Wrestling with the decision.... To Retire or Not To Retire?

by Jane
(St Louis MO)

I'm torn between loosing the salary and gaining the stress-free life I feel I've earned after 22 years of teaching. I'll be 67 in April and would like to say adios to the 5:45 alarm clock! How difficult is it to adjust to the reduced income and join the ranks of the fixed income free spirits of the world?

Wendy's Two Cents: For some, it's very easy -- freeeeedom! For others, maybe even most of us, its not so easy. I have an online email group, RETIREMENT TRANSITION, that chats daily... they are all going through the same thing. Some retired 2 yrs ago, but still not quite "there". Others are retiring withing a year, and trying to find peace and happiness with the decision. If you are interested, click on Email Groups -OR- email me via the Contact Me (bottom left) and I'll add you to the group!

I think you'll be amazed at the messages already out there and how we all struggle with the retirement decision (before and after) - for a variety of reasons.