Category: retirement-planning

Recent reads

February 12, 2025

This book caught my eye on a recent visit to the Smyrna library. It’s not quite what I thought it was going to be about, but it’s still a worthwhile read.

I was reading it while my color processed at my last hair appointment.  Trey, my hairdresser, got excited when he saw what I was reading. Turns out, it’s one of his favorite books.

There’s a lot of science and research that goes into keeping you engaged in video games, playing the slots and mindlessly scrolling on social media. Humans are constantly scanning and comparing to see if they are missing out (FOMO anyone?). The author refers to it as a scarcity loop – a behavioral pattern that encourages people to repeat behaviors that can be fun in the short term but harmful in the long term.  The author suggests that we change our thinking to an abundance loop instead.

My takeaways from the book in no particular order:

  • Quit worrying about what other people think.
  • Forget about status.
  • Take 60 seconds to make a decision to buy or not buy.
  • Buy “gear” that will help you in an area of your life that brings you joy – not stuff to sit on a shelf or be tucked away in the back of a closet.
  • Eat simply – ultra-processed foods are harming you.
  • Practice mindfulness.
  • Focus on gratitude.
  • Make a game to use what you have on hand instead of automatically buying something new.

Some of these takeaways were most helpful in deciding which SUV to buy.  The 60 second decision rule helped narrow it down to the final two contenders.  Both were within budget, but I went with the slightly more expensive one that made me smile the most when I drove it.  It’s red because I love the color. I care not one iota that my red SUV sticks out in the sea of predominantly white, grey and black vehicles in my local community.

Retirement: Starting Year 3

January 18, 2025

Can you believe it’s been almost three years since we retired? As I approach the start of year 3, I can honestly say my everyday activities are as I envisioned them to be and they will continue to evolve. It’s been a journey to get to this point. Believe it when the retirement gurus tell you that it’ll take 2-3 years before you finally begin to feel settled in retirement.

People ask if we plan to remain where we currently live long-term. No. Making the decision on whether or not to stay in the same area took some time. In the end, I really want a smaller house in a less populated area, preferably near a body of water. That’s all I know. We don’t have to make a decision today – or anytime soon, for that matter. Eventually, we’ll need a house with fewer stairs and something that’s easier to maintain.

Labradoodle sitting on a quilt.
Sadie waiting on our next R.E.A.D.er.

Meanwhile, the school-based R.E.A.D. program was definitely worth the work and 2-1/2 year wait. I thoroughly enjoy working with the kids to improve their literacy skills. This week, Sadie and I started our 4th week of the program. All the kids came right on time, ready to work. It’s been wonderful! FYI, Big Girl and I made 38 therapy dog visits in 2024 totaling 80 hours of visit time. Wonder what our stats will be at the end of 2025?

Quilting activities ebb and flow. I sew with friends at least one day a week. I’m taking a breather on personal projects after the intense focus on the Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt. Placemats and pillowcases for community service are currently on my worktable. I’m teaching sewing and machine maintenance classes throughout 2025 at the SQTM. I’ll also be a student at guild and regional quilt events, as well. 

Travel is something hubs and I both said we wanted to do more of in 2025.  I’m sure we will. Mind you, retirement travel doesn’t always resemble the glamorous jet-setting round the world often portrayed in retirement ads. As a couple, it’s usually 1-2 trips by plane with some weekend getaways sprinkled throughout the year. We currently have two destinations in mind, with dates TBD.  Other travel involves volunteer work and hobbies. Occasionally, we go together, but it’s usually done solo or with friends. 

Since Hurricane Helene, hubs has become so involved with Team Rubicon that he’s been gone at least two weeks of every month. It’s worthwhile work that I’m happy to support.  Besides, my own volunteer and teaching commitments have me tied to an academic calendar through mid-May. (Spring break will be spent at a quilt retreat!) Road trips are something that I have missed. Having a high-mileage older car with some quirks is fine for local trips, but not long ones. QuiltCon in Raleigh was her last major trip. Test drives of my top 3 new vehicle candidates are next week. Once that’s decided, then it’s a matter of finding/waiting on the specific model/trim level to become available. 

If you’ve worked with a professional to develop a solid retirement plan, money worries should ease significantly by year 3. It did for me. All I can say is follow your plan. Give yourself permission to spend money, especially in the early years of your retirement while you’re able to enjoy it.  This has been a hard mindshift for me, but I’m adjusting!