Hi I am begining a long planned journey to retirement

[vthorseshoe]

I am 58 and have been shoeing horses for over 30 years.
Drove Tractor Trailer coast to coast for 10 years.

I have put my property in Vermont up for sale and bought mself a 32 ft. 5th wheel trailer and a new pickup truck to pull it.

I am leaving the north eastern USA for warmer area's further south.

I lost my wife of 21 years October 30th 06 and it has been a long year of learning and copeing with my loss.
Cigarettes and bronkitus/pnuemonia through the years took its final toll.

I have set aside a specific amount for my God-Son as my wife and I had discussed through the years, and the rest pays off all my bills leaving me a zero balance.

I am going to take a month off and check out area's of interest and then will find a place to live where I can be happy and comfortable in South Carolina.
Looking to buy 5-10 acres
I will begin a new horse shoeing business and work 3 to 4 days a week and enjoy the balance.

Anyone else doing anything along these lines ?

I am focused on keeping my everyday bills well within my range of income.

In a few more years I will have SS comng in and will be able to relax a bit moe with my nest egg and do some fishing and ride my motorcycle.

Bruce Matthews
1719 center rd
Hde Park, Vermont 05655

 

[Caroline]

Sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, vt, that had to be incredibly tough.

I have no wisdom on your search, but wish you the best -- keep us posted, ok?

 

[Coach]

Bruce, welcome aboard! It sounds like you have a plan and you know what you want -- best wishes in getting there.

Coach

 

[Sarah in SC]

Bruce, be sure to let me know when you get down here. I grew up with horses and if you settle near the lowcountry, I might be able to get you an introduction to some folks. As you know, good farriers are hard to find (and with injuries, hard to keep!).
I am sorry for your loss and hope that the change of scenery will do you good. We have 4 acres near Charleston, SC and our area is full of good horse people.
Sarah

 

[Texas Proud]

Sorry for you loss... and it appears that you have weathered the worst...

Congrats on your plans and have a great time!!!

 

[noworkethic]

I'm very sorry for the loss of your wife. You and I seem to have some things in common. We are about the same age. I also drove coast to coast for a little while, not nearly as long as you. I really enjoyed driving a big rig down the highway but did not like much else about the job, especially living out of a truck. I also much prefer warmer weather and the older I get the more I like it. I have about two years before I will start to draw SS. I am also new to this forum (a couple days ago). I hope you enjoy it and profit from the knowledge of the members here as much as I do. Welcome.