What I need to be financially secure would be: No debt, enough passive income (incl SS, wife's pension, interest, etc) to cover all normal monthly household expenses. To be able to splurge on a new car or a vacation, or a new living room set if desired. I've worked for 55 years and retired when I turned 70. (Yes, I started working at age 15 in CT with a work permit. It was simple, no job meant no money). I've been officially retired for one year in August. So far, we haven't had to touch our savings which aren't "huge" but do put us in the top 15% of households in terms of total wealth. I never talk to anyone about our financial condition because most around me have far, far less and those who have more don't really care. I love HD as I read about others mistakes and successes and what they learned. I too, have learned so much from HD writers & readers and most of all, Jonathan Clements! Even thought I "should be" comfortable being financially secure in a sense, I still worry about money and how we will be in the future. Growing up with nothing and having the State of Conn as my legal guardian, I have a tenacious desire to always save and never spend more than I earn. They say when you have a lifelong habit of always saving then it becomes difficult to flip the switch and start spending what you have saved. Very true for me. Anyway, this is my first comment on the new HD Forum. I continue to desire to learn from others. Thanks!
Excellent, well thought out article! Very well done. Q: What if one wanted to have a similar plan but the high cost of CCRC's make it too much of a goal to achieve? (I'm retired - 70 and my wife is working P/T at 67 - her decision)
Another excellent article, chock full of wisdom. I will disagree on point one. At age 69, with no debt, still working because I enjoy it, I finally went out two years ago and purchased my dream car, a 2021 Lexus RX450h. I've been admiring this vehicle since the RX made its' debut in 1999. I really didn't care what anyone thought of my choice though I've found most think I'm wealthy which I don't think I am. I purchased it because it's one of the most comfortable, reliable, smooth riding, luxurious vehicles 30 mpg. It's turned out to be everything I thought it would be. I love just looking at it and every minute riding in it all over the country. Yes, I've loved cars/trucks, etc since before I could drive and this has to be the best vehicle experience! (Of course, my eight years with a Mazda Miata was the most fun, this is overall is the most joyous. Your other five points are spot on! I love your writing and insights since I first started following you during your WSJ days! Happy Holiday!
Like many others who have commented before this, I am always happy to see Kristine has another article, another take on life, finances, and what she's doing. Sometimes I feel like we're just sitting down at a coffee shop and discussing where we are, what we're thinking of doing, and where we'd like to be. Your writing is just enjoyable and easy to relate to. Sometimes we have the same thoughts on subjects and other times I pick up a new perspective. I'm 69, tried retiring for 14 months, then was asked to return on my terms. As one HD writer once wrote, I have to be doing something so I might as well get paid for it. (I work in accounting and love it!). My wife of 45 years retired for seven years to take care of our two grandsons but once they were both in school was recently recruited to return three days a week as a reading tutor under a grant program. Keep the articles coming. It's refreshing to hear from you!
Comments
What I need to be financially secure would be: No debt, enough passive income (incl SS, wife's pension, interest, etc) to cover all normal monthly household expenses. To be able to splurge on a new car or a vacation, or a new living room set if desired. I've worked for 55 years and retired when I turned 70. (Yes, I started working at age 15 in CT with a work permit. It was simple, no job meant no money). I've been officially retired for one year in August. So far, we haven't had to touch our savings which aren't "huge" but do put us in the top 15% of households in terms of total wealth. I never talk to anyone about our financial condition because most around me have far, far less and those who have more don't really care. I love HD as I read about others mistakes and successes and what they learned. I too, have learned so much from HD writers & readers and most of all, Jonathan Clements! Even thought I "should be" comfortable being financially secure in a sense, I still worry about money and how we will be in the future. Growing up with nothing and having the State of Conn as my legal guardian, I have a tenacious desire to always save and never spend more than I earn. They say when you have a lifelong habit of always saving then it becomes difficult to flip the switch and start spending what you have saved. Very true for me. Anyway, this is my first comment on the new HD Forum. I continue to desire to learn from others. Thanks!
Post: What do you need to feel financially secure?
Link to comment from June 30, 2024
Thanks Jonathan!
Post: Bracing for Evening
Link to comment from November 8, 2023
Excellent, well thought out article! Very well done. Q: What if one wanted to have a similar plan but the high cost of CCRC's make it too much of a goal to achieve? (I'm retired - 70 and my wife is working P/T at 67 - her decision)
Post: Bracing for Evening
Link to comment from November 7, 2023
Another excellent article, chock full of wisdom. I will disagree on point one. At age 69, with no debt, still working because I enjoy it, I finally went out two years ago and purchased my dream car, a 2021 Lexus RX450h. I've been admiring this vehicle since the RX made its' debut in 1999. I really didn't care what anyone thought of my choice though I've found most think I'm wealthy which I don't think I am. I purchased it because it's one of the most comfortable, reliable, smooth riding, luxurious vehicles 30 mpg. It's turned out to be everything I thought it would be. I love just looking at it and every minute riding in it all over the country. Yes, I've loved cars/trucks, etc since before I could drive and this has to be the best vehicle experience! (Of course, my eight years with a Mazda Miata was the most fun, this is overall is the most joyous. Your other five points are spot on! I love your writing and insights since I first started following you during your WSJ days! Happy Holiday!
Post: Just What I Wanted
Link to comment from December 17, 2022
Like many others who have commented before this, I am always happy to see Kristine has another article, another take on life, finances, and what she's doing. Sometimes I feel like we're just sitting down at a coffee shop and discussing where we are, what we're thinking of doing, and where we'd like to be. Your writing is just enjoyable and easy to relate to. Sometimes we have the same thoughts on subjects and other times I pick up a new perspective. I'm 69, tried retiring for 14 months, then was asked to return on my terms. As one HD writer once wrote, I have to be doing something so I might as well get paid for it. (I work in accounting and love it!). My wife of 45 years retired for seven years to take care of our two grandsons but once they were both in school was recently recruited to return three days a week as a reading tutor under a grant program. Keep the articles coming. It's refreshing to hear from you!
Post: Not Like the Others
Link to comment from December 17, 2022