Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time.
Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement.

1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me.

3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good.

4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.'

If you like your work, stick with it. If you need the money, stick with it.
If you don't like it and don't  need the money, pack it in.

If you're a guy and you're in your 60's then I reckon you should work til you hit 67/68 (as that is the generally accepted retirement age).

After that age you may retire ie spend all day at home getting in your wife's way and cramping her style and disrupting her daily program and getting on her nerves etc.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 4:59pm:

If you're a guy and you're in your 60's then I reckon you should work til you hit 67/68 (as that is the generally accepted retirement age). After that age you may retire ie spend all day at home getting in your wife's way and cramping her style and disrupting her daily program and getting on her nerves etc.

What IS she doing at home??? SHE isn't retiring, is she???.  :P

Frank wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 5:03pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 4:59pm: If you're a guy and you're in your 60's then I reckon you should work til you hit 67/68 (as that is the generally accepted retirement age). After that age you may retire ie spend all day at home getting in your wife's way and cramping her style and disrupting her daily program and getting on her nerves etc. What IS she doing at home??? SHE isn't retiring, is she???.  :P

Ha! She is at home because she is a full time home maker and her role is to make sure everyone gets up nice and early and goes to school or Uni or work. Once they go she can then start her (never ending) chores so that when everyone comes home after school or Uni or work ...everything is ready ie home is clean and tidy, gardens are watered front and back, pets have had all their needs taken care of, household laundry and cooking is done, shopping is sorted, bills have been attended to, dry cleaning has been dropped off/picked up, ensured that tenants are ok (there's always something that isn't ok) and they have paid the full amount of rent due AND it's been done so on time (because ever increasing land tax plus council rates plus water rates need to be paid using that rental income).

Once all that's done ... she can then help with school or Uni homework. Yes that's right ... tutor her kids wherever and whenever they need help. And after that she can sit and listen to those family members who have part time or full time employment vent their frustrations regarding how overwhelmed they are at work.

Oh and somewhere in all the above .... she's been busy helping neighbours and family and church friends with their various issues.

>:(

No one on their death bed ever said "I wish I had spent more time at work".

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/9e/b6/a1/9eb6a19944a5352a04a700503a886e29.jpg

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 5:49pm:

No one on their death bed ever said "I wish I had spent more time at work". https://i.pinimg.com/474x/9e/b6/a1/9eb6a19944a5352a04a700503a886e29.jpg

i love work and love my 2 businesses.
will never stop.


retirement would require a project.

i have a 200 acre block of rubbishy scrub that i have slowly been regenerating

i think i will probably work on that and get the grandkids involved in replanting the gullies and trying to get ferns and other nice rainforest vegetation back.

i feel sorry for people that had a job they didnt like for many years.
it would be worse then being in a marriage they didnt like for many years.

they should have got out.

certainly the plan is to remain super active as i'm sure sprint is doing.

once some illness takes over to the point i cant bounce out of bed and do anything other then exist, i'll be departing.

most people linger way too long in old age

they suffer, their families suffer watching a slow deterioration.
if you are surviving but not thriving , what is it exactly you are hoping to attain?

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 3:38pm:

Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.'

I hear you, am in a slightly worse position. Don't want to retire but probably have no other real option. Still fighting it though.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 4:59pm:

If you're a guy and you're in your 60's then I reckon you should work til you hit 67/68 (as that is the generally accepted retirement age). After that age you may retire ie spend all day at home getting in your wife's way and cramping her style and disrupting her daily program and getting on her nerves etc.

In my case the wife is a bit younger and still working. It will likely be the other way around.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 6:10pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 3:38pm: Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.' I hear you, am in a slightly worse position. Don't want to retire but probably have no other real option. Still fighting it though.

I'm self employed and a long way off retirement, but if I were you and was forced to retire I'd do something like get a part time job somewhere like Bunnings for a few days a week.

Frank wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 4:43pm:

If you like your work, stick with it. If you need the money, stick with it. If you don't like it and don't  need the money, pack it in.

Thanks, that is about my thoughts.
I quite like what I am doing professionally.
So long as I am happy 'where I am' stay there.

Try things now to make my retirement better later.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 6:10pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 3:38pm: Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.' I hear you, am in a slightly worse position. Don't want to retire but probably have no other real option. Still fighting it though.

Ah, ok, good luck.
These are big decisions.

Apparently, you don't need anywhere near as much money as told to retire.

No debts is the big benefit.

At mid 60s, a person who actually has not figured out what they intend to do in their retirement, has wasted an awful lot of time.

issuevoter wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 10:53pm:

At mid 60s, a person who actually has not figured out what they intend to do in their retirement, has wasted an awful lot of time.

that s the main issue

you have to bounce out of bed with a plan

doesnt matter if it is just to walk around your clothes line for 8 hours like that old pommie war veteran that did that for charity at 100 years of age.

once your only aim in life is to survive, you go into suffering and it is inhumane to make you linger.

the RSPCA would fine you for doing that to your horse or dog but we are perfectly fine with doing it to humans

its because of our own death anxiety

Volunteer marine rescue for me.
That is a while off yet though.

Federal election 2022: Greens push to reduce retirement age, boost pension

Canberra Times
April 8 2022

Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice has announced a push to lower the retirement age to 65

More than 500,000 older Australians would get earlier access to a bolstered age pension under a $5.6 billion Greens plan.

On the eve of the federal election, the Greens have vowed to pressure an Albanese Labor government to return the retirement age to 65 if they hold the balance of power in the next Federal Parliament.



The move would require Labor to reverse a Rudd government policy which has gradually raised the pension age to 67.

The change would grant more than 520,000 people earlier access to the age pension, which the Greens are pushing to raise to $88-per-day as part of a wider shakeup of the social security system.



"The Liberals and Labor have abandoned older voters and working families across the country," Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice said.

"There are hundreds of thousands of older Australians living in poverty, counting the days until their next birthday so they can finally reach pension age.   :(

"Enabling earlier access to the age pension will reduce poverty in Australia, and support thousands of older Australians who deserve better from our government."

Yes good on the Australian Greens.  The government funded pension should be put back to 65.  It was labor that raised it to 67 years of age.  The good old Coalition rat bags, wanted to put it up to 70 years of age.  A pension age of 65 is far more than enough.   :(    

issuevoter wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 10:53pm:

At mid 60s, a person who actually has not figured out what they intend to do in their retirement, has wasted an awful lot of time.

A lot of people live day to day.

whiteknight wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 7:02am:

Federal election 2022: Greens push to reduce retirement age, boost pension Canberra Times April 8 2022 Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice has announced a push to lower the retirement age to 65 More than 500,000 older Australians would get earlier access to a bolstered age pension under a $5.6 billion Greens plan. On the eve of the federal election, the Greens have vowed to pressure an Albanese Labor government to return the retirement age to 65 if they hold the balance of power in the next Federal Parliament. The move would require Labor to reverse a Rudd government policy which has gradually raised the pension age to 67. The change would grant more than 520,000 people earlier access to the age pension, which the Greens are pushing to raise to $88-per-day as part of a wider shakeup of the social security system. "The Liberals and Labor have abandoned older voters and working families across the country," Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice said. "There are hundreds of thousands of older Australians living in poverty, counting the days until their next birthday so they can finally reach pension age.   :( "Enabling earlier access to the age pension will reduce poverty in Australia, and support thousands of older Australians who deserve better from our government."

Ahh so it WAS a Labor govt policy which raised retirement from 65 to 67.

Many thanks for confirming that 👌

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 11:25am:

whiteknight wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 7:02am: Federal election 2022: Greens push to reduce retirement age, boost pension Canberra Times April 8 2022 Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice has announced a push to lower the retirement age to 65 More than 500,000 older Australians would get earlier access to a bolstered age pension under a $5.6 billion Greens plan. On the eve of the federal election, the Greens have vowed to pressure an Albanese Labor government to return the retirement age to 65 if they hold the balance of power in the next Federal Parliament. The move would require Labor to reverse a Rudd government policy which has gradually raised the pension age to 67. The change would grant more than 520,000 people earlier access to the age pension, which the Greens are pushing to raise to $88-per-day as part of a wider shakeup of the social security system. "The Liberals and Labor have abandoned older voters and working families across the country," Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice said. "There are hundreds of thousands of older Australians living in poverty, counting the days until their next birthday so they can finally reach pension age.   :( "Enabling earlier access to the age pension will reduce poverty in Australia, and support thousands of older Australians who deserve better from our government." Ahh so it WAS a Labor govt policy which raised retirement from 65 to 67. Many thanks for confirming that 👌

They claimed it was because people were living longer. Keeping people working at 65 is something we cannot generalise. Some people are wrecks at 55. Anyway, let's be honest, the real reason was to save money.

I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months.

I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling.

I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts.

issuevoter wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 11:46am:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 11:25am: whiteknight wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 7:02am: Federal election 2022: Greens push to reduce retirement age, boost pension Canberra Times April 8 2022 Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice has announced a push to lower the retirement age to 65 More than 500,000 older Australians would get earlier access to a bolstered age pension under a $5.6 billion Greens plan. On the eve of the federal election, the Greens have vowed to pressure an Albanese Labor government to return the retirement age to 65 if they hold the balance of power in the next Federal Parliament. The move would require Labor to reverse a Rudd government policy which has gradually raised the pension age to 67. The change would grant more than 520,000 people earlier access to the age pension, which the Greens are pushing to raise to $88-per-day as part of a wider shakeup of the social security system. "The Liberals and Labor have abandoned older voters and working families across the country," Greens welfare spokeswoman Janet Rice said. "There are hundreds of thousands of older Australians living in poverty, counting the days until their next birthday so they can finally reach pension age.   :( "Enabling earlier access to the age pension will reduce poverty in Australia, and support thousands of older Australians who deserve better from our government." Ahh so it WAS a Labor govt policy which raised retirement from 65 to 67. Many thanks for confirming that 👌 They claimed it was because people were living longer. Keeping people working at 65 is something we cannot generalise. Some people are wrecks at 55. Anyway, let's be honest, the real reason was to save money.

The elderly have been dying like flies since Covid19. So I don't think they're living longer nowadays.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 11:25am:

Ahh so it WAS a Labor govt policy which raised retirement from 65 to 67. Many thanks for confirming that 👌

And Scott Morrison and the Liberals were looking at raising the pension age to 70 by 2035 about 6 months before the 2019 Federal election.

Once he realised he and the Liberals would have been committing political suicide if he went ahead with the idea it was quickly and quietly dropped.

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 1:26pm:

I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts.

Or a wife who still works.

I personally think 60 is too young to FULLY retire. If I were you I'd think about working part time/casual shifts til you hit 65 which will also help to keep your mind going.

My husband's most recent payslip shows these accruals: 3 months Annual leave, 6 months LSL leave, 5 RDO's and 10 sick days.

He's not retiring until 67. Having said that he has mentioned that he'll retire earlier IF he's given a redundancy package.

Given the current global recession a redundancy payout is wishful thinking. It isn't gonna happen.

Quote:

Lisa: The elderly have been dying like flies since Covid19. So I don't think they're living longer nowadays.

My point is that even if some are living longer, it does not mean they are fit to work. Its the bean counters trying to sugarcoat saving a buck while pretending the policy is about health and longevity.

with a quadrupling of the over 80's in the next 15 years, there will be waiting lists to get on waiting lists for nearly everything

elective surgery
a nursing home bed
home care
dentistry
public housing

the standard of living of our elderly peaked in 2019.

its all downhill from there.

if you arent taking personal responsibility for your old age, you are going to be royally screwed

albo cant help you,

you will be relying on your social network

you better hope you have been contributing to your local community (and can get some karma back)  because if you are an isolated taker, you are doomed

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 1:26pm:

I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts.

That is the curly question.
We are a couple with 0 debts, simple tastes.
Estimates we have been given are $60k each will be more than comfortable.
We are probably living on less than that now.

If you want a new car every 3 years and overseas trips for 6 weeks twice a year, it will be dearer.

Also, once you reach a bit older - mid 70's - your spending drops dramatically.
Many pensioners do not spend all their pension.

issuevoter wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 4:59pm:

Quote: Lisa: The elderly have been dying like flies since Covid19. So I don't think they're living longer nowadays. My point is that even if some are living longer, it does not mean they are fit to work. Its the bean counters trying to sugarcoat saving a buck while pretending the policy is about health and longevity.

Actually .... you're quite right.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 6:44pm:

issuevoter wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 4:59pm: Quote: Lisa: The elderly have been dying like flies since Covid19. So I don't think they're living longer nowadays. My point is that even if some are living longer, it does not mean they are fit to work. Its the bean counters trying to sugarcoat saving a buck while pretending the policy is about health and longevity. Actually .... you're quite right.

I don't understand why they don't just fess up. Are they afraid it will undermine their policy when they sell themselves as being all about social programs like the age pension? I can think of plenty of reasons to hate the LNP, but this kind of diversion is why I don't trust the Labor Party and Leftist in general. They do stuff like this, and then claim to be morally superior to the LNP. And people believe it?

You can retire before pension age. You can retire when ever you like but you can only access the pension when of age, most people will not be able to access pension when they retire anyway.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 3:29pm:

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 1:26pm: I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts. Or a wife who still works. I personally think 60 is too young to FULLY retire. If I were you I'd think about working part time/casual shifts til you hit 65 which will also help to keep your mind going. My husband's most recent payslip shows these accruals: 3 months Annual leave, 6 months LSL leave, 5 RDO's and 10 sick days. He's not retiring until 67. Having said that he has mentioned that he'll retire earlier IF he's given a redundancy package. Given the current global recession a redundancy payout is wishful thinking. It isn't gonna happen.

60 is only to young if you have not planned your retirement and still rely on work to live comfortably.

Make sure you husband uses up his annual and long service leave before he retires.

He is not ready for retirement if he is relying on a redundancy.

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 1:26pm:

I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts.

If debt free, you don't need $80,000 a year to "survive" in retirement.

About $40,000 is enough, but if you want extensive travel, then you would need more.

I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did - I was in a very stressful role : on-call production support for business critical IT systems.

I'm much happier now.  8-)

I have a confession to make :

Many posts in this topic (especially the last 2 posts) have given me a lot to think about.

I've only just realised that I've never really considered the stress levels my husband is suffering from 24/7. I've often asked him if in any way I'm at fault in giving him stress. The answer remains the same : No it's not you ... it's all work related. We're all working a 60 to 70 hr week and it's now considered the new normal.

I guess what I'm trying to say is : This topic has been quite confronting for me because it's prompted me to consider re orientating my approach regarding retirement altogether.

Perhaps I may need to replace the word retirement with rest and recuperation if I'm going to understand what you're all trying to say. 

You see....my mindset on the concept of retirement has been constructed over time by rigid and entrenched traditional European migrant family expectations and core values which uphold working 2 to 3 jobs until you drop dead.

I've never dared to say this out loud...but I think that mentality is problematic and quite destructive.

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 10:34am:

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 1:26pm: I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts. If debt free, you don't need $80,000 a year to "survive" in retirement. About $40,000 is enough, but if you want extensive travel, then you would need more. I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did - I was in a very stressful role : on-call production support for business critical IT systems. I'm much happier now.  8-)

I plan to live in Italy for 6-12 months, having spent a lot of time there it is cheaper to live there than at home.

I have factored in a couple of bad years economy wise but money is not the issue for me, I have sold all my rentals and cashed up.

You don't realize how stressful work is until you stop, even when on holidays you know in the back of your mind you have to return to work and that itself is stressful.

Most people will retire with to much money and spend the best years of their life working to have too much money when they die.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 12:10pm:

I have a confession to make : Many posts in this topic (especially the last 2 posts) have given me a lot to think about. I've only just realised that I've never really considered the stress levels my husband is suffering from 24/7. I've often asked him if in any way I'm at fault in giving him stress. The answer remains the same : No it's not you ... it's all work related. We're all working a 60 to 70 hr week and it's now considered the new normal. I guess what I'm trying to say is : This topic has been quite confronting for me because it's prompted me to consider re orientating my approach regarding retirement altogether. Perhaps I may need to replace the word retirement with rest and recuperation if I'm going to understand what you're all trying to say.  You see....my mindset on the concept of retirement has been constructed over time by rigid and entrenched traditional European migrant family expectations and core values which uphold working 2 to 3 jobs until you drop dead. I've never dared to say this out loud...but I think that mentality is problematic and quite destructive.

Good for you Lisa, you and your husband will enjoy life much more when you realize that you control what you want and don't listen to so called investment advisers who need you to keep working so they can make more money.

You don't need a million dollars to retire, you just need common sense. I could have retired much earlier but I also had been conditioned to think that you should work to retirement age.

Steampipe wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 12:19pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 4th, 2023 at 12:10pm: I have a confession to make : Many posts in this topic (especially the last 2 posts) have given me a lot to think about. I've only just realised that I've never really considered the stress levels my husband is suffering from 24/7. I've often asked him if in any way I'm at fault in giving him stress. The answer remains the same : No it's not you ... it's all work related. We're all working a 60 to 70 hr week and it's now considered the new normal. I guess what I'm trying to say is : This topic has been quite confronting for me because it's prompted me to consider re orientating my approach regarding retirement altogether. Perhaps I may need to replace the word retirement with rest and recuperation if I'm going to understand what you're all trying to say.  You see....my mindset on the concept of retirement has been constructed over time by rigid and entrenched traditional European migrant family expectations and core values which uphold working 2 to 3 jobs until you drop dead. I've never dared to say this out loud...but I think that mentality is problematic and quite destructive. Good for you Lisa, you and your husband will enjoy life much more when you realize that you control what you want and don't listen to so called investment advisers who need you to keep working so they can make more money. You don't need a million dollars to retire, you just need common sense. I could have retired much earlier but I also had been conditioned to think that you should work to retirement age.

Whoever you are .... a big thank you (and to all others who have also contributed to this topic).

I'm going to reconfigure/fast track my husband's retirement plan and run it by him. Something tells me he's going to pass out from shock because he knows I'm very true to my traditional European migrant family values/ideals.

Cheers.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 12:33pm:

Steampipe wrote on Jan 4th, 2023 at 12:19pm: Lisa Jones wrote on Jan 4th, 2023 at 12:10pm: I have a confession to make : Many posts in this topic (especially the last 2 posts) have given me a lot to think about. I've only just realised that I've never really considered the stress levels my husband is suffering from 24/7. I've often asked him if in any way I'm at fault in giving him stress. The answer remains the same : No it's not you ... it's all work related. We're all working a 60 to 70 hr week and it's now considered the new normal. I guess what I'm trying to say is : This topic has been quite confronting for me because it's prompted me to consider re orientating my approach regarding retirement altogether. Perhaps I may need to replace the word retirement with rest and recuperation if I'm going to understand what you're all trying to say.  You see....my mindset on the concept of retirement has been constructed over time by rigid and entrenched traditional European migrant family expectations and core values which uphold working 2 to 3 jobs until you drop dead. I've never dared to say this out loud...but I think that mentality is problematic and quite destructive. Good for you Lisa, you and your husband will enjoy life much more when you realize that you control what you want and don't listen to so called investment advisers who need you to keep working so they can make more money. You don't need a million dollars to retire, you just need common sense. I could have retired much earlier but I also had been conditioned to think that you should work to retirement age. Whoever you are .... a big thank you (and to all others who have also contributed to this topic). I'm going to reconfigure/fast track my husband's retirement plan and run it by him. Something tells me he's going to pass out from shock because he knows I'm very true to my traditional European migrant family values/ideals. Cheers.

The most important thing to have when you retire is your health, make sure you factor in some good healthy years in your retirement.

Ask your husband to use up his annual/long service leave before quitting work. As an example if he is going to retire at the start of 2024 then take all his leave then before resigning. If he takes his leave as a lump sum he will not get super paid on those wages, plus he will accrue extra sick/annual leave.

Trader Grappler's 50 foot sailing boat with two masts and small base in the Azores sounds good... gits me a cargo cult going.... far from the madding crowd..... and answering to no asshole....

The question you have to ask yourself provided you are financially able is "What are you retiring to"? What are you going to do with yourself, what are you going to be able to do? I tell people there are six Saturdays and a Sunday in each of my weeks. Are you one of those people who identifies too closely with your job and will feel a major sense of loss? I walked away at 56 with a greater passive income that replaced my paycheck and couldn't be happier.

Plan to stay busy and involved in the World around you!

Steampipe wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 12:12pm:

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 4th, 2023 at 10:34am: Steampipe wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 1:26pm: ............. . If debt free, you don't need $80,000 a year to "survive" in retirement. About $40,000 is enough, but if you want extensive travel, then you would need more. I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did .......   I'm much happier now.  8-) .............    Most people ........... spend the best years of their life working to have too much money when they die.

Some VERY good thoughts here.
Thanks.

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 6:43pm:

Trader Grappler's 50 foot sailing boat with two masts and small base in the Azores sounds good... gits me a cargo cult going.... far from the madding crowd..... and answering to no asshole....

54ft Amel centre cab ketch.
Set up for single handed.

One of, if not the best blue water sailing vessel.
Ask Captain Brian on SV. DELOS.

I am a level 2 Advocate for Veteran's in their encounters with DVA.  I have nearly completed Level 3.  I also am a member of the RSL Welfare Committee at our local Sub Branch - we have nearly 400 Veterans and 200 or so War Widows - so that keeps me busy for most of the week.    I find helping others very satisfying, but all costs are usually born by yourself - so it is easy at the moment to spend an extra 100 - 150 dollars on petrol travelling between people. In retirement we are reasonably comfortable financially

Captain Caveman wrote on Jan 5^th, 2023 at 11:17am:

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jan 4th, 2023 at 6:43pm: Trader Grappler's 50 foot sailing boat with two masts and small base in the Azores sounds good... gits me a cargo cult going.... far from the madding crowd..... and answering to no asshole.... 54ft Amel centre cab ketch. Set up for single handed. One of, if not the best blue water sailing vessel. Ask Captain Brian on SV. DELOS.

Don't forget the all female of Scandinavian descent crew working their passage back home.....  (aaargh) ....

Vic wrote on Jan 5^th, 2023 at 2:24pm:

I am a level 2 Advocate for Veteran's in their encounters with DVA.  I have nearly completed Level 3.  I also am a member of the RSL Welfare Committee at our local Sub Branch - we have nearly 400 Veterans and 200 or so War Widows - so that keeps me busy for most of the week.    I find helping others very satisfying, but all costs are usually born by yourself - so it is easy at the moment to spend an extra 100 - 150 dollars on petrol travelling between people. In retirement we are reasonably comfortable financially

I was on the road to that position and found DVA blocking me at every step.... guess I'm just not their kind.... now look at the joint.... so many anomalies.....

Keep up the good work.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 3:38pm:

Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.'

You're into your gardening, why not join your local community gardens?

As well as the social aspect it gets you outside in the fresh air and keeps you active, plus depending on what you end up doing with the food you're helping your community at the same time.

John Smith wrote on Jan 6^th, 2023 at 7:40am:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 3:38pm: Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.' You're into your gardening, why not join your local community gardens? As well as the social aspect it gets you outside in the fresh air and keeps you active, plus depending on what you end up doing with the food you're helping your community at the same time.

I tried that one until discovering widespread usage of glyphosate in the veggie patch.

Ayn Marx wrote on Jan 6^th, 2023 at 8:56am:

John Smith wrote on Jan 6th, 2023 at 7:40am: Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 3:38pm: Am in my 60's and we have been planning our retirement for some time. Took a month off work for a hollie and kept in my mind that this could be a guide to our retirement. 1st and 2nd weeks of hollie I thought I am not ready for retirement at this stage. It'ld be really bad for me. 3rd week, began to look at where I can alter my life so retirement is really good. 4th week - Agreed with me.  ' ...It'ld be really bad for me.  .... AND  .........  I can alter my life so retirement is really good.' You're into your gardening, why not join your local community gardens? As well as the social aspect it gets you outside in the fresh air and keeps you active, plus depending on what you end up doing with the food you're helping your community at the same time. I tried that one until discovering widespread usage of glyphosate in the veggie patch.

whats wrong with round up? I love the stuff :D

but my local community garden only uses natural weed killers which they make themselves

We are there… at crossroads of retirement… but I can’t see that I will be retired as housework, shopping, cooking, sorting accounts… will still always keep me un-retired!

Hubby in other hand… I was thinking in last few months… his hobbies are all physical… getting on the tractor and slashing paddocks… using his log splitter to cut wood for winter… and boating/jet skiing.
Then he has part time work he does but it’s still physical.

When he’s in the house… it’s TV/watch dvds, or internet (which he only started doing during kovid lockdown.)

My hobbies are doing creative projects… and I’m thinking joining a tai chi class, I also want to help out at animal shelters in any way I can… walk the dogs, give them lots of love and cuddles … source out much blankets and towels…
But I’ve always mentioned to hubby to let’s go fishing. He’s never interested… so looks like I’m doing that alone… I just bought myself a fishing rod for Chrissy prez.

Now… lately he’s been hospitalised for 8 days since 16 Dec
And at home recovering unable to do anything so I’ve been nurse as well as chief cook and bottle washer.

I keep reminding him (I try not scowling too much  ;D) that we could do some more travelling in our beautiful Australian country, instead of just being available for work!
I want to do the shipwreck coast along Victoria… I had been constantly saying (well nagging actually) to hubby we should do what we can while still physically able.
We are both 68.
I say that if he keeps using up all his physical energy to work… there may not be any for travel etc
Well now it’s happened. He’s at home unable to do anything and waiting for kidney to heal and then has laser surgery after.

If something like this doesn’t adjust his mentality about work … then I give up.

aquascoot wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2023 at 5:57pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 2nd, 2023 at 5:49pm: No one on their death bed ever said "I wish I had spent more time at work". https://i.pinimg.com/474x/9e/b6/a1/9eb6a19944a5352a04a700503a886e29.jpg i love work and love my 2 businesses. will never stop. retirement would require a project. i have a 200 acre block of rubbishy scrub that i have slowly been regenerating i think i will probably work on that and get the grandkids involved in replanting the gullies and trying to get ferns and other nice rainforest vegetation back. i feel sorry for people that had a job they didnt like for many years. it would be worse then being in a marriage they didnt like for many years. they should have got out. certainly the plan is to remain super active as i'm sure sprint is doing. once some illness takes over to the point i cant bounce out of bed and do anything other then exist, i'll be departing. most people linger way too long in old age they suffer, their families suffer watching a slow deterioration. if you are surviving but not thriving , what is it exactly you are hoping to attain?

Well said Aqua.
Can tell you're going to have a good ski down the slope, rather than tumble down like a snowball.

Sophia wrote on Jan 6^th, 2023 at 2:49pm:

We are there… at crossroads of retirement… but I can’t see that I will be retired as housework, shopping, cooking, sorting accounts… will still always keep me un-retired! Hubby in other hand… I was thinking in last few months… his hobbies are all physical… getting on the tractor and slashing paddocks… using his log splitter to cut wood for winter… and boating/jet skiing. Then he has part time work he does but it’s still physical. When he’s in the house… it’s TV/watch dvds, or internet (which he only started doing during kovid lockdown.) My hobbies are doing creative projects… and I’m thinking joining a tai chi class, I also want to help out at animal shelters in any way I can… walk the dogs, give them lots of love and cuddles … source out much blankets and towels… But I’ve always mentioned to hubby to let’s go fishing. He’s never interested… so looks like I’m doing that alone… I just bought myself a fishing rod for Chrissy prez. Now… lately he’s been hospitalised for 8 days since 16 Dec And at home recovering unable to do anything so I’ve been nurse as well as chief cook and bottle washer. I keep reminding him (I try not scowling too much  ;D) that we could do some more travelling in our beautiful Australian country, instead of just being available for work! I want to do the shipwreck coast along Victoria… I had been constantly saying (well nagging actually) to hubby we should do what we can while still physically able. We are both 68. I say that if he keeps using up all his physical energy to work… there may not be any for travel etc Well now it’s happened. He’s at home unable to do anything and waiting for kidney to heal and then has laser surgery after. If something like this doesn’t adjust his mentality about work … then I give up.

Thanks for sharing that.

Your attitude might show a few reasons why women live longer than men.

' .......... My hobbies are doing creative projects… and I’m thinking joining a tai chi class, I also want to help out at animal shelters in any way I can… walk the dogs, give them lots of love and cuddles ......... '

Women are more involved, more connected.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 6^th, 2023 at 7:51pm:

Sophia wrote on Jan 6th, 2023 at 2:49pm: We are there… at crossroads of retirement… but I can’t see that I will be retired as housework, shopping, cooking, sorting accounts… will still always keep me un-retired! Hubby in other hand… I was thinking in last few months… his hobbies are all physical… getting on the tractor and slashing paddocks… using his log splitter to cut wood for winter… and boating/jet skiing. Then he has part time work he does but it’s still physical. When he’s in the house… it’s TV/watch dvds, or internet (which he only started doing during kovid lockdown.) My hobbies are doing creative projects… and I’m thinking joining a tai chi class, I also want to help out at animal shelters in any way I can… walk the dogs, give them lots of love and cuddles … source out much blankets and towels… But I’ve always mentioned to hubby to let’s go fishing. He’s never interested… so looks like I’m doing that alone… I just bought myself a fishing rod for Chrissy prez. Now… lately he’s been hospitalised for 8 days since 16 Dec And at home recovering unable to do anything so I’ve been nurse as well as chief cook and bottle washer. I keep reminding him (I try not scowling too much  ;D) that we could do some more travelling in our beautiful Australian country, instead of just being available for work! I want to do the shipwreck coast along Victoria… I had been constantly saying (well nagging actually) to hubby we should do what we can while still physically able. We are both 68. I say that if he keeps using up all his physical energy to work… there may not be any for travel etc Well now it’s happened. He’s at home unable to do anything and waiting for kidney to heal and then has laser surgery after. If something like this doesn’t adjust his mentality about work … then I give up. Thanks for sharing that. Your attitude might show a few reasons why women live longer than men. ' .......... My hobbies are doing creative projects… and I’m thinking joining a tai chi class, I also want to help out at animal shelters in any way I can… walk the dogs, give them lots of love and cuddles ......... ' Women are more involved, more connected.

Women live longer than men because men look after women much better. (its a joke everyone). :)

Captain Caveman wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 6:44am:

Volunteer marine rescue for me. That is a while off yet though.

Such things are a very good option.
I did Marine Rescue for a few years, before I had to move away. There is always a Volunteer establishment somewhere that rewards the participant with a great 'social' engagement and even 'empowerment' within the Community or area. Even the CWA's hold a good influence and say, even in this day and age - for good reason. After Covid, their memberships tripled.

When younger, Volunteer was great. Didn't get paid, but sure did get laid. Ahh - the best things in life are free.  :)

whiteknight wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2023 at 7:11am:

Yes good on the Australian Greens.  The government funded pension should be put back to 65.  It was labor that raised it to 67 years of age.  The good old Coalition rat bags, wanted to put it up to 70 years of age.  A pension age of 65 is far more than enough.   :(

Living longer these days WK.
Retirement should be 70.
Unless you want this country to go broke like Greece where its 'young' Retire'es sponged the money away?

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 10:34am:

Steampipe wrote on Jan 3rd, 2023 at 1:26pm: I have been planning my retirement for the last 7 years and just had six months long service so I could decide if I was ready for retirement. I just turned 60 before xmas and will now burn up my accrued sick leave and finish work in two months. I have never been so busy helping my children, travelling, gardening, spending time with my wife and enjoying life. I intend to spend winters travelling. I have read for a good retirement you need about 80,000 a year if you have no debts. If debt free, you don't need $80,000 a year to "survive" in retirement. About $40,000 is enough, but if you want extensive travel, then you would need more. I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did - I was in a very stressful role : on-call production support for business critical IT systems. I'm much happier now.  8-)

Don't blame you.
Stress - ages people far more, than even drug and alcohol addictions. I quit a $1,000 (max) a day job because of the toxic, abusive stress of the work (for a Yank company). Quitting felt like Atlas letting go of the world and I didn't miss the money one bit.

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jan 4^th, 2023 at 6:43pm:

Trader Grappler's 50 foot sailing boat with two masts and small base in the Azores sounds good... gits me a cargo cult going.... far from the madding crowd..... and answering to no asshole....

Ahh - the Azorres. Yes.  8-)


Also - Women live longer then Men because their second 'X' in their XX make-up, is a back-up repair kit.

Males don't have a back-up repair kit with just a one 'X' and a 'Y'. But male dreams live longer - that's 'y'.  ;)

The government funded pension age of 65 is far more than enough.  It should be even less than that.  A pension age of 70 years old is absolutely ridiculous.  Thank goodness it did not go to that.  Which is what the coalition rat bags, were seriously wanting to do at one stage.  A very good reason to vote Australian Greens.  At least they want to keep the government funded pension, at 65 years of age.   :(            

whiteknight wrote on Jan 7^th, 2023 at 7:47am:

The government funded pension age of 65 is far more than enough.  It should be even less than that.  A pension age of 70 years old is absolutely ridiculous.  Thank goodness it did not go to that.  Which is what the coalition rat bags, were seriously wanting to do at one stage.  A very good reason to vote Australian Greens.  At least they want to keep the government funded pension, at 65 years of age.   :(

The Greens???

👇 These clueless idiots???

https://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1670552241/24#24

Well I cant see either labor or for that matter, the coalition wanting to put the government funded pension age back to 65.  Maybe it could happen one day, but my guess is its not very likely.   :(       

whiteknight wrote on Jan 7^th, 2023 at 8:26am:

Well I cant see either labor or for that matter, the coalition wanting to put the government funded pension age back to 65.  Maybe it could happen one day, but my guess is its not very likely.   :(

WTF is wrong with you? Australia can't afford it! Especially now ffs!

Where have you been hiding for the past few years?

Haven't you heard of Covid19 or global recession yet?

Cant afford it.  Well Iv heard of the Stage three tax cuts.  Iv heard of the billions and billions of dollars on the new nuclear subs.   :(

whiteknight wrote on Jan 7^th, 2023 at 8:55am:

Cant afford it.  Well Iv heard of the Stage three tax cuts.  Ive heard of the billions and billions of dollars on the new nuclear subs.   :(

Now you know why we absolutely can't afford it under ANY circumstance!

Yes and now you know why I will vote green at the next election.   :)

whiteknight wrote on Jan 7^th, 2023 at 7:47am:

The government funded pension age of 65 is far more than enough.  It should be even less than that.  A pension age of 70 years old is absolutely ridiculous.  Thank goodness it did not go to that.  Which is what the coalition rat bags, were seriously wanting to do at one stage.  A very good reason to vote Australian Greens.  At least they want to keep the government funded pension, at 65 years of age.   :(

What many fail to realise is that while these pen pushers working in air conditioned offices are advocating retirement age to be older than 65, are not looking at the real workers in the blue collar/overalls industry… physical workers… that are on their feet all day.
Just a few… mechanics, farmers, road workers etc

As for the taxes paid in one’s lifetime… part of that tax was for retirement pension!
They raised the tax by 17% around war time to be the contributing factor for age pension… so yes.. people have paid for their rights to pension.
But alas after the war… government changes… that section got put into consolidated revenue and wasn’t kept in its own category for pension and soon forgotten about.

I’m not impressed.