Updated 2026. My mother passed at age 97 (2024) RIP. I will be updating this site so I can help retirees again. Write to me!

Working versus Not Working in Retirement -Feedback

by Jeaunice
(maryland)

Hi Baby Boomers/Retiree's,

I held off retiring until my job was eliminated out from under me. I was tired at 66 but had friends who were still gainfully emplyed into their late 70's.I still had a young adult to launch, a disabled husband and a house note.

I discovered that my 401k nest egg that my employer helped me create had been getting raided by fees in good times (bull markets) and bad (recessions, crashes, inflation).

I also learned that original Medicare had a deductible but no dental, vision, hearing, drug coverage. That would have to be paid for separately after A & B were withdrawn pre-check disbursement.

I talked to several financial advisors, including the ones managing my existing 401k. I went to RMD, Tax , Trust, SSC maximizing seminars. I interviewed several fiduciary financial advisors, including those managing the 401k from when I worked.

They informed me that my nest egg was too small for them to continue managing since it would run out on its current trajectory in under 10 years.

So now into retirement, I know everyone doesn't get to retire/stop working. It depends on having a job sufficient enought to live and save almost equally throughout ones working years while investing without Any significant drops in the market and excessive fees.

What I learned opened my eyes. I'm sure I'm not alone. Cashflow options suggested to me run from becoming an Expatriot to becoming a resident assistent in a nursing facility/apartment complex/college to minimize housing costs.

What tips or tricks have others tried to maximize their cashlow/mimmize their expenses?

I love my family and friends and want to stay here.

Comments for Working versus Not Working in Retirement -Feedback

Click here to add your own comments

Maximizing income
by: Steven

I would put whatever money you have in a high interest cd or money market and continue working as long as you are healthy perhaps part time .
Try to have some fun too!
Be open to new possibilities
by: Michael - Venice Florida

Comparison shop car insurance, home insurance, cable TV to get the best rates. Buy food on sale. Eat at home. Make your own coffee and tea at home. Keep your existing cars and make repairs to it.

When looking for a job, find one that offers health and dental benefits to its employees. Government jobs and even some retail jobs offer these benefits. There is no shame in working.

My grandmother retired at 60 with a very, very, very small pension and then very small social security. On occasion she would work part time jobs. I had a great-aunt who worked 20 hours per week as the receptionist at a government agency and retired at 96.

I live part-time in Florida where many of the workers in Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, and my local grocery store are in their 60's, 70's, and 80's.

When I was employed, I worked with a woman who retired at 75. She had been a widow for many years, and then returned to the workforce after her son was out on his own. She loved the interaction with other people and once told me that she also worked because there was only so much house cleaning she could do at home.

I vote for staying in your own area where you have family who can provide a support system for you. Some might say "downsize your house," but often times it is cheaper to just stay where you are.

Also, don't make any risky investments. I would also check with your local senior center to see if there are any services there available to you (financial counseling, job counseling, support groups, etc.)

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Write Your Own Story Here (others can provide feedback).


Senior Voices - Experience retirement living through the voices of our readers!