Yup i think we’re at that age. I spent 2 weeks with my parents on the east coast last fall helping with surgery, post op help etc. it was great to have the flexibility and money to just go and be there. Our parents sacrifice so much for us. Its great to be able to give them help when needed. Its also a good reminder of what we may be facing as we age. Helping put spending our “younger “ years in RE doing things we may not be willing or able to do later. I write this as im packing for our trip to Colorado.
I'm going through a very similar situation and struggling with the same things you talked about. I retired in 2024, so I'm a little behind the same curve you navigated. Thank you for writing this, it may be just what I need to let go of the financial concerns around the travel budget so that I can get my priorities straight.
I was thinking about the planning component and the reality of the unforeseen happening anyways. But I still think the planning was valuable, because it shows what the push and pull variables are, and when the world pulls on one or two parts harder, what else can give. While some kinds of planning lead to brittle thinking, it can also lead to more flex and resilience because you have checked so many scenarios.
I've had a similar experience since retiring early. Unexpectedly much of the first two years involved frequent trips to vist and assist a loved one. Something that was nowhere in the my planning process. That loved one is now no longer with us, but the freedom I had to spend time with them, which never would have been possible while working, was absolutely invaluable.
Yup i think we’re at that age. I spent 2 weeks with my parents on the east coast last fall helping with surgery, post op help etc. it was great to have the flexibility and money to just go and be there. Our parents sacrifice so much for us. Its great to be able to give them help when needed. Its also a good reminder of what we may be facing as we age. Helping put spending our “younger “ years in RE doing things we may not be willing or able to do later. I write this as im packing for our trip to Colorado.
Absolutely! Safe travels, Wade. Thanks for sharing
I'm going through a very similar situation and struggling with the same things you talked about. I retired in 2024, so I'm a little behind the same curve you navigated. Thank you for writing this, it may be just what I need to let go of the financial concerns around the travel budget so that I can get my priorities straight.
I was thinking about the planning component and the reality of the unforeseen happening anyways. But I still think the planning was valuable, because it shows what the push and pull variables are, and when the world pulls on one or two parts harder, what else can give. While some kinds of planning lead to brittle thinking, it can also lead to more flex and resilience because you have checked so many scenarios.
That's a great point, Sarah. I agree with you!
I've had a similar experience since retiring early. Unexpectedly much of the first two years involved frequent trips to vist and assist a loved one. Something that was nowhere in the my planning process. That loved one is now no longer with us, but the freedom I had to spend time with them, which never would have been possible while working, was absolutely invaluable.
Very sorry for your loss, Bill. Thanks so much for sharing.