Has retirement met your expectations? (55, pensions, spouse, inheritance)
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There have been a number of threads here about financial expectations -- and about retirement activities. The responses seem to be split among those near to or planning retirement and those who have been retired for some time.
I was wondering if the expectations of retirees have been matched, exceeded or changed by reality.
For example, I planned to be much more heavily involved in ministry and volunteer work, but, spent the first several years traveling, playing golf, fishing, reading (and even wrote a book). Now, I'm slowing down on these activities and evaluating future options. Health has not yet been a factor, although we did more traveling early-on, with an eye towards my wife's potential eye problems.
Financially, I expected things to be a little tighter with more uncertain, than it has been. This was part due to concerns about the 2007-2009 economic crisis (retired in 2008), but, also because my considerable 'retirement planning' turned-out to be more conservative than necessary.
^^^^^^^^ I learned many years ago what a mistake it was to have any expectations of anything. I expect certain things from myself and try very hard to live up to them. But expecting anything from anyone is and has been a lost cause for me.
I think I have maintained my sanity with this practice.
Too soon to tell. I just retired at the beginning of this past March and am still in limbo. Purchased the new house, but still stuck in the old house filled with days upon days of packing. Packing is taking much too long, and the triple-digit temperature days the past week, and into this next week, are not helping much. Hope to get there in a couple more weeks, then I'll be ready for the U-Haul and the contractor to fix broken stuff in the old house before selling.
I expected far more travel and outdoor activities. However, health problems (husband/dementia) have put an end to all those dreams. We traveled and played for the first 45 years so I guess it is okay to "chill" for the rest. Sold canoe, trailer, dirt bikes, tent, telescope, etc. My hiking these days takes place at the rec center. No travel. Not really complaining. You must "go with the flow." Bought a 55 inch tv last week. Financially we're good.
Five years into retirement and so far, so good. Income projections have been on target, and expenses, surprisingly, have been somewhat less than projected.
Currently, everything is going as planned, and we are very happy with our decision. We have traveled to some places that were on our bucket list, and are fortunate to have escaped the NE cold by spending two months in FL. We continue to be debt free. Thanks to defined pensions, retirement incentives, and extra $$ from working two jobs most of my adult life, at this stage, we are fine financially. And neither of us has any serious health issues (knock on wood).
DW loves not having to set an alarm each night, and enjoys each day of retirement. I continue to work part-time, but I am fortunate to set my own hours. I can work remotely (for the most part), so travelling is not an issue. Up to this point we have been very fortunate, and are very thankful.
However, serious health issues, death of a spouse, or unexpected happenstances can derail even the best laid plans.
We continue to enjoy our retirement, doing as much, or as little, as we want. We don't know what our future holds, so we will follow the advice of Admiral Farragut - "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."
I think for most of us it is a mixed bag. I know, the worst for us has been the lack of finances. I am happy for all those, through good planning, good retirement salaries or inheritance are living well, but there are a lot more who struggle each month, while trying to enjoy the autumn years and do a little traveling or whatever.
Health issues start to creep up as we reach those, so called golden years and we watch friends reach the end of their lives. I know this sounds like life after retirement is a drag, but here is the positive side of the story:
If you are lucky, you have wonderful friends and family that you can spend time with and not be rushed to get ready for work or too tired because you had a rough day or week at the job. If you are too tired, it is probably because you have had fun doing what you like: golfing, fishing, developing a hobby, playing cards or whatever. There are rarely mornings when the alarm goes off at 6am and it is off to work we go. And yo have plenty of time to do volunteer work.
All of what I have listed has been part of our 15 years in retirement. We just pray to God we will have a few more years to enjoy the good and learn from the bad. I will add, we have a wonderful supportive family which helps a lot.
Ski 4-5 days/week during ski season.
Play poker several times/week during off season.
Go to live shows/concerts 3-4 days/week.
Go out for fine dining 1-2 nights/week.
Have sex at least twice/day.
Read insightful posts on City-Data forums.
Restore antique automobiles.
I have a feeling this thread is going to get ugly real quick.
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