Life Changes
By Fishmomma
@Fishmomma (11377)
United States
November 19, 2023 6:14pm CST
Its been a long time since visiting Mylot. We have been busy reducing our home and daughter was recently here for a visit. She moved out to Northern California where she has a good job at a library and works more hours. It did mean a pay increase, so it was good.
I'm still working, as decided to wait longer to retire. I have been with the company over 25 years and the additional money could mean a move in the future closer to family. First will have to decide when is a good time to retire. If you are retired or thinking about retirement what made you decide it was time?
7 people like this
7 responses
@sallypup (61088)
• Centralia, Washington
20 Nov 23
I am the driver in my family. I could feel that I was getting too old to be driving freaky winter roads to get my husband to work. I loved our three acres and yet I knew that as we aged we needed to be nearer to others. I found an aged house in the greener more populated part of my state. We spent five years shedding stuff while others rented the house and paid our mortgage before we moved. Hubby was very ill last year. I'm glad we were closer to medical help. Our daughter is thousands of miles away so we are trying to make town contacts- for the just in case times.
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
We may have to downsize next year to a smaller house. My husband was in bad shape last year and this year he is able to do less than past years. We hired somebody to do yard work making it easier. Thanks for posting.
2 people like this
@sallypup (61088)
• Centralia, Washington
20 Nov 23
@Fishmomma Downsizing is quite interesting. I'm sorry your husband is not doing well. We downsized the land but upsized the house due to my being addicted to elderly houses.
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
@sallypup Many people are surprised that I'm ready to downsize, as I lived in a large older house for many years. I enjoy learning about the people that lived in the house years ago.
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
That is great that you were able to retire early. I have grown produce in my yard for many years to lower my grocery bill. Its the medical bills and electric bills that kept me from retiring years ago. Thanks for posting.
2 people like this
@porwest (90696)
• United States
20 Nov 23
@Fishmomma Bills would not have stopped me. Hard to explain in such little space. I write about it all the time around here, though. Never about income, life situations, circumstances, it's all about money knowledge and proper money management.
It is what it is. Nonetheless, I hope you can get to retirement sooner rather than later. Life is way too short to spend all of it working. At least in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
Glad to be back, as husband is better. Its great to talk again and missed online friends. Thanks for posting.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89882)
• Arvada, Colorado
20 Nov 23
I retired early. And it was the best thing I ever did.
I made enough money to do so.
Have to be sure you can make it on what you will get.
I am sure you will also get a pension as well as your ss right?
Glad your daughter got a good job with more money.
Good to see you here welcome back.
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
Yes on the social security, as they send out letters to inform how much I could have now. I'm not sure about other money, as the company has had hard times the last couple years. Several people have lost their job, so was surprised when it wasn't me. I plan to be on more, as have missed talking with members. Its hard for me knowing how fast the years have gone by. Thanks for posting.
2 people like this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
20 Nov 23
It sounds like you've had quite a busy and eventful time. Moving to Northern California for a good job at a library is a significant step for her, and I'm glad to hear it came with a pay increase.
The decision on when to retire is undoubtedly a significant one. Many factors come into play. Some may decide based on financial readiness, while others might prioritise personal fulfilment, health, or spending more time with loved ones. What factors are you weighing as you contemplate the right time for your retirement?
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
My biggest factor is my husband, as he has slowed down a lot this year. Many things he use to do are now my job most of the time. I hired somebody to do the yard to reduce down how much I needed to regularly take care of now. It has made a big difference. Thanks for posting and will update my job information next year.
1 person likes this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
21 Nov 23
@Fishmomma sure thing. Will wait for your update on your job 
@DaddyEvil (137257)
• United States
20 Nov 23
Welcome back!
I was forced to retire early... My eyes keep swelling shut and the doctors/specialists can't do anything to stop it from happening. I am currently in the process of getting SSDI.
2 people like this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
Sorry to hear about your eyes. Thanks for posting and will be on more now that the house is cleaner.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137257)
• United States
20 Nov 23
@Fishmomma Thank you and you're welcome.
Looking forward to visiting with you when you have time.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (139697)
• Roseburg, Oregon
20 Nov 23
I could retire at the company I worked for at 59 and a half. I waited until 61 to retire. Than I got social security at 65 and my husband retired at 62 when he discovered he had afib. He had enough in his 401K and he waited until 65 to collect his social security. We moved to Oregon it is closer to sea level and better for his afib.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Nov 23
Thanks for posting. I use to live in Oregon many years ago and graduated from Oregon State. Glad you were both able to retire. I'm hoping to visit Oregon after I retire, as haven't been there in a long time.
1 person likes this
