I love ChatGPT. But, "trust, but verify". The verify is the difficult part of the equation. I use Google + ChatGPT and still question some results. The more similar results, the better I feel. "50,000 flies can't be wrong"
At 58 I was still working and any travel was a splurge. Congrats on freedom at 58. Well done. My late wife was a FA for Delta and we had two German grandchildren. So we did get some good international trips. Now at 82 my current wife and I like to take one 30 day trip per year, abroad. We go with the flow, plan extra days in anticipation of issues like strikes, cancellations, and delays. The flame is still there. Abroad is our choice since we find thinking about a trip to Chicago, NYC, or anywhere in CA pretty uninteresting. We try to carefully choose venues that provide character, cuisine, culture, and safety (that is probably nowhere now), as well as tolerance of Americans, who can be some of the worst tourists in modern history. We try not to over plan and extend ourselves too thin so as to loose the pleasure of the travel experience.
Money will allow us to move into a new house next week. My wife will be happier she tells me, but me, probably not happier than I am in the existing home. At 82 it seems to me not to matter much. We could not make the move without the funds. Thank you conservative living for 60+ years for allowing us to have a choice. Having choices seems to be the key to what this money is all about for me. Lesser bucks, fewer choices, but the money makes your choices expand and multiply. If I were living off just SS, there would remain lots of choices, but on a different level. I would not be thinking about what cruise I wish to take in 2026, rather will the current heat wave make my electricity bill go up. I would trade lots of dollars to regain the ability to stand up straight and walk properly. With good health and funds the choices are amazing. With comprised health and funds the choices change and the funds make lesser difference. But the American way is to find a work around no matter what the situation and then continue the march as long as you can take a breath. I enjoy HD for its thoughtful content.
We married at 74; now we celebrate our 82nd birthdays this year just after we make our third move together. Having said that, I believe at mid 50s you can delay for a few years making decisions about what to do with your existing home - enjoy the garden and sleep soundly. 55+ home trend is not going away. We chose that community at age 80 and it has been just right. We are even downsizing within that community. I should note that neither one of us have a strong need to be within 30 minutes of our kids or grandkids. The USA is well connected with airports and 5G. We are pleased to be able to travel and lock the door behind us as we leave. Not for everybody, but works for our lives now.
Coffee brings you Joe-y. I experience the joy of coffee and relish the experience (not coffee and relish) until the dog needs to go out or I need to do something to keep the guilt from welling up keeping up with my wife because she is "doing something" and I am just sitting enjoying coffee or viewing X. We have different ideas of spending our time intentionally.
Oh my, a life lived without a bucket list. I am in the minority or from another planet. Early on it was just get to the next day. Now, in retirement, about the same. Things have just happened. The next shiny object that looks good was selected. If the door on the right did not open, take the next one that did open. Lots of things were liked, but none burned in the brain. Lots of successes along the way, but still no "box" I have to check. Hats off to you who have that list. I envy you and wish for your passion. My main wish now is for the Padres to go on a long winning streak. Not bored, just satisfied. I love the posts on this site. Sorry I did not find it sooner. Please don't throw me off the train for the lack of a proper imagination.;-)
Nine years ago I sat next to my dying wife in peace and a darkened room holding her had. Just Sandy and I. Her last communication was a goodbye rub of her finger on my hand. I think I felt her soul depart. Quiet and thankful for the almost 50 years. The moment did not have to be shared by us. I am thankful it wasn't.
Comments
I love ChatGPT. But, "trust, but verify". The verify is the difficult part of the equation. I use Google + ChatGPT and still question some results. The more similar results, the better I feel. "50,000 flies can't be wrong"
Post: AI vs. Urgent Care: Guess Who Got It Right?
Link to comment from August 28, 2025
At 58 I was still working and any travel was a splurge. Congrats on freedom at 58. Well done. My late wife was a FA for Delta and we had two German grandchildren. So we did get some good international trips. Now at 82 my current wife and I like to take one 30 day trip per year, abroad. We go with the flow, plan extra days in anticipation of issues like strikes, cancellations, and delays. The flame is still there. Abroad is our choice since we find thinking about a trip to Chicago, NYC, or anywhere in CA pretty uninteresting. We try to carefully choose venues that provide character, cuisine, culture, and safety (that is probably nowhere now), as well as tolerance of Americans, who can be some of the worst tourists in modern history. We try not to over plan and extend ourselves too thin so as to loose the pleasure of the travel experience.
Post: What If You Don’t Want to See the World?
Link to comment from August 28, 2025
Money will allow us to move into a new house next week. My wife will be happier she tells me, but me, probably not happier than I am in the existing home. At 82 it seems to me not to matter much. We could not make the move without the funds. Thank you conservative living for 60+ years for allowing us to have a choice. Having choices seems to be the key to what this money is all about for me. Lesser bucks, fewer choices, but the money makes your choices expand and multiply. If I were living off just SS, there would remain lots of choices, but on a different level. I would not be thinking about what cruise I wish to take in 2026, rather will the current heat wave make my electricity bill go up. I would trade lots of dollars to regain the ability to stand up straight and walk properly. With good health and funds the choices are amazing. With comprised health and funds the choices change and the funds make lesser difference. But the American way is to find a work around no matter what the situation and then continue the march as long as you can take a breath. I enjoy HD for its thoughtful content.
Post: How Important Is Money?
Link to comment from July 17, 2025
We married at 74; now we celebrate our 82nd birthdays this year just after we make our third move together. Having said that, I believe at mid 50s you can delay for a few years making decisions about what to do with your existing home - enjoy the garden and sleep soundly. 55+ home trend is not going away. We chose that community at age 80 and it has been just right. We are even downsizing within that community. I should note that neither one of us have a strong need to be within 30 minutes of our kids or grandkids. The USA is well connected with airports and 5G. We are pleased to be able to travel and lock the door behind us as we leave. Not for everybody, but works for our lives now.
Post: The Big Garden Dilemma: Aging in Places vs. Future Planning
Link to comment from July 4, 2025
Coffee brings you Joe-y. I experience the joy of coffee and relish the experience (not coffee and relish) until the dog needs to go out or I need to do something to keep the guilt from welling up keeping up with my wife because she is "doing something" and I am just sitting enjoying coffee or viewing X. We have different ideas of spending our time intentionally.
Post: The Surprising Gift of Unhurried Time: My Retirement Revelation
Link to comment from June 20, 2025
Oh my, a life lived without a bucket list. I am in the minority or from another planet. Early on it was just get to the next day. Now, in retirement, about the same. Things have just happened. The next shiny object that looks good was selected. If the door on the right did not open, take the next one that did open. Lots of things were liked, but none burned in the brain. Lots of successes along the way, but still no "box" I have to check. Hats off to you who have that list. I envy you and wish for your passion. My main wish now is for the Padres to go on a long winning streak. Not bored, just satisfied. I love the posts on this site. Sorry I did not find it sooner. Please don't throw me off the train for the lack of a proper imagination.;-)
Post: Dreams I Had
Link to comment from June 3, 2025
I like using a set distribution as a budget for spending. Almost like an envelope with cash. When it is empty - spending should stop.
Post: Insomnia and the Back of an Envelope
Link to comment from April 22, 2025
Nine years ago I sat next to my dying wife in peace and a darkened room holding her had. Just Sandy and I. Her last communication was a goodbye rub of her finger on my hand. I think I felt her soul depart. Quiet and thankful for the almost 50 years. The moment did not have to be shared by us. I am thankful it wasn't.
Post: Lesson Four From Taking Care of a 102 yo in Her Last Year of Life- The Final Hours of Life Can be Beautiful
Link to comment from April 13, 2025
Solid advice related most sincerely.
Post: Don’t Push It
Link to comment from April 11, 2025
Not really. It is more cash flow management. Juggling cc cut off dates and need for the payment.
Post: 4% every year? even this one?
Link to comment from April 10, 2025