Sounds like a nice morning to me! I love days when I can just do whatever I want. I hate mornings now as I have to be out of the house by 6 AM Monday-Friday and it's still dark on the way to work.

I can't wait to retire. I still have 34 more years. One of my long term financial plans is to be able to retire early while I still have the health and energy to enjoy it.

Pensions aren't really common anymore and don't believe social security will be available in 30+ years (and I'm pretty sure I won't get a refund for everything I've paid in!) so it will be hard but worth it.

I retired at 54 and I'm 74 now.

Teacher retirement system in Alabama is great for retiring teachers, at least when I retired. Plus had/have a great financial planner.

Never regretted early retirement.

Im sure with you Glenda. I have been retired almost 3 years and not being on somebody else's schedule is the best part. I worked for a great company but my department was very very hard nosed regarding time off, being on time, breaks taken at a certain time, no long lunch hours (I only got 30 min) etc. So very nice now to do what I want when I want with nobody timing me!
Satine

It's the same rainy, gloomy day here too Glenda, and like you, I intend to stay in my nightgown and robe all day since I am not going anywhere. That's one of the joys of retirement. We don't live on a time schedule any more and don't have to leave the house if we don't want to do that.

This coming Monday I will have been retired for three months. And my net monthly retirement pay is just under $500 more per month than when I was working, so I'm loving retirement!

I have a couple more years.. hubby and I have always owned our own buisness, we are in the process of turning it over to our grandson, we will still be involved in the background as we will be financing him for a while.(hopefully he won't need that for long) My husband has been on disability for the past year, he is not able to spend the whole day at work, but still gives advice, and over sees.
So looking forward to traveling, hopefully while hubby still can, lots to see and experience.
I am SO looking forward to it.Looking forward to the day when don"t have to worry about sales tax, employee payroll, buisness insurance, accounts recievable, etc..etc..

Retired 6 months here and loving it. Especially after the winter we had here
In New Jersey. I just stayed under the covers!!! :)

Retirement is wonderful. We planned ahead for the day. My hubby worked for a large company for 40 plus years. Great retirement package. We have been debt free for many years and have never lived large so this helped. We do most everything we want plus have a second home for getaways. Some days I have to check my computer to see what day it is.. We also were blessed with a large inheritance about 15 years ago. Haven't spent a penny of it. I can say life is really good to us..

I would say to everyone to enjoy their retirement the best way they can. We have no desire to travel but do so many other things. Different strokes for different folks.. Carry on!!!

LOL Susie, I have to look at the newspaper fro the date;) I have been retired 3 1/2 years DH has been retired 6. I love it! I get up when I want and sit in my jammies as long as I want~~am in them right now;)

I just started a new book and will spend the day reading it.I have 'In and Out days'~~usually Tues and Thurs are in days~~and most weekends;) I do all errands or dr appts on out days.

I do not want to have to be at a certain place or time ever again on a regular basis~~

Life Is Good~

I retired at the ripe old age of 46. That was 20 years ago. DH and I had good jobs in the government, and were excellent financial managers, so we could afford to take early retirement and still live very comfortably. After almost 30 years in a high-stress job, it is so nice to be able to sleep in (which means 8 AM) and take a short nap in the afternoon.

I am glad I am retired every single day lol
I can get up when I want and go to bed when I want and pretty much plan my day to do what ever I want, weather permitting!
Today I got up, showered, had coffee, went to lunch with my friend and neighbor for as long as we wanted because she is retired also. If I want to go take a nap I can, If I just want to sit and watch tv I can. If I decide to do something productive I can.
I really like it that way.
It will be nice in some aspects when hubby retires too. He just needs to be ready to do his own stuff, because if he is retired I am not doing it for him LOL. Luckily he is pretty good, he does his own laundry already. He just needs to learn to wash his own dishes and clean up his own messes.
But will be nice to be able to just get the RV and go when ever we want and no work schedules to worry about.

I have enjoyed every single day of my retirement. I retired 6 years ago. When my friends and I are at evening basketball games that go into overtime on week nights, those of us who are retired say that we are so glad we don't have to get up early the next day. Tonight our Iowa State Cyclones will be playing in the Sweet 16 in NYC!

I've been retired 6 years and would love to have a job again - 20 hours a week would be great, but it's hard for a 64-yr. old lady to find any job in this area. I've always been a benefits coordinator/negotiator for disabled and elderly folks in some capacity, and I very much miss doing that.

I retired many years ago, but kept active with volunteer work and traveling with a RV. Had 5 acres of mountain to take care of and really enjoyed spring with all the babies in nature, especially the quail We did travel a lot all over US and Canada. Then after we bought property in ND spent part of our summers working on the house. Then moved but DH got sick about 8 years ago so spent limited time traveling and doctoring.
Now I just enjoy some volunteer work and my new apt and can still drive without a problem and meet new people.
Spent today running errands in the snow (light flurries, but betting thicker.
It is nice to do what and when I want to do things.

I wonder if housewives ever retire. I know this one isn't. My husband isn't either, he still works. He will be 80 in May. Yes, we are debt free.

Sue

I retired at 62....and my first new habit, that I still have today,, is getting up, pouring my coffee(which is hot because it's on a timer), get the morning paper and carrying them back to my warm bed, and turning on the Today show.

Life is grand.

I'm torn about retirement. I will be 55 in May, and have talked DH into retiring at 60 but I don't know if I'll go through with it. After a day like today, I feel like retiring tomorrow. I started at 8:30 and was on my feet until almost 7PM without a break, ugh. Most days aren't like that, though.

I plan to retire next year....I will be 62 1\2. I have not enjoyed my job in quite a few years and am frequently bored as there is not enough work. I always thought I'd work until 65/66, but in addition to not enjoying it, a coworker died unexpectedly after a brief illness last year at 64 and a friend died just before Christmas of colon cancer.....these really put the bee in my bonnet to retire sooner rather than later. DH will probably retire a year or two after me.

I look forward to no alarm clock, but at the same time I am worried I will be lazy. I am definitely the type that could spend all day in my pajamas puttering and watching TV. Even though there are lots of house projects to keep me busy, I can see myself totally procrastinating and just sitting around instead. But I dislike my work environment so much I know I can't stay another 2-3 years.

First year retired teacher here- Lots of us slept in this morning.- me too- out of bed at 9:30. Yesterday i was up at 6:00 and out the door at 7:00. I am substitute teaching which I love 6-9 times a month mostly at my old school. I am still feeling my way as a retired person. I feel that I should be careful not to fall into any bad habits like lazing around house and should aim to have structure to my days. Feel I need to be active and going everyday although that has not been the reality. I am not bored exactly but I think I should be busier than I am.

Ya, rub it in that some of us have many moons of work ahead of us. ; )

I have never had a good paying job, so my SS will not be very much. I have a 403(b) and save regularly but my retirement income will be low and I am afraid life will not be very sweet so hope to work as long as I can.

Good counsel for a person rather worried about how they'll handle retirement is to suggest,

"What is it about freedom that you find disconcerting?"!

ole joyfuelled ...enjoying a 15-year comfortable retirement

Retirement if fine if you want it and can afford it! DH wasn't ready to retire, but we have been fortunate that we could afford retirement.

I've read that people should wait until age 70 to reap maximum benefits from social security -- of course that makes more sense if you CAN wait, and if you expect to live a long life.

DH's large corporation gave him a clock for 25 years of service then a few years later began a huge downsizing...that included him. He did a few other things, but was pretty much 'retired' at that point, fortunately with a decent pension and some health benefits that continue today. We each took our social security as we became eligible. Although my earnings were small, I receive spousal benefits that are half of DH's.

We have income from savings, having lived below our means for most of our marriage -- and having inherited from our parents. Our two residential properties are recovering from the 2009 RE plunge.

Our income today still exceeds spending, although we are indulging ourselves more now, after 50 years of marriage and with our DS settled. Once you and your family are secure, you should be able to live AT your means, don't you agree?

We are self insuring for long term care needs, but our annual health care costs are ridiculous. I would like to see single-payer health insurance and government controls on prescription medicine pricing in the US. We're paying 150% of our food budget for premiums, uninsured costs, dental care and meds. We only have three prescription meds between us and are in *good* health! I don't know how others with poorer health or finances can manage.

Suggestions for those of you looking forward ... years till retirement.

Live within your means ... *well* within your means, if I may suggest such. Spend less than you make.

Few have enjoyed more than minimal increases in income in recent years, and I think that many would agree that they don't see much change in that during the foreseeable future.

Prices of goods that we buy have increased, and while the official rate of inflation is about 2 per cent ... folks who've visited a grocery (or other, for that matter) store recently would suggest that story falls somewhat short of reality ... which situation is most likely to continue, as well.

Which means that we'll have to sped more in future years to continue our current lifestyle ... but with income rising less quickly in order to meet those (perceived) needs.

Plus, the suggestion is that, with fewer and less generous pensions, few are actually making adequate financial preparation for their retirement ... and the years of life have been growing, for most of us, so those retirement funds will have to stretch farther.

So: most of you'd better spend *much* less than your current income.

Also: DO NOT ever get yourself into a position where you need a payday loan: $20. fee for the use of $100., or even $200., for up to two weeks ... is murderous to one's future financial solvency.

Pay off your "credit" card balances in full every billing period: 18% annual interest rate on regular cards is way too much time to be working for nothing in order to pay the interest on that loan ... and the usual 28% or so on store-issued cards is much worse.

And there are extra fees for late of missed payments.

Plus the actual rates are actually higher, because the accrued interest is added every month, and accrues more interest from that point on.

Plus ... since most of the stuff that we buy using credit cards isn't deductible, that interest we're paying is after-tax dollars, so at tax rate of 20%, we have to earn $35., pay $7. in tax, then have $28. to pay the interest on a store-issued card ... before paying off a cent of the original $100. loan.

Instead, build a fund of savings, so that you can cover your emergencies from it, and make a strong rule that you'll save harder to replace that money quickly.

What's better (for long-term savings) than putting your money into the bank? Banks pay about 2% on the certificates they issue, these days ... and in Canada that's fully taxable: no offsetting credits.

Buying ... a ... piece ... of ... the ... (high quality) bank! Canadian banks are paying about 4% dividends (some higher) ... and they're taxed at a low rate! And the price of the shares has appreciated, year over year, over extended periods.

I bought shares in a Canadian bank 47 years ago, for $4.17 each, paying about 10 or 12 cents dividend per year ... at low tax rate. Could have sold in early '07 for $107. and they were paying $3.08 per share dividend, at even lower tax rate, and they increased the dividend by 40 cents that fall, almost 10% of the price of the original share, 40 years before.

When they were involved with the financial fiasco in the U.S. later, the price per share dropped to $40., and some said that they'd cut the dividend, but others said that were they to do so, the price of the shares would get murdered even more (though how one does greater than a murder, I'm not quite sure).

They did not cut the dividend, which stayed at the same level for 4 years ... and the dividend has now been raised to $3.84 per year, while the stock price has recovered to just under $100.

If I continue to hold that stock ... and can manage to stay alive for a few more years ... maybe they'll be paying me each year the $4.17 that the stock cost me in the first place.

How much have I paid a money manager/financial advisor/mutual fund company in those years to take care of that stock? Not ... one ... penny.

Learn how to manage your investments yourself: an interesting hobby ... that pays well.

ole joyfuelled ... also fuelled by some pensions, savings and dividends as needed

I wish the retirement forum was more active....lots of topics to talk about.

Timely topic as I'm retiring on April 30th after a 37 year career with a small city government. The problem is - I'm not looking forward to it! I have loved my job and enjoy going to the office each day. I work with great people, my job has been creative and challenging. I even enjoy the commute! As yet, I have no plans for the 'rest of my life' and will need to reinvent myself. I don't want to become lazy and just sit around the house with the dog and my husband! Everyone says retirement is great. Stay tuned. I'm about to find out.

Just Imagine, I think retired people are the greatest source of the volunteer force and there are oodles of options. Many find the work most fulfilling--I hope you can find something that suits you.

Yes chisue, that is the best piece of advice here. Wait as long as you can to lock in your SSI rate. Great advice, and that also given by my financial advisor, so I know it's well informed.

I've found that "Volunteering" is a bit like having a "Hobby". Best to find these before you retire, after which you can devote more time to them -- if you wish.

I think it's difficult to find *meaningful* work as a volunteer. One thing DH has enjoyed is called Grand Times. About sixty Seniors volunteer in township high schools. Teachers request help with all kinds of things, and the leader of Grand Times matches volunteers to meet the needs. DH is usually 'at school' for a few hours twice a week on some assignment. He's worked with the same kids in a remedial English class for two years. It's sometimes one-on-one; sometimes he's working with a 'team' of kids on an assignment. He feels useful, and the kids seem hungry for help. He also helps judge presentations for the marketing classes and helps with senior essays -- nice mix of lower and higher achieving students.

More schools could avail themselves of the Senior talent lying fallow in their communities. "Volunteering" needn't be primarily serving the entertainment or time-structuring needs of retirees with 'make work' assignments to keep them busy.

What have some of you found to do in retirement that uses your experience and talents?

I'm not ready to retire, I'm just ready for a break. I have a LOT to do, so working FULL time means I have to manage my time to the minute.

I don't like sleeping in. I don't like being bored. I'm not a TV junkie.

Taking a 3 week vacation when working is near impossible unless you plan a year in advance and having the vacation time available. Getting a cold every time your co-workers have a cold.....yuck. I had one after the other lasting 10 weeks last year.

I'm a little burned out....but not because I want to sleep 12 hours....hang out and do nothing....not at all.....

Re taking or holding off on SS. I just posed this question to a friend who was a pension fund administrator for a trade union for 20 years. His feelings---if you are eligible and you are not working, you should take your SS. He used the following example:

"SS Early Retirement at age 62: $2,000 per month
SS Normal Retirement at age 66: $3,000 per month
If I retire at age 66, to recoup the $1,000 difference, it will take 96 months or 8 years.
Or you can say it will take the first 32 months after age 66 to get the total amount of $96,000.

Some people like to wait to get more, but if you're not working, I feel it's better to take it."

He said he gave the same advice to many union members and they thanked him for advising not to hold off.

Re: volunteering... My BF retired and volunteered for 2 organizations she believed in and only lasted a few years....too much politics, people not showing up to help when they were scheduled, and constantly being asked to do more and more. I think you can have good experiences and bad with volunteering..you just have to go in with your eyes open and not allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

dh always says he want to retire then go back to work as a consultant, but! the guy who wants him is gone more and on the road constantly! so what does that prove? more money and less time....I've had the rare chance except for a few times of daycare provider at local church and school, of being a sah mom...so I've been home for ages...(although a bummer? can't get more than medicare...not enough years woking)

Tons of animal shelters here in Mexico are always looking for folks to walk the dogs & help socialize them. There are so many organizations looking for volunteers here that one could be busier than they ever were when working. Lots of orphanages, disabled childrens' groups, etc.

By the end of my working life I was working 6 or 7 days a week. I was exhausted. I was used to it when younger but it was brutal at the end. Moving here was the smartest thing I ever did. You can live on SS alone if need be & can afford a weekly housekeeper & gardener. There are lunch groups, computer clubs, English libraries, tons of restaurants & a big city is an hour away.

I settled in to what works for me & I can be as busy or as lazy as I want to be. I worked all my life for this & I'm completely enjoying it, especially the weather which is supposed to be the 2nd best in the world.

I'm just starting my second year of retirement. The recession changed some of our plans as we were saving for retirement. We ended up retiring a couple of years earlier. I am keeping my 18 month old granddaughter, and I keep my 4 year old granddaughter two days a week. I also am caring for my mother so I keep pretty busy. I may substitute teach a few days a month next year. Three of our four kids will be over 800 miles away so I want to have travel money to see them and do some sight seeing as well. I have enjoyed learning to handle my portfolio and hope to stay ahead of inflation with it. I liked my job, but I love being retired.

I always enjoyed working in hospitals and now that I am retired, I volunteer one afternoon a week at the information desk in the hospital here. I really enjoy it and see people I know. Once a year the hospital has a volunteer appreciation dinner at a nice hotel here.Once a week or so my precious Finn comes over to spend a couple of hours. Today I took him on his first bus ride. He is 3 1/2. We went to the mall and he was so excited about the bus ride and then we got to the mall and I told him there was a children's play area there. He said "Oh my gosh, I want to live here." He is just so cute and full of energy. After we got back home to my house and his dad picked him up, I took a nap.