1-23-2024 11:14am

Longing for Retirement

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - LONGING FOR RETIREMENT

Do you ever find yourself longing for something better, something new, a shift in your perspective? Retirement? Me, too. Lately, I've been feeling anxious about starting a new chapter in my life. I will be graduating college soon. Yes, college. I went back during the pandemic. I'll have my bachelor's degree at 66 years old. It's never too late to fulfill your dreams. If I can do it, so can you. And my retirement is not too far in the distant future.

I've been working since I'm 16 years old. Like so many of you, I'm starting to plan my retirement. That means saving money and spending less. I want to retire without debt. I'm almost there. Less spending is a good idea if you're retiring soon.

So, what is this longing that can nag at us at this age? So many of us are still working, and some people may never be able to retire. It can feel like we've been working forever, and in a way, we have been. We've worked most of our life. We deserve to be able to retire and live the rest of our days in comfort. Our economy will steel that for so many people, but I'm determined to not let that happen to me. I will retire. It takes sacrifice, and it takes living within your means. It takes patience and a plan.

One of the best things we can do is maintain a budget. Each month, I write down my expenses, my paycheck dates, and my total income for that particular month. I factor in money for some fun, too, and I put some money in my savings account each paycheck. I also have a 403B through the college I work at, and it's growing. These deductions are taken right out of my paycheck. With the scams that seem to be everywhere these days, make sure to check your accounts a few times a week. It's also a good idea to get enrolled in the free credit protection agency, Experian. They will monitor your accounts and inform you of any suspicious activity. We must be diligent and watch our money or someone else may try to take it.

Having a budget ensures we don't run out of money. One of the worst things we can do is owe out more than we bring in each month. This is a death trap, and you'll never get ahead if this is the case. Maintaining a good budget is key. Spend wisely.

Longing for our retirement can make us anxious. But feeling anxious is because we're living in the future. I have to remind myself of that as well. If we can just stay in the moment and maintain a solid financial plan, the painful longing for a brighter future can diminish and allow us to enjoy each day as we're living it. We need to be persistent in our pursuit for retirement while practicing patience, diligence, and perseverance. Rome wasn't built in a day. We'll get there one way or another. It just takes saving for a rainy day.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, retirement can be a reality. We must plan for it and save some money each month. Before you know it, you'll have a good cushion for your retirement years. We deserve it.

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Help me to be patient as I long for a new chapter in my life. It will come at the right time. There is nothing I need to do except wait in silence as my plan unfolds. Amen.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - LONG BEACH BOARDWALK

Long Beach. The name conjures up images of sun, sand, surf and fun. This resort community, located on Long Island’s south shore, doesn’t disappoint as this “city by the sea” offers visitors, city dwellers, and residents a laid-back atmosphere with a small-town, welcoming attitude.

Long Beach is one of the older, more established communities on Long Island. Founded in 1880 when the first Long Beach Hotel was built, it continued to grow at a steady pace. The railroad arrived in 1882 promoting Long Beach as a resort community for vacationers and city dwellers. Long Beach became a city itself in 1922. With the ocean on one side and the bay on the other, Long Beach developed as a seaside community. It's a wonderful place to live and visit.

By the beach on the oceanfront there is a 2 ¼ mile long boardwalk that was built in 1914 with the help of some elephants. A section of the boardwalk is set aside as a bicycle lane, and the on-going interest in physical fitness has resulted in an increased use of the lighted boardwalk at night. The adjacent beach is a 3.5 mile stretch of pure white sand open to the public year round with daily and seasonal rates during the summer.

The boardwalk was severely damaged in Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but has been rebuilt and is more beautiful than ever before. When that nagging longing hits you, get out and walk along the Long Beach boardwalk. It will bring you such calm and peace.

For more information, call (516) 431-3890.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite boardwalk to walk along when longing overtakes you?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble next to the heart at the bottom of my newsletter. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - LONGING TO BELONG by EDDIE VEDDER

Lyrics

I'm falling harder than I've
Ever fell before
I'm falling fast while hoping
I'll land in your arms
'Cause all my time is spent here
Longing to belong
To you

I dream of circles perfect
Eyes within your face
My heart's an open wound that
Only you'd replace
And though the moon is rising
Can't put your picture down
Love can be frightening when you fall

And when the time is right, I
Hope that you'll respond
Like when the wind gets tired
The ocean becomes calm
I may be dreaming but I'm
Longing to belong
To you

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My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

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