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Hi from future retiree at 53
01-23-2012, 10:20 AM
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#1
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Hi from future retiree at 53
Hi, I will be retiring July 31st 2012, at the age of 53, part of me wants to move to Hawaii ( I have been to the islands every year for two weeks the past 10 years) , another part of me wants to go to Hawaii for 3 months (jan-march) and the other part of me says to go to Florida for the winter months. I live in Illinois now.
I am very interested in communicating with Hawaii retirees about their experiences.
Also very interested in hearing from snowbirds whom go south here on the mainland for winter. Are there any campgrounds that have campers or, travel trailers set up on a permanent basis to rent or buy? Suggestions on campgrounds I purchase my own travel trailer?
I really am trying to discover my options at this point. I hope to meet and chat with many of you.
Thanks ... Ron
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01-23-2012, 07:39 PM
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#2
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 214
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron0731
Hi, I will be retiring July 31st 2012, at the age of 53, part of me wants to move to Hawaii ( I have been to the islands every year for two weeks the past 10 years) , another part of me wants to go to Hawaii for 3 months (jan-march) and the other part of me says to go to Florida for the winter months. I live in Illinois now.
I am very interested in communicating with Hawaii retirees about their experiences.
Also very interested in hearing from snowbirds whom go south here on the mainland for winter. Are there any campgrounds that have campers or, travel trailers set up on a permanent basis to rent or buy? Suggestions on campgrounds I purchase my own travel trailer?
I really am trying to discover my options at this point. I hope to meet and chat with many of you.
Thanks ... Ron
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Congrats... From what profession are you retiring?
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01-23-2012, 07:41 PM
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#3
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: northern Michigan
Posts: 2,213
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Hi Ron - I can't comment on Hawaii as I haven't been there yet, but we've wintered in both Florida (panhandle area) and Texas (Rockport area) since I retired a couple years ago (we live in Michigan most of the year, but don't want to spend all winter here anymore). Of the two, we definitely prefer Rockport, Texas. We found it to have everything we were looking for.....nice weather during the winter, friendly people, reasonable cost of living, lots of things to do (fishing, kayaking, birding, festivals, etc). In fact, we are headed back to Rockport in 3 days, coming back in late March. The Florida panhandle was okay, but the cost of living was higher and the towns were not as nice, at least where we were. There are lots and lots of RV parks in the Coastal Bend of Texas......you can either haul your own RV down there and use that, or rent one that they provide, I believe. We just rent a small house down there, as there are lots of rental homes available for a fairly reasonable price, if you look around a little. It is sure nice to get out of the snow and cold for 7 weeks or so.........we are hooked on it, so we'll be be headed south for part of the winter as long as we are able to make the trip, probably.
RAE
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01-24-2012, 07:15 AM
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#5
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2035
Congrats... From what profession are you retiring?
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Thanks 2035, I have been in the Information Technology(computer programming) field, for 32 years, but have been in management for the past 10 years.
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01-24-2012, 07:45 AM
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#6
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Thanks RAE,
I appreciate the information on Rockport Texas and the coastal Bend of Texas. I have only been to Austin Texas on business but I have been wanting to check out the rest of Texas and especially the coastal area. I will definitely check things out in this area and I will keep you in mind for any future questions. Thanks again so much for your reply.
Ron
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01-24-2012, 08:06 AM
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#7
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,201
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Welcome aboard, you've come to the right place. There are quite a few very knowledgeable, helpful haoles here. There are also some snowbirds, so you should be all set. I wish I was either, but alas...best of luck.
__________________
No one agrees with other people's opinions; they merely agree with their own opinions -- expressed by somebody else. Sydney Tremayne
Retired Jun 2011 at age 57
Target AA: 50% equity funds / 45% bonds / 5% cash
Target WR: Approx 1.5% Approx 20% SI (secure income, SS only)
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01-24-2012, 10:38 AM
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#8
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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[QUOTE="Nords"]Welcome to the board, Ron! Gee, it must be winter on the Mainland again. We never seem to get these "living in Hawaii" questions in August.
Thanks for your response Nords, you didn't get any "living in Hawaii" questions from me in August only because I just found this app and site this week. LOL,
I am constantly looking up information on Hawaii, looking at the online Hawaii newspapers, looking at apartments and studios for rent on the islands etc etc. As a matter of fact, I was on Maui last February and it took me until the end of May to face reality that I needed to work and live here in Illinois. When I get off the plane on the islands I always feel like I belong there, so yes, I know I need to spend a few months on the islands to see if I still feel that way if I decide on the islands.
I have another part of me that would like to spend 3-4 months on the islands, however transportation issues arise, as I like to be all over the islands to hit my favorite beaches and resturaunts etc such as Aloha Mixed Plate on Maui, Ono's on Oahu to name a couple. I am not sure which island I would prefer over the others yet.
Thanks for all the links, i have a lot more to think about. I appreciate it very much.
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01-24-2012, 10:39 AM
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#9
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midpack
Welcome aboard, you've come to the right place. There are quite a few very knowledgeable, helpful haoles here. There are also some snowbirds, so you should be all set. I wish I was either, but alas...best of luck.
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Thanks Midpack
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01-24-2012, 11:08 PM
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oahu
Posts: 26,856
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron0731
When I get off the plane on the islands I always feel like I belong there, ...
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Well, that's what happened to us-- 22 years ago. Gosh, almost 23 now.
__________________
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Co-author (with my daughter) of “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.”
Author of the book written on E-R.org: "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement."
I don't spend much time here— please send a PM.
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01-25-2012, 03:53 AM
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#11
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: midwestern city
Posts: 4,061
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Welcome, Ron.
__________________
Very conservative with investments. Not ER'd yet, 48 years old. Please do not take anything I write or imply as legal, financial or medical advice directed to you. Contact your own financial advisor, healthcare provider, or attorney for financial, medical and legal advice.
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01-25-2012, 06:14 AM
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#12
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Thanks
Thanks obgyn65
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01-25-2012, 02:22 PM
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#13
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Leeward Oahu
Posts: 17,794
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron0731
When I get off the plane on the islands I always feel like I belong there, so yes, I know I need to spend a few months on the islands to see if I still feel that way if I decide on the islands.
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37 years ago, DW got a chance to attend a conference in the Islands. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the idea of traveling 5000 miles to wait for her to get out of conference meetings, but, for the cost of my airfare, we would get a "free vacation" together.
Stepping off the plane, walking through the airport and driving to the hotel, DW and I couldn't stop glancing at each other with wide eyes. We both decided we were "home". We looked into purchasing a place to live and tried to find j*bs, but it was not to be. Still, we never gave up the dream. We did eventually purchase property (to hold our spot) and then continued to w*rk and save for our dream. We visited a dozen times (over 6 months in the Islands) before retiring here.
I always suggest a book to those considering a move to the Islands. Amazon.com: So You Want to Live in Hawaii (9780966625301): Toni Polancy: Books It gives both "sides" to such a move (good and "bad"). It's the best single source I've found to help one decided if HI is right for them. Naturally, only time here will tell you for certain.
I've spent time in north Florida and also in the Texas costal area. Each is nice in its own way and definitely warmer than the frozen tundra of the midwest in deepest winter. Still, nothing ever clicked and said "this is home". Clearly, snowbirding to either place should be less expensive (and perhaps less culture shock - though that's debatable ) than moving to Hawaii.
As always, YMMV. Aloha
__________________
Ko'olau's Law -
Anything which can be used can be misused. Anything which can be misused will be.
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01-25-2012, 07:32 PM
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#14
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Koolau
We looked into purchasing a place to live and tried to find j*bs, but it was not to be. Still, we never gave up the dream. We did eventually purchase property (to hold our spot) and then continued to w*rk and save for our dream. We visited a dozen times (over 6 months in the Islands) before retiring here.
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I wish I would have discovered the islands 30 years ago, I am sure I would be an owner if I had. I have the book
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01-25-2012, 07:35 PM
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#15
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oahu
Posts: 26,856
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Koolau
I've spent time in north Florida and also in the Texas costal area. Each is nice in its own way and definitely warmer than the frozen tundra of the midwest in deepest winter. Still, nothing ever clicked and said "this is home". Clearly, snowbirding to either place should be less expensive (and perhaps less culture shock - though that's debatable ) than moving to Hawaii.
As always, YMMV. Aloha
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At this point, Florida would be a huge culture shock. No Zippy's. No spam musubi. I don't think there's L&L BBQ there, either. Surfing might work out-- that Slater guy seems to have done OK from there.
Texas. Well, I'm getting used to Houston. San Antonio seems nice. But I have yet to experience any of that between May and August, and I have no interest in finding out.
__________________
*
Co-author (with my daughter) of “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.”
Author of the book written on E-R.org: "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement."
I don't spend much time here— please send a PM.
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01-25-2012, 08:10 PM
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#16
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Springfield Illinois
Posts: 23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nords
At this point, Florida would be a huge culture shock. No Zippy's. No spam musubi. I don't think there's L&L BBQ there, either. Surfing might work out-- that Slater guy seems to have done OK from there.
Texas. Well, I'm getting used to Houston. San Antonio seems nice. But I have yet to experience any of that between May and August, and I have no interest in finding out.
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L&L BBQ, dang I miss not getting to go there, I have saw Zippy's but didn't try it. Maybe soon LOL
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01-25-2012, 08:20 PM
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#17
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Dryer sheet wannabe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron0731
Hi, I will be retiring July 31st 2012, at the age of 53, part of me wants to move to Hawaii...
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I won't be there until 2018. Make sure you Hawaii folks all coordinate where you're living - I wouldn't want the island to tip over.
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01-25-2012, 08:43 PM
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#18
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oahu
Posts: 26,856
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nunyaa
I won't be there until 2018. Make sure you Hawaii folks all coordinate where you're living - I wouldn't want the island to tip over.
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No doubt the Navy has invited the Representative's staff to tour both islands to check their stability...
__________________
*
Co-author (with my daughter) of “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.”
Author of the book written on E-R.org: "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement."
I don't spend much time here— please send a PM.
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01-26-2012, 12:30 PM
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#19
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Leeward Oahu
Posts: 17,794
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nords
At this point, Florida would be a huge culture shock. No Zippy's. No spam musubi. I don't think there's L&L BBQ there, either. Surfing might work out-- that Slater guy seems to have done OK from there.
Texas. Well, I'm getting used to Houston. San Antonio seems nice. But I have yet to experience any of that between May and August, and I have no interest in finding out.
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Boyd Crowder to Raylan Givens (FX's Justified) commenting on Raylan's return to Kentucky from Florida:
"I don't think I could abide me a place so flat."
Of course, Boyd and Raylan grew up in eastern KY while I grew up on the prairies of the midwest. Still, I think the Ko'olau would be the most difficult to give up for Florida's thousands of square miles of sandy flatlands. (Uh, I do know one local girl who doesn't like Zippy's so I guess it's okay that DW and I don't either.) YMMV
__________________
Ko'olau's Law -
Anything which can be used can be misused. Anything which can be misused will be.
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