Comments on: Retirement Funds Tanked? Time to Redefine Your Retirement.

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:26:03 +0000

Gretta,
You said it better than I did … especially your last sentence!

By: Gretta

Gretta — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:22 +0000

I definitely believe that God intended us to work, that’s why he gave us hands. We have a day off at the end of the week so we can appreciate the joy of work and the fulfilment it brings us. Enjoying retirement does not mean forgoing all meaningful pursuits, but embracing the chance to chase something new!

By: Do You Make Excuses or Seize Opportunites?

Do You Make Excuses or Seize Opportunites? — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:25:05 +0000

[...] you allow your mind to soar into possibility thinking or do you get bogged down in the immediate and [...]

By: Should Senior Citizens Become Cry Babies Over Social Security Freeze?

Should Senior Citizens Become Cry Babies Over Social Security Freeze? — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:59:38 +0000

[...] going without raises is tough, especially for those whose retirement is primarily dependent on Social Security income. I am not unsympathetic to retirees whose needs [...]

By: How a Dreary Retirement Prognosis Can Actually be Good

How a Dreary Retirement Prognosis Can Actually be Good — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:47:18 +0000

[...] landscape is changing in America, and most of the news is less than positive. However, by redefining retirement, life could actually get better for our future senior citizens. Hold that thought – we will [...]

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:05:27 +0000

Sarge,
Great to hear from someone who has lived in Union County. I’m a “city boy” and not familiar with Moscow Rd, but I have a son who lives on Body Barn Rd which is near Dongola. I’ll tell him to be watching for the copperheads and water moccasins.:)

Sounds like you and your wife are enjoying your retirement…serving others is the way to go! Keep up the good work and stop by my blog to say “Hi” every once in a while.

By: Lee M. Rife

Lee M. Rife — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:01:37 +0000

Hi Joe:

I am a triple retiree, originally from the Dongola, IL area. Moscow Road bisects my farm, and I aways said that where I came from the copperheads were biting on one leg while the cottonmouths were biting the other. Oh well, so much for Union County humor.

The reason that I write is to say that you are right on about having something positive or spiritual to occupy your time. I golf as often as I can, but my real joy comes from serving my church and being on the board of a statewide association. These activities allow me to use the education and experience accumulated over the fifty years since I graduated from high school. They also allow me to reach out to others and to make a positive contribution to society.

Let me say that I read your columns in the Gazette-Democrat each week and agree with almost all that you say. My wife and I learned to live simply and put away as much as possible -mostly in IRA’s and 357 (Deferred Compensation) accounts. Also, we learned to manage debt-you need a house and you need a car; most other things can be deferred until you have cash in hand. Also, we paid off bank loans as quickly as possible.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

Lee “Sarge” Rife
Springfield, IL

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:27:30 +0000

Kaye,
Your pastor was indeed wise. The J – O – Y formula is a great way to live, retired or in grade school.

As always, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.

By: Kaye Swain

Kaye Swain — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:51:45 +0000

Great article. I especially appreciated the statements that retirement means serving God and serving others. A wise pastor once taught us that Joy comes from putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third. Great advice for retirement and life in general.

By: Boomers & Seniors: News You Can Use, 3/1/10 > Inheritance, Dementia Care, Geriatric Massage, More | Seniors For Living

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:11:52 +0000

[...] “When your retirement nest egg doesn’t turn out how you planned, don’t despair,” encourages Joe Plemon. “It is time to redefine your retirement.” Get his tips at the Personal Finance By The Book blog in Retirement Funds Tanked? Time to Redefine Your Retirement. [...]