Retirement has really changed my money outlook. I no longer have this big whomping debt I have to smash up. My expenses are few. I have enough coming in. It's almost weird. I'm realizing that while I was working and a homeowner, I didn't have the means for my (modest) lifestyle, and now it's better.
My biggest challenges will be keeping my emergency fund full and having enough money to travel and visit my children. And to keep my dog and cat healthy.
Recent spending: I treated my uncle and cousin to breakfast at a local diner ($20). I bought a backpack to use while walking ($11). I bought a used book at the library (.25). I bought some birthday gifts for my grandson ($46). I paid my Netflix bill ($18). I got my hair cut ($22). And I bought a jamocaccino at a cafe ($5). That was a waste! It wasn't even very good! But it did give me the leeway to sit and read in comfort while I waited for my cousin to be done with her doctor's visit.
Next month I will make two trips to the Midwest. One for my grandson's first birthday, and the other for Thanksgiving. And in December I am hoping to make a trip to Chicago to meet friends and Christmas shop. So these are the things I need to be saving for.
BTW, it's cold here today! I broke out my turtlenecks!
Retirement musings
October 11th, 2007 at 02:27 pm
October 11th, 2007 at 03:36 pm 1192113411
Great job!
October 11th, 2007 at 03:47 pm 1192114030
October 11th, 2007 at 08:54 pm 1192132475
Aleta, my son did sell his house and he is now living in his dad's condo in Chicago while he saves money for a down payment. (He lost money on the house.) He and his wife have one son, my only grandchild. My other son is unmarried, but I have hopes that he'll find a nice girl and present me with grandchildren, too!
October 11th, 2007 at 10:01 pm 1192136499
October 11th, 2007 at 10:12 pm 1192137136
I've really been interested in your blog because you give alot of insight into retirement and things that most of us don't think about. I will be there not too long. We appreciate your sharing with us. Thanks!
October 12th, 2007 at 04:25 pm 1192202741
Thanks for your interest!