Late Summer Confessions (The Retirement Diaries)

“Take this as your sign — it’s time to invite a life beyond financial limitations.” — The Good Trade

Friends…how are you doing? Are you ready for Fall? I know I’m ready for the season, the changing weather, and decorating my home sans empty-nester.

Make sure you stay hydrated, wear some sunscreen, take a walk, and rest.

As far as decorating goes, nothing has to be functional or convenient because it’s just me—and that’s the fun part. However, it’s still lonely with my daughter gone. She’s home at least once a week, which is nice, but this whole empty-nester thing is still fun and strange all at once.

THE RETIREMENT DIARIES

I’ve been touting this notion for some time now—that I would create something to chronicle my retirement process. Not my expert opinion, because what do I know? But just the process, the feelings I’m experiencing, and the sheer terror of it all.

First, I don’t think I’m ready. Second, I don’t know how much longer I’ll continue to work afterward. Third, how much traveling do I want to do, and how much do I want to plan? And lastly, there’s the utter horror of managing my finances and making sure I don’t run out of money to take care of myself and fund some of the things I actually want to do.

So yeah…just a few minor details. 😅

BUT FIRST, A FEW THINGS…

WHEN?

The official date is October 2027 (that’s 1 year, 1 month, and 16 days), but the actual date is January 2028.

Now, there are a few salary-related things tied to this date. The way our job calculates your salary—or your “high 3”—means you want to make sure your previous year’s salary is included in that calculation. That way, when it’s time to cash out your pension, you get the full advantage of that salary, along with any COLAs and raises.

If that sounds confusing, IT IS…no doubt. And that’s just one of the many things I’m wrestling with.

MONEY

I’m not going to touch on too much here because…well, that’s personal, and I don’t need all my business floating around on the internet. 😂

Basically, with our pension, we’re offered a few options: annuity, 50/50, or a full cash-out. Guess which one I’m taking…(LOL)

I’ve already taken the steps to find a financial adviser through Fidelity (he’s awesome!). And let me plug this for a minute—I don’t get any compensation for saying so, but my experience with Fidelity has been great. They keep it real.

Unless you know A LOT about money markets and investing, I think it’s helpful to have someone work through all of this with you and provide a few different scenarios based on how you want to live. They can help create a portfolio tailored to your plans. So, if you want to travel (LIKE A LOT) or buy a home, they can provide guidance on what that might look like financially.

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Or, if you’re like me and know you want to work a few more years—but probably won’t be at your previous salary level—they can help create a budget that supplements that income and factors in things like Social Security, healthcare, long-term care insurance, and all those other expenses that don’t magically disappear just because you retired.

I know it’s A LOT (as I’ve said), and having everything thrown at you at once is stressful. So much so that it’s been difficult to concentrate on other things while navigating this season of life.

LIFE SHIT
(GET YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER)

What I mean by this is your living will and final will—what you want to happen if the unimaginable occurs.

I don’t want to burden my daughter, and trust me, she doesn’t want to hear anything that has to do with my mortality, but these are things we need to think about. How do you want to be cared for if you’re no longer able to make those decisions for yourself? Who will be your power of attorney? Who do you trust to look out for your best interests and not rob you blind? Who will settle the affairs of your estate or handle charitable donations on your behalf?

All those things that seem like nothing are actually the BIG something. And after dealing with my mom’s health issues, finances and home care, as well as my dad’s passing, it’s something I think about.

Now, I don’t spend a lot of time dwelling on these things, but it’s Adulting 101. Handle your business wisely.

I don’t want this first installment to get too lengthy, so next time I’ll get into some of the fun stuff—like life after work and where’s the first place I want to go?! I’ll also talk about paying down some debt and what that looks like as I get closer to retirement.

But for now, this is where I’m at.

BLOG LIFE

It always begs the question of how long I’ll continue to blog here. The short answer…longer. The other answer…until it no longer brings me joy.

I have a few things planned for the Fall/Blog-tober and the Winter season, and I’m excited about some new and old things I want to share with you. I’ve been busy working on my 31 Days of Halloween, which is “The Beast” at the moment, while still jumping on here to share bits and pieces of my life, health, and the pursuit of happiness.

PROJECTS

I have so many DIY projects I want to get into, but I never seem to have the time. I also don’t want to create things just to have something to share. Whenever I’ve made something, it’s been for my home. The last few things I created are still proudly displayed, and I love my holiday ornaments, which are very special to me.

I want to create some art, start another dollhouse, and make some tabletop décor. Nothing trending or TikTok-worthy—just something I feel like making and can actually use.

Whew! Was that a lot.  ── .✦── .✦── .✦ Otherwise, that’s it for this confessional.

Also, just a little note: it’s never too late to start saving and planning for a life without working—or maybe starting that second career you really love after the one you had to take to care for your family. I get it. I really do.

But friends, until next time, be well, and I’ll see you back here soon.

— DUCES ✌🏾