There is a saying that goes, 'life is what happens when you're planning something else'. So it was with our retirement. At age 57 my husband developed health problems that prevented him working at the carpenter trade. My job as a rural newspaper reporter paid a less than stellar wage but combined with a reduced pension and odd jobs we were able to pay our bills and manage.
Tips for Budgeting Money
The first thing we did was look at our spending habits as a change in lifestyle seemed in order. We were both addicted to flea market bargains and avoiding the source worked in that area. We began searching for places to eat out that offered specials and senior discounts. We cut traveling to visiting sites within a 200-mile radius of home and were pleasantly surprised to find a variety of entertaining options. We purchased clothing from thrift stores, especially those that benefited the less fortunate. It was a way to give back to the community and reap savings for ourselves.
Early Social Security
My husband took his Social Security early to supplement our income. Waiting would have gained us more money later on but after weighing the options we decided our immediate need was more important. I continued working until I could draw Social Security.
Ways to Make Money After Retirement
'Pin' money is another old phrase from the days when women saved small change to buy pins for sewing. I changed that slightly; I call mine 'Pen' money. I use my writing skills to bring in extra income. I can manage this from the safety and security of my own home by working for online information sites. My husband uses his expertise and talents as a carpenter to do small jobs for neighbors in the community. We both still feel useful and busy, but maintain a liberal schedule in order to enjoy our time together.
Other Tips on Making Money
Every retired person has some sort of talent, some uniqueness that makes them an asset to the world. Whether it's building birdhouses, sewing tea towels, offering financial advice or writing computer software programs, there is a niche out there that can bring in a little extra cash and a lot of satisfaction.
Is Early Retirement Scary?
You bet it is, and leaping into the void the way we did isn't for everyone. If things had happened differently and we had retired with money in the bank could we have been happier? I doubt it. Successful retirement is about enjoying each other in the declining years when you realize that each day could well be the last. It's about laughter, and sharing, and even worrying how to spend what money you have coming in. We never get complacent when faced with our financial reality. There is a sense of adventure and challenge that fetches back to the early days of our youth.
An Option for Sensible Retirement Planning
Sometimes sensible planning has to be replaced with sensible living. Don't be afraid to retire with less than you hoped. It might become the most enriching experience in your life.
