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Catching Up

August 23rd, 2015 at 07:20 pm

It's been a busy couple of weeks. School started for teachers August 13 and students returned August 17. We had some very hot days (most of our schools are not air conditioned.) But, like most educators, we are optimistic about a good year. We have a new principal at our building this year and if the last 7 days are any indication, he's going to be a winner! A strong leader makes a workplace so much better.

DH planted a small garden and we have been enjoying tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. We had hoped to get more tomatoes this year so I could can quite a few, but our tomatoes have really dropped off. A friend and her brother have kept us supplied in green beans. Another friend gave us some sweet corn. And I have acquired cucumbers to make pickles from a variety of places. I have canned what I could and have quite a few things for our pantry. There is something about looking at what we have that makes me feel good. Weird, eh?

Before school began, I had meetings in the district. It was funny how old habits pop up. We were given ample time to go out to eat. I took my lunch and ate there and worked and I took my coffee instead of stopping and getting some for the morning. It was interesting because some of the folks were already complaining how money was tight. Imagine that!

I plan on retiring at the end of this school year. I didn't get a special deal or retirement bonus or anything. Someone asked me how I could plan to retire so soon (I'll be 55.) I said we saved and paid off things. Our home is paid for. Both vehicles are paid off. Other than our every day spending and bills, we don't have any outstanding bills. Basically, we have lived below our means. We met with our financial advisor last summer and when he saw our budget, he was astounded. He said that so many folks "finance" everything and are never prepared at this stage in their lives. So, unless we have some major thing come up, we should be doing OK.

I was telling a young person the other day I was planning on retiring and we were talking about Roths and 403bs. He said he and his wife don't have money to save. I told him he needed to find money to save, even a little bit, because it is over the years that it increases. I could tell he really didn't want to think about how to save money; it is far easier to complain you don't have it instead of trying to figure out ways to save it.

Our meals for this week:
brunch: scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, toast, fruit
BLTs
Baby back ribs, mashed potatoes, greens beans, fruit
Pork tenderloin roast with carrots and onions, roasted potatoes
Leftover roast with sweet potatoes and green beans
Quiche with leftover sausage, sliced tomatoes
Chicken with barbecue sauce, roasted potatoes with peppers and onions, roasted vegetables, fruit

7 Responses to “Catching Up”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1440356864

    True...that it is easier to complain than do something about it! Money or otherwise. Smile

  2. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1440362059

    That is great that you're going to be able to retire this year! My goal is to retire at 55 too - a bit more than 15 years to go for me. Smile

  3. LuckyRobin Says:
    1440366072

    I don't think it's weird that you like to look at what you have and it makes you feel good. I love watching my pantry shelves filling up right now. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of security.

  4. Mrs. Frugalista Says:
    1440382192

    Good for you on your retirement!

  5. VS_ozgirl Says:
    1440402592

    Congratulations on retiring early! As for your young friend you were talking to - he clearly doesn't know about the thrill of saving money and paying yourself first, not things - he is missing out

  6. CB in the City Says:
    1440422344

    I have a teacher friend who retired at about the same age. Be sure you have the medical figured out! If you can go on your husband's policy, that's great!

  7. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1441599808

    I wonder about that too how do people manage to spend so much and live so well and then they say things like "oh I have no 401k" but here we are going to macchu picchu.

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