Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I retired a little over two years ago and I can honestly tell you this. [View all]SidneyR
(105 posts)57. Retirement is probably much easier to adapt to if you already own a home.
My main goal was/is to buy a small ranch house in a small nearby city to live in after retirement. I've never owned a home in my life. Coming from a poor working-class family, I was the first to get a college degree but in the process I acquired a huge student loan debt, which I finally paid off in my early 60's. Then I worked on saving up a down payment. With two jobs that went pretty well until Covid came, one of those jobs went away, and the housing market for buyers crashed. Now in my late 60's, there are very few houses for sale and mortgage rates are outrageous. My down payment is stashed away in a CD as I wait for things to return to normal. Will that ever happen, or will I die first?
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
147 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
I retired a little over two years ago and I can honestly tell you this. [View all]
fightforfreedom
Oct 2022
OP
Yep. You don't realize what it costs physically, financially and mentally just to hold down a job
Walleye
Oct 2022
#47
Pet Insurance can be worth it. We pay 500/ yr. but it paid out well over a thousand. Helps?
Evolve Dammit
Oct 2022
#103
I know it's no fun and an expense. I didn't even know it was a "thing." I wanna go back (in time)!
Evolve Dammit
Oct 2022
#106
Retired 18 years ago. Never been happier in my life. Just taking it slow and keeping it simple.
Midnight Writer
Oct 2022
#25
A little off topic, but I think your sentiments are relevant to the reason some jobs remain unfilled
Raven123
Oct 2022
#28
There are so many things I already know I want to do when I retire, AND...
Trueblue Texan
Oct 2022
#98
There is nothing wrong with continuing to work if you have a job you love.
fightforfreedom
Oct 2022
#36
I "retired" 14 years ago in October 2008 when I was laid off along with 30% of the company
OMGWTF
Oct 2022
#37
I second that. Retirement is almost as fun as childhood. Go forth and enjoy!
Joinfortmill
Oct 2022
#41
I retired in 1995 at the age of 52 thanks to having seen a psychiatrist once in 1966 in the army.
Dysfunctional
Oct 2022
#92