No. of Recommendations: 10
My last day of work was January 31, 2023. At that time I was planning to go back to work as a contractor and had several offers. I ended up not taking any because I didn't want to work full time, nor do I need any benefits (i.e., prefer hourly pay) and also because I knew I'd be moving within a year. We moved in November and are fairly settled in and I'd like to find something part time and I'll see how that goes in the next couple of months. Not really holding my breath.
As far as investing goes most of my Fidelity account is earmarked for spending between now and when I turn 70 in another decade. It is largely invested in treasuries with some BRK and a few other stocks/funds. It also includes accounts I inherited from my father and I'm slowly taking the distributions out of the retirement accounts I inherited. I plan to keep the Roth money until near the end of the 10 year requirement but the IRA money I plan to move sooner while my income is lower and controllable.
My other account, still at TD and not yet moved to Schwab, is about 75/25 (stocks/treasuries). BRK is my biggest holding with Google up there and the typical indexes. I have another account that I've left with the government's TSP program and may move it latter due to some inflexibility with it. Right now I just consider it an emergency fund and hopefully won't need it except for medical facilities down the road.
I've reduced my bank accounts to two - Schwab and a credit union although I can also use Fidelity if needed. I had a WF account that I finally closed. Originally opened it 20+ years ago when I needed a bank in Arizona while doing some contracting work and kept it as my main account despite some issues with WF. When I was living in Scottsdale I was close to one WF bank that was exceptionally good. I think due to some serious wealthy people in the area (definitely not me!). WF is just painful to deal with and they have a lot of fraud issues they seem to deal with by putting a hold on every new transfer you try to do. And I could handle that IF they make it easy to call in or stop by the bank to verify your identity and it was legitimate but waiting on hold for 1 hr isn't acceptable. And going into a branch only to find out you can't simply show your ID and have the hold removed but instead they have to call the same number and wait forever as well. Good riddance for now.
Retirement is nice although honestly I'm bored although I've been bored much of my life so it might just be me. I miss the technical thinking of work but none of the other stuff. Currently I have my iMac and Linux/Windows computers running. Along with a couple of Raspberry Pis and will play with some stuff. I might set up my Ubiquity gear but the thought of running wiring in the house is not appealing right now. Not to mention having to change SSIDs/passwords for probably 20+ devices in the house.
All in all, I'd rather be 20 years younger and still working but unfortunately you can't stop time. Will hopefully set up one or two trips to Europe next year. One for the Christmas markets.
Happy Holidays
Rich
