YM friends, where are you at? $$-wise?

[lurkyloo]

Jun 13, 2022 7:32:45 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Jun 12, 2022 22:31:01 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Will probably not chronicle officially.  I feel rather sheepish about it all, I personally am ridiculously fortunate and don’t feel I’ve necessarily earned it-married  well, inherited from grandparents and parent, started professional life with no student loans and a healthy emergency fund.  I mean, I haven’t gone out a blown it all on hats and beanie babies, but that seems like a pretty low bar.

Yeah. I feel you there. And it's not just me, it's my kids, too.

I used to tell DH "How can my kids be worth what they are? They did DO anything (meaning work). And I just had sex with someone in a higher socioeconomic status. That's hardly that much work, either."

On the other end of the continuum, my inlaws really do spoil me and treat me well. It's nice to have folks in my life that are related to me treat me well.

Yup!  DS is rich basically just by existing    I mean, I do work and all...but I was born with a decently effective brain and I don’t work that hard.  Kind of embarrassing to see what former peers have done while I’ve been fiddling around-enjoying myself mostly, but not running a big group or getting tenure as a professor or being named vp.  My dad grew up working on the family farm and rose up to upper middle class, world renowned in his field.  DH similarly grew up pretty darn blue collar, but brilliant and hardworking and it shows.  I’m just kinda coasting 

[countrygirl2]

I just want to add one thing, health care expenses. Everything I read is you will need $350k for expenses not including LTC. Being retired and watching my premiums and deductibles increase even with good insurance, I can attest to needing that. Be sure you don't underestimate those costs.

For us being retired, just coasting along. We are starting to sell our rentals, hopefully 1 this year, and 1 each year till they are gone. That's about our plan for now.

Would like to move where son is but doesn't seem realistic at this point. I suggested to hubs buy a lot up there and then get a modular. Downsize here and spend part of the year here and part there. 

Have no idea right now what we will do in that regard. But so far all is well.

Our health is holding so far, and life is good overall.

[tcu2003]

Late to the party, but I’ll chime

Where are you at?
Still 15-20 years away from retirement.

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?
Not sure. I got a big promotion in January, as part of a company restructure. I think I’d like my boss’ job at some point, but he’s only a few years older than me; as he’s not likely to leave the company, we’ll see if he gets promoted at some point (but he also just got promoted into that job last year).

What is your next step/s financially?
Keep fully finding retirement accounts, funding kids’ 529 accounts, and putting some money into a taxable account.

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement?
Nope.

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?
Maybe. I definitely like reading about others’ journeys.

[djAdvocate]

Jun 12, 2022 13:31:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

so - this is a strange, relatively closed online community. We have a long history together and, for better or worse, we're all getting a bit old. Not just older. Old. There, I said it. Out loud.

I joined the old boards sometime around 2002 - so 20 years ago. A lot of you were already there.

Not to toot my my own flute too much, but I've come a long way baby! I can't beleive that I accomplished so much this past 20 years, and then conversely, I'm amazed at how much I didn't accomplish! There are only so many hours and so many dollars in a day. In some ways I really kicked butt and took names, and in others time pasted and things faded off my radar in ways that there is no going back, really. I guess that is life. I guess I have regrets, but overall think I did pretty ok.

I was wistfully reviewing this thread:
ymam.proboards.com/thread/65420/pre-retirement-punch-list
yesterday. You know, when I thought I could just quit any given second of any day. Not sure why I didn't, but I guess it's a good thing. Still racking up some ss earnings and saving towards retirement. I could probably check out tomorrow, and I'd still be relatively ok, maybe. I'd prefer to be slightly rolling with it....

I compiled a comprehensive list of all the notes from that thread and plan to return to these thoughts so I am ready the next time my assets indicate 




Since, as I mentioned, we are all getting older, and I know quite a few are already retired....but! - for those still with a nose to the grindstone - Where are you at?

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?

What is your next step/s financially?

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement?

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?


hiring my replacement.


What is your next step/s financially?


that is quite a complicated question, and has a lot of variables.  but roughly speaking i plan on moving from earned to unearned income in the next three years.


Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement?


yes.  but there are a lot of variables.  in other words, there is a list of stuff, and only half might get done.  and that is ok.


Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?


i guess.  but i just don't think my personal journey is all that informative or compelling.  

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 22, 2022 0:08:11 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?


i guess.  but i just don't think my personal journey is all that informative or compelling.  

But it might be fun!

And no one is doing anything exactly the same as anyone else, really. But general camaraderie and support can be mutually beneificial. I always like to hear how others are doing things, even if it isn't something I would do. And sometimes, it can trigger questions or research that indirectly benefit your own plans.

[djAdvocate]

so far it has been mostly ups.  however, there are a lot of weird wrinkles to buying foreign real estate.  for example, you really need a fairly big pile of cash to make it work, and some countries don't really do ANY financing (like Turkey).

[Mrs. Dinero]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise? Survive 10 more years hopefully earn more each year

What is your next step/s financially? Keep on keeping on, throw as much at investments as possible

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement? We are constantly talking about what we will do once we exit the rat race. Someone once told us to have the retirement convo early and often. Too many people retire and figure out spouse has a different idea of retirement than theirs.

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas? I would be interested

[geenamercile]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?  I can not see doing anything else but what I do.  Location may change and that may take some real thinking about.

What is your next step/s financially?  I have time, so the next step may be a hit in all honesty.  I want to move out of this state but the pension plan I am under is an older one and is pretty darn good.  I am vested in it, so I won´t lose it but if I take a job in another state then I would fall under their pension plan, I would still have time to vest under that as well, but I doubt it would be as good.  I won´t move until the youngest is out of high school, so 8 years to think and plan. 

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/achieve/before retirement? I may look at buying a summer/break home that I could use as a retirement home elsewhere.  Getting the divorce finished will be a start as well.  But not much of a list, right now just making sure the girls will have the best start in adult hood that they can.  

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?  I think one of the things I have always loved about this group of people is that we support each other and share our ups and downs.

[souldoubt]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?  For now I'm content with where I'm at.  When my boss retires I want her position just not with my current employer so as of now the plan is to use her retirement as a jumping off point.

What is your next step/s financially?  Stay the course with retirement and 529 contributions.  We'd like to make the move to a house in the same area but not with current prices.  We would easily have a down payment from selling our current place but I'm not interested in paying the going rate for a run of the mill house in the same area.  Hoping we get a correction in housing, at least locally and we appear headed in that direction or at least a slow down based on the price cuts I've seen and rising rates. 

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/achieve/before retirement?  Not really as currently as we have 20+ years to go and an infant while we may have one more.  Having kids who will be entering college when I'd otherwise be looking to retire or semi-retire means more things to think about and save for.  One thing I need to do in the short term is get a life insurance policy outside of work for my wife and I.  Looking at a term policy to get us through our working years so if anyone has any suggestions or recommendations as far as which company or if you recommend whole life or another type of policy let me know.  In the coming years I'll look into a long term care policy as I want that for my wife more than anything because looking at our family trees she could have another 20 years after I'm gone.

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?  Sure as it's a lot easier to talk seriously about it on here especially when it comes to numbers. 

[dondub]

Old? I’m almost 70 and still spry. I oversee my property management companies on 39 apartments. Only 10% leverage and going down.Decision making on two infills and a rehab this year. Pay attention to the rental marketplace. Looking to play more golf.

Donnadub has her 403b and other retirement account. Currently not looking at the declined balances.😎

Two homes F&C and the Dubettes with Master’s degrees and no student loans ever.

Years of hard work and risk taking have paid off.

[Deleted]

Jun 22, 2022 19:30:05 GMT -5 dondub said:

Old? I’m almost 70 and still spry. I oversee my property management companies on 39 apartments. Only 10% leverage and going down.Decision making on two infills and a rehab this year. Pay attention to the rental marketplace. Looking to play more golf.

Donnadub has her 403b and other retirement account. Currently not looking at the declined balances.😎

Two homes F&C and the Dubettes with Master’s degrees and no student loans ever.

Years of hard work and risk taking have paid off.

All of that is awesome! Except for the declined balances, of course.

Job well done, my friend!

[Regis]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?
I'm right where I want to be.  I was offered ownership in the company back in 2014 and declined for personal reasons.  The company I owned and founded was bought by my current employer on March 1, 2011.  The responsibility I was given was to grow the company, something I had done on my own and at previous companies.  We had 14 employees at the time, and 82 today.  I'd like to help get us to 100 before I retire, which I've lightly penciled in as the end of 2024.


What is your next step/s financially?
Feeling a little more comfortable with retirement accounts so we can buy a condo on a beach and spend our winters there.  And grow our 529 for our granddaughter and any future grandchildren.  Education is important to my wife and me, and we'd like to help future generations by covering some of that cost.


Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/achieve/before retirement?
Yes.  We have a specific dollar amount we'd like to hit in all accounts, which is higher than the number our financial advisor says we need.  Several years ago, we prioritized a list of places we'd like to visit and we've been knocking them off, even before retirement, but still have a long list.  And we exercise regularly, to help ensure, God willing, that we can still travel into our mid 80's or so.  With kids (and current/future grandkids) in three different states, we want to be able to be a part of their lives.  We also do a fair amount of volunteering with different organizations, so continuing those should keep us from just sitting in an easy chair all day during retirement.  We downsized our house last year and have no other debts other than our 30-year mortgage at 2.75% (Phil would be proud), so we feel like we're in pretty good shape financially where we won't be a burden to our children and won't have to eat cat food later in life.


Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?
Sure.  That sounds like fun!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I love to live in denial, so I cannot answer any of these questions. 
I've been following along as people have answered. 
I'm almost accepting of the fact that I should/need to participate in this conversation. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise? I don't know.  I put most of my life into pursuing a career in academics which didn't pan out and I've been left adrift since I made the decision to leave it.   As of right now I am happy to just have a 9-5 I am out the door lab technician job again.   I am side eyeing moving up the ranks if there is an opening in any of the departments here.  I am hoping to find a place to settle even if it is not in the department I am currently in.  I need to start making up for years of being vastly underpaid.


What is your next step/s financially? I have no idea.  I am still fixing the mess left behind from all of my husband's demons.  It is slow going but it is going.  Come 2024 we should have a pretty good chunk of it all paid off including at least my car loan.  DH's should be close behind but I can't remember when exactly we bought his car off the top of my head.  That will hopefully allow me to start building back up other areas and for our net worth to finally start growing. 


Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement?  Not really.  I still have a really long way to go so I am out of sight out of mind.  I've resigned myself to I will probably be eating cat food but that's my pessimstic side talking.  I am pretty much just in put away whatever I can put away mode and hope it will be enough in 20+ years.  

Another factor is apparently with FIL getting his affairs in order we stand to inherit quite a bit of money we didn't know about previously.  I am not counting on that money to appear because who knows what could happen but if that is indeed the case I may be freaking out more than I need to. 

As far as non-financial planning I have a freaking manifesto at this point between my maternal grandmother, my paternal grandmother and my great uncle of shit that I NEVER plan on putting my kids through.  A lot of it will have to wait until they are legal adults though.

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas? I have bitched a lot on the job thread and several other threads enough already.    I like the boards because there is an above average level of knowledge here on some topics and we have people from a lot of areas of life.  If I hadn't found the boards I'd probably be all right but it was the boards that got me to fight UNMC locking me out of the retirement package till I was 35 because the paperwork went to my desk and I was out on maternity leave so I missed the due date.  If you guys hadn't stressed the importance of investing early I may have just shrugged that off assuming I'd catch up later.

[jeffreymo]

I’d like to be able to retire in 15 years max.
Career-wise: I have one more role/promotion that I’d like to earn. DW has potential for 2-3 more promotions. If working fully remote/enjoying our work, we could extend our careers or possibly retire at different times (I’m 6 years older).


Finances: Continue to max 401k’s/HSA’s. Some taxable investing also and get back to 529’s/Roth’s (I realize that we’re not allocating to the buckets in the most efficient manner).


Pre-retirement checklist: Purchase our last family home (soon), downsize to our retirement home (right before), launch our 3 kids. We could have some windfalls along the way that might allow us to purchase a 2nd home, and help the kids out a little extra - business sale and inheritance.


In retrospect, if I look back to the summer of 15 years ago. We were preparing for our wedding, we bought our “starter home” (that we still live in), we were contributing to 401k’s only up to the match, we had wedding/house/honeymoon debt on credit cards of around $9k. We had a plan to pay off the debt and we executed it perfectly. But once we started having kids it’s been much harder to stay on top of things and make projections. Financially, we’ve seen times of plenty and also times of scraping together. So the goal is to retire early in 15 years but life may get in the way and push that out to 20 or so.

[trimatty471]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise?

Not too much.  I have changed careers from Accounting to Purchasing.
I can say that I now like what I do which is Procurement Specialist.

What is your next step/s financially?
My next step financially is to eliminate my mortgage by June 2026.
It was my goal to be mortgage free by age 50.  That is what I intend to do.  
That is also when my ARM mortgage rate (more than likely) increase.

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/achieve/before retirement?
Not really. 

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas?
Sure.

[finnime]

I didn't intend to retire, but I guess I did in fact about 5 years ago. Except, I did run my own businesses baking to order and doing writing/editing work.

I was fired after asking for time off due to a crippiing depresssion. It took a long time, almost a year, before I felt able again. SSA approved me for SSDI. So we've been living on that and DH's pension, SS and trust income to a lesser extent. I did prevail in a lawsuit for wrongful termination and that covered two year's income. Recently we sold our house in the DMV and moved to a somewhat less-costly area in Massachusetts. THe proceeds from the home sale have supported the move and setting up house again.

Now we live in a one-story house, in a level area. DH can get around the house and town with much more ease. Plus, he is doing much better in general although he is diabetic and is in stage 5 of chronic kidney disease. He gets fatigued easily but aside from that I don't need to do as much caretaking as I had in years past.

I'm going to make a return to making an income soon. We need it. I intend to bank as much money as I can to refill the coffers. I don't know quite what that will look like. WIth luck I'll be able to do some consulting and continue writing and editing. I'm only 62. If I can work for a good 5 or more years, I'll be happy. I've not yet begun to explore what's out there for me.

DH is 10+ years older than me. I want to be able to afford without a real strain some travel while he's healthy enough to go, and some additional changes to our new house.

I would love to be with you all in recording progress and giving support.

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2022 6:19:16 GMT -5 finnime said:

<snip>
Now we live in a one-story house, in a level area. DH can get around the house and town with much more ease. Plus, he is doing much better in general although he is diabetic and is in stage 4 of chronic kidney disease. He gets fatigued easily but aside from that I don't need to do as much caretaking as I had in years past.

The one-story house will be a huge improvement. My DH had dystopia after a fall that resulted in a subdural hematoma; he couldn't sense where his left foot was so stairs were a risk. We had a hard time finding a place with at least 2 BR on the main floor; we needed the second because occasionally DH had itching attacks (part of his polycythemia) and didn't want to disturb me. Fortunately we found a place we loved and I'm glad you did, too. SO much of the new construction here has a palatial MBR on the main floor but the rest upstairs.

DH is 10+ years older than me. I want to be able to afford without a real strain some travel while he's healthy enough to go, and some additional changes to our new house.

I had that, too- mine was 15 years older so I knew better than to postpone travel to when I retired. I treasure the memories of all the places we visited.

As for where I am: I'm retired so right now I'm gratefully watching the market recover a bit from the disastrous results this year. One simple metric I use is (Investments now/Investments when I retired) and calculating the average annual change. It's at 2% right now but has been as high as 4.5%. I find that reassuring. In theory it would be safe to have a small decrease on average since I have no plans to live forever (I'm 69).

I'm not calling the bottom of the market. I invested a few bucks a few times this year thinking we were. Nope.

[countrygirl2]

I just know the last month, I have spent way to much. With hubs trip to Washington up and back and making another, thousands on fuel. And I have spent a ton of the kids and I going out to eat and hubs hubs has too. So next month need to pull back and recoup. I just sent DIL a check for her birthday too. But that's ok, we should be fine in a month or two at the most I think.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 12, 2022 16:41:52 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/acheive/before retirement?
What does this mean? Do you mean the check list before turning 65yo? OR do you mean the check list if someone is financially independent before reaching 65?
I am really beginning to HATE the word "retirement"... it doesn't seem to have a consistent meaning.

    

Could mean anything you are listicling for being financial independent, whether that is a FRA or earlier....

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Thanks to all who have started documenting their journey with me . 

Next steps

• House plan for upgrades with an architect/designer*
• Get up to date on medical/dental stuff**.

*been delaying on a lot of things because I want it planned out well and prioritized. the 100k I had saved for that the past 2 ish years is worth a lot less for purchasing home improvement stuff, so pretty POed at myself for my usual procrastinications. Once I have the master plan, I can do the most critical/meaningful/important to start x before y, etc. with the 100k and then move on to other stuff more peicemea/pay as I go/look into financing/decide it would be ok to wait till after retirement on. Want to make sure I am seeing the full picture with this 100 year old house before I lose my main income stream.

**I don't want to. I don't like to. Haven't been to a doctor in about 5-7 years. I can't remember when it was! I do go to dentist regularly, but have some stuff I've been delaying on due to being a whimp.

These are things I've been meaning to get to for a while. Since I can't think of retirement until they are checked off, better get on them.....

[minnesotapaintlady]

Jul 29, 2022 9:50:58 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

**I don't want to. I don't like to. Haven't been to a doctor in about 5-7 years. I can't remember when it was! I do go to dentist regularly, but have some stuff I've been delaying on due to being a whimp.

I probably wouldn't go to the doctor ever either if it wasn't that I feel I need to get EVERY PENNIES WORTH out of my insurance money.  LOL  July and August are the big months for us.  It's when we have all our annual exams scheduled. I had my mammo last week, women's health appointment this week, and annual exam with internal medicine in August.  All 100% covered.  Bonus, my ob prescribed me some anxiety meds for panic attacks so I'd quit committing a felony taking them from my ex. 

Unfortunately, it's also dentist appointment time and I'm going to have to have some work done for the first time ever.    I need to get a crown and it's going to be about $800 after insurance.  They said I could get away with a filling, for $80, but the other side would eventually go too (there's a crack) and this way I'd never have to worry about it again.  I don't know.  Maybe I will just do the filling...

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jul 29, 2022 10:31:59 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Jul 29, 2022 9:50:58 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

**I don't want to. I don't like to. Haven't been to a doctor in about 5-7 years. I can't remember when it was! I do go to dentist regularly, but have some stuff I've been delaying on due to being a whimp.

I probably wouldn't go to the doctor ever either if it wasn't that I feel I need to get EVERY PENNIES WORTH out of my insurance money.  LOL  July and August are the big months for us.  It's when we have all our annual exams scheduled. I had my mammo last week, women's health appointment this week, and annual exam with internal medicine in August.  All 100% covered.  Bonus, my ob prescribed me some anxiety meds for panic attacks so I'd quit committing a felony taking them from my ex. 

Unfortunately, it's also dentist appointment time and I'm going to have to have some work done for the first time ever.    I need to get a crown and it's going to be about $800 after insurance.  They said I could get away with a filling, for $80, but the other side would eventually go too (there's a crack) and this way I'd never have to worry about it again.  I don't know.  Maybe I will just do the filling...

cracks can be serious. good luck with whatever you choose to get!

[resolution]

You really need to go to a doctor for a physical before you get sick and actually need one. Most of the doctors in my area aren't even accepting new patients at this time, and they will remove you as a patient if you haven't seen them in the past 3 years. You should start calling around today to find one and set up an appointment, so you have someplace to go if you get sick in the future.

[wvugurl26]

I think it's also important to have baseline numbers on file. Normal can be different for different people.

I refuse to put DH on my health insurance because he hardly goes for a physical. It costs too damn much money to not use it.

Everytime I run comparisons though at open enrollment, my premium savings would be spent at the pharmacy counter. At least by paying it on the premium, it comes out pre tax.

[TheOtherMe]

Jul 29, 2022 12:12:26 GMT -5 resolution said:

You really need to go to a doctor for a physical before you get sick and actually need one. Most of the doctors in my area aren't even accepting new patients at this time, and they will remove you as a patient if you haven't seen them in the past 3 years. You should start calling around today to find one and set up an appointment, so you have someplace to go if you get sick in the future.

I was told if I didn't go in every 3 years, I would have to get on a waiting list.

[finnime]

DH is actually in stage 5 of CKD. He is not on dialysis; he is stable. One of the biggest tasks we've had in moving is him seeing all of his doctors where we did live, and establishing relationships with new doctors where we are now. The first part is almost done. The second part will be complex. Health in retirement is a consuming enterprise for everyone, not to be taken for granted.

I arranged for us both to see psychiatric NP's here, so that's done. Cannot afford to disrupt continuity of care there. For DH, he is stocked up on meds for diabetes and for CKD for a while. He will see his nephrologist in September in Maryland. PCP is the next goal for both of us here.

Health is almost everything in the end.

[laterbloomer]

I've gotten all the major house renos done that I want to do. The rest will become DIY projects. None of them are critical so I'm waiting for sales on materials.
For my health I'm looking to lose another 20-25 lbs. Since this involves eating well and excercising it becomes an holistic thing.
And finally I'm getting set up for my planned retirement hobbies. This means maintaining the camper and acquiring some tools.

[saveinla]

What do you still hope to accomplish career-wise? - Not much.

What is your next step/s financially? - I am 53 and starting to check if I can retire at 55.
- One option is to live outside the US for around 10 years and come back for SS/medicare.
We should be able to live outside the US with the resources we have and not touch the 401K.
We have lived in a few places in the world and can adapt easily.
- Second option is to go part time and see if that will work or me quitting and my DH working. I am tired mentally and want to see if taking time off will help.
- But I will most probably chicken out and stay employed until at least 60.

Do you/Are you compiling a list of what you need to get done/accomplish/achieve/before retirement?

- We are working with a contractor to renovate one kitchen and bath the next month. We will probably do the other also if he does this well. If we move, we would rent out this place with a property management team and that will support the payment here.
The big question is my DS who is here and is doing his PhD.

- We will be talking to a Financial Planner also to see what our options are. 

Are you interested in charting that journey, having a support thread here, sharing ups and downs and ideas? - Sure!

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2022 7:14:05 GMT -5 finnime said:

Health is almost everything in the end.

It certainly is.  And after age 65 or so, much of it is "stuff happens", no matter how healthy your lifestyle is/was.  I have to keep myself from lamenting my lost stamina from the leaky heart valves by reminding myself of what I CAN do, which is just about everything but heavy exertion such as swimming for extended periods or bicycling uphill- but I felt that acutely when I was with my grandchildren over the weekend.  Fortunately, Medicare covers most of my issues.  I have a regular doc but use Urgent Care places when I need attention for routine things such as poison ivy and sinus infections.  

On the financial side- this month I got back about 1/4 of the amount I'd lost YTD on my investments.  That's encouraging. My spending this year is way over last year but I realized that most of the difference was offset by $9,000 I had set aside at year-end for window replacements and the extra SS I'm getting (net of what I'll have to pay in taxes, of course  ) I've collected since March after filing on my own record.