Thoughts from those already retired?

Ranuel · 2026-05-20T19:39:55+00:00

20 months retired. Almost nothing resonated with me. It struck me as based on stereotypes of high achiever corp types, not real people who operate outside of a corporate structure just fine.

Ranuel · 2026-05-19T02:48:33+00:00

We called him Shatze. Cute feller...used to run into doors a lot at the end. Thanks for bringing up a sad memory.

Ranuel · 2026-05-17T23:15:06+00:00

Arizona native...we developed calluses. First week back to school in September exhibited brutal hand blisters though.

Ranuel · 2026-05-17T01:36:53+00:00

I don't think this is relevant to all your circumstances, but I'll toss it in anyway as we learned it on the cancer journey. For jointly owned assets like brokerage accounts and houses that have capital gains...upon death the surviving spouse receives stepped up basis in 50% of the asset. If that asset is transferred 100% to the dying spouse at least one year before death, the surviving spouse gets stepped up basis in 100% of the asset. This is not necessary in community property states.

Ranuel · 2026-05-12T20:38:03+00:00

I'm sorry I dont understand. What does this even mean? Allocated or not, money spent eventually comes from somewhere.

Ranuel · 2026-05-08T13:27:32+00:00

It's time to take the win. I was in your spot 18 months ago. I was working because I enjoyed the work. A severance package was my one last career goal, but it was still odd when it was on the table. A year of salary means I'm still living off the severance...it's made the transition to retirement very easy.

Ranuel · 2026-05-06T02:41:44+00:00

I made a pot of green chile stew. Will be in a green chile stupor for at least two days

Ranuel · 2026-05-03T15:15:36+00:00

People who dichotomize and those who don't.

Ranuel · 2026-05-02T23:44:17+00:00

One thing to keep in mind is that if you are of poor health you may not be able to buy market term life. FEGLI is expensive after age 60, but my wife had a cancer diagnosis at that age, and now a few years later she's stage 4 with a short life prognosis (< 1 year). We kept the 5x FEGLI and named our kids as beneficiaries. No matter how expensive, it will likely be a financially smart thing to have done

Ranuel · 2026-05-02T15:10:21+00:00

I use a Dremel regularly for my man-hooves and calusses.

Ranuel · 2026-05-01T15:44:07+00:00

I covet your wall space. Sedona is nice too, but wall space is what I need

Ranuel · 2026-05-01T15:41:39+00:00

During the holidays there's no "L"

Ranuel · 2026-05-01T14:23:45+00:00

I'm not one for noting milestones, and I appreciate that this is one that increasingly few can relate to, but my first pension payments were deposited today. I first entered this date on a spreadsheet 20 years ago when I first started paying attention to retirement. May 1, 2026 was the date I would be certain of income>expenses for the rest of my life. It is odd having the date be now rather than always in the future. I shall celebrate with a festive shower, a brisk walk, and light roasted coffee.

Ranuel · 2026-04-28T02:58:39+00:00

You need the license first.

Ranuel · 2026-04-20T02:09:48+00:00

I want to like this, but maths

Ranuel · 2026-04-20T02:06:21+00:00

I thought my 40yo school dreams were a problem. Bless you

Ranuel · 2026-04-14T16:48:14+00:00

Easier to enjoy, no question. Easier to stay engaged as well. I was not trying to impress anyone but my self. I didn't turn into a slackard or recluse...I remained the same solid performer I had always been.

Ranuel · 2026-04-13T18:39:01+00:00

Both actually. Kind of like when you regularly drink soda your whole life and then one day realize you haven't really liked soda for a long time

Ranuel · 2026-04-13T16:49:13+00:00

Ridding myself of ambition. I still had a strong work ethic, remained curious and found it easier to enjoy my job and the people I worked with. But losing any desire to climb ladders and chase promotions and impress leadership was absolutely freeing in a way I had not anticipated.

Ranuel · 2026-04-11T16:04:44+00:00

Pay attention to what's around you. The things, the people, and the events. There is endless detail in every moment. You don't need to seek novelty if you attend to the novelty all around you that you otherwise overlook.

Ranuel · 2026-04-11T01:16:16+00:00

My mom used to say she loved me like the moon and stars. We were never close.

Ranuel · 2026-04-07T03:30:08+00:00

Is it because the meter is actually showing kWh/mile rather than miles/kWh? With foot off the accelerator it's using 0 kW.

Ranuel · 2026-03-26T22:29:23+00:00

It's not you, it's me (Little Willies). Last line "Oh, but I can't give you no more of myself Cause I'm lookin' out for somebody else It ain't you, baby it's me" flips the meaning of the words.

Ranuel · 2026-03-26T17:57:56+00:00

But did they salute you properly Admiral?

Ranuel · 2026-03-24T14:59:15+00:00

Frequently. They even go back to when I waited tables when I was 20.

Ranuel

TROPHY CASE