Northeast Gardening: Money Matters - Part 8, 1 by dogwalker

dogwalker wrote:
There are soooo many things that effect us that we have no control over, and believe me I've had my share this year.
Last November after 39 years I lost my job - shock #1
Because of my age (64) and health concerns I had little or no chance of getting another job. The good thing was that I was given 39 weeks of continuence pay.
Now that it has ended health care cost are $600 a month instead of $150.
My company offered a retirement advisor to people who were retiring. Because I left before retirement I wasn't offered or even knew that there was this assistence.
I did all my retirement choices and paperwork by myself.
The day after I "retired" on Aug 8th, I signed up to have my 401K rolled over to an annuity in the morning. By 4PM the market had dropped over 500 points and I lost 20% of everything I saved for 35 years.
Because of not knowing the proper way to file for retirement I have to wait 2 months for any money.
But you know what? I ain't gonna let it get me down.
I started volunteering at a local hospital doing patient transportation. Its not always easy, but I love every moment. I love the people I work with, I love the patients I come in contact with.
My garden has never looked better, I have re-entered my collecting of wines. And I might take up fishing again after 40 years.
Darn, but life can be good if we let it.
Chuck