Did anyone else think that January went by in a flash?? To be honest, the first 2 weeks were a jet lagged blur for me so maybe that's why! 😄
Even when work was challenging last month, I kept focused on my goals and have been quietly working on them. So I thought I'd share what I've done so far. I've also made a list on the side bar to help me stay focused on them.
1. Create a retirement plan to retire from teaching in 2021
I've shared my plans with a few people and so far no one has laughed or said my ideas are ridiculous. So I'm encouraged by that. I've booked myself onto a few local seminars about setting up a business and hopefully will be able join some groups with like minded folks.
2. Turn the extended part of my house into an Air B and B
I've been talking to some of my friends who have stayed in Air BnBs and asking them what they liked and didn't like. So I'm making notes all the time about what works.
3. Save, save, save
I stuck to my budget and managed to save half of my January salary and paid off my credit card bill in full. I've made a few on going monthly savings too.
4. Reclaim my back garden
Sadly losing one of my chickens this month has made me decide I'm not going to keep chickens any more. I'm going to tidy up the enclosed run and confine Penny and Tuppence. I'm planning to buy some chicken enrichment toys. Then I can start thinking about re planting the garden.
5. Stay fit and healthy
Big fail on this one as I haven't been to the gym once! But I have eaten healthily. Must try harder this month.
6. Grow more fruit and vegetables
I've been looking through the seed catalogues and planing my garden and allotment. I've not bought anything, yet! Sarah Raven has a 10% discount (or 15% for new customers) that ends today so I might put in an order tonight.
7. Work harder to reduce my environmental impact
I've made one big significant change that I hope will contribute but that deserves a post of it's own.
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A few people have said to me that they'd love to retire early. When I challenged them on why they thought they couldn't, they didn't have an answer. But I know they're thinking about it now!
I managed to retire at 62, which was 2 years later than I expected to and 4 years before the goverment pension pays out. We have made changes, some of them natural ones now we do not work, we find the cost of living is cheaper once you stop work, we only full our car once a month and now only run one car. It can be done, like you we planned years in advance.
ReplyDeleteYep, it's all in the planning. And now that it's just me making all the decisions it somehow feels easier. No compromises :-)
DeleteGood luck with all your goals with your hard work and determination, I know you will achieve everthing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I feel like I've finally realised exactly what I want and what I need to do get it :-)
DeleteGood luck with your goals, they've inspired me to start thinking and planning for my retirement.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've got a few of my good friends also giving serious thought to what they want from their retirement :-)
DeleteIts good that you now know what you want. You're not really 'retiring' as such, just from teaching! I think your business plan sounds great and living where you do, near tourist areas, should stand you in good stead. I realised at the weekend that I've already hit two of my goals for this year! One was out of my hands other than to encourage my husband to get started on it! The other I gave myself a good talking to and just got on with it. I now have one very tidy half of an attic! Just the other half to do now and the charity shop will be full of 'stuff'! Keep on keeping on, you'll do it, Im sure! x
ReplyDeleteGood point. I think I'll amend my goal to reflect that I'm 'retiring from teaching'
DeleteWell done on hitting 2 goals already!! xxx