Welcome back to Figuring Out Retirement
I am cash stuffing my sinking funds, working on my One Month Ahead Challenge. Retirement budgeting isn't about perfection. It's about making intentional choices, celebrating small wins, and building financial peace one envelope at a time.
I started the day with a drive to Orlando for a haircut and one very special delivery. This beautiful vintage ceramic Christmas tree was heading to its new home. I sold it to a friend, and while I always liked it, I never really loved it. You know how some things just sit around waiting for the right person? Well, that person finally came along. It was time to let it go and let someone else enjoy it.
After that, I met my daughter for lunch at Chipotle. We ordered two kids meals, and I have to say, that’s a lot of food for the money! The total came to just over $15, and part of that was because she added a side of queso. Rice, beans, protein, tortillas, and a drink… honestly, it’s one of my favorite budget-friendly lunch options. We both left full and happy.
Since I was already in Orlando, I decided to swing by the Russell Home thrift store. Unfortunately, I learned they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays. Oops! It turned into a quick drive-by instead of a shopping trip, but that’s okay. Not every adventure needs a thrift haul.
Of course, Florida decided to do what Florida does best and threw in a little afternoon rain shower.
Back home, dinner was simple. My husband had pancakes, and I made myself scrambled eggs. Nothing fancy, just easy and satisfying.
To finish off the day, we headed to Home Depot to look at exterior paint colors for the house. If you’ve ever stood in front of an entire wall of paint samples, you know exactly how overwhelming that can be! We looked at greens, blues, neutrals, and everything in between. We haven’t made a final decision yet, but we’re getting closer. I’ll definitely keep you posted on what we choose.
Retirement isn’t always big vacations and exciting adventures. Sometimes it’s lunch with your daughter, letting go of something you’ve had for years, dodging Florida rainstorms, and dreaming about a fresh coat of paint on the house.
And honestly?
That’s a pretty good day.
What about you? What’s one small thing you did today that made you smile?
t’s Been A While…
A year ago, I was writing regularly here on Figuring Out Retirement. Then life happened.
The funny thing about retirement is that you think you’ll have all the time in the world, and somehow your days still fill up.
Over the past year, some things have changed and some things have stayed exactly the same.
I’m still thrifting and treasure hunting whenever I can. There’s nothing quite like finding a hidden gem for a few dollars and turning it into a little profit. My Happy Girl Thrift adventures continue, and I still get excited every time something sells.
I’m still spending time with my family, cheering on my grandchildren, and enjoying the little moments that make life sweet.
Maggie and Booker are still keeping me company and reminding me who’s really in charge around here.
I’ve continued volunteering at the thrift store, which gets me out of the house, keeps me moving, and lets me spend time with some wonderful people. It’s hard work sometimes, but it’s good for the soul.
One of my biggest focuses this year has been my health. I’ve been working on losing weight, walking more, making better food choices, and learning that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Slow and steady turns out to be pretty powerful.
Financially, I’m still doing what I’ve always done—budgeting, saving, cash stuffing, and finding creative ways to make retirement work without spending a fortune. Retirement isn’t about being rich. It’s about creating a life you enjoy with the resources you have.
And perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that retirement isn’t a destination. It’s an ongoing process of figuring things out.
Some days I have everything planned. Other days I’m making it up as I go.
I think that’s true for most of us.
So if you’re still here after my long blogging break, thank you.
I’m hoping to spend more time sharing the everyday moments again—the thrift finds, the budgeting wins, the weight-loss journey, the cats, the family stories, and all the little adventures that come with this season of life.
After all, I’m still figuring out retirement.
And maybe you are too.
Thank you for stopping by.
Lisa
