Gosh, I can't believe this is still here!

First, thanks to Fiscal Fitness / Dido for figuring out how to change a password. I used that information to find my account and update my password. Usually I keep pretty good track of usernames and passwords, but - I haven't been here in quite a few years and I suppose I can forgive myself for not keeping track of them.

I see a lot of familiar names here, and I look forward to catching up.

Let's see. . . when we last met Daisy had graduated from high school, and was still living with us while working and attending college. She's a college grad with a "big girl job" (her & her friends description) - she's an auditor. Worked for a few years at a mid-size firm then took a job with the county. Lives on her own now, about 1-1/2 hours away, in an apartment with two cats.

Mr. H's business slowly decreased in size until it was not viable - that was Nov/Dec of 2023. He ended the contracts with his three remaining clients, but one asked him to stay on a bit longer and for that he was paid a substantial bonus. The client work was finished in August of 2024, and the business closed officially in October of 2024. At about the same time Mr. H discovered that he had several health problems, which meant actually going to doctors. (He'd been pretty much avoiding medical care for the entirety of our marriage, now at 30+ years.) He's had a few medical procedures between Jan of 2024 and now, and sees his doctors regularly. 

I have worked at temporary and part time jobs, off and on, interspersed with travel to help my mom who is now in her mid 80's and can't really be left alone. Mom lives with one of my sisters. I have also consistently done volunteer work since Daisy's HS graduation.

We are now in our early 60's. We were definitely at odds with how to pursue preparing for retirement. . . and that could be a whole series of posts, because I'm both annoyed and not surprised at where we are. Still, where we are is where we are. We are not in the worst shape of anyone ever - just listening to Dave Ramsey tells me that. Mr. H expected to go back to work after the business closed, and has applied for a few jobs but hasn't worked since October of 2024. We've kind of coasted through 2025 but I don't think we'll be able to do that in 2026.

I have a lot more I could & expect to say on various financial topics. Stay tuned.