Hi, I'm (as I said) 61 and hoping to retire at 62. I've developed a lot of spreadsheets showing anticipated expenses vs. income and I think I'll be okay. I am kinda hoping SS stays around. Female, in a LT relationship with a man who is in the same situation financially. No debt except a small mortgage. I plan to pay that off when I hit Medicare age - my health expenses should go down.
Lately I've been ill with asthmatic bronchitis once or twice a year for the past 4 years. I feel like I never get my energy back all the way - due to working. That feeling that I can't keep working is driving this move. The age 62 is so I can collect SS - it would be harder to do now and I'll be 62 in June 2010.
So - how to get health insurance... My current plan is to see if they pass any legislation that helps me. Then in April or May apply for insurance and see if I get denied coverage. I can stay on COBRA for 18 months but there will be another 18 months to cover. At least I'll know if I seem insurable. I have to have health insurance for fear of being bankrupted by an unforeseen illness. We do have a high risk pool where I live (MO) but it's around $800 a month for high deductible coverage. A friend of a friend is on it.
Hoping that I don't have anything that would preclude being insurable. We live simply but not in a spartan manner, don't spend a whole lot of money on "stuff". The cars are paid for. No debt except whatever I've spent this month.
Anyhow - this is my intro even though I've read stuff off and on for a while. I don't really need investing advice - I'm good at that. Any other advice - especially for this 3 year window between 62 and 65 - is very welcome.
Lately I've been ill with asthmatic bronchitis once or twice a year for the past 4 years. I feel like I never get my energy back all the way - due to working. That feeling that I can't keep working is driving this move. The age 62 is so I can collect SS - it would be harder to do now and I'll be 62 in June 2010.
So - how to get health insurance... My current plan is to see if they pass any legislation that helps me. Then in April or May apply for insurance and see if I get denied coverage. I can stay on COBRA for 18 months but there will be another 18 months to cover. At least I'll know if I seem insurable. I have to have health insurance for fear of being bankrupted by an unforeseen illness. We do have a high risk pool where I live (MO) but it's around $800 a month for high deductible coverage. A friend of a friend is on it.
Hoping that I don't have anything that would preclude being insurable. We live simply but not in a spartan manner, don't spend a whole lot of money on "stuff". The cars are paid for. No debt except whatever I've spent this month.
Anyhow - this is my intro even though I've read stuff off and on for a while. I don't really need investing advice - I'm good at that. Any other advice - especially for this 3 year window between 62 and 65 - is very welcome.