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Maggie’s The Retired Guy Thread

I’m positive I’ll never get to retire. It Will be a strange word in 20 years
This thought crosses my mind frequently, unfortunately
 
For 5 more years I’ll be singing

And now we're back where we started
Here we go round again
Day after day I get up and I say
I better do it again

Do it again

Do it again…




The line in that song (where are all the people going?) reminded me of thoughts I would have when traveling for work. Flying into Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, etc. in the evenings. Seeing the lines of traffic headlights, an endless string flowing. I'd think, "There go all the worker bees". I knew I wanted to break out of that pattern as soon as I could financially manage to do so. Thankfully I live in the country, near a small town, where opportunities to spend time outdoors are minutes away.
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The line it that song (where are all the people going?) reminded me of thoughts I would have when traveling for work. Flying into Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, etc. in the evenings. Seeing the lines of traffic headlights, an endless string flowing. I'd think, "There go all the worker bees". I knew I wanted to break out of that pattern as soon as I could financially manage to do so. Thankfully I live in the country, near a small town, where opportunities to spend time outdoors are minutes away.
View attachment 8317376
That's what the DFW metroplex looks like now and traffic like this from Dallas to the Red River. Non stop.
 
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I retired in June 2021. Was at a point in life dealing with work that I just said screw it, I don't need this anymore. Now I wonder how I have enough time to get things done.

Since retiring I have added a covered front porch, remodeled an area off the master bedroom to expand the bathroom and make the rest of it a walk in closet/dressing room, and remodeled the main bathroom. Interesting working on a house that is 67 years old as you never know what you will find. Still have a front entrance and kitchen to do. I tell people that I am going to get a shirt that says "I thought I retired, now I work for my wife".

Best thing about being retired is now I can go fishing when weather and ocean conditions are good no matter what day of the week it is. Used to be had to hope a good day matched up with a weekend. This catch was from Dec. 13th.

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Looks like we are neighbors
 
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That's what the DFW metroplex looks like now and traffic like this from Dallas to the Red River. Non stop.
Yeah, I used to make the drive to Addison down the DNT leaving home about 6:30 in the morning and while it wasn't backed up then, I would be doing 80 and people would fly by me like I wasn't even there. It was more congested when I would leave to come home about 4:45 PM.

I look at the news/traffic in the morning and laugh at all the suckers that still have to commute in DFW.
 
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Yeah, I used to make the drive to Addison down the DNT leaving home about 6:30 in the morning and while it wasn't backed up then, I would be doing 80 and people would fly by me like I wasn't even there. It was more congested when I would leave to come home about 4:45 PM.

I look at the news/traffic in the morning and laugh at all the suckers that still have to commute in DFW.
I drive the Rayburn Tollway every day and the busiest part of 380 in McKinney because I have a stop there. Then I get on US 75 north because I live a few towns away from the Red River.

In the mornings, traffic is not to bad because I leave the house before 5 am. I have to be at my office and company shop in the west part of Dallas before 6 am. I drive close to 80 and it takes about 53 minutes, driving 56.5 miles. Driving from work to McKinney, however, because of lights and traffic, can take 45 minutes. Then, at night, 30 minutes or more to drive 24.5 miles.

And yeah, people are driving like maniacs out there.

Going through McKinney, I was not paying attention to my speed and I got a fat and juicy ticket. So, now, I use cruise control and watch what I am doing.

I don't appreciate the coasties and yankees who come here and get right on your tail and flash lights at you to get out of the way. I am not going to go even faster to accomodate. And usually, it is in an area where there are no posted signs that the left lane is for passing only.

In the same breath, I am learning not to get mad at other drivers because people are shooting each other and playing bumper cars. Although, I have occasionally used sign language to let the guy or gal know that he or she or it is number one. IIRC, I may have been using the wrong finger.
 
I retired January 2020 as a forester with the State. I got paid for walking around /driving in the woods.

To a large degree, I do what I want to do. Lots of coyote hunting this time of year, although the success rate is down from past years. Perhaps I'm getting OLD? I will, however, enjoy shooting them sunzabitches till the day I die.

The warden is retiring in February. Not sure if that will a cause a change to my schedule, it may cut into my gas money though. I spend a fair amount of time at the range (private so there's no dickheads to deal with) and try to stay a couple years ahead on firewood cutting. Still do some wildland firefighting in the summers, this will be my 50th fire season, so I've seen an breathed a little smoke. Maybe that's the cause of a periodic cough.

Congrats to ALL you old or young retired Fawkerrs.

Keep moving and active and leave the worms hungry for a bit. ;)
 
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I retired in March of 2023. Still getting used to this. I think I'm gonna like it.
  • It's been long enough now that I have some confidence that my pension meets my needs and I'm still growing my savings.
  • My house is paid off, so I can live cheap where I'm at.
  • It would be nice to move to a free state, but no one's exactly welcoming Californians these days. Can't say I blame them. Maybe I'll use some of this free time to help win back this state and make it good again.
  • I have access to great hunting land about an hour from my house, and I've been making good use of it.
  • For the first time I find myself regretting never marrying or having kids. But there's enough young ladies with daddy issues and Santa Claus fetishes (If you saw me, you'd understand.) to keep me from regretting anything too very much.
  • In the meantime, I have a three-year-old Akita who firmly believes that ALL MY TIME IS BELONG TO HER!!!
  • I'm grateful that I had the forethought (yeah. That's what it was. Forethought. Right...) to many specific purchases before now. My logistical needs are just about all unregulated items at this point. So, I can continue to feed my hobbies and myself for the foreseeable future.
  • I'm still young enough to enjoy this.
 
I keep toying with early retirement. Brandon's economy coupled with the cost of medical insurance thanks to Obungo are the only obstacles. I do not have a pension, only my hard earned savings and 401k. I started my first job at age 13 after school and on weekends. Working to live is getting old.
 
It's been raining a lot, and we are stuck inside.
She said, we should do a puzzle.
She said it would be fun.
What I learned from this is, BITCHES LIE! It's a trap. Don't fall for it if your spouse wants to do one. Just run!View attachment 8321344
That's too funny. We have also been inside all day, but due to snow. About 8" today so far on top of the 13" Tues-Wed nights. She suggested we do a puzzle also, but I was able to distract her with other activities and have avoided it so far...
 
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If you can sign up for Health Savings Account (not an annual use it or lose it flexible spending account), the money you put in it can be used to cover medical expenses after you retire. I had a HSA for 15 years or so, put money it in pre-tax and when I retired had north of $25k in the account. Can use this to cover insurance premiums and other medical expenses. Once you are 65 you can cash it out like any retirement plan or continue to use it for medical expense.
THIS!!!!!!

If you dont know what it is, and how it can work for you, take the time to learn. I wish I had known about it before I retired.
 
THIS!!!!!!

If you dont know what it is, and how it can work for you, take the time to learn. I wish I had known about it before I retired.
I had heard there were limitations on contributions to an HSA and certain insurance policy requirements.

What did those involve for you?
 
I had heard there were limitations on contributions to an HSA and certain insurance policy requirements.

What did those involve for you?
To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, the taxpayer must meet the following requirements:
  • Be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month
  • Not be covered by other health insurance (see Publication 969 for exceptions)
  • Not be enrolled in Medicare (the individual can be HSA-eligible for the months before being covered by Medicare)
  • Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return (see Caution)

2024 HSA contribution limits​

The HSA contribution limits for 2024 are $4,150 for self-only coverage and $8,300 for family coverage. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
 
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To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, the taxpayer must meet the following requirements:
  • Be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month
  • Not be covered by other health insurance (see Publication 969 for exceptions)
  • Not be enrolled in Medicare (the individual can be HSA-eligible for the months before being covered by Medicare)
  • Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return (see Caution)

2024 HSA contribution limits​

The HSA contribution limits for 2024 are $4,150 for self-only coverage and $8,300 for family coverage. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
And that is my one big beef with republicans. Any time they had the super majority, they could have done something about these restrictions. But, nope, nada. And making saucy quips about Obama et al is not fixing anything.

Dems try to do something about healthcare and do a lousy job.

Repubs do nothing.

The entirety of Congress is just plain useless.
 
Right. I could not contribute until I retired this past summer as I had health insurance thru my employer. Now, I have only 2 years that I can squirrel some tax free money from my IRA into my HSA before I turn 65 and qualify for Medicare.
 
Weight gain? No way. I’m a truck driver and sit on my butt 10 hrs a day. That shit ends on Wed about 5pm. I’ve got 40 lbs or so that I want OFF!


I've got about 40 pounds to get rid of myself. Decades of shift work and 12 hour days and nights alternating. That ended almost a month ago and I've lost 6 pounds already. I ease into it every morning and get my ass moving by 0730-0800, hit the Airdyne for 30 mins of peddling misery, lol. I am feeling better already, it takes a while to get back on a day shift schedule after decades of shift work but I'm liking it so far. It's -5 outside right now, so I'm shooting indoor 22 pistol tomorrow.

It still feels like i have to go back to work next week, but that will hopefully fade.
 
I'm "temporarily" retired, so I'll join you guys 😎

Mid 30's, a bachelors in engineering, 8+ years working for a fortune 50 company with progressing roles, and a master's in landscape architecture, and can't find a job in Biden's economy, so I'll hang out here with you guys for the time being 😛
 
Anybody know the reticle substension measurements for the super hogster,s different reticles? It advertises 3 bdc recticles but gives no information about them. Google searches have yielded nothing.
 
I've got about 40 pounds to get rid of myself. Decades of shift work and 12 hour days and nights alternating. That ended almost a month ago and I've lost 6 pounds already. I ease into it every morning and get my ass moving by 0730-0800, hit the Airdyne for 30 mins of peddling misery, lol. I am feeling better already, it takes a while to get back on a day shift schedule after decades of shift work but I'm liking it so far. It's -5 outside right now, so I'm shooting indoor 22 pistol tomorrow.

It still feels like i have to go back to work next week, but that will hopefully fade.

Somewhere around the 90 day point, you'll wake up in a panic because the alarm didn't go off.
You'll start getting dressed, and somewhere in the first ten minutes, you'll realize you're retired and don't have to go to work.

Some can go back to sleep.
I recommend making a pot of coffee and laughing at yourself.
 
Middle age here but cut recently back on work as much as possible. All bills are more than met, going to enjoy my time while I'm 'young.' I actually enjoy my job, so if I'm doing it into my mid 60s I won't mind.

One thing I've been wondering. How doable is magnum recoil at 60 or so? What about shouldering an AR and using NODs at that age? Already wake up sore as shit and losing more flexibility by the day. I'm worried about the future because I know it won't get any better. I've started working out differently and incorporating stretching.
 
Anybody know the reticle substension measurements for the super hogster,s different reticles? It advertises 3 bdc recticles but gives no information about them. Google searches have yielded nothing.
I've been using this reticle, as it seems to keep the reticle size proportional to the animal when the "power" is increased. Some of the reticles act like FFP and some like SFP in regards to keeping the reticle relational in size or not. Experiment on a target and you will see what I mean.

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I figure if the small reticle center + fits within the coyote chest, top to bottom, then it's within 200 yards. I try not to shoot further than 200 for the most part. Coyote chests measure about 8-10" around here. If the top and bottom of the + is even slightly outside the top and bottom of the chest, then switch to ranging using only the lower 1/2 of the reticle, center of the + to the top of the reticle post (or bottom of the reticle). I missed one last week when I saw the reticle extended just a bit above and below the chest and thought, maybe 250. Upon reviewing the video of the shot the next day, the lower post of the + fit the chest and it was 400 yards (verified the next day by rangefinder).

Here is some info I found, you can scroll through the various reticles.

Maybe Kirsch or someone with other experience can weigh in if they agree or not.
 
Middle age here but cut recently back on work as much as possible. All bills are more than met, going to enjoy my time while I'm 'young.' I actually enjoy my job, so if I'm doing it into my mid 60s I won't mind.

One thing I've been wondering. How doable is magnum recoil at 60 or so? What about shouldering an AR and using NODs at that age? Already wake up sore as shit and losing more flexibility by the day. I'm worried about the future because I know it won't get any better. I've started working out differently and incorporating stretching.
Shouldering and AR or anything has not been an issue for me. NOD's? No idea. Magnum recoil? I gave up on them years ago, my body was not cut out for it. Also, not they are not needed for anything I hunt or shoot (up to elk size) as I'm picky on my game shots, plus I have an upper neck issue and the accompanying headaches of extended shooting sessions pounding my cheek with larger calibers weren't worth it.

I shoot 6BR or 6.5x47 and some .308 for long range plinking, where I don't need the ft/lbs of the magnums. Are there exceptions, sure. Just my $.02 worth and hunting and shooting within my shot parameters. I'm not saying magnums don't have a place, they just don't have a place for me anymore.

My wife has been after me to do yoga with her, flexibility is the one thing that has really degraded for me, I'm 63, so I may join her in her at-home workouts to see if I can get some flexibility back. It sure won't hurt.
 
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I retired in 2018.
Many years ago I read a medical study that basically came to the conclusion, every year you worked past 50 yoa took two years off your life expectancy, the other end, due to stress. For some reason even though I was young, that stuck with me my whole life.
If I had worked 5 more years my net worth would have doubled. If I survived. I was on a path to stroke or heart attack. I quit and walked. How much is enough?
I got really lucky. At a young age a very intelligent older gentleman took me under his wing and guided my investing and life strategy. I am blessed. Life is good. I have a PO Box near my hunting lease in West Texas ‘cause I may go for a month at a time.
 
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I retired in 2018.
Many years ago I read a medical study that basically came to the conclusion, every year you worked past 50 yoa took two years off your life expectancy, the other end, due to stress. For some reason even though I was young, that stuck with me my whole life.
If I had worked 5 more years my net worth would have doubled. If I survived. I was on a path to stroke or heart attack. I quit and walked. How much is enough?
I got really lucky. At a young age a very intelligent older gentleman took me under his wing and guided my investing and life strategy. I am blessed. Life is good. I have a PO Box near my hunting lease in West Texas ‘cause I may go for a month at a time.

My brother retired in 2011, he was almost 50. He must have read that medical study? Actually, he was a lazy fuck and got fired from work because his new boss hated him. He stayed on unemployment for two or three years pretending to be a displaced worker and Obama fell for it. Then he worked at smoking weed and doing bullshit under the table for years. He did almost nothing and my mom sent him money, tens of thousands of dollars over the next several years. He turned 62 last April and now draws Social Security. He is turning his "General under less than Honorable conditions" into VA benefits as we speak. So he hated the military and smoked weed throughout his entire service and got culled in the early 1980's for being a shitball. But now that weed is legal he is arguing for an upgrade and if he wins he'll get free medical and a cash payment for life.

This motherfucker will live forever.
 
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Shouldering and AR or anything has not been an issue for me. NOD's? No idea. Magnum recoil? I gave up on them years ago, my body was not cut out for it. Also, not they are not needed for anything I hunt or shoot (up to elk size) as I'm picky on my game shots, plus I have an upper neck issue and the accompanying headaches of extended shooting sessions pounding my cheek with larger calibers weren't worth it.

I shoot 6BR or 6.5x47 and some .308 for long range plinking, where I don't need the ft/lbs of the magnums. Are there exceptions, sure. Just my $.02 worth and hunting and shooting within my shot parameters. I'm not saying magnums don't have a place, they just don't have a place for me anymore.

My wife has been after me to do yoga with her, flexibility is the one thing that has really degraded for me, I'm 63, so I may join her in her at-home workouts to see if I can get some flexibility back. It sure won't hurt.
It can do you a lot of good, give it a solid chance
 
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Middle age here but cut recently back on work as much as possible. All bills are more than met, going to enjoy my time while I'm 'young.' I actually enjoy my job, so if I'm doing it into my mid 60s I won't mind.

One thing I've been wondering. How doable is magnum recoil at 60 or so? What about shouldering an AR and using NODs at that age? Already wake up sore as shit and losing more flexibility by the day. I'm worried about the future because I know it won't get any better. I've started working out differently and incorporating stretching.
With modern knowledge of nutrition and exercise, 60 and over can still be fit and strong.

Many folks doing it. But it don’t come for free.

Use it or lose it.
 
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Retired from teaching school 1/1/2024. Did not know wife would keep me this busy. What I’ve learned so far is that I need to find a P/T job to get away from my wifes full time to do list job. Spent the last 2 years acquiring all the items I would need to start reloading. Haven't even had a chance to get started on that. Doesn't even feel like I have retired.
 
Retired from teaching school 1/1/2024. Did not know wife would keep me this busy. What I’ve learned so far is that I need to find a P/T job to get away from my wifes full time to do list job. Spent the last 2 years acquiring all the items I would need to start reloading. Haven't even had a chance to get started on that. Doesn't even feel like I have retired.
You will have to draw the line with her, you are retired after all. 😁
 
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Retired from teaching school 1/1/2024. Did not know wife would keep me this busy. What I’ve learned so far is that I need to find a P/T job to get away from my wifes full time to do list job. Spent the last 2 years acquiring all the items I would need to start reloading. Haven't even had a chance to get started on that. Doesn't even feel like I have retired.

Make your own list.

Allow her to add items in where you have time slots available.
 
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I retired in 2018.
Many years ago I read a medical study that basically came to the conclusion, every year you worked past 50 yoa took two years off your life expectancy, the other end, due to stress. For some reason even though I was young, that stuck with me my whole life.
If I had worked 5 more years my net worth would have doubled. If I survived. I was on a path to stroke or heart attack. I quit and walked. How much is enough?
I got really lucky. At a young age a very intelligent older gentleman took me under his wing and guided my investing and life strategy. I am blessed. Life is good. I have a PO Box near my hunting lease in West Texas ‘cause I may go for a month at a time.
If you have the financial freedom to retire at any particular age, and would prefer to be doing things other than "work", then go ahead and do it. You arent going to be a burden on others or society so be proud of the fact you have achieved that milestone.

Having said that, the data I have looked at over the years does not align with the same results of the study you shared. In general, for men, our candle tends to burn brighter but for a shorter period of time physically speaking. That pesky testosterone just drives us to do things that are harder on our bodies. so if you are working a job that is physically demanding then that "stress" is valid. The other thing is that once we get past the "stupid tax" years, where we tend to do things that are higher risk, our life expectancy gets longer. So all things being equal, once you reach 50 your life is expected to be longer than the average life expectancy from birth. Same thing for, lets say, 65 and then again 75.

Add in good health or good family genetics there is a multiplier to that.

If you dont have the financial freedom to retire, lets say at 50, with the highest degree of certainty of having enough money to get through the rest of your life, then the real "stress" will be trying to decide what you will do for money after you "retire".

I for one would prefer to work a few more years and assure I have the funds to not have to go back to work. Nor live off of families money or government "cheese". I am more in the camp of "make hay while the sun shines".
 
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Alright, I’m 8 lbs down from January 3. Not doing anything crazy, just a much increased activity level, along with some light exercise, and a better diet. I’m trying to ease into the exercise schedule, as I’m well aware of the setbacks I will have if I hit it too hard from the start and injure something. Hope this keeps up. Encouraging!
 
Ok ill play. Not like my grumpy self. Usually I just post my Wilford Brimley memes.


"Retired" August 2020. Its a long story, but the nub is i was broke down to the point i could no longer do my job. They would have kept me there and made little "special rules" until I looked like Steven Hawking. Thats not how I was going out.
Tried disability, but I had 31.5yrs in local governmental employee system( no Burt G you asshole, I still did NOT work for tax money). They just retire you out normal.

Best thing I ever did. 3+ years in and I'm a lot less able to "enjoy" my retirement.
I piddle, its pretty much all I'm able to do.
They finally got me in to see the SS doctor. They wanted new pics of my knees. I got some glances of the pics.....I dont know how I'm still walking at all. Tough I reckon. Sure explains why I just can't work up the gumption to go fishing.

Its still the best thing I ever did for my health.
 
Wasn’t sure whether I should post this here or in one of @Hobo Hilton ‘s threads on the various economic crises we’re currently going through.

Seems apropos for here too.

Regardless, it’s gonna be an interesting year for Medicare…


Just another planning data point for you old farts (😆 I’m right behind ya!)
 
Ok, you raised my blood pressure again. Every time I hear the "trust funds" are going to run out I get pissed. The money to fund illegals, Ukraine, welfare, etc. always seems to be increasing, no problem finding that, yet the money we paid in "may not be there...". I'm 63.5 and plan on waiting until at least 67 to draw (for various reasons), so I sure hope I don't get shafted.
 
Retired at 62 and haven't looked back. Spend May through October enjoying the weather in northern Minnesota around lakes and woods. Spend November through April in New Zealand shooting, hunting and hiking around the country with my lady friend that lives there. Accumulating "things", and having hundreds of thousands for the kids to inherit was not in the plans. Stay active and throw away the TV.
 

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When you’re retired, you take your oil and oil filter down to a local guy you can trust and have him change the oil on your car. Why? Because young guys need to make that money.