Final Retirement Countdown

     

Photo courtesy of Pexel.com

     This is my last formal week of work.  Next week and through April 8th, I'm technically still employed, but I'll be disconnected from all systems likely the 7th. The week of the 31st is just final knowledge transfer, random booked time, but using yet more vacation. For myself, I have to make sure I can get into all systems for retirement after Monday the 7th setting up messaging to go to my personal "work" email. The list of must do's and questions to be answered with clarity is growing. 

• Final written directions for processes I've been doing, recording actionable demonstrations as relevant 
• Changing my automatic reply again- it already was changed a month ago to direct more to my replacement or the appropriate shared mail boxes 
• Setting up the return of my computer gear, chair, and sit stand desk top
• Setting up for paying medical insurance premiums, starting before May 1
• Verifying steps to get my allowed vacation and sick accrual converted to my HSA
• Knowing how to get HSA reimbursement as getting timely reimbursement is critical
• Final draw down on my medical flex account, calculating exactly what will be there after last paycheck and not over or under request 
• Updating once again my cash flow budget to defer any retirement withdrawal longer in hopes my accounts rebound
• Coordinate moving or at least timing my current deferred comp account with the already consolidated accounts

     Thursday is a very low key retirement get together at Malcom Yards in Minneapolis. We did a low key baby shower there too. I could have done without any fan fare, this not being the retirement celebration I ever envisioned. But, and I guess I do feel honored, my boss and colleagues and many others that I've worked with over 38 years in early childhood education and policy insisted on something. This expanded happy hour was the compromise. If you're ever in Minneapolis, it's a fun  place to gather.

     

     I am on a lot of groups for planning retirement. Many, too many, report being bored. My sister's are awesome examples of that, though I think late summer to early fall are excluded. That had been a worry for me. As I eased into it a bit with four day weekends in March, I'm less and less concerned about boredom, while more concerned about financials. As you all know though, I've got some plans to mitigate that. 

     

     My weekend get away was good. We found a couple new places, was wineries, distilleries, and tasting rooms, worth a day trip ( as we would have had to stay over), but also had uninterrupted sisters time. We found the dullest bar in America. We thought as it was a bowling alley, bar, and restaurant, plus bar area loaded with televisions, it would be fun for having a beer and March Madness games. While semi full, it was quiet. Really quiet-even from the bowling alley side as every pin could be heard, but no talking, laughing or general chatter. 

     Still, we had budget beers and a mediocre appetizer and my sister who was the driver could splurge since it was walking distance to hotel. The hotel was typical, clean, friendly staff, but also very quiet. We had more drinks, more basketball ( we all had brackets), and played cards before crashing. Sleeping in past 7:30 was unheard of for all of us, so felt good. We lingered over coffee, yogurt, fruit, and took a scenic drive back, stopping for lunch outside of town. All in all, the recharge I needed. I hope you all have a good week.