Can you believe it’s been a year since I retired?
It seems like it’s been longer (in a good way).
My last retirement update was at six months and from here on out I’ll probably only have annual reviews (maybe every six months if something exciting happens).
To make this summary easier to read, I’ve put my thoughts into categories.
Here’s what’s happened since my six-month mark:
Life
- I’m still very busy!!! There’s more to do around the house, with the kids, with the site, and so forth. The days still pass quickly (Monday remains my favorite day) and there’s always more left to do. Then again, I have plenty of time tomorrow for tasks.
- I’ve all but eliminated lunches/coffee meetings with former co-workers and the like. I just don’t like having a set appointment on my schedule. I do have a couple guys who just can’t seem to take the hint and keep asking to get together, but most others have moved on.
- It remains a thrill to tell someone “I’m retired” and watch their reaction. Since I look younger than I am, it’s a shocker to them. I met a guy at the gym the other day. He asked what I did for a living and told him I was retired. I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head! He said, “Wow, you’re young, how old are you?” I told him and when he asked how I could retire I told him I was fortunate to buy rental properties when the market was low. He just smiled and nodded.
- I’ve been getting up early — usually around 5:30 am. I like to get to the gym around 7 am and getting up early allows me to have a cup of coffee and start the day slowly before that happens. I get to bed around 10 pm, so I get plenty of sleep and don’t need an alarm clock to wake up.
- I stopped volunteering for the local non-profit I was working with because they couldn’t get their act together. So I’m looking for another opportunity to help out.
- I have been getting a lot of stuff done around the house. My yard looks great (I had some winter damage and have successfully re-grown grass), my garage is organized (it has to be with three cars in it), and several little projects are completed. But there’s a lot more to do.
- I’ve hit my full stage of relaxation and am enjoying life immensely. Not sure why I didn’t retire sooner!
Family
- My wife got a part-time job. I might post about it someday relating to “turning a hobby into an income” but the short story is that she now works at our church 15 hours a week. She has volunteered as a teacher for years and kids love her. She now teaches first graders every Sunday. She would have done it for free, but they wanted a firm commitment and insisted on paying her. So for a little while I was the only one in the family who didn’t have a job. 馃檪
- My son has been working his retail job about 15 hours a week. He’s tried to get full time work there but hasn’t been able to. It seems to be a moot point anyway now as he’s interested in going to a ministry training school in Louisiana (of all places) in September. We’re headed down that road and if it happens we will have no kids in the house this fall for the first time in 20 years. Times are a changin’.
- My daughter worked until the second week in June, then resigned. She and I headed off for her senior trip to Seattle and Portland for a week soon after that. She then headed to Atlanta to see a friend in early July and has since been getting ready to leave for school (including applying for internships — some she’s looking at require applications NOW for the summer of 2018!) She and I leave for college in late August.
- My dad visited for a week in June and my mom and stepdad visited in mid-July. It’s awesome to be able to be here when we have visitors and not to have to take precious vacation days to do so.
Health
- I am still working out six days a week doing weights or cardio (three days a week each). I train to a heart-rate monitor (I use the Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black) using zones from a metabolic assessment I had done in April (this was my third one — this time I improved so much that my cardio health was in the “great” range for my age and even in the “good” range for a 20-year-old.) I have also started to focus on nutrition, eliminating most carbs on most days, eating primarily protein and veggies, and eliminating all sugar. As a result I have lost 20 pounds (almost all fat) so far this year and am within five pounds of my goal weight. I weight a bit less than I did when I started working out seriously two years ago but my body composition is now much more muscle and much less fat.
- I still walk every day and am averaging 15,000 steps a day. Colorado is a great walking state as the weather is good enough to be outside about 90% of the year.
- As many of you know, I had basal cell carcinoma early in the year. So I’m now wearing sunscreen as well as one of those big-brimmed hats when I’m outside. My go-to hat is the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat. I’ve received several compliments on it and will buy another one when this one wears out.
Entertainment
- My traveling for the year began in June with the trip to Seattle and Portland. At the end of this month I’ll get a couple days in DC with my daughter before we head to her school in Virginia. In September I’m off to Iowa to see my parents and then to Dallas in October for a blogger conference (mainly to see old friends). And we’re in the process of planning a Caribbean cruise for next winter.
- In addition, if both kids do end up leaving home my wife and I will add a few trips in this fall and next spring. We’re considering the Grand Canyon (not too far of a drive for us) and Destin, FL (not too far from where my son will be in school). Not having anyone at home to care for will free up our travel options quite a bit.
- As for “regular” entertainment, we watch TV a few nights a week (our family has watched America’s Got Talent together for YEARS, my daughter and I watch Fargo and Gotham, and my wife loves HGTV and The Hallmark Channel), I get in video game time regularly (loved Horizon Zero Dawn and am anxiously awaiting both Shadow of War (Lord of the Rings game) and Assassin’s Creed coming out late summer/into the fall), and we are at the movies at least once a month (on Tuesdays when crowds are low and prices are reduced!)
- I have been reading as well but not for entertainment specifically (though I do find it enjoyable). You Must Write a Book: Boost Your Brand, Get More Business, and Become the Go-To Expert and Google SEO for Bloggers: Easy Search Engine Optimization and Website marketing for Google Love were two of my most recent readings.
Finances
- My finances are on FIRE!!!!! The healthy stock market gains have pushed our net worth to all-time highs. My wife joked that I should have retired years ago since our net worth has only gone up since I did. 馃檪
- The blog is going well. I’ve had several big moves in the last six months. The process started with two feature posts on Business Insider (10 Things that Surprised Me about Early Retirement 聽and 10 Worst Money Mistakes Anyone Can Make) which began a spiral resulting in 5,000 email subscribers and a new ad deal. I’ve also done tons of guest posts and interviews. 聽Also was named the fastest growing personal finance blog. I’m still not making much money as I’m putting most of it back into a growing site, but next year looks like it could be a good one (I’m shooting for revenues in the $20k range and profit of $15k or so — if I hit it I’ll post on how I did it).聽Needless to say I’ve blown through most of my goals for the year, so I upped what I want to accomplish.
- I’ve been working on a couple blog announcements that I hope don’t get lost in this post: 1) I’ll be starting a “Help a Reader” category (got a jump on it here). If you have a financial issue you’d like suggestions on, send me a DETAILED email on the situation and what you’d like feedback on (the more facts you include, the better feedback you’ll receive). I’ll then get back to you with a post date. I’ll post it and ESI Money readers can offer their answers to your questions. 2) I’m fairly active on Facebook and Twitter these days where I share tons of great articles I can’t find room to post on. If you want to follow me on either of those platforms, here’s my page on Facebook and here I am on Twitter.
- I finished our taxes using our regular process. We got a big, unexpected refund back which we put into our cash stockpile.
- I’ve been updating our retirement budget every month and so far we’re spending way less than expected. I’ll do a post sometime about the cost savings in retirement as there are many that add up to a nice sum. I’ll also post my budget for 2018 sometime in the new year as I think many people will find it interesting.
- I started pulling money out of Lending Club and will keep doing so until the fund is dry.
So, that’s my retirement life so far.
My only regret: that I didn’t retire years earlier!
I’m sure I’ve missed something or perhaps wasn’t as clear as I needed to be, so leave any questions below and I’ll answer them the best I can.
Laurie@ThreeYear says
Congratulations on a busy and productive year of retirement! It seems like you’re fulfilled in every area of your life–home projects, health, fitness, family, fulfilling work, etc. It’s good to hear that retirement is working out so well and you’re enjoying it so much. Sometimes I worry that Mr. ThreeYear and I will get bored, but it sounds like developing hobbies that we like to do now will help us later. Plus, working out sounds like it takes up a good chunk of your day! Here’s to many more successful years of retirement!
ESI says
Yes! Start building that list of retirement to-dos now! 馃檪
RetireSoon says
ESI, great to hear things are going well. Your sunscreen comment made me think of this sysk podcast I listened to over the weekend. I know you are listening while walking and thought you’d enjoy.
http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts/sunburn-suntans-sunscreen.htm
ESI says
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
Ember @ An Intentional Lifestyle says
I totally agree about set appointments. I feel rushed when I have to be somewhere at a scheduled time. It’s so awesome to see how busy and fulfilled you seem since retirement. It’s encouraging and inspires us to push harder to get there, too! And helps me know we won’t be bored if we just keep doing the things we love.
If your son is thinking about the seminary school in New Orleans, we’re from the South and know many people that have went. It’s a great school and he can eat until his heart is content with all the good cooking! 馃槈
I love that your wife is getting paid to do something she loves. That’s the whole point, right? Good luck to your daughter starting school!
Chris @ Duke of Dollars says
Hey ESI,
How did you go about getting the interviews and guest post as you were starting out your blog?
Congrats on the net worth high!!
ESI says
Here’s a rough guide:
1. Begin by giving. I offered advice in the Rockstar Forums and the FinCon Facebook page. I also left comments on others’ blogs and shared their content I liked. That helped me when I later approached them and asked for a shot — they knew and liked me. But before that…
2. Many sites have open policies and allow guest posts. Find them, read their rules, and send them an appropriate pitch. Be sure to use your best stuff in the post. You don’t want to get rejected because your content stinks and you don’t want new readers to think the content at your site stinks.
3. Read a ton of blogs. Many do regular interviews. When I see one that does, I sent them a note offering to be interviewed.
4. As you accumulate guest posts (and they are good) you can use them to pitch bigger and bigger sites. When the new sites see what a great job you did for the others, they’ll be more open to letting you write for them. Be sure to send them a professional pitch with why you should be considered as well as some great ideas. I also tell them I’ll promote any piece I write for them on Twitter and Facebook.
Do those things and momentum will build causing good things to happen.
Good luck!
Chris @ Duke of Dollars says
I’ve added the rough guidelines to my notes – thank you so much for sharing !!
Mrs. Groovy says
Congrats on a great first year in retirement. “Monday remains my favorite day” puts a smile to my face. Keep talking about the sunscreen. Your young readers, especially, need to know. I had BCC on my neck. Not fun.
Awesome about your wife’s part time job. It must be very rewarding and I’d love to hear more.
ESI says
Ugh. Sorry to hear that. Are you confined to the “big hat club” now too???
I have one from Outdoor Research that I actually like, but it too me awhile and I still feel like the Flying Nun at times.
Lance @ My Strategic Dollar says
Man, I love hearing updates like this. I’m so glad you’ve been able to retire and improve your life. You’re showing all us FIRE peeps that it’s possible. Thanks for sharing!
Oweezy9 says
What you are doing is working! I found your blog via Facebook / Business Insider post and began burning through the rest of your blogs. This is literally the first site I’ve ever read more than one post on. I really appreciate the additional blog networking and podcast networking I’ve picked up in your blogs and in comments.
Your testimony has made a huge impression on our family’s goals and I can state confidently your blog was our “light switch”. Thank you very much for the time and effort you have spent sharing your experiences and creating a network of like minded individuals.
George says
I laughed at your video game comments, I never pictured you gaming. I am also very much looking forward to Shadow of War 馃槈
Great post!
ESI says
I love the games where you can be the good guy and travel the world at your own pace.
My favorites:
Assassin’s Creed
Batman (not the stinky Telltale games)
Shadow of Mordor/War
Spiderman (looks like Batman used to look)
Horizon Zero Dawn (hoping for a sequel)
I also like FIFA, but the ones above are the bread and butter for me.
How about you?
George says
Nice list! I also like the Batman games (which isn’t surprising since so similar to Shadow of Mordor!), Bioshock franchise, and I am slowly working my way through Dishonored. I also pick up an RPG ~ once a year, usually the big titles like Dragon’s Age or KOTOR back in the day.
And I dabble in RTS and dungeon crawlers. But not a lot of time for games lately, so my go to stuff are digital tabletop games like Small World, MTG franchise etc.. these I can play in a window while taking a quick food break from work or brain break.
PC gamer only, don’t have enough time right now to justify console since I have a PS3 that has gathered a lot of dust.
Mrs. Adventure Rich says
Awesome, this is so exciting! I enjoy the extra motivation boost I get every time I read about the lives of those in FI. It certainly helps to hear about the glorious Monday’s and the type of work you are able to do when not “working” 馃檪
Costblogger says
Loved reading the update, sounds like things are firing on all cylinders for you. I was in Lynchburg a few weeks ago and it seems like an incredible place to spend the college years. I’m also a huge fan of walking and got a hat like that marked down at Costco for $9.97, but I’m still getting used to wearing mine, feel like Indiana Jones haha
ESI says
I have one of the Costco hats too. It does have more style, but doesn’t travel as well as the other one and the brim isn’t as big.
Jerry Higdon says
You are about 6 months ahead of me on your retirement experience. I retired for the third time in November at 54 ( military, Civil Service, John Deere). I’m now serving half-time as a minister in Kewanee Illinois. Like you, I am loving the extra time and enjoying everything a little more.
Do you find it enjoyable being able to deliberate a little bit more on things that you want to purchase and choose to work on?
In that regard, what home projects are you working on?
We have one child going to University of Illinois Springfield this month and another still in high school. With scholarships grants and waivers, we figure my daughters college education should be paid for, praise the Lord! I am thinking about writing a book on the subject 馃檪
When you come to visit your folks in Iowa please look me up. I live in Coal Valley Illinois next to the Iowa border. http://Www.FirstChurchKewanee.Org
Jerry Higdon
ESI says
I will certainly look you up if I ever get that far over. My parents live in the Ottumwa, Iowa area. We probably used to go right by you when we drove there from Michigan, but now we’re coming from the other way (CO).
I have a HUGE list of home projects. This year my focus is on the yard — getting the grass, trees, and bushes up to snuff (the last owner let everything go). I may also plant a tree this fall. We will be adding 10 tons of rock to our yard next week, so that’s a fun project too! 馃槈
Awesome that you can be a part-time pastor!!!
Jerry Higdon says
I would love to chat with you brother. I will buy lunch 馃檪
Mike H says
Great post and congratulations on your one year anniversary, ESI!
Are you working out on the Incline occasionally as part of your regimen?
My career just took an interesting turn at the same company, in kind of a good way but with a drawback at the same time. I’ll either detail more in a comment or maybe a post especially after some more time to reflect on all of this.
-Mike
ESI says
Well, the Incline/Pike’s Peak plans have been pushed back since BOTH kids are now leaving this fall. It’s been a zoo getting them ready!
But we did go to an REI class last night on “how to climb a 14er.” My wife and I hope to get a couple easy ones in this fall once the kids are gone.
Really looking forward to hearing what’s up on the job front! Funny how it’s usually good news/bad news — never just good news! I know the feeling! 馃檪
Mike H says
Grey’s and Torrey’s are pretty easy. Pike’s isn’t bad but it is a long day that requires good endurance. With your greater muscle to weight ratio you should be able to pull it off.
-Mike
J. Money says
That was fast, wow!
ESI says
In some ways it seems like yesterday.
In others, like I’ve been retired for 5+ years.
Wish I had taken the plunge sooner!
Dads Dollars Debts says
I love hearing about how retirement is going from those doing it. It reinforces the fact that I will not be bored in retirement. As for the summer, seems like you have had an awesome time. Keep having fun! Don’t worry, Louisiana is an amazing state and if your son chooses to go there he will likely love it.
Fritz @ TheRetirementManifesto says
Interesting read. I can’t wait to join you (310 days to go, not that I’m counting …) Congrats on the many achievements during your first year, your fitness results are particularly impressive! If you’ve not read it yet, I’d encourage you to read “Younger Next Year”. You’re following his plan.
See you in Dallas!
David B says
Congrats on the first year. That balance is up because of the stock market but you know there will be years the market will be down as well. Those years it’s important to keep with the strategy and have enough cash to invest when the market is down. I am a few years behind you (just turned 50) with the goal to retire by 55 (not sure why that number) . I just purchased my third rental property (close next week) and enjoy your experiences and articles on all areas of earning, saving and investing. Keep up the good work and enjoy every day!!!!
German says
Ur update is encouraging mr to take the plunge into retirement sooner. Thanks for sharing the life after comporate work insights. Am eager to follow in ur foot steps!!!
Dave says
Good for you. You worked hard and I am glad you are enjoying your life in FIRE. It also sounds like you are working hard on what you truly enjoy in retirement. I am not shocked by all of the success your blog is receiving. It is full of great content.
Lenette says
Thanks so much for posting these milestone updates, and Congratulations as well! I found your blog just about the same time that I retired early (and young) about 5 months ago. I felt an instant kinship to you because of similarities in our pre-retirement experiences. I had had a terrific career experience up until those last 14 months. So while I was happy that I had the freedom to retire whenever I wanted, I was conflicted because my choice was informed by (and a reaction to) those last miserable months. Reading about your experience helped me re-frame my own experience and I have not once looked back!!!
I am loving being retired! I have devoted this first year to projects around our house, to stuff that I never had enough time to tackle. I would have been working anyway, so might as well work on our house. Maybe I am weird, but I find deep satisfaction in “de-crappifying” each room, closet and garage. I want to make our lives more simple, so we can more easily just pick up and travel when the mood (and deal) strikes.
Again, thank you for all the inspiration!
ESI says
I didn’t have the greatest of endings to my career either but overall I liked what I did and was able to go out on my own terms. It’s probably the same for you.
Sounds like you’re much happier now anyway, so who’s having the last laugh now? 馃槈
Bennyboy says
Many congrats ESI 馃檪 I am 52 and into my third year of retirement now and can honestly say it just gets better and better as the view of the “old life” disappears further in the rear view mirror. Interesting that you have cut down meeting up with old colleagues – I have done exactly the same, and actually find myself wanting to completely move on from my old work/professional life as I explore all the new avenues that open up when you are FI. On top of the free time the best gift is having what I call “headspace”, free from all the worries, angst and stress of a busy job. Keep up the great posts – it’s so reassuring and interesting to hear from like-minded people.
ESI says
Yes, I love how the stress melted away (took me a few months to fully decompress).
Great to hear it only gets better!
Phr3dly says
Congrats on your retireversary!
I’m 41, soon to be 42, and am financially able to retire (NW of $3M, with ~$2.25M liquid), except one thing. I’m unsure about the future of health insurance. My employer has a very generous policy and, while I am generally healthy, I’m very active and in the last year a lifetime of good luck caught up with me and I’ve had several serious sports related injuries.
This was a stark reminder that I’m grateful for my corporate health insurance. It’s not clear to me what the market will be like in a few years, but I’d hate for my nestegg to be drained due to an unexpected health issue coupled with some kind of insurance problem.
Due to this I’ve instead simply cut back. I’m working 80%, and not putting in the extra hours that a “career” person might. I’m not only not gunning for promotions, I’m actively avoiding them!
I’m curious what your experience has been with health insurance, being presumably too young to qualify for medicare, and no longer covered by a company policy?
Phr3dly says
And I just found your post here:
https://esimoney.com/picking-right-early-retirement-health-insurance-reviewing-options/
Thanks for that! I’m reading it now…
Steveark says
I retired a year and a half ago at 60. But our choices have been very different. I don’t enjoy home projects and don’t want rentals. I have stock and bond investments more than I need to live off of but have found that working a day or two a week I can make almost exactly what we spend so our nest egg keeps growing untouched. The work also provides free travel and expense account dining, all the electronic toys and social contract with business leaders and political people I enjoy. In addition to four paid side gigs I have seven volunteer ones. While you hate fixed scheduled appointments I like the structure they provide. While you exercise at a gym, my wife and I endurance run with others and play competitive tennis almost every day. But we travel like you and we enjoy our life like you, and that’s what really matters! Our kids are all grown and on their own but we still manage to see them.
ESI says
Sounds awesome!!!
Yes, we all have to do what works for us — there’s no one-size-fits-all retirement. Do what works for you and the rest takes care of itself!
Jeff B. says
1,100 Days until I can retire. Not that I am counting….
ESI says
Maybe I should start a “Reader Retirement” series… 馃槈
Carlos says
Thank you for sharing your story with us and congratulation on highest NW ever. I really enjoy reading how the other half lives. It’s encouraging and fun.
I really get lots of ideas of what our life could be like when I retire young … a few years from now … still working on those plans.
Keep up the good work. Seems that everything you’re doing is working.
Gabby says
I found you through an article on flipboard! I so admire that you seem so disciplined in multiple aspects of life. Is this something that comes naturally to you? How do you maintain motivation and productivity?
ESI says
Yes, discipline does come naturally to me.
My wife actually told someone the other day that I was “the most disciplined person she’s ever known.” I took it as a compliment. 馃槈
It was a great asset in both my career as well as in my finances.
Lance says
Sounds like you’re really keeping busy and enjoying life! Congrats!
There are a lot of good colleges in Virginia. Both my wife and I went to different school there 馃檪
Destin is an awesome place to visit. If you haven’t, make sure you check out 30A while you’re there. My wife loves the restaurant Red Bar. Personally, I like Pompano Joe’s in Destin for their Carribbean Taco Salad. Sooooo good. We live just a short drive away in Panama City Beach, so we’re normally over there a few times a year.
JayCeezy says
Amazing life you have carved out for yourself, and your family!
The point that sticks out to me, is how you have found yourself with a surplus of social opportunities (lunch, coffee, etc.), but have made the decision to pare down interactions you find unrewarding. Very smart, ‘guard your time’ technique. Those people obviously like you, and wish to stay in touch with you. Speaks quite well of you, that they think spending time socially with you is valuable.
Jeff B. says
My target retirement date is August 2020.
Cody @ Dollar Habits says
Congratulations on the one year mark, ESI. Your retired life sounds amazing and is really inspirational. It’s great to read about how wonderful life can be once full-time work is a thing of the past. Also, congratulations on all your success with the blog. It is so well-deserved.
Jason says
Sounds like everything is going well. It will be really interesting when the kids are out of the house. It makes me wish I had kids earlier in life (as I am approaching FI in a few years) but we are wanting them in our 40s. Congrats again!
Carl @ MoneyMow says
Big congratulations on super cool progress in life and on the blog! 馃檪
… and thanks for mentioning the study on the fastest growing blogs. Highly appreciated!
Onwards,
Carl
Dave says
Good read thanks for sharing. I’ve actually just retired at 46 and I’m writing this from the beach in Gili Air Lombok Indo.
I prefer to think myself semi-retired at this stage as I’m still on gardening leave 馃槈 from my corporate gig which ends on the 18th. Then 12months++ travel and looking for a few interesting investments to add to my portfolio.
Look forward to reading more of your blog. Dave
Oliver @ Appreneurinvestor.com says
I’m pleased to know that you’re a happy retiree, especially the fact that your finances and your family are doing well. You could have retired earlier, but I also believe in perfect timing and you got rewarded at a time destiny has planned for you. Congratulations!
Amy @ Life Zemplified says
Congrats on the one year of freedom thus far! And the #1 spot on the fastest growing personal finance blog list!
Loving your focus on nutrition as well as your fitness for greater health. Nice!
Do you recommend the Google SEO book for bloggers?
The “Help A Reader” addition sounds great. Should be interesting!
Thanks for sharing ESI
ESI says
I would say the book is “ok”. It was handy and helped fill up time on a flight, but it’s suggestions aren’t as simple as I had hoped.
Amy @ Life Zemplified says
Thanks
Victoria Michalczyk says
I am curious why you are defunding all of your Lending Club funds.
ESI says
Check this out for details:
https://esimoney.com/im-done-lending-club/