On Fri, 2 Apr 2021 00:45:33 -0400, "John Grossbohlin"
wrote:

wrote in message ...

On Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:05:44 -0400, "John Grossbohlin"
wrote:


The retirement decision is a tough one. Putting things in the context of
all
my friends, siblings, and other family members who didn't make it past age
62 changed my view. I've also been talking to a lot of my friends about
it.
Universally they, and I, went out or plan to go out sooner than we thought
we would even five years ago. One spent years planning his retirement from
the business world and his run for congress. He is well connected,
financed, and likely would have won. When all was said and done he decided
that he'd done enough public service, retired, and is taking time for he
and
his wife instead. Me... I've cut way down on my public service and am
focusing on myself, family and my close friends instead.

It isn't easy. After fifty years working, it's scary. I should be in
good shape, barring hyperinflation (everyone in Washington seems hard
at work on it though), I should be fine. It's a big decision with no
way back. My boss was talking about dropping to two days per week but
hasn't said anything in some time. I think the business isn't ready
for contractors yet. They got rid of almost all of them a year ago.

Yes it is scary... being frugal and staying healthy so you don't outlive
your income is important and challenging. Let us hope we all succeed at
that...

OTOH, I don't expect to live forever. There is something to living
well. I think we'll be fine, in fact all things considered I figure
we'll have about a $5K lower income and that'll be all but made up by
the state tax reduction (elimination) on retirement income.