My Unconvential Retirement

I love my retirement! I have been retired since 2005. Shortly after my 60th birthday, I discovered I was eligible to receive survivors' benefits from my long-diseased husband's social security. I went to check on this at my local Oregon City, Ore., Social Security office and was able to immediately began receiving monthly benefits.

Just about this same time, it became necessary to move from my current residence. I knew I wasn't interested in buying another home again, so I began thinking and planning a way I could retire and live entirely on the survivor's benefits I would be receiving.

Since I had been self employed for many years, I really hadn't done much saving for retirement other than contributing to my own social security fund and I did have about $20,000.00 in savings from the sale of a former business.

After much consideration, I came up with a plan that would allow me to have a small, comfortable place to live, virtually rent free. I used part of my savings and bought a large 5th wheel recreational vehicle. A friend offered to let me park it on some acreage she owned, allowing me to have a 'home base' where I could live very economically and comfortably and completely within my means.

I have been living in my little home for almost 6 years now and I truly love it! I have a private, serene, setting in the woods with a tiny, flower garden overlooking a beautiful canyon. I am totally happy and at peace and live simply but very comfortably. I am near my children and grandchildren and travel whenever I want without worrying about the upkeep of a large home and garden.

I have been a registered nurse (RN) for many years and owned several businesses throughout my career. I've worked as a contract nurse and nurse consultant and was self-employed during most of my working years. My monthly income ranged between $3,000 to $10,000 over the years, which afforded me a lifestyle that was comfortable. I could do pretty much what I wanted to do.

Since retirement, I still seem to be able to do much of what I always did but I have cut back on many expenses, and the things I enjoy doing usually are quite economical. I'm still able to travel frequently, which I enjoy.

I've arranged my life to have only the most basic expenses. I have satellite TV, but just the basic service. I have only a cell phone, no home phone and I have a wireless pc card through my cell company for internet service. I have 'bundled' my car insurance with my daughter's vehicles so only pay about $60.00 a month. My health insurance is Medicare with a secondary health and drug benefit that doesn't cost me anything. My monthly social security is approximately $1500.00. All my bills come to about $500.00 not including food and entertainment. I have no credit cards and no debt.

To supplement my income, I write articles for Associated Content and do some very part time contract nursing work. These jobs usually add around another $500.00 a month to my income and I am free to adjust this to whatever additional I may need at any time.

I live simply but well. My home is small, just perfect for myself and my little dog. Many of my friends have said they envy my economical living situation and comfortable little home. I am very content and able to do whatever I want, and don't feel that I am missing out on anything. I feel that I have made a very good decision about my retirement.