This Bulletin Article Could Change Your Life...

[457ciSBC]

When I hit 59 1/2 the Mrs reminded me there weren't any pockets in a shroud. Spend it penalty free and enjoy. I've earned it.

My soft stop goal is 59.5, hard stop is 60.

 

[wbm]

If you're over 25 you should read that article.

When you can read you should read that article.

 

[ngoforth]

I have been lucky to be a stay at home dad for almost 10 years. My son and I get to hang out all summer. We may not be setting the world on fire in the things we do but we get to do it together. My wife and I decided that it was more important for us to raise our kid versus a daycare and school. We may not take the most exotic vacations or drive the newest cars but that is just stuff and not important in the long run.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I am 74, and have been real fortunate in owning a business and enjoying the rewards.

At this point in life, I have no plans to “retire”. I love what I do.

I am not going to wish for one minute that I should not have worked as hard as I have my entire life. It has allowed me the financial freedom to enjoy the things I like. It has allowed me to put six people through college, even though I only finished High School. It has allowed me to give my wife of 50 years a good life, wanting for very little.

The men interviewed in that Link seem to be caught up in the mentality of “could have, should have, would have”.

I am not in that club.

 

[300_whisper]

I am 74, and have been real fortunate in owning a business and enjoying the rewards.

At this point in life, I have no plans to “retire”. I love what I do.

I am not going to wish for one minute that I should not have worked as hard as I have my entire life. It has allowed me the financial freedom to enjoy the things I like. It has allowed me to put six people through college, even though I only finished High School. It has allowed me to give my wife of 50 years a good life, wanting for very little.

The men interviewed in that Link seem to be caught up in the mentality of “could have, should have, would have”.

I am not in that club.

I think that’s the point of the article. You read it early enough in your life so you avoid the coulda, shoulda, woulda like the guys interviewed. You’re lucky and wise enough to know that you made the right decisions for you and your family to not need that advice.

 

[stork]

I slipped off a roof at 35 (now nearly 66). Spent my 35th birthday getting my jaw wired shut & trying to learn to use a walker to move around. Every day since has been a blessing, even the days when my bones & joints say otherwise. If I don't see roots when I look up in the morning, it's a good day.
Al

 

[Forum Boss]

Tragically, we have learned that Kelly McMillan has passed, at just age 66....

As one of his friends said: "The shooting industry has lost another great man. Kelly McMillan was a great ambassador of the shooting sports and a generous supporter. My prayers go out to the family during these difficult times."

If nothing else can hammer home the message of this story... this should.

We do not know how many days we have left.
Do the things you always wanted to do.
Cherish the moments you have.


I took this photo of Kelly at the Berger SWN in 2018.

 

[Rube Shooter]

Thanks for posting the list boss.

I was diagnosed with NHL stage 4, 21 years ago, beat it and still here with a few complaints, but my physician and eye doctor keep reminding me it's just old age when I visit them. My reply is why remind me it's my age, lol.

Every day, even crummy days are a blessing and 1 more I get to spend with family and friends. Live life like there is no tomorrow and be thankful you are on the bright side of the dirt.

 

[jk80]

My dad passed when I was young. There were five of us kids at the time so money was scarce. I knew better than to ask for much of anything if I couldn't buy it myself. Had a huge paper route,rute, lawns did anything i could to make money. As an adult I got a apprentice ship as a pipe fitter. Worked every bit of o.t. I could, bought rental property, and damned near worked myself to death. 12 14 hour days, most years over 3000 hours. Finally woke up to the fact I've never seen a brinks truck following a funeral procession and never heard of anyone say they'd wished they'd worked more when on their deathbed. Retired at 58, but broke down. I was so afraid of being poor I forgot to enjoy life. My wife put up with me being a workaholic and I'm trying to make up for the lost time. She's the best thing to ever happen to me and she deserves it!

 

[Outrider27]

Old saying in the motorcycle community: "Ride it like you stole it". Applies to far more than motorcycles.

That comes after my time (45 years on a bike, starting when I was 12), but definitely true.

Back when I started, it was "Ride Hard - Die Free". I rode hard, and I'm still here, proof you can get away with it if you stay alert. And staying alert applies to a lot more than motorcycles, too.

 

[mikecr]

If it's in your cards to work hard for a living, then be fulfilled in doing so.
I am proud and content to provide for my family. No regrets.

Some in my family have sacrificed all for this country.
I am proud and content for them as well.

 

[BP1]

How many times has your co-worker been killed so far ?

Not cool dude.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Dad was right. I took the time to do this today.
Plenty of chores (mower is broke too lol) and fun lined up but it was time to stop and take a deep breath.
Life is short. Tell your kids you love them.

 

[M-61]

"I'm just glad to be here, happy to be alive...."

Sums it up nicely for me.


(The Traveling Wilbury's....'End of the Line'......written mainly by G.Harrison)

 

[Adam in WI]

Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things...

 

[skeeljc]

I retired at 55. Best thing ever! Shooting and a small internet business keep me busy. I went to college, worked for 34 years and have been retired for 22 years. Having the opportunity to do what pleases you is priceless!

 

[Just Say Moe]

My goal was to reach 55 and retire then. Best friends and relatives my age started passing away with alarming frequency. My mother in law died of cancer at 54. BS at work reached epic proportions. My lovely wife had showed me the numbers 2 years previously and after much consideration (plus some pain and anxiety), decided to walk away from a 6 figure income at 52. It's been six years and couldn't be happier hanging around the house with her. I decided I'd rather not spend the last healthy years of my life sitting at a desk.

Edit to add: NOT BRAGGING - 30 years of planning and living modestly made this possible along with a wonderful lady. The 6 figure income was towards the end. Faced with very close mortality hastened our decision well short of our goal.

 

[mikecr]

Yeah, but it takes money to just retire whenever you want

 

[300_whisper]

Yeah, but it takes money to just retire whenever you want

Amen

 

[hogpatrol]

Money, luck and good planning can make it happen. Multiple marriages, multiple families make it not happen.
Three wives, three sets of kids and you'll probably work until you drop. I know more than a few that went down that path. I planned at age 20, I'd quit at 59 1/2 and I did. Same wife for 54 years who worked made it happen.
YMMV.