#SaharasMusings – Retirement is SCARY

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Not in a million years did I think I’d ever say that.  How can retirement be scary?  Well, it sure as the hell is. 

I’ve been with the same company for 45 years, which is almost unheard of in today’s work environment.  In that time, I’ve dealt with insurance agents and even sold Medicare Supplements to people starting their Medicare Part B.  And one recurring comment has been that they’re on a fixed income and need to watch their budget.  And I always felt like, Yeah, you and me both. 

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I mean, it’s not like as a working person we’re rolling in money. 

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We get paid the same amount twice a month and we have the same bills coming out of that pot.  And a pay raise?

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Oh, you mean that 2% or 3% cost of living raise that doesn’t even cover inflation?  

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So, yeah, I didn’t quite understand.  Until I decided to take early retirement. 

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Now I have to worry about insurance, which is so much cheaper as an employee.  Whether I’m screwing myself for taking my Social Security benefits early instead of waiting another three years.  Learn how to roll my 401K over to an IRA.  Will I have enough money to last until I die? 

So, yeah, I get it now. No more steady income which could’ve only be taken away if I’d quit/lost my job.  Now I have to depend on the government not sucking all the funds out of Social Security.  Yikes!  

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My stress level has gone through the roof as I just HATE the company that bought us out 12 years ago.  I’ve been counting the years since then, so once I hit 62 it’s become more compelling.  I also want to shift my energy and focus to Norns Triad.  I have lots of courses to take to improve our marketing and also video creation. 

And then there’s the whole world going to hell in a hand basket.  A world-wide food shortage in the next year, a pending WW III with Russia/China, and possibly nukes. 

So why not grab the bull by the horns and reap whatever I can, while I can?  October 1st, here I come. 

About Sahara Foley

Sahara Foley, in collaboration with her beloved late husband, writes urban and dark fantasy, science fantasy, and the occasional horror tale. She is an international award-winner and the first book in her Excalibur Saga series has been an Amazon bestseller multiple times. In 2018, she teamed up with friend and fellow author J.M. Northup to start Norns Triad Publications. They represent four authors under their brand. Sahara was born and still resides in the Midwest. Insurance Guru during the day, on her time off she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling with her family, helping fellow authors, and her secret passion – gaming. She is currently working on a new fantasy, time-travel story titled, Time Stones, slated to be released in 2022. You can connect with Sahara below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksbysaharafoley Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaharaFoley Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/saharafoley/ Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sahara-Foley/e/B00J9ST32U/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
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4 Responses to #SaharasMusings – Retirement is SCARY

  1. Vivienne says:

    I suppose retirement in the UK is different from the US.
    We have the NHS, which working people pay for from their income. I suppose it’s like an extra tax, but called national insurance. Treatment is free. Also, over 65s get all prescriptions free, too.
    There is an agreement that the national retirement benefit will rise along with inflation, or the cost of living index whichever is lower.
    The basic pension is very low, but most people have work or private pensions in addition.

    • Sahara Foley says:

      Which is what our Social Security Benefits are. We pay into them during our working life & then collect them at retirement. But they are pay out much so people have to also have some other type of retirement plan. Most companies in the US don’t have pensions anymore, but they will contribute to a 401K for their employees if the employees also put money in the pot.

  2. Zeece Lugo says:

    Dear Sahara,
    I went through the exact decision twelve years ago. Based on my experience, I will offer advice.
    a. Retire and take early social security. I have had too many friends who never got to enjoy a single check because they waited for that extra few dollars. Do not worry about social security running out of money; the likelihood is you will die before that happens. I retired at 56. I was not able to get social security until 62. I only had my teacher’s pension until then. It was a tough six years, but it was also the time for me. Like water, I found my level and do not regret my decision to retire early. Today, I am much happier and healthier.
    b. You will find ways to increase your income without the anxiety and energy drain of working till you die. Retiring is like being born again. Start writing again. Explore a new genre. Take on a room mate who shares similar tastes and interests and expenses. If you find you really need more income, you can even find a part-time job doing something you really like. Hell, you can sell popsicles at the beach! That’s a joke, but I was recently talking to a gentleman who was lounging under an umbrella at the beach and “giving” away beaded necklaces for a “small donation.” He was retired and possibly the happiest guy on the planet.

    • Sahara Foley says:

      I have also seen friends and my own family members who retired and then died within a few years. So, yeah, I totally hear you. Once I am retired, I’ll be focusing on Norns Triad Publications and we have plans to expand it for author services. At the very least, I can sell insurance on the side but I am so tired of that whole industry. LOL. Thank you for the advice. 🙂

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