Thread: My retirement story

You should be considering how to conserve the elder's assets because any type of elder care is going to eat through any assets like a moth. Hiring an inhome care assistant is probably the most economical aside from living with you - that may eventually happen when only one is left.

Hey, Birch;
We did do some research on what's available in their area. What an interesting journey. It appears that there is a licensing and certification process that inhome care companies must adhere to; though not all of them do. Some are nationwide companies and some are localized for their state.
I am very thankful that they appear to have plenty of assets and I am encouraging them to payoff their home (which they have not done yet). They have used second mortage(s) to make a very nice liveable place.
Their home is their only debt, both vehicles are now paid for and they just have the monthly expenses: food, shelter, insurance, health care.
Thanks for the insight.

The sands are running out on me.

I sent my TSP-70 to RBC Wealth Mgt. in St Paul. They've completed their section. I called the thrift people and she said they'd have to wait 31 days for OPM to certify my separation, after which I should submit the dash70. I will be transferring 100% of my TSP balance to my traditional IRA which I established back when they were new. My guy is talking Corporate Preferreds: I said, just get us 6%, you can have 1 and I'll take 5.

I have my SF3107 roughed out, so I called Workforce Management but my specialist is on vacation so her desk was being handled remotely. That person does not answer her phone nor does she call me back. Hmph. My tax dollars at work. In St Paul they always answer the phone.

In November I will be switching from BCBS 105 Standard Family to 112 Basic Family.

I just made my final payment to VISA for rehabbin' the Key Cat, she's prime now. The hard top comes off this week since the tropical season is over -- the hawks have returned for the winter.

My TSP is paid up for the year minus 5% (for matching) on the last five pp's. My 50+ is all topped up. Those 'final five' will put 5K in cash into my drawer and another 5K into the checking account. I'm figuring the tenner will get me through 90 days until April when OPM had better have it together for me. (My final paycheck on Jan 10th is pure profit.)

My annual leave payout will be 20K plus change, minus 20% for the tax man equals ~15K. This means no withdrawl from the IRA during Year One. Thus my earnings in 2011 will finance my withdrawls for 2012 and I will stay one year ahead for ever.

My colleagues are starting to realize how much more time they have to put in. Most, 10 years or more. They're giving me some looks. No more rotating shiftwork for this tired old weatherman! "What are you going to do?" "What I do best -- drink beer smoke smoke read science fiction."

Way to go jimijr! A plan being executed to perfection. Nice job!

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to stop in on us working stiffs once in a while.

I'd seriously consider giving up the smokes you'll live longer. There ain't nothing worse than having every blood vessel in your body shot out - quit immediately. As a retired respiratory therapist I speak from years of experience seeing the damage that is done.

My Dad turns 90 in Feb. He has lived the last six years in a nursing home/memory care facility -- Alzheimer's. My Mom was right there with him until she passed last year. "Mac, where's Betty?" "Betty who?" They were married for 63 years.

This is why I'm going the moment I'm eligible. I'll smoke, thanks.

jimijr, Great story. Good luck and stay in touch once your out. 19 months and counting.

Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest New Year ever! Congratulations to all retiring at the end of 2010. Most of you will be glad you finally took the leap. Some of you workaholics will wonder what you have done! (Remember, there are lots of volunteer possibilities in your various communities)

As the dude on Nightly Business Report says:

The best of good buys!

csh

Well, it is the second day of summer. We expect thunderstorms here in the area. It feels like it, too. Hot and humid.
Hope all you retirees are enjoying yourselves. We (Local NARFE chapter) had a rummage sale and collected nearly $400.00 for Alzheimers Research Funds. NARFE reached $9 mil and now has a goal of $10 mil by 2012.

At our state convention in May, the local chapter received second place for the amount of voluteer hours turned in. Lots of good places to spend our time in our communities. It is nice to give back.

We are under an inversion in our weather. Cold air trapped below by hot air. Still enjoying retirement! Congrats to all who have been able to make that decision.
Today is our NARFE luncheon meeting as we prepare for Call Your Congressman Day on February 15, 2012. NARFE is our only voice to protect our earned benefits in these tight economic times. Government is looking for any and all ways to cut spending. YOUR wages (for those still working) and YOUR benefits are just some of the places they are looking at with greedy eyes.

Originally Posted by 2moryrs

We are under an inversion in our weather. Cold air trapped below by hot air. Still enjoying retirement! Congrats to all who have been able to make that decision.
Today is our NARFE luncheon meeting as we prepare for Call Your Congressman Day on February 15, 2012. NARFE is our only voice to protect our earned benefits in these tight economic times. Government is looking for any and all ways to cut spending. YOUR wages (for those still working) and YOUR benefits are just some of the places they are looking at with greedy eyes.

Glad you're enjoying retirment. Congratulations on a solid 6.06% PIP in your TSP as well!