tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6648637046600966549..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Preparing for retirementUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25066813651473541712012-10-25T21:55:20.391+10:002012-10-25T21:55:20.391+10:00My life has been so different..I raised 2 children...My life has been so different..I raised 2 children and then 1 grandchild....so when I was in my late 50's I was dealing with a teenager again! Now I am 68 and trying to figure out my life from here on. There is so much still to do and enjoy that I finally feel I am at a point to see the splendor in each day. I scramble for any little job I can find to bring in income aside from my small retirement benefit from my teaching years. I do many crafts and love being outdoors in nature swimming and walking. I know I am getting older, but remain young at heart, embracing the wonders of the world.Jingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07357961722537445285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37772338937114950882012-10-25T17:16:41.208+10:002012-10-25T17:16:41.208+10:00HI Rhonda .My latest read is Eat Well Save More by...HI Rhonda .My latest read is Eat Well Save More by Cath Armstrong.It is interesting and full of good recipes and handy hints.A small book to keep.Cheers Affussarobandmoihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15494721396963191007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70793916610517600782012-10-25T04:33:58.804+10:002012-10-25T04:33:58.804+10:00PRECIOSO EL BLOG....
SALUDOSPRECIOSO EL BLOG....<br />SALUDOSAliciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667268016535636697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74078057193834406772012-10-24T23:35:41.797+10:002012-10-24T23:35:41.797+10:00Hi Rhonda, What a wonderful post! I'm approach...Hi Rhonda, What a wonderful post! I'm approaching 40 myself so this is a little ways off for me but I think I'll pass this along to my parents. Very useful and practical advice and information. Thanks for sharing ~ it's so important to set yourself up well. Audreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10901253574307836440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11368528174572397572012-10-24T22:44:37.440+10:002012-10-24T22:44:37.440+10:00Hi Rhonda!
Just to let you know I have recently d...Hi Rhonda!<br /><br />Just to let you know I have recently discovered your most inspirational blog, and have been an avid reader since. I keep reading back through your archives, and have found a lot of useful information, along with a confirmation that we are indeed not alone in trying, to a degree, live a simple life. <br /><br />I have started to knit my very first dishcloth, and have just posted an entry in my blog, where I refer and link to your blog. I hope it is fine by you.<br /><br />Thank you for your wonderful blog. I shall keep reading, and aspiring to live a simple, frugal, down-to-earth life.Miahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07511372208366707895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50016414421852624752012-10-24T22:12:25.639+10:002012-10-24T22:12:25.639+10:00I believe it's wise to declutter in every deca...I believe it's wise to declutter in every decade. Leaving it until retirement just creates a problem that looks too big to tackle.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83126505569883145932012-10-24T19:34:04.933+10:002012-10-24T19:34:04.933+10:00I couldn't second more vigorously the need to ...I couldn't second more vigorously the need to start downsizing and decluttering in advance. My parents failed to do this, and were hampered in their later years by their refusing to admit that the 5 bedroom house on a large block was too much for them to maintain. I am sure that this burden on them took a lot of the possible joy and rest out of what should have been their golden years to enjoy their grandchildren. By not freeing up the capital value in their house, they also felt they were limited in their income which could have been a lot more generous. <br /><br />Sadly, the burden then fell on the family to clear out their "treasured junk" and make some hard decisions to sell the house after they both died within 2 years of each other. <br /><br />I would hate to be this type of burden on my children and keep this thought uppermost in my mind regarding my inherited hoarding tendencies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80910739386397925852012-10-24T18:09:37.000+10:002012-10-24T18:09:37.000+10:00I have trouble opening jars too, datacreata, no pr...I have trouble opening jars too, datacreata, no problem digging or working in the home, just little silly things. People do think we're mad, let's all us mad people sit here together, smiling.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6272580697572245792012-10-24T18:05:57.896+10:002012-10-24T18:05:57.896+10:00Thanks for that Rhonda, couldn't have said it ...Thanks for that Rhonda, couldn't have said it myself. I am certainly in that 'loss of strength' area now, jam jars are a right pain but have found gadgets that help. My hubby took early retirement when he left the forces 20 years ago, he is now officially fully retired and I with him although I'm still not officially retired nor will I be as my retirement age keeps going up! All the changes you mention are so correct and we have just about finished sorting out our home for our retirement. People think we are mad - ah shucks!Dchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02490191919855219024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32663891589443437242012-10-24T16:57:24.984+10:002012-10-24T16:57:24.984+10:00Congratulations on your retirement, Ceridwen. I ho...Congratulations on your retirement, Ceridwen. I hope all your plans work out.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24991221900071066972012-10-24T16:30:33.984+10:002012-10-24T16:30:33.984+10:00I retire at last this week and have been doing som...I retire at last this week and have been doing some pretty serious planning for it for the last 5 years I estimate. I was pleased to see the poster commenting that she has "more" strength now than she had - as that is my plan as well. I intend to go on a lot more walks and to take up yoga and generally live a healthier lifestyle than I do right now. I shall lose that bit of excess weight I have been carrying for a while, go from a healthy to super-healthy diet, etc. THE biggest thing is that I will be moving elsewhere in the country. At long last I will have a garden and will be able to get on with growing a bit of food for myself. I'll be living in a place with a slower pace of life than my current location and that will feel a lot "safer" to me. I don't know a soul there - YET. I don't get this idea that some people move elsewhere and then "don't know a soul" and are lonely. In my view - one gets out there and makes some new friends then. I know where I shall be moving to and my current house will be going on the market soon and I will be househunting there and I have already decided on some activities to get on with there and have a way of making new friends. My first look at "location-to-be" left me wondering what I was going to do socially (being used to living in such a bigger and "buzzy" place that I do now - but I investigated further and can spot a regular class I shall be attending and just the sort of environmental charity I want to help out with a bit (bagsie me for more of an "office" role in it to start with - but, once I get a bit fitter, then I have my eyes on a bit of physical work for it). I'm looking forward to having some much nicer countryside around and a much greater chance of finding any food I have decided to forage for is still there (rather than stripped bare before it even ripens - as happens so much in my current area, with so many people here). <br /><br />I looked forward to how my life would be here - and realised that it will mean my current house steadily deteriorating round my ears (as I've paid out so much money for work on it and simply can't be bothered any more - as its never been My Home)/not doing that much walking in the countryside (because of everyone else having already foraged the food I intend to get - so my incentive to do so has gone)/seeing the particular little "area" I live in deteriorate further (when it wasn't really good enough in the first place)/I suspect the Council will have plans of a "not nice at all" nature for my personal little "area" in the future and I need to get out before I have them changing this "area" for the worse.<br /><br />Where I'm going is much smaller, much more attractive, much more of a "community" feel, I'll have my garden at last and there is no risk of being pushed in the direction of being an unpaid carer to someone who is nothing like me and not even a particularly nice person (which is a very strong risk if I stay here). I do understand and sympathise with the person concerned (ie my mother) - but we never have got on very well and she is still as hypercritical and prejudiced as ever and I am well aware that if I were turned into a "carer" for her that it would ruin my own life and I would resent it hugely.<br /><br />So - new adventure coming up and I am looking forward to it hugely. Can't wait to get started.ceridwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618044461222968902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18438487407186866642012-10-24T15:28:54.227+10:002012-10-24T15:28:54.227+10:00We are not quite in our 40's yet but we have b...We are not quite in our 40's yet but we have been thinking ahead to retirement and planning with our 401K and retirement savings for years. We felt it was never too early to plan for retirement because once we get there, there is no going back and we want to really enjoy it and be stress free. I am always so happy to read what you post about planning for retirement because it helps me see if we are still on track as far as planning for most of our needs, ex. making sure we have no bills, mortgage, car payments, etc. and plenty of savings for expected and unexpected. Our best laid plans are not the same as the voice of experience! Thank you sincerely for always sharing yours. Hugs :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02673470550534877117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10168900636422878072012-10-24T12:46:14.485+10:002012-10-24T12:46:14.485+10:00Such good advice .. I have actually gained strengt...Such good advice .. I have actually gained strength in my mid 50's due to better nutrition and exercise .. hauling laundry up from the basement to hang on the line, etc. Better stamina, bone strength, joint health from consuming homemade bone stocks (beef, chicken). Getting in the best shape before the declining years is essential. My husband retired in 2008 while still in his 50's and went to work at a less demanding job (smaller police dept.) He's now ready to retire again in 9 to 12 months from this career. Our home is paid off and we are set up for gardening and home projects (canning equipment, switching to a wood stove from electric furnace, etc.)that should pay off in the long run after the initial investment. Mrs. Machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06644129213141875138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58783540892785224662012-10-24T12:10:06.055+10:002012-10-24T12:10:06.055+10:00People can take this advice now, and save even mor...People can take this advice now, and save even more for their retirement. The less lawn you have to mow now, the more money you'll save on fuel in 20 years. The less house you have to insulate (ie: smaller home) the less you have to pay to heat or cool. By learning the discipline of decluttering now with children, you will find yourself wanting to purchase less over your life time.<br /><br />And finally, by downsizing now - if it's possible, you may be able to pay off your mortgage even sooner. Rather than thinking of all the ways to spend that extra money you save, you can have the security of knowing you have put money aside for whatever unforseens arise.<br /><br />I've always thought retirement is how we should be living our every day. Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51050838130875926042012-10-24T11:10:04.627+10:002012-10-24T11:10:04.627+10:00This is really great advice. Thanks for posting t...This is really great advice. Thanks for posting this.Thrifty Mom In Boisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10503584246610396717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6202563107689395772012-10-24T08:57:20.060+10:002012-10-24T08:57:20.060+10:00What a fantastic post, Rhonda. As always, you giv...What a fantastic post, Rhonda. As always, you give very wise and sensible advice. We won't likely stay in this home forever as it's probably too much land to look after when we are older, but I imagine that when we do sell up in 15 or so years, we'll be looking to move to a modest 3 bedroom bungalow with a smaller yard. Just enough space for a garden and a few chickens would be lovely. Having had a larger family, we are certain that we'll need 2 guest rooms for visiting family - I can only imagine how many grandkids we will have! I look forward to retirement, and the change of pace it will bring, but we've got a long ways to go yet... it's good to plan ahead and keep our efforts focussed on our goals. Thanks for the gentle push :) Little Home In The Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14542813650753976168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3279680510136201792012-10-24T08:54:59.159+10:002012-10-24T08:54:59.159+10:00An absorbing piece, Rhonda. But I must say, a life...An absorbing piece, Rhonda. But I must say, a life structure that I do not wish to abide by. Paul - The Kind Little Bloggerhttp://www.thekindcleaner.com.au/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89489174503984557992012-10-24T07:54:58.602+10:002012-10-24T07:54:58.602+10:00It's a wise move to start your preparation ear...It's a wise move to start your preparation early so you don't have that sense of urgency about it. Insulation is another great investment. We had our roof insulated a few years ago and it's make a huge difference to our summer temperatures. I like the sound of your preparations, you've obviously thought it all through. Well done.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30090105544473314502012-10-24T07:51:46.148+10:002012-10-24T07:51:46.148+10:00Congratulations on your day one. I hope you enjoy ...Congratulations on your day one. I hope you enjoy this new stage of life.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53035910091962841722012-10-24T07:51:16.007+10:002012-10-24T07:51:16.007+10:00Oh retirement! I can't wait, pity it's abo...Oh retirement! I can't wait, pity it's about thirty years away :D We have started thinking about it, mostly ensuring our mortgage is well and truly paid off before we reach retirement age, but also gathering paperwork to organise our superannuation and rollover any necessary accounts to avoid paying extra fees. I fear getting stiff and less mobile when I'm older so I make an effort to stay active and flexible now. When I lived in China I was amazed at the elderly doing their exercise in the park each morning and it struck me how much more active they were able to be because of their good health (e.g. walking to the markets to do their shopping etc compared to those of a similar age back home, like my Nana, who would need a mobility scooter to do the same task).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89289068229458165902012-10-24T07:50:54.008+10:002012-10-24T07:50:54.008+10:00Yes, we both get tired easily now and generally ha...Yes, we both get tired easily now and generally have a rest after lunch. It sounds like a good plan with the two blocks together. No doubt you'll support each other over the years and grow closer.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17545578567804830032012-10-24T07:48:35.730+10:002012-10-24T07:48:35.730+10:00Country life, you're doing some very wise plan...Country life, you're doing some very wise planning there. Keep up the good work.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79121818083001064212012-10-24T07:46:40.339+10:002012-10-24T07:46:40.339+10:00I couldn't agree more, Cassie.I couldn't agree more, Cassie.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8504939217806457302012-10-24T07:43:11.148+10:002012-10-24T07:43:11.148+10:00Topical as always Rhonda. We are 54 and 64 and I ...Topical as always Rhonda. We are 54 and 64 and I (54) have left the paid workforce with DH planning to follow at the end of this year. We worked towards this for many years and, since the kids left home, we've bought our farm, got rid of debt and paid for new infrastructer (water tank, fences etc) to set us up. I don't think of us as retired, but more of having had a 'career shift' and this is now how we make our living. It's not a business but it is our living.<br /><br />I see so many people who think that retirement is just a long annual holiday. They (perhaps) love holidaying on the coast so they move there in retirement only to find it's dead in the off season, they don't know anyone and there's a limit to how much fishing they can do. While retirement brings time to do more of the things you want to do, there still needs to be an impetus to get up in the morning and a sense of purpose about life. Some find that in their family and home, others take to volunteer work or similar. It's sad when people retire and become disconnected from others and that is the challenge of a healthy retirement.CassieOznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62941318084539804702012-10-24T07:24:49.325+10:002012-10-24T07:24:49.325+10:00For me retirement came early and unexpected. Not a...For me retirement came early and unexpected. Not at all welcome! I retrained at university and then discovered that finding a new job meant a lot of disappointments. I believe that having at least part time employment makes the transition to retirement easier. Retirement is not all fun. I found out that we had saved too much money by living carefully all our lives and now we can not even get a Government Health Card. My advice is to move to a new house hat does not need too much maintenance, and the most expensive house you can actually pay for. The home will be there for your estate later. Use the good china every day because your children have their own stuff. Stay fit; take out a gym membership and use it every day. Wear nice clothes; you may not have the chance later. Avoid television as it is made for people with no goals in Life. Retirement is hard work!!!MLM247https://www.blogger.com/profile/06365562372896637044noreply@blogger.com