Why My Retirement Felt Like Hitting A Brick Wall

Karen’s career fit perfectly with her interests and her family. Her original college major was Child Psychology. However, she quickly realized she wanted to be where her children were when they started school. So she worked toward a second major of Elementary Education and became a teacher in the same district where her children attended.

Travel was an interest of hers from childhood. Her father’s work kept his young family of five moving to seven different states by the time Karen was in high school. This taught her to be flexible and accepting of people different from her. This has served her well in retirement as she explores with loved ones. We talked with Karen about her retirement. 

Retirement Reality

Retirement Awaits: What does a day in retirement look like for you? 

Karen: My life as a retiree is busy, but not as crazy hectic as my career and family. I sleep late because I stay up too late. I babysit grandchildren, read, garden, play citizen scientist with the monarch, hike in nature, fix dinner for family, and travel three or four times a year! I have to admit that getting older also has meant more doctor visits to attend. You do what you have to do to stay healthy! 

Your Retirement Plan

Retirement Awaits: Did you have a solid plan going into retirement?

Karen: I did not have a solid plan for retirement. Both my husband’s job and mine had a pension plan. We saved the maximum allowed. Plus, we saved for extras and paid off our home. No credit card debt helps!

Best Part About Retirement

Retirement Awaits: What’s the best part about retirement? 

Karen: The best part of retirement is that your daily schedule is yours to make… within reason.

Challenges In Retirement

Retirement Awaits: What’s the biggest challenge in retirement?

Karen: I found the biggest challenge to be a societal problem. Our society does not value experience or age. We are a “throw-away” society and that seems to include our people. It’s very sad. One year I was an experienced teacher and respected member of society, the next year, I felt like a burden whose opinions didn’t matter. I found this to be especially true as a woman. 

Cost Of Retirement

Retirement Awaits: We want people to understand how much retirement really costs. How do you manage your money now? Do you have a budget, meet with your advisor on a regular basis, etc?

Karen: Many “costs” seem to drop out of your budget; things like school supplies, kids’ clothes, car insurance for teens, and college aid for children. But the one cost that has risen is medical bills. Being older means higher bills to stay healthy!

My husband and I have been lucky. However, two personalities will definitely have friction in this area. There’s one who likes to plan versus one who does not! I would say paying off debts and keeping them paid off is important. We have not used any long-term savings and will hold off for as long as possible. Yes, we have had unexpected issues, both health and home. Thank goodness we are frugal and still with no debt! This does not mean we have not always done what we want, it just means we pick what is most important for us to spend our money on!

Retirement Advice

Retirement Awaits: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give someone about to retire? 

Karen: I think it is important for anyone to pay debts down and have money set aside for life’s surprises.

Things I Wish I Would Have Known

Retirement Awaits: What are a few things you wish someone would have told you about retirement/this season of life/transition?

Karen: I did not ever realize that retirement seems to “hit like a brick wall.” It comes on fast and furious! Enjoy every bit of this journey and don’t feel guilty when retirement comes. You have lived a good life and you deserve every bit of enjoyment retirement brings with it!

Best Retirement Vacation

Retirement Awaits: What Is your favorite vacation or vacation spot?

Karen: This week, my favorite spot is Glacier National Park. I have missed those mountains every morning and evening since leaving them behind. They truly looked like heaven should look and felt like an unspoiled spot on earth. Majestic! Surreal! Breathtaking!

12 Gorgeous Montana Vacation Rentals Near Glacier National Park

Next month, who knows what will be my favorite spot? I love exploring with those that I love! Is there anything else as important?

To see other Retirement Diaries, check out:

• Retirement Diaries: Diane Says Start Your Planning Early
• Retirement Diaries: Jan Suggests Staying Active But Not Too Active
• Retirement Diaries: Snowbird From New York To Florida