Hi Dana. I turned 59 1/2 in February. At the end of the month, I applied to withdraw money from one of my 403B retirement accounts to pay off all the credit card/unsecured debt we had. It took a week or so to get to a notary for my husband's signature on the paperwork but we managed to withdraw the money before the major tariff announcements and the big fluctuations in the stock and bond markets. This effectively eliminated the high interest we were paying on our balances providing a much better return on that money than we will realize this year (or the coming years with so much volatility). I may end up delaying my retirement because of that volatility.... but I did decide to increase the amount I am putting away before tax (up to 30% of my gross pay right now).
It is much easier to meet our expenses in the event my husband has temporary layoff as well (he is in the building trades).
We also have been taking advantage of a monthly food coop buying program that is available locally where for $20.50 we are able to purchase a "package" that includes 4-5 protein sources, 3-4 vegetable/fruits, and some grain/carbs (rice, mac& cheese for example). It is called "Foodsense" and administered in the central NY region through our Foodbank. There are no income requirements and SNAP can be used. I just order it online and pick it up at one of the distribution sites which happens to be less than 5 miles away from our home. It is a good supplement. Participation in coops like this enhance the reach and the variety of what can be offered to everyone in the community.
The other action I am taking is developing a gardening hobby. I previously kept containers with herbs on my deck. I am branching out. There is a local resource recovery station that offers low price compost and mulch (it's like $10 for all you can load). So I am learning to be a lazy gardener. I have started seeds. There is a wealth of free education on Youtube and the library.
Hi Dana. I turned 59 1/2 in February. At the end of the month, I applied to withdraw money from one of my 403B retirement accounts to pay off all the credit card/unsecured debt we had. It took a week or so to get to a notary for my husband's signature on the paperwork but we managed to withdraw the money before the major tariff announcements and the big fluctuations in the stock and bond markets. This effectively eliminated the high interest we were paying on our balances providing a much better return on that money than we will realize this year (or the coming years with so much volatility). I may end up delaying my retirement because of that volatility.... but I did decide to increase the amount I am putting away before tax (up to 30% of my gross pay right now).
It is much easier to meet our expenses in the event my husband has temporary layoff as well (he is in the building trades).
We also have been taking advantage of a monthly food coop buying program that is available locally where for $20.50 we are able to purchase a "package" that includes 4-5 protein sources, 3-4 vegetable/fruits, and some grain/carbs (rice, mac& cheese for example). It is called "Foodsense" and administered in the central NY region through our Foodbank. There are no income requirements and SNAP can be used. I just order it online and pick it up at one of the distribution sites which happens to be less than 5 miles away from our home. It is a good supplement. Participation in coops like this enhance the reach and the variety of what can be offered to everyone in the community.
The other action I am taking is developing a gardening hobby. I previously kept containers with herbs on my deck. I am branching out. There is a local resource recovery station that offers low price compost and mulch (it's like $10 for all you can load). So I am learning to be a lazy gardener. I have started seeds. There is a wealth of free education on Youtube and the library.