jollystomper
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2012
- Messages
- 6,656
It has been 3 years since my glide path to retirement ended and I joined the Class of 2018 (https://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f28/omy-glide-path-plans-81406.html). In general, these have been three wonderful years. This is my random “bullet” summary of results and observations, in no particular order, of these 3 years:
Whatever years left I have, that is what I have, and more than I deserve. Regardless, I hope to continue enjoying my retirement in them as much as possible, including still being a troublemaker in this online community
.
- As of the end of June our investments are up 24% since my retirement, with a very conservative AA.This more than fine by us. At the worst of the pandemic market, We were still at 95% of our retirement investment level. I know we could have done better buy investing more aggressively... but we do not feel we need to do that.
- Our cash is down only 12%. We did receive a larger than expected inheritance from my parents estate after retirement, but taking that out of the picture it is still down only 24%, which includes buying a third car and paying off the mortgage. My plan forecasted our cash being down 60% at this point. We are “failing” the “Blow That Dough!” test .
- Our 3 years of retirement expenses, compared to the 3 years prior to retirement, are down 30%. Not all of that is due to the pandemic. There are some expenditure we deliberately chose in those prior 3 years before retirement (like home improvements). But there are also expenditures we have increased much more in retirement (like vacation).
- So far my medical expenses forecast has been overly conservative. To date we have only seen a $5K increase compared to the pre-retirement 3 year period. With less than 2 years to go to Medicare, it has been less than half of what we thought we would need to this point.
- My health so far is very good. My weight is down about 20 pounds since retiring and staying that way (I do not want to lose any more than that to keep my athletic build (HA!). Some better eating (like swearing off all sugar sweetened drinks), much more physical activity ( at least 2 hours every day of gym/walk-the-course golf/biking/bowling/hiking/yard work/HIIT workouts/etc.). My last 2 annual physical exams showed all of the numbers in the normal range. I only have to take 3 inexpensive medicines and take several vitamin supplements. I do not take health for granted; I am simply enjoying it while I can.
- Though naturally more of an introvert, I like to socialize, if for nothing else to “people watch”, observe, and listen. I have been able to strike a good balance of socializing vs. alone time that works for me and DW (who loves to socialize).
- Speaking of DW, she is thrilled that I am retired. She says it feels like the early days of our marriage, before the children arrived
. She enjoys me being around the house (even when I am in the man cave blasting music or watching movies containing lots of gunfire and explosions), especially since my career had me traveling so much. After seeing how much fun I was having she has decided to retire from her teaching career as well. As of the end of May is no longer teaching either college or high school courses. - Retirement has enhanced my generally laid back attitude. I enjoy each moment. I try not to have any “pet peeves”. I take myself much less seriously. If I disagree with you in a conversation on this forum, I’m smiling while I am typing . I challenge myself to listen to others and not turn into the “old man that yells at clouds and chases others off his lawn”. While there are things and situations in my personal life I wish were different – such as wishing our grandkids lived being within a couple of hours vs. having to take an overseas trip to see them – I am still very content.
- I have currently zero desire to work. At retirement I planned on seeking some IT consulting work after 6-12 months, but that feeling quickly dissipated. I still get full or part time job opportunities to consider, but I am not interested. I never say never, however. Offer me a job that is no more than 8 hours a week, can be done from home, does not require any physical labor beyond reading and typing (okay, maybe playing with computer hardware and software and spreadsheets) and pays at least $60/hour, and I might consider it .
- I enjoy "fading into the background” these days. Many former co-workers have expressed surprise that I have not continued my “public” activities (speaking at tech conferences, publishing white papers, giving workshops, etc.). They are surprised I do not “tweet” or “blog” anymore to share my “knowledge” and “wisdom”. However, just knowing that I was able to do that before successfully is enough for me. Those actions were a means to an end that I am now at, and I do not need the “benefits” that might come with those activities.
- Every hour I realize how very, very, blessed I am. The ability to wake up every day and have a choice of what to do, “first world” money issues that do not impact our desired lifestyle, family that is happy that I am retired – I do not take these things likely, or as an entitlement.
Whatever years left I have, that is what I have, and more than I deserve. Regardless, I hope to continue enjoying my retirement in them as much as possible, including still being a troublemaker in this online community
.
