This year will be a big one for me. It’s the year that I will be leaping into retirement. Last year I made the decision to cut back to part-time and have to say it has just given me more desire for full-on retirement. It’s really hard to return for work those three days a week, after having four off. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for being able to cut back at all, but now that I have a little more time to do some of the things that I love, I just long for more of it.
I have been taking advantage of my new-found free time and have been doing things like spending more time with the grandkids, watching lots of movies, a bit of sewing, and baking. Of course, I have been spending more time contributing to this blog. These are some of the things I want to do more of when I retire:
more time for blogging
more travel and adventure
family fun
There is one thing holding me back from taking this leap. You guessed it, it’s money. It always seems to come down to money, doesn’t it? There are two things that I want to pay off before I make the final leap into retirement. Not having a car payment anymore would make a huge difference in the budget, so paying off the last of the Civic loan is at the top of my list. Next will be paying off my student loan. Yes, I am still paying on a student loan since I decided later in life to return to school.
I think if I buckle down, work really hard and stick to a budget that retirement is something I can accomplish by the end of this year. Just think, you’ll get to read even more of my mutterings before long, since I will have more time to blog.
I realize that I am blessed to be able to retire while I can still really enjoy life. Leaping into retirement will be one of my last great steps in life and I plan to do it in grand fashion! I’ll let you know when to throw the party!
What is your next great leap in life?
Message from our sponsor.
From bumper to bumper, the all-new CR-V is loaded with pretty much everything you need to tackle your Leap List. It’s your ultra-versatile adventure partner, and it’s built to take you just about anywhere you want to go. Learn more at leaplist.honda.com.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Honda via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Honda.
I am having issues about retiring also. I lost my job, but I really want to still work. But I am having a hard time finding a job. Would you call this forced retirement? I do not know. I will decide what to do soon. Thanks for article.
Money is always a stressor but it sounds like there are benefits to your retiring 🙂 It’s wonderful if you have a way to do it though…so many things to do and see.
Planning ahead is key, and knowing what you are working toward. I am saving away for retirement now, hoping to retire early and travel!
Thanks for participating in SASS, hope to see you again next week
I am 42 an still dealing with a student loan as well. Sometimes i wonder if it was worth it. If i didnt love school so much it probably wouldnt have been. I wish I could make a career out of being a student.
I adore spending all the time I can with my granddaughter. I’m glad that you are able to partly retired and are enjoying the things you love. If only money was a little handier for everyone! Best of luck SASS
That’s awesome- you can do it!!
I have a few leaps- I’d love to learn photography, renovate my house and finalize my divorce!
i bet those grandkids are enjoying that extra time with you also
So great that your plan of retiring is coming together. That is my great fear of not having everything in order when I get to that point in my life. Stories like this remind me to keep that always a focus.
Retirement scares me…ok funding scares me. We have quite some time before we’re anywhere near retirement however we are slowly taking steps to secure a retirement fund. It’s a scary process, but like you said keeping your bills and debt low is they key.
Congrats on your upcoming retirement. It’s a big leap, and yes money is always the top concern. When I look at how little we have saved up it scares the dickens out of me. Still have some years to go, but still. -SASS