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Just hit me this morning that yesterday marked five years since I walked out of the powerplant as a new retiree.
Haven't gotten nearly as much accomplished as I thought I would, but the freedom to do things on your own schedule and terms is a luxury in itself.
If I could stay away from insurance, doctors and drugstores I might even have some play money!😁 That might be a good thing since otherwise I'd do something stupid like buy that green 64 Starfire ragtop Eric posted!
That might be a good thing since otherwise I'd do something stupid like buy that green 64 Starfire ragtop Eric posted!
lol, Just got back from looking it over better. It is a nice car but has its issues. He said it was a California car when he got it and don't look to have been rusty. It does have repairs to the right rear quarter that he had no idea about. Looks like a typical 80's style repair. I think he is going to be disappointed at what he gets for it. Chrome and stainless is fairly nice.
As for retirement, I am 18 ish years away. My dad retired 6 or so years back and become so busy that I don't know how he ever had time to work. I tell him to slow down but I guess it is keeping him young maybe. He is automating his entire Maple Syrup production now.
I retired, or got laid off (that is business speak for fired) just about 10 years ago, and I also don't know how I got anything done when I was working, probably because I could get a reasonable amount of stuff done in a reasonable amount of time when on-the-job Procrastination is the root of all evil, you can get it done tomorrow, and it's part of your retirement package. But just think of all the project cars we leave for someone else to fix for us when we are no longer around. Makes me think I'm good for something....Tedd
Have been retired for 7 month now and i think it´s an awesome luxury and freedom to do
what you want do without any schedule or alarm going off in the morning.
Im looking fwd to it, and have been for several years. Im not one to sit around, i typically will set out a schedule of things id like to get done for the day or week, but i will also include time for taking a cruise or a hike or other leisure activities.
My longtime employer is focused on enriching the ‘senior staff’ and moving as many functions as possible to the far east (weve always been 20 yrs behind the time), so when my current employ ends (likely sooner rather than later) im pulling the plug too.
I always thought I just needed a few solid months off work to get all my projects around the house, yard and shop done. After 19 months of retirement, I don't think that was the problem after all :-D
At 66 my retirement date nears. I am thinking Spring 2022.... wonder what its going to be like...seems kinda weird not reporting to work anymore.... I know I have so many home repairs waiting and with every season the outdoor work changes, no shortage of busi-work for sure not even thinking of car maintenance and project work needed.
9 years, 9 months, 6 days. I need a retirement clock. I'm not sure I'll make it most days. The management is horrible; case studies could be done on why promoting by literally anything other than merit is bad for your company. I certainly don't want promotion into management, but your first response when hearing someone got promoted shouldn't be "what kind of crack were they smoking when they thought of that?"
Retired too just past the 2 year mark and have been keeping busy between two homes, family and the 442. I’m very happy that I left my career behind me. My wife will follow in another 3 years which makes great transition time for me😆
I retired in July of 2019 after 32 years of military and civilian law enforcement. I focused on restoring my 69 442 that has been sitting since the 80's but worked on a long list of honey-do's. I reluctantly went back to work in March of this year to pay for a few new toys. (-:
Quit working full time 4 years ago, and quit part time a year ago. Miss the people, but they longer work in the building anyway. My department still does. No interest in going back to work wearing a mask all day in a empty building with no women to talk to.
Not retired as I haven’t claimed SS yet, and won’t for years. Good to have multiple hobbies, including a old car since last January. No issues being busy except for February and March, hate those months, gonna be spending them in Florida some year soon.
No regrets, but a hard adjustment after a life with your job being what you are.
. The management is horrible; case studies could be done on why promoting by literally anything other than merit is bad for your company. I certainly don't want promotion into management, but your first response when hearing someone got promoted shouldn't be "what kind of crack were they smoking when they thought of that?"
Ive worked for 2 major corporations in which people got promotions because it was the only way to get them out of the job they were ******* up everyday. First company is gone, belly up, after being around for 70 years, and the second company has changed hands 4 times and still operates with the same style of management from 40 years ago. Always wondered how profitable they could be if they actually fired the screwballs.
I was pushed into early medical retirement 5 years ago(12 yrs early). Was Always hoping to go back to work, but there has been no advancements in medical technology to fix a damaged spine. Oh well, like they say, it is what it is..
So, anyway, yep, i drug home another Orphan last month. I drug it home up and over the Hopland Grade, hwy 175 and down through Kellsyville, Ca., and on home to Anderson. I am so excited, i can't hide it. yippie _ _ _ just like a kid in a candy store.
I had contacted a seller of a '61 Ford F100 Uni-body 4x4, which after 3-weeks on Craigslist it sold the day before me contacting him. I asked the guy if he knew who may have some inner fenders or front wrap for '61-64 Ford pickup. He said his dad has one, and long story short it had a title and the riveted door tag Vin #'s matched the frame stamping and title paper. SWEET yep, i stepped right into the trap, and now it sits out back as yard art. (no engine).
It is a '62 shortbed flareside (stepside) 2wd. Kinda cool, and they are becoming sought after. Anywayz _ _ _ _ I lost my dad 3-weeks back.
After having swallowing difficulties he was daignosed full of cancer and Stage 4. I pretty much gave him my summer and last few days. He'll be missed.
If and when you are up here again in the Redding / Anderson area, do get ahold me once again and we'll visit for awhile !
I retired at age 65-1/2 back in April 2017 as a land surveyor for the highway department in far-most northern California from Chico to the Oregon border.
I must say I really do miss the interaction with other's in the trade, but I am no longer on the "Clock." hahahaha
Seems like i spend more time doing the home-repair "honey-do's" constantly with a sparse speck of light at the end of the Tunnel.
One of the first things I did was to go out and buy me a '46 ****** CJ-2A for yard art. (my wife and i got married in our first 2A over in South Lake Tahoe after spending 4-days exploring the famous Rubicon jeep trail near Tahoe, August 1985). As a result of the trek the ****** needed lower gearing, so i conjured up an idea to modify the ****** L134 4-cylinder flat head engine bell housing to accept a Borg Warner Ford T18 pickup transmission with the 6.2:1 low gear.
As a result of the concept of modifying the cast iron bell housing, i needed to weld ears on the bellhousing for the Ford T18 to match up to. Ok, so next I needed to teach myself how to weld Cast Iron. Bingo, a new challenge on the Bucket List. After experimenting on a cracked bellhousing, and 4 choices of electrodes, i found the last choice to be the keeper. Harris 99 nickel rod did not crack, and the weld bead (stitch welded) was 9-inches long.
I just finished painting most _ _ _ most of the exterior of our home, and then was asked by the sweetie if I would hang new ornamental exterior lights. right.
This task of course required a Ladder. yup, the Ladder. So, a week ago, as i was finishing the second light, i stepped in haste down from the ladder to a heavy steel planter box, which of course overturned, and i went with it over-extending my calf muscle. I'm on a slooow mend, and it is getting better.
Geesh, Tedd, the Dixie Fire above you kicked butt. I had just recently driven through the town of Greenville (now gone) while on my way to Quincy, Ca. so sad.
Anyways, my '71 Olds 455 marine engine is hanging on the engine stand waiting for attention as i am diverted on other projects of lesser importance. hahaha
I can't wait to retire in 5 years when I become eligible. Heart disease runs in my family, I have it, and I am looking forward to some leisure time before I leave this world for the MUCH Better place that I truly believe in.
Yes you have, Mike. Hope my health holds up so I can have a nice long retirement and that the money holds out!
Gave the powerplant 37 years as an employee and 39 if you count the two years I worked building the last unit to go online. I wouldn't attempt to walk I-beams now like I did as a fearless 20 year old. 25 years as a plant operator, then 12 as a lockout/tagout specialist and outage planner. I liked what I did but good god I got tired of being out there all the time, and on call when I wasn't there.
Realised today I have a project straightening up the garage. Working on an old 5hp Briggs and could not find my tap and die set. Then I couldn't find some wire cup brushes that I knew I had bought at Northern Tool back in August.
Finally found both but sure didn't like having to hunt them down!🤯
Its been just shy of three years since I walked away from my last powerplant job. I bought two cars. One has been painted and transmission overhauled (pictured below). The other one is in the body work/painting stage. The Starfire is in limbo for the moment. After that comes the other two Olds and several British motorcycles. I expected to have more done, but life has road blocks. Enjoy retirement til you can't.
Yes you have, Mike. Hope my health holds up so I can have a nice long retirement and that the money holds out!
Gave the powerplant 37 years as an employee and 39 if you count the two years I worked building the last unit to go online. I wouldn't attempt to walk I-beams now like I did as a fearless 20 year old. 25 years as a plant operator, then 12 as a lockout/tagout specialist and outage planner. I liked what I did but good god I got tired of being out there all the time, and on call when I wasn't there.
Realised today I have a project straightening up the garage. Working on an old 5hp Briggs and could not find my tap and die set. Then I couldn't find some wire cup brushes that I knew I had bought at Northern Tool back in August.
Finally found both but sure didn't like having to hunt them down!🤯
My goal is to run out of $$$$$ and breath on the same day.
My goal is to run out of $$$$$ and breath on the same day.
I have asthma and a chunk of my left lung missing, happen ens to me every day. Money isn't everything and is not as good as a full breath of air..... Tedd
So, anyway, yep, i drug home another Orphan last month. I drug it home up and over the Hopland Grade, hwy 175 and down through Kellsyville, Ca., and on home to Anderson. I am so excited, i can't hide it. yippie _ _ _ just like a kid in a candy store.
I had contacted a seller of a '61 Ford F100 Uni-body 4x4, which after 3-weeks on Craigslist it sold the day before me contacting him. I asked the guy if he knew who may have some inner fenders or front wrap for '61-64 Ford pickup. He said his dad has one, and long story short it had a title and the riveted door tag Vin #'s matched the frame stamping and title paper. SWEET yep, i stepped right into the trap, and now it sits out back as yard art. (no engine).
It is a '62 shortbed flareside (stepside) 2wd. Kinda cool, and they are becoming sought after. Anywayz _ _ _ _ I lost my dad 3-weeks back.
After having swallowing difficulties he was daignosed full of cancer and Stage 4. I pretty much gave him my summer and last few days. He'll be missed.
If and when you are up here again in the Redding / Anderson area, do get ahold me once again and we'll visit for awhile !
I retired at age 65-1/2 back in April 2017 as a land surveyor for the highway department in far-most northern California from Chico to the Oregon border.
I must say I really do miss the interaction with other's in the trade, but I am no longer on the "Clock." hahahaha
Seems like i spend more time doing the home-repair "honey-do's" constantly with a sparse speck of light at the end of the Tunnel.
One of the first things I did was to go out and buy me a '46 ****** CJ-2A for yard art. (my wife and i got married in our first 2A over in South Lake Tahoe after spending 4-days exploring the famous Rubicon jeep trail near Tahoe, August 1985). As a result of the trek the ****** needed lower gearing, so i conjured up an idea to modify the ****** L134 4-cylinder flat head engine bell housing to accept a Borg Warner Ford T18 pickup transmission with the 6.2:1 low gear.
As a result of the concept of modifying the cast iron bell housing, i needed to weld ears on the bellhousing for the Ford T18 to match up to. Ok, so next I needed to teach myself how to weld Cast Iron. Bingo, a new challenge on the Bucket List. After experimenting on a cracked bellhousing, and 4 choices of electrodes, i found the last choice to be the keeper. Harris 99 nickel rod did not crack, and the weld bead (stitch welded) was 9-inches long.
I just finished painting most _ _ _ most of the exterior of our home, and then was asked by the sweetie if I would hang new ornamental exterior lights. right.
This task of course required a Ladder. yup, the Ladder. So, a week ago, as i was finishing the second light, i stepped in haste down from the ladder to a heavy steel planter box, which of course overturned, and i went with it over-extending my calf muscle. I'm on a slooow mend, and it is getting better.
Geesh, Tedd, the Dixie Fire above you kicked butt. I had just recently driven through the town of Greenville (now gone) while on my way to Quincy, Ca. so sad.
Anyways, my '71 Olds 455 marine engine is hanging on the engine stand waiting for attention as i am diverted on other projects of lesser importance. hahaha
Len
Greaser do your best during the tough times. I feel your hurt. When I lost my Mother I was lost. I carry her with me every day. I have three kids. Three Grandkids. My oldest was nine months old when she passed. I see my Mom in every single one of them. Keep your Pop's with you always. I take care of my Dad. Well help. He lost his wife in early July. He is in his late eighties. He is very with it. His wife sucked his energy for forty plus years. Now he has time to live. His knees etc as he weeds the garden is tough but his doing it. Live every single day like you appreciate it. Do what your Dad would like to see you do. Carry him always.
Man I Love early Ford trucks. 62 fleetside? Awesome truck. 62's are a little rare right? Lifelong friend of Mine. His Dad has two first year F-1's. He has touched every single bolt himself. Beautiful trucks. He also has a 40 coupe. Sick car. So are the trucks. I have known his family since pre-school.
Last edited by no1oldsfan; October 4th, 2021 at 08:25 PM.
I actually took a retirement buyout at 59 years 11 months. I had age + years of service to qualify, had been out on short term disability for right at 6 mos so I was "easing" into retirement mode anyway. Two things pushed me to take the buyout.
First- the first week I went back after shoulder surgery I worked 34 hrs OT, mainly due to someone else's ****-poor planning. I realised nothing had changed and wasn't likely to change. I was tired of spending my life at work.
Second- one of my buddies out there had got tired of being out there all the time too and had decided to take the buyout so he could finish his vintage Harleys and tube audio equipment. I got word June 9 that he had pancreatic cancer and June 17 I went to his funeral. I decided I didn't want to die and still be working. Life is too short as it is.
Put aside as much as you can for retirement and look after yourself so you'll be comfortable after you leave working life and be able to piddle at whatever you enjoy.
I was planning on working until retirement at my job. It was years off but I was good. Covid took my job away forever. Plenty of great years and people then poof. I will more than likely never see any of them again. Been a hell of a couple years but I am trying to get my own thing going now. I would rather rely on myself than another company again. Things are looking up.
My coworker and I have talked about "the next buyout" and if we'll be eligible, and if we'll be ready to walk away into retirement by that point. 9 years and 2 months is the furthest I need to go, that would put me at 59 1/2 and current mortgage paid off. However, the kids will both be out of college by that point, and the house downsized, so those two are important factors into the equation.
specifically the retired to young for medicare/medicaid ?
Good question. I'm struggling with that as well. I will be almost 60 when I retire and am trying to figure out what to do. I can do COBRA for 18 months after retirement but is costs over $1300/month.
specifically the retired to young for medicare/medicaid ?
This is where planning ahead (for those that still can) has to be taken into consideration, by taking advantage of health savings accounts to bridge the gap between employer-paid and Medicare. Now if I can just get my wife to leave her hands off of that account, and stop paying our current health bills out of it...
I also had 18 mos. COBRA but it was expensive. It was pretty much same plan I had when I was working.
After that ran out I went on marketplace insurance along with what was left of my company HSA. Actually worked out pretty well because I haven't touched my 401K yet. Everyone I knew that retired when I did and started dipping into it was getting reamed on insurance- I mean like $1500-1800 a month for the same insurance plan I was paying $300/month for. They were getting eaten alive with taxes too, so their 401K "allowance" wasn't doing them any real good.
This morning was my first doctor visit under Medicare and I got the de luxe Medicare wellness exam. I'll probably start drawing on the 401k next year as it will no longer have much influence on my insurance cost, and hope I figure it well enough that 1) the money won't run out before I do and 2) it doesn't throw a wrench in my Social Security.
I just thought I'd left the number crunching behind when I retired! 🙄
Ought to put everything in a trust and declare indigence!😏
Hey, there was a woman here who had a 400-acre working farm and her four sons put that into some type of trust where it showed she had no assets but the clothes on her back. Then she got on every government assistance program there was and lived very comfortably.
She'd get government cheese and then give it away to friends and neighbors. She called Mama one day to give her some of it and I heard Mama say "Sadie, I don't want none of your damn government cheese". Hopefully I'll never find myself in position of needing it.
Well i hope the body works some time yet , have done some surguary operations earlier
in life but this was all covered by the healthcare that we pay to in your taxes. One knee
maybe needs to be replaced but i can do this without paying nothing more than the tax
we pay as usual. My wife got a new hip joint a couple a years ago , like night and day for
her.
We can have insurances if we want but the healthcare we have by the tax covers almost
everything.
If I can make 25 years, I'm legacy enough to get full insurance to medicare. Nowadays, they gimped it to max out at 80% at 25 years.
I take a dim look of people cutting benefits to save money and then lying through their HR departments that they care about their people. I really want to break an HR girl and make her cry in front of people before I am done. The devil's ******, all of them.
Ive planned well ahead. I never felt insurance of any sort was a good value I understand in todays climate health insurance is a necessity.
Ill be looking at close to 5 years before any medixxxx benefits
re cobra yeah its expensive
Re HSA I max it now but life events have a way of demaxing it. I could "not" use it, but i dont understand why i would save it and use it later? (is there an advantage?) as a pretax benefit its "like" an extra 30% so if i need it i use it. Any income from investing the HSA is taxed as income so (i think ) potato potato. IDK maybe im wrong ?
Re HR we used to have a great HR dept. They have all been forced out and replaced by "the we buy generic HR type content and pass it off to employees type HR now" We also outsource HR functions (like benefits administration) so dont ask we dont know you need to contact XYZ company theyre our benefits administrators.
The HR dept reminds me of the "we should send all the manufacturing and engineering to china crowd" same mentaltiy
Re HSA I max it now but life events have a way of demaxing it. I could "not" use it, but i dont understand why i would save it and use it later? (is there an advantage?) as a pretax benefit its "like" an extra 30% so if i need it i use it. Any income from investing the HSA is taxed as income so (i think ) potato potato. IDK maybe im wrong ?
You are definitely incorrect.
Contributing to your health savings account is a HUGE tax advantage. First, the contributions you make to it are pre-tax, which you already knew. However, what you are incorrect on is the gains -- they are not taxed, and neither is spending from it, as long as what you spend the money on is for qualified health care expenses. I have yet to run into any problems with paying medical bills from my HSA, and have never had any disputes as to whether it was qualifying or not. Dental, vision, and healthcare.
Contributions to your HSA should be managed just like an IRA. You can invest your HSA into specific funds, or you can just leave your contributions sitting like a checking account. But if you choose the latter, you are missing out on growing those funds, and I would highly recommend against not putting that money to work.
Last edited by Weezer; October 5th, 2021 at 03:22 PM.
Reason: poor sentence structure... derp
October 2nd, 2021, 11:28 AM
