I knew that retirement would be fantastic but I did not realize
the freedom and possibilities it also would present. My husband and I
had planned ahead which is critical to relaxing retirement that ensures
adequate funding and good health. We paid off our house by making double
payments even though friends told us we were nuts and should be
stashing money away in the stock market. Although this financial
planning works for some, in the early 2000s it was risky and while we
saw savings interest and investment interest plunge, we owned our home
and had been able to save what would have been a payment in a savings
account. While it did not breed cash, it does provide security and that
is a pleasant state.
Next we made sure we were debt free in all other facets of our life: no card payments that we could not reach each month, no car payment, and trips, travels, and extra expenses paid for in cash. With this I revert back to the fact that we have always been careful with money and that explains years of feeling poor in the pocket but rich in spirit. We were very careful not to over extend out budget. We always drive a car for at least 10 years. If we had to buy it on credit, that gave us 3 years of payments and 7 years of freedom. Later in life we were able to pay cash for cars so while the bank account took a hit at the moment, with no monthly worries it was soon back in tiptop shape again.
My husband and I are both fortunate to be part of an excellent retirement system with our state. We paid in for 30+ years while going to work and performing jobs we loved. Now they pay us to stay home! I still to try to repay through volunteer hours and monetary donations while also enjoying all of the joys and benefits of retirement. And that brings me to itinerant ramblings. The ramblings are clear as I have now blabbered through two-and-a-half paragraphs. I love to write and as a former English teacher words seem to flow and thus the ramblings rumble. Part of that cacophony comes from our itinerant travels. With the aforementioned financial planning and generous retirement system, we are able to wander at will and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of our county, state, and country.
Our rovings draw us to large cities with museums and cultural attractions. Coming from a small community I soak in the wonders. My husband assumes a tolerant complacency knowing that his adventure choice is next. We might go fishing in a stream or in the ocean or hike valleys and mountain peaks. We both love to run so we are frequently found on winding trails, viewing land and nature from a wonderful perspective. This daily habit enlightens the mind, races oxygen to the brain, and strengthens the heart resulting in fine health. We have children and grand children to visit and love. We also have a home base for recuperation and preparation for our next wayfaring voyage. Whether by foot, car, train, plane, or ship magnificent quests await.
As we share our excitement and offer advice and insight to friends, many fear leaving home for days at a time let alone weeks or a month. They prefer the safety of their own bed and meals of a familiar taste and texture. The pioneering spirit of trying new dishes and seeing new places frightens them into homebound contentment. I would say, "How sad" except they are happy and so who am I to judge. If the exploration spirit resides within your soul, start your trip planning now. Without going into debt because charge cards are so simple and handy, decide on a trip that remains within your budget. Charge if you must knowing that at the end of the month the charge can be paid in full. Save more expensive trips for later when your budget can stretch to that size. In the meanwhile pay off your home and your car and invest in your future by saving. This will guarantee that when retirement rolls in your itinerant soul can be quenched as it is drenched in thrills.
Next we made sure we were debt free in all other facets of our life: no card payments that we could not reach each month, no car payment, and trips, travels, and extra expenses paid for in cash. With this I revert back to the fact that we have always been careful with money and that explains years of feeling poor in the pocket but rich in spirit. We were very careful not to over extend out budget. We always drive a car for at least 10 years. If we had to buy it on credit, that gave us 3 years of payments and 7 years of freedom. Later in life we were able to pay cash for cars so while the bank account took a hit at the moment, with no monthly worries it was soon back in tiptop shape again.
My husband and I are both fortunate to be part of an excellent retirement system with our state. We paid in for 30+ years while going to work and performing jobs we loved. Now they pay us to stay home! I still to try to repay through volunteer hours and monetary donations while also enjoying all of the joys and benefits of retirement. And that brings me to itinerant ramblings. The ramblings are clear as I have now blabbered through two-and-a-half paragraphs. I love to write and as a former English teacher words seem to flow and thus the ramblings rumble. Part of that cacophony comes from our itinerant travels. With the aforementioned financial planning and generous retirement system, we are able to wander at will and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of our county, state, and country.
Our rovings draw us to large cities with museums and cultural attractions. Coming from a small community I soak in the wonders. My husband assumes a tolerant complacency knowing that his adventure choice is next. We might go fishing in a stream or in the ocean or hike valleys and mountain peaks. We both love to run so we are frequently found on winding trails, viewing land and nature from a wonderful perspective. This daily habit enlightens the mind, races oxygen to the brain, and strengthens the heart resulting in fine health. We have children and grand children to visit and love. We also have a home base for recuperation and preparation for our next wayfaring voyage. Whether by foot, car, train, plane, or ship magnificent quests await.
As we share our excitement and offer advice and insight to friends, many fear leaving home for days at a time let alone weeks or a month. They prefer the safety of their own bed and meals of a familiar taste and texture. The pioneering spirit of trying new dishes and seeing new places frightens them into homebound contentment. I would say, "How sad" except they are happy and so who am I to judge. If the exploration spirit resides within your soul, start your trip planning now. Without going into debt because charge cards are so simple and handy, decide on a trip that remains within your budget. Charge if you must knowing that at the end of the month the charge can be paid in full. Save more expensive trips for later when your budget can stretch to that size. In the meanwhile pay off your home and your car and invest in your future by saving. This will guarantee that when retirement rolls in your itinerant soul can be quenched as it is drenched in thrills.
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