gonesouth wrote: One of the ideas nobody mentioned is that you don't have to take the summers off. Now, if you plan to spend all your time in northern Ontario, that,s fine, but you may want to pick the 6 months that Vancouver is best, and then when Vancouver is miserable go somewhere that is nice then. Our business forces us to spend summers in Nova Scotia, the downside of that is we haven't seen winter for nearly ten years....
That is pretty much the plan. Spend winters in AZ or the Cook Islands, spend summers in NorOnt and travel in the Spring and Fall.
You have the best of both worlds - NS is gorgeous! That is also on my bucket list - haven't been there since I was a teenager!
I really appreciate all the input. The overwhelming thing seems to be to retire while you are still young enough and healthy enough to do what you want.
This is the reason why I'm contemplating pulling the plug. In a way, it's kind of nice to be leaving a job on a high note, rather than quitting in disgust because of moronic management or psychotic co-workers Don't get me wrong - we still have those: only I'm the moron and the psychos add excitement to the place....nothing like giving maniacs some toxic chemicals to play with.
Financially, I'll be ok - I think $1,000 a month for gas might be a bit low, but we'll see. I can always park in Quartzite.
ferndaleflyer wrote: Very few did it "my way" My dad told me when I was 26 that I would have been a millionare if I didn't blow all my money having fun. My deal was to do it while I WAS young and healthy and could afford it. Life is short.
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I blew all my money on travel when I was young too. My parents dreamed of travelling but didn't go anywhere until their 25th anniversary. 2 years later, dad got cancer. He died at age 57 without ever having gone to Europe. I vowed I would do it all while I was young.
I got a job at Club Med and worked in the Caribbean, Mexico and Tahiti. After that, I took up hula dancing and have performed throughout Canada, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. In truth, I'm kind of sick of flying. Hence the RV :-)
Greatest thing we ever did!!! We Love IT! No looking back here. OH Yeah, I have not worn a watch since, when hungry we eat, when tired we go to bed, that is all.
Blake
2000 Kountry Star 3565
98 Jeep Wrangler Toad
Wife in passenger seat.
I took early retirement at 61 with a buyout. I had planned to retire with or without the buyout. We had put our finances in order for many years, so were ready to accept less income. The expensive health care we had to pay for was unexpected, as My company "neglected" to tell me my monthly premiums would triple. Once I reached 65 and became eligible for medicare and a supplement, the health care premiums are much more manageable. I don't know about health care in Canada, but it's a major consideration.
Do I regret retiring, Not at all, not even for a second. My coworkers who retired at the same time feel the same way. The company I worked for was a first class company 40 years ago with excellent health, profit sharing and retirement benefits. As corporate began to get greedy, the great benefits were gradually removed, even though we had been "promised" they would be there at retirement. Now the company is struggling to stay in business due to all the mismanagement and greed. So that was a mitigating factor in my decision. But having said that, I am glad it happened, cause I might have still been working and not have had the opportunity to travel the country in a motorhome as we have.
Bruce, Dennie and Riki the Spoiled Chihuahua
2006 Damon Challenger 355 Ford V10
1999 Honda CRV Toad
Escapee Member
Your answer is really dependent upon your desires. I retired 8 years ago, but work part time (about 6 months out of the year). We then take the coach and travel for several months. So, I like to think we get the best of both worlds. Good luck with your decision.
DICK & JUDY HAMILTON
2011 FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE
2008 HONDA CR-V TOAD
LIFETIME GOOD SAM MEMBER
FMCA MEMBER F-386544
Retire before a health "gotcha" gets you (one got me :-( ). I retired at 63. We were able to full time for two years. Then we planted ourselves not too far from the 5 grandkids. As others have said, lose the weight as it will be a benefit over the years and enjoy your retirement.
SRT
2000 32' HR Vacationer with Banks
1998 Subaru Outback Ltd. 5 spd
Brake Buddy & Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar
FMCA #266040 HRRVC #84109
I can retire in 3 months, with a full pension from my work (~60% of my current income) + Canada Pension benefits. This is more than enough to meet my needs and still budget $500/month for camping and $1000/month for gas and maintenance. I have a 3-month RV trip planned from June to the end of August. My decision needs to be made before I go.
Here's the thing: I really like my job and the directors are begging me to consider working as a "consultant" after I retire - 3 days per week. The job pays extremely well and, best of all, is intellectually stimulating.
However, I'll be 60 and I have no illusions about future health, since I'm very overweight.
Here's my question to those who have retired (especially from jobs they loved): do you regret the decision?
If not, what do you like best about retirement?
Sorry if this isn't an appropriate topic for this forum.
Nui
I left work at age 55 in 2003. I wouldnt go back for any amount of money...IF one has enough $$ coming in??
You say you can have enough to budget $500 a month for camping...and 1000 a month for fuel and maintainence.. Thats terrific...NOW...where is that $$ going when you ARENT traveling etc, etc.??? $500/month times 12 = $6000. $1000 / month times 12 is $12,000....thats $18,000 a year for your RVing experience. If you cant make it and PROFIT by it...something is wrong somewhere???
What do I like about retirement....the FACT I can do whatever I want to do! WHEN I want to do it.
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
Retired at 61 that was wow 8 years ago. Love it everything you have heard about retirement it's even better than that. Now understand that we are almost full timers and are going to be starting next month. We campground host in Texas and New Mexico. Love fishing, hiking, kayaking, golfing everything outdoors. Do you work to live or live to work? In my case I enjoyed my work but loved what I did away from work so I work to live. Good luck and enjoy the good years!!
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Don't get me wrong - we still have those: only I'm the moron and the psychos add excitement to the place....nothing like giving maniacs some toxic chemicals to play with.
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