household expenses. We had been living together for a few years but until I quit my job, I used my paycheck to handle things like my car payments, my credit card bills, etc. By the time we got married everything was paid off and we worked out a financial system that works for us. And we have taken care of business so that I will be ok financially if something were to happen to my husband (disabled veteran). I was excited about not having to deal with the stress of a 40+ hour per week job, and worried about how I was going to fill my days when we weren't traveling. Staying in touch with some friends became a challenge because I was the only one of my old gang that wasn't working and our schedules just didn't jive anymore. But as I got involved in other things, more friends came along. It did take a while to adjust to the idea of not having to go to work every day. Somehow, 16 years later, filling my days is no longer a problem -- finding time to do eveything I want to do in the course of a day is the problem these days!!
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Ann
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#115935 - 04/23/07 02:40 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: jawjaw]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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I am far from retiring and cannot consider retiring early.
But is useful to know people, close, who are retired to see how they handle it ....so to prepare better for future.
Yesterday, while having a coffee at market, we met a woman who was forced to retire early..and she moved to Ontario after living in Vancouver for 30 yrs. She regretted the move and felt she should have waited for 1 yr. after shock of job loss. Now she cannot move back because of cost.
A close friend of mine retired abit early (maybe by 3 yrs. early) without much impact on company pension. A single, childless woman her whole life who owned a home (several times).
She finally decides to:
a) not have a car. She sold her car after working out the cost. She lives 5 min. from subway, buses and many stores, services, restaurants. She drove a car for about 40 yrs. of her life. She uses taxis several times per year.
b) She rents after having home ownership for 30 years. She decided not tie up her equity so much. Just very carefully live in lower rental place, etc. Not sure I could do that...but she has thought this one through.
She knows the consequences of aging, retirement...I mean she was medical librarian specializing in geriatric medicine and sociology of aging for 15 years. So one does see alot of useful info. to prepare...eyes wide open for the future.
Note: I began my career by working for this woman in the same area of medicine. Just in my mid-20's I was working in a place that happened to be ...in a good nursing home. At the cusp of life, to witness others in twilight. An excellent learning point for myself...to make good of life now, not when I'm retired and not as strong/fit.
I also worked for judges for several years. Judges in Canada do have the choice as their work benefit to retire at 72-75. Before, they can work part-time, still presiding over court cases, writing up court decisions, etc. It is inspiring to witness very sharp minds still nearing 70. A powerful indicator that if you keep your mind very active, full of positive learning and contribute to your community, it will keep your brain still alert...and happy.
My partner took early retirement. He has a few friends, who retired at 65 or just a bit early. Yes, they are all healthy because...they still bike, volunteer alot. Often you cannot only tell in their body shape (no not every is svelte, but certainly not plodding along in footstep), but in their faces...alert, a certain fitness in their skin/face and relaxed.
Very true, that our generation could live abit longer with better quality if we plan abit better. So much information to help us if we take advantage of that good info. for our well-being.
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#115937 - 04/23/07 11:44 AM
Re: Retiring?
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 477
Loc: Sanford, Florida
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Hi Dotsie, I'm doing great. Just been busy, (fishing tournaments and the usual) but things should be quieter for a while and hopefully I'll find more time to spend here on the boards again! Health insurance was not an issue for me as I'm entitled to health insurance thru my husband -- he gets full coverage thru the VA and I have full coverage thru Tricare (although we do pay for a supplemental to pick up where Tricare leaves off and it seems like the rates go up every year.......we pay more than twice now, what we paid when we first signed up with the supplemental 16 years ago).. I have retired friends though who pay unbelievable amounts for their health insurance and don't have nearly the coverage that I have.......it's definitely a concern for many.
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Ann
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#115940 - 04/27/07 08:34 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: chickadee]
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Member
Registered: 01/27/04
Posts: 1423
Loc: Warrenton, Virginia
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My hubby and I retired a few years ago and we are both extremely happy the way our lives have "evolved" since then. I am free to write whenever I want to, he's free to go flying whenever he wants to instead of just on weekends, and we can travel whenever we feel like it instead of scheduling it around our jobs.
We are very fortunate - we realize that. His health benefits cover us totally and with all the health issues I myself have had (!!) this has been a real blessing.
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#115941 - 04/28/07 05:54 AM
Re: Retiring?
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Quote:
.What about health insurance in retirement? What are women doing about that?
Dotsie, it really is different in Canada in terms of health care. For Canadians, if a person got a heart attack, they would get paramedic/9-1-1 aid, care in hospital with cardiologists in some cases, etc.... and the Canadian wouldn't have to pay for the diagnosis, etc. For a Canadian just under Medicare, they might not stay as long in hospital or not get a private room, but hey, you are not charged fees.
It is part of our Medicare system -across Canada, whether or not you are poor or wealthy.
A woman would worry more about her housing (if she is living in a high real estate priced city, etc.), ....other stuff.
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#115942 - 04/28/07 04:11 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: orchid]
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Member
Registered: 06/14/06
Posts: 2447
Loc: Arizona
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I 'retired' from the University a little over a year ago because I was fed up with the BS and with not being appreciated. Now I get state retirement and elected to continue with their health insurance. The state insurance is a good one that covers health, vision, and dental, so I can't complain. However, it takes up more than half my retirement check and just went up another $50 this year. Now, I'm working part-time for the Humane Society and taking classes part-time. Fortunately, I have a tuition waiver (as a retiree of the University) that covers about 90% of my tuition. I had to take a leave of absence for the rest of this semester because I couldn't keep up with two classes after my Mom died, so I am using the time to learn more about coaching and information research. I'm hoping that by fall when classes start again, I can have my businesses up and running and can quit my other job. If that doesn't work out, I'll just keep my 'day job' and keep taking classes.
I didn't plan very well for retirement financially. My savings aren't much at the moment, but I'm positive that working for myself will pay off in the long run. I'm just keeping a positive outlook and visioning a great future for myself.
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#115945 - 05/13/07 09:14 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: orchid]
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Member
Registered: 10/18/04
Posts: 53
Loc: Orange County, CA
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I "retired" early, when I was 53 in order to do elder care for mother and aunt. my job at the time was a stressful sales position in the technology field. Not really sad to leave it (except for the pay!). I planned to go back to work, in probably a different position, after things settled down. Well, 1-1/2 years into that "retirement" I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. That changed everything. For a couple of years couldn't work even if wanted to. Now that I feel well enough to find a job, I've discovered that I don't want to spend the rest of my life working that hard again. Life is just not for work, work and more work. I am lucky enough to be able to scrape by financially (heaven help me tho if I beat this cancer thing and live another 30 years!!). However, with the cost of medical care and knowing that a major medical crisis could hit you at any time, I would be very concerned about taking an early retirement and having to get private insurance. Wait until medicare can cover you. So, when I talk to people about early retirement and the benefits, I say it's great...unless you get sick....
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#115947 - 05/21/07 01:04 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: chatty lady]
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Queen of Shoes
Registered: 05/24/04
Posts: 6123
Loc: Arizona
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Good for you, Chatty. Health insurance is something we worry about after the hub retires. I doubt that he could even find a company to take him on with his health problems.
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If it doesn't feel good, don't do it twice. www.eadv.netBoomer Queen of Shoes
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#115950 - 06/17/07 01:49 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 20
Loc: Long Island, New York
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I retired early because my husband retired from his job and we wanted to travel and enjoy life...He died of cancer a year and a half later -- that was three years ago. I'm not sorry I left work and am grateful to have had 24/7 for that time but now I'm stuck....I took widow's benefits from social security and can only make a small amount if I work. Can't seem to find my way -- any suggestions???
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#115952 - 06/17/07 02:00 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: Dancing Dolphin]
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Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 20
Loc: Long Island, New York
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I just turned 60...and I've been told what I receive now is what I will always receive....My children are all grown and are scattered all over the US..having trouble being single at this point in my life - nothing seems to "fit" right for me. I'm totally new to the internet and am just starting to find things - luckily I found this site!! Health care is expensive - I live in NY and expensive is the name of the game here....
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#115953 - 06/17/07 02:45 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: char222]
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Welcome char222. This site will be a perfect 'fit' for you. Now you can share in what many of us Boomers are going through. Sure hope you'll stick around.
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chick ~ Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't ~ ~ Prayer is the most we can do for another human being ~
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#115954 - 06/17/07 03:26 AM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: chickadee]
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Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 20
Loc: Long Island, New York
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thanks chick....I already feel that 'fit' ....hope my limited computer skills won't mess me up - I'd love to stick around...
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#115956 - 06/17/07 12:32 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: Louisa]
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Founder
Registered: 07/09/08
Posts: 23647
Loc: Maryland
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char, welcome to the neighborhood. Here is a link that may be helpful. It's for widows and it's from the social security site. I don't know if it will help, but it might be a start. Sometimes I think it's better to start online and then make phone calls. http://www.ssa.gov/ww&os2.htmIf you are new to the internet. All you need to do is click on the http link above and it will take you to the site.
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#115957 - 06/17/07 10:15 PM
Re: Retiring?
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Member
Registered: 11/18/05
Posts: 1796
Loc: Daytona Beach, Florida
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Oh, Dotsie, you always make me laugh when you ask about retirement. Uh, maybe I'm not laughing...maybe I'm hysterical. I turned 60 in May and don't see how I can retire at 62, let alone at 65 or 70. I'll try to go on disability (with my back problems) which pays more than retirement. Should that time come, I can't imagine being bored if I'm not working.
_________________________
What I know for sure is that it's all connected. Saundra Goodman Got Teeth? A Survivor's Guide www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips
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#115958 - 06/17/07 10:16 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: Saundra]
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Member
Registered: 11/18/05
Posts: 1796
Loc: Daytona Beach, Florida
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Oh, sorry, Hi Char. Welcome! Why did my post number not go up on this one (not that it matters, much)?
Edited by Saundra (06/17/07 10:17 PM)
_________________________
What I know for sure is that it's all connected. Saundra Goodman Got Teeth? A Survivor's Guide www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips
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#115960 - 06/18/07 12:14 PM
Re: Retiring?
[Re: Louisa]
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Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 20
Loc: Long Island, New York
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Thanks so much for your welcomes and input....It seems there are many friends here....
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