It feels like yesterday

 

Another year has passed since I last added a post to this blog, and upon reviewing my previous entry, it seems this is becoming a recurring theme for me. Isn’t it amazing how much has changed over the past year? Families have moved, kids have graduated, babies have been born, long-lost sisters have been found, new jobs have been started, illnesses have been confronted, retirements have begun, marriages have taken place, and sadly, we have lost family and friends.

 

As we navigate through life, we encounter obstacles that we must face, and retirement does not exempt us from these challenges. The key is to position ourselves with the resources necessary to tackle them, whether it be financial stability, insurance, supportive family members, or an emergency plan. This past October, we found ourselves facing a potential problem due to a family illness and decided to relocate from Southern California to Western Michigan. Although moving had always been part of our plan, we took the leap about six years earlier than anticipated.

 

We are fortunate that everything is working out well. I feel it’s now time for me to return to exploring Michigan. Our family is transitioning smoothly, and the family member in question is slowly recovering, with an excellent prognosis.

 

When I first started working in Southern California, I was fortunate to have the support of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). They taught me the importance of planning for retirement. It is never too late to start this planning, and for my younger readers, the best time to begin is now.

When thinking about retirement, many of my peers have minimal savings and will depend on Social Security, often living below the poverty line. Experts predict that Social Security will be depleted in eight years, which is around the time I will be eligible to receive benefits. For those who have planned and saved diligently, it’s wise not to count on Social Security. If it’s available, consider it a bonus. Personally, I hope we see a return on our investments, but I’m not relying on it.

 

Before considering how or where to invest your money, it’s essential to prioritize your health. Taking care of yourself can significantly enhance your retirement experience. Sadly, some of my co-workers have passed away before truly enjoying their retirement. While some people had no choice and died from natural causes, others led toxic lifestyles and paid the ultimate price.

 

When planning the age at which you want to retire and where you wish to live, it’s also important to minimize as much stress as possible. We all have different triggers for stress, so try to identify yours and eliminate as many as you can.

 

If you need any medical procedures, make sure to address them while you are eligible for disability or workers’ compensation. Generally, you can receive disability benefits for up to eight years after you last worked, provided your employer contributed to the system. Check with your local office for confirmation.

 

I recommend creating an account at MySSA to monitor your data.

 

What worked for me might not be the best path for you, but the goal of this post is to encourage you to think about what will work for you. It is important to start planning early—you are never too young to begin. Meanwhile, I’m preparing for a trip up north. It will be my first time backpacking, and I’m excited!