About a year and a half ago I realized that if and when I retire, I am too a custom to having a certain amount of money to spend on nonessentials - - on “I wants!” Even if I wait until I’m 66 (I’m 62 right now) to retire and if Social Security is still viable, there wasn’t going to be enough money to “play” with. Several of my friends have had to go back to work due to unforeseen circumstances, husbands dying, real estate investments going under and monies invested deflating. Recently while visiting my Sis in Denver, we went by to see my Brother-in-law and wife. Tom is 3 years younger than me; he was laid-off a year ago and hasn’t found another job. Luckily his wife Geri works.
Right now I’m the 2nd oldest nurse in our hospice unit. I am very fortunate and blessed that 27 years ago I went back to school and became an RN (I had been a Hairdresser for 20 yrs). Right now I’ve been with the same hospital, RVMC, for 23 years. We have a union and I’m a good employee and nurse. My husband Neil also works at the same hospital, he is 2 years younger than me, but should I retire at 63 (in 1 year) he doesn’t make enough to support both of us, our health insurance needs and for me to have enough money to “play” with.
We have been putting away money in IRA’s, retirement funds, etc. but the way the market is and the economy there are no guarantees that that will support us for as long as live, say another 20-30 years.
So I have been praying and thinking about what to do, before I’m forced by circumstances or time to make decisions or just find myself in a situation where there are no options.
I probably should say at this point, my wants aren’t grandiose or extreme. Travel, hobbies (shopping), being able to give to people in need or to a good cause such as missions or folks going back to school, these are the extent of my wants right now. That may grow; in fact I expect them too.
In the following blogs I’ll explain my thought processes and actions to come up with another enjoyable sustainable income.
No comments:
Post a Comment