Unlike many of you, I don't set specific goals for the year, I'm just trying to survive. It's been such an emotionally rough year and I'm expected to reduce my workload starting mid-May. This should help but I won't really notice it until the fall. I've always lived within my means and this year financially we might have overspent. I'm trying to catch up because I prefer to live that way. It's not that we don't have the funds to spend, I'm just trying to continue to maintain at least. I think as I move into semi-retirement, I'll likely start tracking our spending more.
We did do some bigger spending which included ebikes and the expensive rack to transport them, 4 sets of new glasses, dental work, a big road trip that was nearly a month. Next year we're going to stick closer to home except for our first cruise - to Alaska joining a friend who is turning 60.
I'm really looking to that semi-retirement but with the current state of the world, I worry that we won't be able to do the things we want to because of rising healthcare costs and inflation. Also within my friend's group, I'm witnessing everyone dealing with their aging parents and think about what happens as I age.
My goals off the top of my head are small - hopefully lose some weight, go to the farmers market, go to the music in the park, ride my bike as much as I can, camping trips and reading.
I just looked at my accounts, between me and my employer, we contributed a little more than $21k to my retirement account and the increase in our overall investments was $189,596 so an increase of $168k is pretty good. This helps me relax a little bit. Also my spouse is planning on filing for ss this year when I step down to part time work. In 2 years they will be on medicare and I will be able to get my coverage through my part time work. If I were to retire completely, I can maintain my same health insurance through my (by then former) employer but it would be $1000/mo just for the premium.
January 3rd, 2026 at 11:44 pm 1767483877
An Alaskan cruise sounds fun too, if it somehow works out that I can handle cruises, I might have to try that some day as well.
January 4th, 2026 at 05:50 pm 1767549008
As you move towards retirement, it's time to rethink your investment strategy, especially if you are not working with an advisor who is doing the strategizing for you. Accumulation strategies are different than decumulation strategies, and not every advisor is an expert in the decumulation side. The focus shifts from investment gains to sustainable INCOME. Do you know what your sustainable income will be once you are retired? This includes both spouse's Social Security benefits, pensions if any, annuities if any (a way of creating a pension for yourself if your employer doesn't provide one), and projected dividends and interest. Set aside some funds in safe investments (high-yield savings accounts or CDs, short-term bonds) if you are worried about the healthcare especially as you are pre-Medicare.
Enjoy the travel and I hope that 2026 is a less stressful year!
January 9th, 2026 at 06:21 am 1767939716