Retirement & spending …
It feels strange
Retirement is a funny situation for me. On some days it confuses me, on others it delights me. And on other days it bores me, yet it also excites me. Strange right?
The confusion is the thing that I believe needs to be sorted. And once sorted, all the rest will fall in line. At least I hope so.
The confusion stems from the fact that all my working life the goal has been to save money to pay off the house, pay off the car, have great vacations and finally, to retire. Now that I’m retired it’s a switch around with finances. I now need to spend the money to live, to travel and to just enjoy all those things I didn’t do while working. I don’t mean spend in an irresponsible manner, but a well thought out way in order to maximize the fun of retirement. But spend, not save … that’s the key.
I have to say … it’s difficult watching the retirement fund go down rather than up. It’s hard transferring money from savings into the chequing account. It’s weird is what it is. After 35 years diligently putting money aside it feels very strange breaking the habit and spending it rather than saving it.
I often wonder if other new retirees have the same issue. Or is it me? Hmmm.
Until the next time.
I think most people wonder about their finances…my mom always worried yet she was fine …then there are some who don’t worry whatsoever …they want to travel and enjoy the freedom….I have a few people I know that feel the government will take care of them ….it may be the business side of you …actually Terry still works …he tried retiring but wasn’t into it ,felt happier and more fulfilled working a few hours 3 days a week…so it’s a win win there and it keeps him happy …I and Terry have always been careful with our money not really showy , simple needs in a way …stuff I wanted as a younger person and couldn’t afford now that I can afford it , don’t care anymore !! Lol!
I think with more time as you are a newly retiree things will settle into a comfort zone for you ..
I think that everyone thinks about their retirement years ..its just a normal thought process for most of us …I think you’re in good company with your thinking!😊
As well as the diminishing bank account, there is another diminishing thing: the to-do list. I finished everything on my to-do list for the first time in my life. This is something I thought would be a lifelong impossible dream. Guess I will have to start a "Could-do" list or find another impossible dream.