My financial awakening came later in life and I didn't start saving for retirement until well into my 40s. Once I got on board, I'm glad I had the discipline and motivation to get educated about finances and save aggressively. I was able to comfortably retire 15 years later at 60. Do I wish I had started earlier? Sure. But I also believe that our life lessons happen a certain way for a reason.
I am saddened by this news and its impact on you, Jonathan. As a cancer survivor, I've helped friends and family navigate their own treatment journeys and seen a few prove their prognosis wrong. One never knows what lies ahead. Thank you for creating this very special community. It’s meant so much to me. Sending prayers and light to you and your family.
Congratulations on the remodel! Kitchens are tough.
We just finished our down-to-the-studs kitchen makeover. In our case, there was no choice. The "before" being circa 1970s linoleum, fluorescent lights, and dark wood with an overhanging cabinet. We knew we were going to remodel when we bought the home at a significant discount.
By all accounts the result has been nothing short of transformative. We never imagined we'd recoup all of the significant investment—realistically I'm guessing we'll see half of it back in a sale down the line, because it was such a major upgrade. What we didn't realize was just how much joy we'd get from the new kitchen. When I amortize the cost over the next 10 years that we intend to stay in the house, there's no question it was the right move!
Thank you for your reflection. My friends and family joke that I approached retirement like finding a job. I organized it into three categories—mind, body, spirit—mapping out activities that would nurture each. While I was working as a marketing executive in the tech field, I had plenty to stimulate my mind but the work was so hectic I often didn't have time to take care of my health and spiritual life as I would have wanted. Now I have time to do that with a robust exercise routine and engagement in my spiritual group. The "mind" category is fed by volunteer activities in organizations that I care about, serving on a couple of boards and pursuing my passions of cooking, film and travel. If we take the effort to consider what truly "feeds" us, retirement can be such a gift.
The Serenity Prayer has been a constant source of comfort and a reminder, as you've noted, that most things, people and events in this world are outside of my control. But if I focus on the things I can control—my own physical, financial and spiritual health—it will bring me greater peace and serenity.
Charles thank you for mentioning Compulsive Spenders as a solution for the awful disease of spending addiction. I would add Debtors Anonymous to the organizations that can help. I've seen peoples' lives transformed by this program.
Comments:
My financial awakening came later in life and I didn't start saving for retirement until well into my 40s. Once I got on board, I'm glad I had the discipline and motivation to get educated about finances and save aggressively. I was able to comfortably retire 15 years later at 60. Do I wish I had started earlier? Sure. But I also believe that our life lessons happen a certain way for a reason.
Post: What do you consider your greatest financial achievement?
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
I am saddened by this news and its impact on you, Jonathan. As a cancer survivor, I've helped friends and family navigate their own treatment journeys and seen a few prove their prognosis wrong. One never knows what lies ahead. Thank you for creating this very special community. It’s meant so much to me. Sending prayers and light to you and your family.
Post: The C Word
Link to comment from June 15, 2024
Thanks for these important additions, especially #12. Money affords me the privilege to engage in this meaningful pursuit!
Post: What Lies Beneath
Link to comment from February 24, 2024
Congratulations on the remodel! Kitchens are tough. We just finished our down-to-the-studs kitchen makeover. In our case, there was no choice. The "before" being circa 1970s linoleum, fluorescent lights, and dark wood with an overhanging cabinet. We knew we were going to remodel when we bought the home at a significant discount. By all accounts the result has been nothing short of transformative. We never imagined we'd recoup all of the significant investment—realistically I'm guessing we'll see half of it back in a sale down the line, because it was such a major upgrade. What we didn't realize was just how much joy we'd get from the new kitchen. When I amortize the cost over the next 10 years that we intend to stay in the house, there's no question it was the right move!
Post: Our Money Pit
Link to comment from January 20, 2024
Thank you for your reflection. My friends and family joke that I approached retirement like finding a job. I organized it into three categories—mind, body, spirit—mapping out activities that would nurture each. While I was working as a marketing executive in the tech field, I had plenty to stimulate my mind but the work was so hectic I often didn't have time to take care of my health and spiritual life as I would have wanted. Now I have time to do that with a robust exercise routine and engagement in my spiritual group. The "mind" category is fed by volunteer activities in organizations that I care about, serving on a couple of boards and pursuing my passions of cooking, film and travel. If we take the effort to consider what truly "feeds" us, retirement can be such a gift.
Post: Retirement Takes Work
Link to comment from October 25, 2023
The Serenity Prayer has been a constant source of comfort and a reminder, as you've noted, that most things, people and events in this world are outside of my control. But if I focus on the things I can control—my own physical, financial and spiritual health—it will bring me greater peace and serenity.
Post: Taking Charge
Link to comment from October 22, 2023
Charles thank you for mentioning Compulsive Spenders as a solution for the awful disease of spending addiction. I would add Debtors Anonymous to the organizations that can help. I've seen peoples' lives transformed by this program.
Post: House of Cards
Link to comment from October 7, 2023