To me one of the weirdest questions I get ask when I talk about early retirement is "What will you do?" There are so many hundreds of things to do I can't imagine not having something to do. My parents say they are busier in retirement than they ever were while working.
Here's a list of some of the things I plan to do.
I love to read and there is never enough time to read all the books I would like. The last few years I've read mostly fiction since I have a hard time concentrating on harder stuff with work junk constantly going thru my mind. So along with reading more fiction I want to go back to some of my other interests. I used to read a lot of biographies, history, how to, archaology and nature books.
I want to learn how to cook better and more heatly. My health is going to be a major focus for me in retirement. I want to do more reading/learning about it. I want to eat better, shop better, exercize more. Take charge and try to eliminate some of my health problems. Many of which are caused by constant stress.
I would like to learn to container garden. I've made a couple of experiments with this, but plan to do much more.
One of my hobbies is creating miniature rooms. I plan to spend much more time on that.
I like to do jigsaw puzzles.
I want to go to farmer's markets, garage sales and thrift stores. Things I can do now, but don't very often because of lack of time.
I plan to spend much more time with family and friends.
I plan to spend a lot time relaxing and paying more attention to my life.
I may go back to school and take classes in subjects that interest me.
I plan to spend more time on the internet, learning/researching.
I plan to do whatever interests me.
I've been reading my book First Course in Home Making. This is classroom book on Home Ec written in 1941. Very interestng. For example they have a family food budget.
If the Salary is from $1200.00 to $1800.00 a year and the family size is 5 the average to spend per day is .35 cents apiece. Per month is $52.50 for the whole family
If the family size is 2 for the same salary then you can spend .50 cents a day per person.
They have a family budget based on an income of $150 a month and 5 people
Savings is first - $10
Food - $55
Shelter - $35
Clothing - $25
Operating - $15
Advancement - $10
Interesting stuff.
what to do in retirement
April 16th, 2008 at 03:59 pm
April 16th, 2008 at 04:52 pm 1208364754
I don't think you're going to have any problem with your retirement. You have some great goals.
There was a book by the manager of the Orlando sports team, called THE 2ND HALF OF YOUR LIFE. He said you work jobs in your first half to pay bills and the 2nd half is the time to do all of the things you always wanted to do. Good luck. That is a great list.
April 16th, 2008 at 05:06 pm 1208365593
April 16th, 2008 at 05:39 pm 1208367598
April 16th, 2008 at 06:47 pm 1208371652
April 16th, 2008 at 07:39 pm 1208374756
Good Luck!
April 16th, 2008 at 09:27 pm 1208381226
April 16th, 2008 at 09:32 pm 1208381577
April 16th, 2008 at 10:30 pm 1208385015
I'm busier than ever and loving it!
April 17th, 2008 at 03:15 am 1208402152
I love those old home-ec books too! I've been checking them out from the local university library, and have gotten a lot of ideas to ponder.
April 17th, 2008 at 04:37 am 1208407064