I guess some people can find a bright spot just about anywhere. To those who thought being retired during a pandemic was a problem (that would be me) here’s a great article (click here) pointing out some good things retirement can bring out during the worst of times. Here are 13 reasons why it’s good to be retired right about now:
- You’re retired now. You don’t have to compete for a job anymore.
- You don’t have to learn Zoom or any other office/business technology.
- You have limited exposure to others.
- Homeschooling is not a concern.
- Your investments are conservative, so any market decline doesn’t affect you.
- Less penalties from early retirement account withdrawals.
- Many living expenses have fallen, thanks in part from staying home.
- Driving less equals lower costs.
- You can grocery shop during less crowded times or appointed times.
- Government stimulus check was a bonus.
- Telemedicine is flourishing. You don’t have to leave your home to see a doctor.
- Social Security checks still keep coming.
- Medicare (at 65) still covers you.
Here’s to Retirement
While the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed life for many people, including altering daily norms and routines across America, it has also served to highlight some of the perks of being retired. As the country and the world grapple with an enormous health crisis, retirees are able to skip some of the stresses and challenges associated with the new, drastically altered, normal. From not having to worry about being laid off to more easily maintaining social-distancing precautions, above are some of the reasons why being retired amid a pandemic might be particularly beneficial.
Yes, indeed! My parents’ lives haven’t changed at all. I’m feeling all the benefits except the job one – we are not quite ready to retire and give up our income. Our investments are in a 60/40 mix now, and the ups and downs are not nearly as dramatic and we feel comfortable. Scrambling to have a 12-mos emergency fund. 😉
I feel for my daughters who have to maneuver their kids’ education. (Luckily they are both teachers!). My other daughter needs an 8-week clinic to finish up her PTA program, and my son, God Bless him, keeps having to start quarantine over and over again as the Navy moves him around the country for training. He’s in a strict 14-day quarantine now (3 hours from us!). We have to wait it out before we can see him. (I’m dying to see him! It’s been 6 mos!) I just love how the Navy is so concerned about his health — (tongue in cheek) as they put him on a commercial flight in coach with two stops. The plane was packed.
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Hi Sharon. As long as I keep the TV off and the news at bay, all is fine and dandy. Maybe that’s the secret? I haven’t seen my kids since Thanksgiving! Not good!!! I’m hoping we can finally get together for the 4th of July.
Hang in there.
That’s about all we can do.
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I would add a few others to this list.
1. Importance of getting out in nature . Observing the beauty and peace it inspires.
2. Gardening to provide your vegetables. Look at YouTube videos to learn how to use cuttings from your herbs and plants to increase your production.Hydroponics. Keep a Garden journal for help the next year and to record how much produce you actually harvest. Keep track of the costs. Last year my big producer was my green beans keeping them picked kept them producing for three months. Four servings a week and plenty to freeze.
3. I hesitated trying grocery deliveries but now I am a pro at making an order.
4. Finessing the art of no food waste and pantry utilization before ordering more groceries. Curbing portion sizes and stress eating to avoid putting on more weight.
5. Designing a lifestyle that gives you pleasure. Priorities that don’t rely on others. Caring for yourself first. Try reaching out to extended family and old friends.
6. Adding to your savings. Paying your self first. Everyone needs to have a stash for life’s surprises so you don’t have to live in crisis mode. Gaining confidence: You can take care of the emergency.
7. My home is my oasis and I have enjoyed creating a More beautiful Environment by organizing better my kitchen, and repurposed some of my furniture , decluttering, cooking old time favorites, and More creative presentation Of the food. Using all the gift candles to create a peaceful mealtime ambience and different scents. Music. Or a candlelit bath. Dress up for Sunday dinner.
8. Bring in your flowers or wild flowers to brighten up your home.
9 Think about your past passions and try them again.
10. I am enjoying learning more skills to do DIY projects around the house. Knowledge is Power.
Loving the life I am creating Now- more each day. Who knew after 22 years of retirement there is challenges that can shake up your routine so dramatically. Lara
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Good extended list. I’m enjoying making foods from 1970 recipes I had. And I’m loving my garden. Despite the tomatoes not doing well. Lol.
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I picked my first cherry tomato today!Yea! I planted five more tomato plants I rooted from cuttings . Did I mention that I cut these in half and freeze in smallest ziploc container for my vegetable soup when their plentiful. Tossing them In off season makes the whole soup taste like summertime. Sincerely, Lara
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