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The One Thing I Do To Avoid The Retirement Rut, But Loathe

“Make a rough draft, not a firm plan. Allow for change.” – Carol S.
Nov.13.2022
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  • Retirement
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    • Nov.13.2022

    Retirement Snapshot

    Carol Stigger and grandson Cameron Millar
    Retirement leaves more time for grandchildren. Carol’s grandson, Cameron, has traveled with her to Florida, Mexico, Canada, and Italy.
    Photo credit: Carol Stigger
    • Name: Carol S.
    • Location: North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
    • Age: 78
    • Retired At: 62
    • Marital Status: Divorced
    • Profession: Journalist and Teacher

    Carol was a communications director for an international charity and also a certified teacher. After she retired from her day job, she continued her freelance writing career, which consists mainly of travel writing. She was a substitute teacher for 11 years, which required no commitment other than the day-to-day. That not only allowed her to travel, but it also provided an income stream. Carol spent four winters in India as a volunteer for a community development organization. That organization helped provide room, board, and local transportation. When the last of her six grandchildren got her driver’s license, Carol moved from Chicago to South Carolina. We talked to Carol about her retirement.

    Retirement Reality

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

    Carol: Usually, what I want it to be. I do not enjoy getting into a rut. One thing I am firm about: exercise. Use it or lose it. These days, I’ll take an aqua exercise class or a walk. Sometimes both. I’ve never been a fan of exercise, but I believe it’s important to maintain health. 

    Your Retirement Plan

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

    Carol: My plan was a change of scenery, so I moved to Italy 2 weeks after I retired. When my 3-month visa expired, I moved back to Chicago, continued my freelance career, and looked for things to do that interested me. 

    Best Part About Retirement

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

    Carol: I set my schedule. When I want to work, I work. When I don’t want to work, I go to the beach, visit friends, or take a trip.

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    Challenges In Retirement

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

    Carol: The greatest challenge was getting accustomed to a new lifestyle. It took months to find the right balance of work, hobbies, and socialization.

    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?

    Carol: I made a long-term plan with my financial advisor, which includes a monthly payment about equal to my social security benefits. This allows the lifestyle I want, but it is not an expensive lifestyle. I try to live below my income.

    Retirement Advice

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

    Carol: Make a rough draft, not a firm plan. Allow for change. Live within your budget. 

    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?

    Carol: I was not expecting the confusion: What should I be doing? It took a while to learn to follow my path, go through open doors with curiosity, not fear, and do the work I enjoy.

    Best Retirement Vacation

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

    Carol: Italy because of the history, culture, and lifestyle.

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    • Image of Allison Godlove Allison Godlove View Full Profile

      Allison loves learning about new people and places and always jumps at the chance to take a trip. Whether it's visiting a town in her area or traveling across the country, she's up to explore!

      She has traveled outside the U.S. several times including trips to London, Switzerland, and a cruise through the Western Caribbean. Her favorite travel memory is visiting Sundsvall, Sweden, her great grandfather's birthplace. Growing up, she spent a lot of time with him, so it was special to see where he was born. It looked very similar to the town where she grew up in New York. Within the U.S., she continues to check states off the list, most recently making a trip to Alaska for her honeymoon.

      Allison spent almost 20 years of her career as a TV news anchor. She’s covered everything from political conventions to Super Bowl LV to hurricanes and, most recently, the pandemic. She is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She's been recognized for her work nationally and regionally by organizations including the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.