Is your TV retirement what you expected?

[Count'n the days]

I'm not only counting the days, but I'm trying to plan everything about our new life in retirement. This helps me pass the time until we actually reach our goal - hopefully by December.

I would like to hear from those of you who have been in my shoes in the planning stage. What things are as you expected and what has surprised you? Have you been able to reach your goals? Have you taken up unexpected hobbies? Stayed in contact with friends and family? Stayed within your planned retirement budget? Happy with your home selection?

Please think back and let me know what's worked as planned and what hasn't.

Thanks.

[Skip2MySue]

I'm not only counting the days, but I'm trying to plan everything about our new life in retirement. This helps me pass the time until we actually reach our goal - hopefully by December.

I would like to hear from those of you who have been in my shoes in the planning stage. What things are as you expected and what has surprised you? Have you been able to reach your goals? Have you taken up unexpected hobbies? Stayed in contact with friends and family? Stayed within your planned retirement budget? Happy with your home selection?

Please think back and let me know what's worked as planned and what hasn't.

Thanks.

Retired in Jan. and became a Frog. Previously we were Snowflakes. Pinch myself every day and can't believe I've reached this point in my life where everyday is a GREAT day. New home, new friends, took up golf and have more activities day to day then I even knew existed. I give you my personal guarantee that you won't be disappointed. December can't get here soon enough!!!!!!!!:2excited:
Skip 2

[JimPete]

We retired less than a month ago so we are just getting into the swing of things. For the first two weeks we felt more like we were on vacation and still had to go back to the grind at any time. Neither of us really miss the work because we have more than enough to do now with the house and play time. We don't really miss friends and family, we keep in touch by cell phone on a regular basis.

The house? Oh yeah, we like it better now than when we picked it out. Great house, good neighbors.

Even though I worked for years on our retirement plans the lack of a regular paycheck has at times played on my mind especially with all the one time expenses that come from moving. But, I keep checking the figures and the computer still says we are ok. I guess it is just being human.

Jim

[momesu]

Retirement is wonderful.....do I have as much money as I would like...no...but I didn't when I worked either....one can always use more money! I just learn to live within my means and try not to worry about keeping up with the Jone's. Life is still good and everyday brings new adventures....today's adventure is my first tropical storm in FL.......good thing I move lots of good books I didn;t have time to read while I was working.

[buggyone]

Yes, retirement in The Villages is wonderful. We moved here almost 3 years ago. Bought a Lantana home in Glenbrook on a championship course. The house could not be more perfect. Met some great friends through the Gourmet Club and with the St. Charles Club. Have more good friends here than when we were in our previous life. Yes, we do stay in contact with them and have even hosted some down here.

Money is no problem. State income tax is no longer a thought. Inexpensive dining out and happy hours with very good food. No mortgage anymore.

I love playing golf on the Executive courses and my wife has taken up both bowling and golf.

I have even met friends on Talk of the Villages where we are the opposites on the political side. Great guys in person.

You will love it.

[CMANN]

I'm not only counting the days, but I'm trying to plan everything about our new life in retirement. This helps me pass the time until we actually reach our goal - hopefully by December.

I would like to hear from those of you who have been in my shoes in the planning stage. What things are as you expected and what has surprised you? Have you been able to reach your goals? Have you taken up unexpected hobbies? Stayed in contact with friends and family? Stayed within your planned retirement budget? Happy with your home selection?

Please think back and let me know what's worked as planned and what hasn't.

Thanks.

Much better than expected

[Joaniesmom]

Just want to thank you for asking this great question. We're in exactly the same situation, but moving down in September. Like you, we're counting the days. But again. Great question!!

[graciegirl]

Retired completely in October. It is so wonderful. I have dreamed for years of having my sweet husband with time to enjoy all of the wonderful things to do here. He so deserves this. I am so lucky and blessed.

[2 Oldcrabs]

Retired Nov 2004. Miss the Monday morning commute and the B.S. "Team Meetings". I did not realize in retirement, EVERY day is Saturday. The one thing I miss from DE is waving to my neighbor every morning as he went to work. I guess I will get over it.:pepper2:

[asianthree]

Still waiting to take the leap some days we are ready some not so much

[retiredcfo]

What is a Frog??? Thanks.
Bought our place the end of Feb and was only able to stay a few weeks before we headed back up north. Loved the time we spent there and do not regret buying a place in TV. We looked at several other 55+ communities and found TV offered more. Looking forward to coming back in the fall. Retired in 2010 and love it. The best thing I ever did. Do not miss the rat race at all.

[keithwand]

Retired in 2002 and moved to Orlando in 2004.
June 6th 2012 we closed on our TV home and moved in 1 week later.
Busy unpacking but have met so many nice people already and great neighbors.
We feel "official" now; we got our lampost sign with ours and our dogs names.

[Pturner]

What is a Frog??? Thanks.
Bought our place the end of Feb and was only able to stay a few weeks before we headed back up north. Loved the time we spent there and do not regret buying a place in TV. We looked at several other 55+ communities and found TV offered more. Looking forward to coming back in the fall. Retired in 2010 and love it. The best thing I ever did. Do not miss the rat race at all.

Hi retiredcfo,
Frogs are here 'til they croak. We haven't retired yet but are planning, planning, planning.

Every time we are in TV it gets harder and harder to leave. Can't wait til I'm a frog.

[mac9]

Retired 08/06 and have not regretted a moment of it. No more pressure...sleep as late as I want (or not)...play golf whenever I want. Been in TV since 06 and am still loving it!:BigApplause:

[Kitria]

The only thing that we found was that there wasn't enough hours in the day to do everything we waned to do. We found we were way to too busy when we arrived..and had to slim back in order to breath. *chuckles* My husband spent 5 years planning and replanning our money. I guess it was worth his time, for we still are able to do everything we want to do..and then some.

[eweissenbach]

I retired in '08, but continue to work for my kid's business a couple days a week when I am home, just to have something to do. We spent two months in TV this year and will spend Feb and Mar. next year, and when there we go 100 miles an hour, trying to get everything in. I am different from many retirees, in that I treat it like my third career. My first as a teacher/coach, the second in financial services management, and now - retirement. I still get up at about 6 am, shower, get dressed, and have breakfast before 7:30. I try to have a rough plan for the day on days I am home, what I want to get done, not a detailed plan (I'm not THAT anal). I do live on a lake with a large lot and lots of maintenence of property, boats, etc. I also have my home on the market so have to keep things relatively spiffy. It has been a conscious effort to keep from feeling aimless, and it has worked for me.

[Count'n the days]

Thanks for all your replies. I'm more excited than ever to make the big move!

[kentucky blue]

I'm not only counting the days, but I'm trying to plan everything about our new life in retirement. This helps me pass the time until we actually reach our goal - hopefully by December.

I would like to hear from those of you who have been in my shoes in the planning stage. What things are as you expected and what has surprised you? Have you been able to reach your goals? Have you taken up unexpected hobbies? Stayed in contact with friends and family? Stayed within your planned retirement budget? Happy with your home selection?

Please think back and let me know what's worked as planned and what hasn't.

Thanks.

I'm a contrarian when it comes to retirement.I love TV and all it has to offer,it is truly Disney World for adults,and i have a terrific time every moment i'm here in paradise.But i don't want to retire, not now not ever,i love running my own company,in a city that is thriving,and friendships i've had since college.I enjoy giving to others and providing for family and friends,it's better to give than receive. I respect all of you who have come to TV and are at peace with your decision to enjoy the next phase of your life.There is no place in this country where active retired adults can enjoy life more than in TV.I'm very fortunate to be in love with my best friend,and i know she wants me to be in TV on a permanent basis,but retirement just doesn't work for me,"i still have miles to go before i sleep."

[Avista]

I'm a contrarian when it comes to retirement.I love TV and all it has to offer,it is truly Disney World for adults,and i have a terrific time every moment i'm here in paradise.But i don't want to retire, not now not ever,i love running my own company,in a city that is thriving,and friendships i've had since college.I enjoy giving to others and providing for family and friends,it's better to give than receive. I respect all of you who have come to TV and are at peace with your decision to enjoy the next phase of your life.There is no place in this country where active retired adults can enjoy life more than in TV.I'm very fortunate to be in love with my best friend,and i know she wants me to be in TV on a permanent basis,but retirement just doesn't work for me,"i still have miles to go before i sleep."

Not slleping here in The Villages. Far from it!

[BarryRX]

I have been a frog for 7 months now, and love every minute of it. Like many others I have actually had to cut down on some activities because I was so busy that it was starting to seem like work instead of play. Because I am outside playing all day (clubs, golfing, swimming, etc.) that when we get a stretch of bad weather for a few days I get a little cabin fever. I also volunteer at the hospital one day a week. The interactions are very rewarding and the fact that I have to get out of bed and be somewhere specific helps to remind me how special the rest of the week is when I'm my own boss. After 57 years of school and/or work, I did have to relearn some of the joys of life.....naps, sleeping late, taking time for the sunsets, etc. Now, I wonder how I ever had time to have a job!

[JohnN]

TV is great.. make whatever you want of it.
We bought a patio villa in 2008 and were seasonal (not snowbirds, but hit or miss) while our kids were in college. Great neighborhood, great people, TV is safe, affordable and clean. Tons of things to do.

Now, in March, we bought our permanent home, a 3BR courtyard villa, and again, great neighbors and area. We love it here.

If I were to give a suggestion, it's be careful where and what you buy. TV has so many options, but there are traffic patterns, orientation (the west can be a killer, I prefer shade), and privacy (we like the Courtyard villa, private when we want it).

best wishes.