I read your articles each week. I find that the ones focussed on finance are most informative, whereas the ones focussed on lifestyle are of limited benefit.
For example, I notice that in this week’s article on retirement expenses you refer to the epic stage of retirement as one where travel & fun take centre stage.
In our case the centre stage is minding our grandchildren three days per week, and caring for / visiting my wife’s frail, elderly mother two to three days per week. These activities are born of broader family necessity. While rewarding, they are time consuming and quite exhausting.
As far as hobbies go, our main one is visiting doctors, specialists, pathology & radiology, and allied health. Although we have been proactive throughout our lives in leading healthy lifestyles, it is no guarantee of good health in later years.
We don’t have to concern ourselves with excessive discretionary expenditure, as out of pocket medical costs are high.
Don’t despair though, no other columnists mention care responsibilities for the broader family.
Having spent my career managing scientific research budgets I take a similar approach. If all funds not spent or unexpected costs come up, will re-allocate or roll over at the end of the year.
Hi Bec,
I read your articles each week. I find that the ones focussed on finance are most informative, whereas the ones focussed on lifestyle are of limited benefit.
For example, I notice that in this week’s article on retirement expenses you refer to the epic stage of retirement as one where travel & fun take centre stage.
In our case the centre stage is minding our grandchildren three days per week, and caring for / visiting my wife’s frail, elderly mother two to three days per week. These activities are born of broader family necessity. While rewarding, they are time consuming and quite exhausting.
As far as hobbies go, our main one is visiting doctors, specialists, pathology & radiology, and allied health. Although we have been proactive throughout our lives in leading healthy lifestyles, it is no guarantee of good health in later years.
We don’t have to concern ourselves with excessive discretionary expenditure, as out of pocket medical costs are high.
Don’t despair though, no other columnists mention care responsibilities for the broader family.
Best wishes, Colin
I too love your financial talk, I would love to know more about single income couples approaching retirement when the worker has 5x the non worker.
Having spent my career managing scientific research budgets I take a similar approach. If all funds not spent or unexpected costs come up, will re-allocate or roll over at the end of the year.