Thank you for this article. It is beyond timely for me. Recently widowed, I sold my paid-off home last year and moved to a different state to be closer to my grandchildren. I was determined to pay cash for my new home. I had always believed that a mortgage in retirement was a very bad thing, Homes in my new area are older and much more expensive. Property taxes are higher. This area remains a seller's market. I've made cash offers on a couple of homes but then "choked" out of fear that I will run out of money. I still want to travel. My husband and I had worked hard to get to the "end point" of a paid-off home to live a worry free retirement. But then lo and behold, he died and all the old rules flew out the window. Maybe a mortgage in retirement is not such a bad thing if it preserves liquidity, allows me to buy the home I want, and helps to reduce my overall tax burden. Life goes on....
I'm glad you have returned to health and are considering travel again. Thank you for the article on your prior & possibly upcoming travel adventures. I am ready to start some of my own and found your article inspirational & informative. I'm also going to check out your blg.
Jonathan I've respected and admired your wisdom and common sense for a very long time. My respect and admiration only continues to grow. In my case, I lost my husband about 6 weeks ago. He died from ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease). In the final year of his life we also remodeled our home. Our plan was to make our home more accessible (roll-in shower, widen doorways, etc.) The construction process is one of my last and most precious memories. At that time he could still walk and talk and we enjoyed picking out tile, fixtures, etc. together. We were lucky enough to find a construction company that became almost like family. We were a little sad when the project ended. I think your decision to remodel is a very good one. The project wasn't perfect, there were a few misunderstandings and mistakes but it kept my husband and I engaged. As a result I've become convinced that life is beautiful, all of it. The joy, the pain, the love, the arguments, the misunderstandings, etc. My final comment is that hospice was a blessing for us. The hospice team knew what it was doing and kept discomfort to a minimum. I wish you and your family only the best.
Kristine your quiet life mimics mine perfectly. I was the same type of kid. I'd go to the library and check out five books, then be back practically the next day for more. I've been retired for about eight years. It's been the happiest time of my life because I can indulge in my need for solitude. I love going for long solitary walks and get so much pleasure from our two dogs and three cats. I enjoy one-on-one interactions so much more than being in a group. I also read the book "Quiet". It's good to know that there are others out there just like us. Sometimes I worry about not being "social" enough but your article confirms that we are fine just the way we are, especially if we are happy with our lives.
Comments
Thank you for this article. It is beyond timely for me. Recently widowed, I sold my paid-off home last year and moved to a different state to be closer to my grandchildren. I was determined to pay cash for my new home. I had always believed that a mortgage in retirement was a very bad thing, Homes in my new area are older and much more expensive. Property taxes are higher. This area remains a seller's market. I've made cash offers on a couple of homes but then "choked" out of fear that I will run out of money. I still want to travel. My husband and I had worked hard to get to the "end point" of a paid-off home to live a worry free retirement. But then lo and behold, he died and all the old rules flew out the window. Maybe a mortgage in retirement is not such a bad thing if it preserves liquidity, allows me to buy the home I want, and helps to reduce my overall tax burden. Life goes on....
Post: Home Tax Tips
Link to comment from March 7, 2026
I'm glad you have returned to health and are considering travel again. Thank you for the article on your prior & possibly upcoming travel adventures. I am ready to start some of my own and found your article inspirational & informative. I'm also going to check out your blg.
Post: Go-Go or Slow-Go?
Link to comment from August 17, 2024
Jonathan I've respected and admired your wisdom and common sense for a very long time. My respect and admiration only continues to grow. In my case, I lost my husband about 6 weeks ago. He died from ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease). In the final year of his life we also remodeled our home. Our plan was to make our home more accessible (roll-in shower, widen doorways, etc.) The construction process is one of my last and most precious memories. At that time he could still walk and talk and we enjoyed picking out tile, fixtures, etc. together. We were lucky enough to find a construction company that became almost like family. We were a little sad when the project ended. I think your decision to remodel is a very good one. The project wasn't perfect, there were a few misunderstandings and mistakes but it kept my husband and I engaged. As a result I've become convinced that life is beautiful, all of it. The joy, the pain, the love, the arguments, the misunderstandings, etc. My final comment is that hospice was a blessing for us. The hospice team knew what it was doing and kept discomfort to a minimum. I wish you and your family only the best.
Post: On the Clock
Link to comment from August 17, 2024
Kristine your quiet life mimics mine perfectly. I was the same type of kid. I'd go to the library and check out five books, then be back practically the next day for more. I've been retired for about eight years. It's been the happiest time of my life because I can indulge in my need for solitude. I love going for long solitary walks and get so much pleasure from our two dogs and three cats. I enjoy one-on-one interactions so much more than being in a group. I also read the book "Quiet". It's good to know that there are others out there just like us. Sometimes I worry about not being "social" enough but your article confirms that we are fine just the way we are, especially if we are happy with our lives.
Post: A Quiet Life
Link to comment from March 23, 2024