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Reading some of the recent threads in this forum has depressed me a little, so in an effort to bring a little lightheartedness back, what things do you now do or buy that make you happy that you couldn't do or afford before you retired? (I don't want to limit the responses in any way, but I am particularly interested in the little things that either don't cost anything or very little.)
For me, it is being able to order any book I want online that I can't find at the library. (Most of these are either used or out-of-print that cost an average of less than $10 at a site like Better World Books.) I also enjoy sweet treats, like an ice cream cone or a Danish, once in a while. And I love sometimes just being lazy and sleeping in if I feel like it!
Probably the biggest thing for me is being able to wake up when I am ready without an alarm clock. It could be 6:30 am or 8:30 am, but I get up whenever I am ready! That definitely beats the 4:30 am alarm clock when I was working!
If it doesn't cost anything is it a splurge? As far as low cost, I can't think of anything that is low cost or free. Maybe being able to sleep to 10AM and not go to sleep until 1:30AM qualifies as something I can do in retirement that I couldn't do while working. Same for only shaving once a week. Same for spending 90% of my days in cargo shorts and a colored t-shirt.
If it doesn't cost anything is it a splurge? As far as low cost, I can't think of anything that is low cost or free. Maybe being able to sleep to 10AM and not go to sleep until 1:30AM qualifies as something I can do in retirement that I couldn't do while working. Same for only shaving once a week. Same for spending 90% of my time in cargo shorts and a colored t-shirt.
Yes, good point. I guess I should have said "indulgence" instead of splurge. (Sorry!)
Yes, and although this is not a splurge, one of the BEST things about retirement is not having to ask for time off to take vacations!! (Or for anything else!) And also not being expected to work late or put in some overtime.
Probably the biggest thing for me is being able to wake up when I am ready without an alarm clock. It could be 6:30 am or 8:30 am, but I get up whenever I am ready! That definitely beats the 4:30 am alarm clock when I was working!
Totally agree! The only thing that I would add would be the ability to go back to bed for a nap if I get tired later on.
Another splurge or indulgence I enjoy is to go into a coffee shop and spend as much time as I want drinking a good cup, listening to music, and reading.
Totally agree! The only thing that I would add would be the ability to go back to bed for a nap if I get tired later on.
Another splurge or indulgence I enjoy is to go into a coffee shop and spend as much time as I want drinking a good cup, listening to music, and reading.
Both of these are right up there with me too!
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