I 'retired' from the University a little over a year ago because I was fed up with the BS and with not being appreciated. Now I get state retirement and elected to continue with their health insurance. The state insurance is a good one that covers health, vision, and dental, so I can't complain. However, it takes up more than half my retirement check and just went up another $50 this year. Now, I'm working part-time for the Humane Society and taking classes part-time. Fortunately, I have a tuition waiver (as a retiree of the University) that covers about 90% of my tuition. I had to take a leave of absence for the rest of this semester because I couldn't keep up with two classes after my Mom died, so I am using the time to learn more about coaching and information research. I'm hoping that by fall when classes start again, I can have my businesses up and running and can quit my other job. If that doesn't work out, I'll just keep my 'day job' and keep taking classes.

I didn't plan very well for retirement financially. My savings aren't much at the moment, but I'm positive that working for myself will pay off in the long run. I'm just keeping a positive outlook and visioning a great future for myself.