There was a brief period before I retired when I began collecting Social Security, while at the same time continuing to work. All legal and above-board, for I had reached the age where I could collect an unreduced benefit. I just wanted to start the one before letting go of the other, to make sure it was up and running properly for a month or two, and only then packing it in.
Normally, my ceiling for impulse purchases was pretty low, left over from when I didn't have a job or any other consistent source of income. After being given my unconditional release in 2008, there was severance and for a while, there was unemployment insurance, but after a couple of years without full-time employment, I felt as though I couldn't afford to spend a nickel more than absolutely necessary.
But I got a job and saved my money, and eventually I understood that it was time to go. It was really nice, though, those months of double-dipping. I remember a steak dinner for PG's birthday, including appetizer and dessert, and I just handed over the Visa and tipped generously without a second thought for the cost. That will no longer be the case. No more lawn service; in spring I take over that job once more. Always have been careful with money, and especially so now, since there won't be any more employment income. Maybe I'll find a steak marked down for quick sale and grill it at home for her next birthday.
No comments:
Post a Comment