Cash Condensing aka Moving Money

Monday Check-In: Keep Moving In Retirement

 One thing I’m learning about retirement is that staying active doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention. That’s one of the reasons I decided to take on a 75 Soft challenge. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about building healthy habits that I can stick with for the long haul.

My goals are pretty simple:
• Drink 100 ounces of water every day.
• Walk for 45 minutes daily.
• Go to the gym three times a week.
• Stay within my calorie goal.
• Aim for 100 grams of protein each day.
• Practice getting up from the floor every evening. It may sound like an odd thing to practice, but staying strong and maintaining mobility could make a huge difference as we get older.

Here in Central Florida, the heat has been relentless. Summer is always hot, but this year feels especially intense. Because of that, we kept things pretty low-key this weekend. Sometimes retirement isn’t about packing every day with activities—sometimes it’s about taking care of the things that need to be done while staying cool.

Friday was my favorite day of the weekend because I got to spend it with my daughter. We made our usual trip to Costco, then headed to Home Depot and Lowe’s. I picked up new covers and cushions for our outdoor furniture since they’re all 50% off this time of year. If you’re willing to shop out of season, there are some great bargains to be found!

After running our errands, we spent the afternoon floating in the pool. It was the perfect way to escape the Florida heat and enjoy some quality time together.

The rest of the weekend was productive. I stayed home, worked on my eBay business, listed new items, and cleaned out older listings as I get ready for the busy third and fourth quarter selling season. Retirement has taught me that there is always something meaningful to work on, whether it’s building a side hustle, organizing the house, or simply investing in your health.

My biggest takeaway this week is this: Keep moving. Even if it’s too hot to hike, too rainy to garden, or you don’t feel like exercising, do something. Take a walk, spend time in the pool, go to the gym, stretch, or simply practice getting up from the floor. Those little things add up over time.

Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about creating a life where you can keep doing the things you love for as many years as possible. Every healthy choice we make today is an investment in tomorrow.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Stay hydrated, stay active, and remember that every small step counts. We don’t have to be perfect—we just have to keep moving.

Mid Week Check In

 

 Retirement has been anything but slow around here! Between working on my little eBay side hustle and tackling projects around the house, my days have been full. 

Every item I list and every sale that comes in reminds me that retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping—it can be a chance to build something that gives you purpose while bringing in a little extra income.

We’ve also been making steady progress on the house. So far we’ve put on a new roof, upgraded the drainfield, changed the exterior paint, and completely remodeled one bathroom. Another bathroom is next on the list, but we’re taking it one project at a time. I’ve learned that retirement isn’t a race. Sometimes the biggest accomplishments happen one small step at a time.

I’m also staying committed to taking better care of myself. I’ve been getting to the gym three mornings a week and trying to fit in a walk almost every day. The weight isn’t falling off overnight, but I’m feeling stronger, building healthier habits, and reminding myself that consistency is far more important than perfection.

Retirement is turning into a season of growth in so many ways—improving our home, improving my health, growing a small business, and learning to appreciate the journey instead of always focusing on the destination. If you’re in retirement too, I’d love to hear what you’re working toward right now. What’s one goal you’re making progress on this week?

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Cash Stuffing My Way to Being 1 Month Ahead in Retirement

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. 

A Little Orlando Day Trip

 Sometimes retirement looks a lot like an ordinary Tuesday… and honestly, those are often my favorite days.

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?

Still Figuring Out Retirement: A Life Update After a Year Away

 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