My husband retired June 1st and his Medicare enrollment did not go as smoothly as it should. He is also having trouble with BCBS Sapphire in that he hasn't received a card yet. I told him he should keep a log of all calls and contacts regarding these issues in an effort to be able to follow the trail. I also think it is a good idea to start keeping a Healthcare log of MD visits, etc so that one can refer back when needed as it can be challenging to remember all the details when needed.
Mark,
I enjoyed reading about your personal journey. I grew up in Cork and was not affected by "The Troubles" but certainly faced plenty of personal adversity and feel like I changed my destiny for the better by moving to the States 40 years ago. I recently finished reading "Say Nothing" which I found to be very well written, researched and although it was challenging to read at times, it is an excellent book.
I succeeded in so many ways, more than any other member of my family. Unfortunately they were blighted by many obstacles. I was the first to attend college etc and feel very blessed although I certainly worked very hard to get to take part in "the American dream"
Response to ostrichtacossaturn7593
RE Minister is "Religious Education" Minister in charge of educating the youth on the Universal Unitarian Principles.
My child aged 26, works PT as an assistant to the RE minister at our church. They find the work very rewarding but the salary doesn't come near to covering their full expenses. They completed their Undergrad but was miserable and depressed trying to navigate a Masters. I told them finally to let it go, it wasn't worth the damage it was doing to their psyche. So we support them and supplement their income gladly as we can afford it. Obviously I hope that some day they will find work that supports their lifestyle. There is talk of doing a Graduate degree at Trinity college Dublin. It's a different world now. 40 years ago, I came over from Ireland and worked my way up from nothing but an Associates degree. It certainly wasn't always easy but I succeeded and am now retired almost two years.
The youth of today face so many more hurdles and pitfalls that frankly many of them require help and assistance due to mental illness, physical issues, emotional immaturity, cost of living, debt, substance abuse etc.
While we are able to offer support I am happy to do so. I do not feel that I am enabling.
In fact my daughter's friend who doesn't have a job due to severe migraines and could no longer afford rent moved in with us on June 1. She also has a cat. We charge no rent and we are as supportive as we can be. The thing that makes it work well is that I have no expectations at all and accept her as she is. We are trying to support her and help her navigate her future and I believe she will succeed. I know many of you will be horrified by this disclosure. If my child needed such help, I'd hope someone out there would do for them, so it's about karma and trying to leave the world a little better than I found it.
To Mark Crothers, Greetings from Boston. Came from Cork City, moved here 40 years ago for the "American Dream"! Been retired for 20 months now, enjoying it very much. My husband retired last month. I totally notice a less intense ambience around vacations. They are no longer required in the same way as when I was working.The stress of managing all the loose ends prior to going away are no longer issues. Now planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Depending on how fit you are, walking a Camino in Northern Spain or the coastal route of Portugal, past one awesome scenic view after another and gorgeous coastal towns is a splendid, relatively inexpensive and fun way. You can stay in hotels/high end hostels and have your main backpack transported while you walk 10-12 or so miles at your own pace.
I just got back from the Camino Mozarebi and Caminito del Rey: breathtaking views of canyons. I have been doing these for the past 3 years, while I can! Also a shout out to spending time in Gran Canaria, Morocco and Ireland. The Galapagos islands was an awesome trip. I also love Virgin Vovages and will definitely do one of their European adventures this year. Enjoy what ever trip you take.
Comments
My husband retired June 1st and his Medicare enrollment did not go as smoothly as it should. He is also having trouble with BCBS Sapphire in that he hasn't received a card yet. I told him he should keep a log of all calls and contacts regarding these issues in an effort to be able to follow the trail. I also think it is a good idea to start keeping a Healthcare log of MD visits, etc so that one can refer back when needed as it can be challenging to remember all the details when needed.
Post: The Half-Completed Retirement Transition
Link to comment from August 14, 2025
Mark, I enjoyed reading about your personal journey. I grew up in Cork and was not affected by "The Troubles" but certainly faced plenty of personal adversity and feel like I changed my destiny for the better by moving to the States 40 years ago. I recently finished reading "Say Nothing" which I found to be very well written, researched and although it was challenging to read at times, it is an excellent book. I succeeded in so many ways, more than any other member of my family. Unfortunately they were blighted by many obstacles. I was the first to attend college etc and feel very blessed although I certainly worked very hard to get to take part in "the American dream"
Post: From Public Housing to Early Retirement: A Path Forged in Adversity
Link to comment from July 28, 2025
Response to ostrichtacossaturn7593 RE Minister is "Religious Education" Minister in charge of educating the youth on the Universal Unitarian Principles.
Post: Family Dynamics, Part 2: Supporting Adult Children
Link to comment from July 28, 2025
My child aged 26, works PT as an assistant to the RE minister at our church. They find the work very rewarding but the salary doesn't come near to covering their full expenses. They completed their Undergrad but was miserable and depressed trying to navigate a Masters. I told them finally to let it go, it wasn't worth the damage it was doing to their psyche. So we support them and supplement their income gladly as we can afford it. Obviously I hope that some day they will find work that supports their lifestyle. There is talk of doing a Graduate degree at Trinity college Dublin. It's a different world now. 40 years ago, I came over from Ireland and worked my way up from nothing but an Associates degree. It certainly wasn't always easy but I succeeded and am now retired almost two years. The youth of today face so many more hurdles and pitfalls that frankly many of them require help and assistance due to mental illness, physical issues, emotional immaturity, cost of living, debt, substance abuse etc. While we are able to offer support I am happy to do so. I do not feel that I am enabling. In fact my daughter's friend who doesn't have a job due to severe migraines and could no longer afford rent moved in with us on June 1. She also has a cat. We charge no rent and we are as supportive as we can be. The thing that makes it work well is that I have no expectations at all and accept her as she is. We are trying to support her and help her navigate her future and I believe she will succeed. I know many of you will be horrified by this disclosure. If my child needed such help, I'd hope someone out there would do for them, so it's about karma and trying to leave the world a little better than I found it.
Post: Family Dynamics, Part 2: Supporting Adult Children
Link to comment from July 26, 2025
To Mark Crothers, Greetings from Boston. Came from Cork City, moved here 40 years ago for the "American Dream"! Been retired for 20 months now, enjoying it very much. My husband retired last month. I totally notice a less intense ambience around vacations. They are no longer required in the same way as when I was working.The stress of managing all the loose ends prior to going away are no longer issues. Now planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Post: A Quick Question about Retirement Vacations
Link to comment from July 13, 2025
Depending on how fit you are, walking a Camino in Northern Spain or the coastal route of Portugal, past one awesome scenic view after another and gorgeous coastal towns is a splendid, relatively inexpensive and fun way. You can stay in hotels/high end hostels and have your main backpack transported while you walk 10-12 or so miles at your own pace. I just got back from the Camino Mozarebi and Caminito del Rey: breathtaking views of canyons. I have been doing these for the past 3 years, while I can! Also a shout out to spending time in Gran Canaria, Morocco and Ireland. The Galapagos islands was an awesome trip. I also love Virgin Vovages and will definitely do one of their European adventures this year. Enjoy what ever trip you take.
Post: Trips in your “go go” years?
Link to comment from June 14, 2025