... For me to save for retirement would require a change, for the worse, of my lifestyle now. and for others.
And I'm not the only one in this position.
As one who's retired, I'll admit to having some second thoughts. Did I retire too soon? I have a decent income, but MORE money would be nice. I'll be on Medicare soon... what will that be like? Healthcare is the biggest concern these days. I watch my in-laws struggle to make ends meet, having lived longer than they ever expected.
I never expected to make it to 60, so I never thought retirement would be an option. All the men of previous generations in my family died in their late 50's. So I have lived every day like it's my last. I've had a GREAT life and God has been very good to me. I just wish He had told me He wasn't taking me as soon as I thought![emoji1]
I've spent a ton of money in my life... some of it frivolously.[emoji1] Probably not smart. Bought a lot of cars... new cars. Had fun with them, but they're really bad investments. Bought a ton of computers, electronics, home entertainment systems, and TV's. Most of it I no longer own. Paring down... downsizing... giving stuff away and throwing stuff out. I realize stuff does not make me happy. Travel isn't my thing either. I'm a home-body. I hate to fly and I won't go anywhere I can't take my dogs.
Fortunately, I own my home. The wife just bought a new car.[emoji4] I thought we were over that, but no... we still like new cars. I had what I thought was my last car, but NO... traded it for a new Jeep just after I retired. Apparently, I didn't get any smarter.[emoji1]
One thing I can attest to... You can live on a lot less money when you're not working. My expenses are very minimal... clothing budget is almost nil. Gas budget is very small. We still eat dinner out a couple nights a week, and I eat breakfast out 3 mornings a week, but I prepare all our other meals, and we eat VERY well. I cook grommet quality meals.[emoji4] Cooking and cleaning occupies a lot of my time. Home repairs and maintenance takes some as well. I have plenty of time to play with my computers, to listen to music, and whatever else suits me. Yes... I still think about working, but then I think back about all the $h!+ I had to deal with, and then I know I'm much happier now.
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