What I did and didn’t do.

My name is Jim. I live in a small town in Illinois. I am sharing my story of how I retired in July 2024 at 55 years old. I worked shift work in an industrial plant for nearly 26 years. I offer no financial advice but want to use my channel to glorify The Lord and give hope and encouragement. Several TH-cam channels helped me prepare for retirement and I am hoping I can help you. I am just sharing my experiences, thoughts, and observations. Maybe you are closer to retirement than you think.
Oh, and I am also an outdoor cook so there will be some food and cooking videos too!
Thanks for subscribing, sharing, and liking. #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #RandomThoughts #Griddle #Blackstone #PelletGrill #Treager

[@jimrinard1969]

For some reason this video repeats after the 5:07 mark. I thought I had edited this video correctly but apparently not. I guess I should always watch before I post.

[@stevemaggs6781]

Jim, my wife and I did much the same as you. Never had any debt, other than our home's mortgage. Kept cars for a number of years (typically 15 or more) until they needed replacement. Spent wisely, but not frugally. Maintained our "starter" home, bought in 1979, which is now our "forever" home, LOL! Having to care for my mother and father-in-law, plus my dad for many years, it limited extensive vacations. I did what I could for our children by installing a nice pool, short trips/vacations, etc. Saved and invested religiously, although helping put 3 kids through college dented our savings somewhat.
I'm 70, but retired at 56. Since retirement, we've had two luxury purchases. At 65, I surprised my wife with a luxury vacation in Europe. She had always wanted to visit Italy, but because of some physical issues, couldn't. The Romans didn't believe in handicap accessibility when they were building things, LOL! We settled on a Rhine River cruise, and it was wonderful! Also, after saving for 10 years into retirement, I purchased a luxury station wagon, which improved our car safety and comfort, while also making it easier for me to transport her wheelchair, when needed.
For my wife and I, there was no magic to early retirement. Just a lifetime of saving, investing and watching our expenses, while living the life we liked to live. Yes, I had a decent job, in terms of salary, but it came with stress that impacted my health. I grew up poverty-level poor, and saw my dad work hard all of his life, continually struggling, living week-to-week on his small paycheck. Then, when he was physically broken, due to his factory job, he settled into a retired life at 62, with a very meager/fixed pension and greatly reduced SS benefits, while he waited until the age of 65 to receive Medicare benefits. The life lesson my dad taught me was, if/where possible, to take control of my retirement years by doing what I could, while working, to plan ahead.

[@jimrinard1969]

I believe many people miss the importance of consistent saving and living within your means. Congratulations and thank you for watching and for your comment.

[@bobgraham6563]

You did it right Jim!! Funny about cars. I had a Honda Civic with no air conditioning for 24 years. That is 20 years without a car payment and low car insurance. I think one of the most important things is your spouse has to be on the same page. Yes, enjoy life because nothing is guaranteed but always keep an eye on the long term because you blink your eyes and all the sudden you’re retiring!! Good luck getting to 1000 subscribers!!

[@jimrinard1969]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it. I have the one video nearing 150,000 views which has really caused my channel to grow so quickly.

[@stevemaggs6781]

IMO, the best car to have is the one that's paid off! I hold onto my cars, typically, for 15+ years.

[@Brad1237202]

Thank you Jim for this video! Can you give us the history on your previous job? I am an HVAC technician, 60 years old, worked two jobs since I was 22 years old, and have worked rotating shifts for years.

[@jimrinard1969]

I’ll add that to my list. I’ve had three different “paycheck” jobs but I’ll make a video talking about each one.

[@MrOsasco]

Hi. Can you make a video describing the items that people commonly forget to put in the budget? Thank you.

[@jimrinard1969]

@@MrOsasco I will add this to my list! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@MrOsasco]

And you worked for a place with pension. How is the pension corrected for inflation. Thank you, Jim.

[@jimrinard1969]

My pension has already been paid out as a lump sum

[@MrOsasco]

@jimrinard1969 yes. You've said that. My memory is ready to retire

[@rayanderson3164]

Every check for 27 years. Good or bad markets. Boring but effective.

[@jimrinard1969]

@@rayanderson3164 very boring yes