While it would indeed be wonderful to travel, volunteer, spend quality time with family and friends etc., none of the aforementioned would be possible without good health. The ability to walk and remain active, engage intelligently with others, learn new things, and most importantly remember my loved ones would be enough for me to have a fulfilling retirement. And yes, having enough retirement income would be good too. But I’d rather have good health (body and brain) over money any day.
I would quit my current job and spend those former work hours doing something that I actually love doing. Activities would include travel, cooking, taking classes and engaging in my creative hobbies, just to name a few. I would also volunteer to help others, perhaps in a memory care facility where I learned firsthand that I have a gift for dealing with dementia patients.
When I received my first paycheck, my mother told me to pay myself first by putting some of the money into a savings account. Since then I have always done that. I'm grateful for that advice because there will always be a reserve, no matter how large or small, to help cover some of those unanticipated financial surprises.
Comments:
Thank you for your thoughtful piece. I know several people aged < 60 who recently retired (both voluntary and involuntary) who share your experience.
Post: Rough Start
Link to comment from June 17, 2021
While it would indeed be wonderful to travel, volunteer, spend quality time with family and friends etc., none of the aforementioned would be possible without good health. The ability to walk and remain active, engage intelligently with others, learn new things, and most importantly remember my loved ones would be enough for me to have a fulfilling retirement. And yes, having enough retirement income would be good too. But I’d rather have good health (body and brain) over money any day.
Post: What do you need for a fulfilling retirement?
Link to comment from June 8, 2021
I would quit my current job and spend those former work hours doing something that I actually love doing. Activities would include travel, cooking, taking classes and engaging in my creative hobbies, just to name a few. I would also volunteer to help others, perhaps in a memory care facility where I learned firsthand that I have a gift for dealing with dementia patients.
Post: If money were no object, what would you change about your life?
Link to comment from May 19, 2021
When I received my first paycheck, my mother told me to pay myself first by putting some of the money into a savings account. Since then I have always done that. I'm grateful for that advice because there will always be a reserve, no matter how large or small, to help cover some of those unanticipated financial surprises.
Post: What financial lessons—good or bad—did you learn from your parents?
Link to comment from April 15, 2021