I have been neglecting my blog lately. In fact, I've been neglecting everyone's blogs, so now I'm playing catch up on the lives of everyone else I follow.
I'll try to do better. But I'm now seeing why we have children in our pre-age fifty years--cuz parenting at 63 is downright exhausting! Plus I'm remembering what it was that I hated about coordinating childcare, school activities, doctor's appointments, IEP meetings and the like. Is it me, or do all school deliberately schedule in-service days and late starts just to make childcare impossible? There was a time when I grumbled about this constantly, but I haven't had to think about it for the past decade.
Bear with me, and I'll work on limiting the whines.
In the meantime, February went OK financially, especially given that various insurance and tax payments came due. I reduced my overall indebtedness by $989.00.
Also, there's good news on the retirement front. Not only are my 401K and 403B funds at an all time high but my employer is reinstating the 1.5% reduction in retirement contributions that our union agreed to in order to preserve jobs last year. My agency is affected by sequestration, but not to the extent we originally thought.
I promise to be better about posting--have you heard this before from me?
To quote my newest son--"But this time, I really mean it."
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13 comments:
"parenting at 63 is downright exhausting" - I agree! My three are teenagers, but it's still a LOT of work to keep up with them and their requirements/needs/wants. Expensive, too.
My favorite quote though is: "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank, but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in a child's life."
It doesn't pay the bills, but it helps and keeps me going.
One really nice thing about our town is there are a small handful of providers that for $20-$40/day depending on which thing are open on in-service days. DC1 is currently doing the one at the museum. There's also one at the gymnastics place and one at the tumbling place.
I have two years left with my teens before they head off to college and I'm EXHAUSTED. AND I'm about 10 years younger than you. How do you do it? :)!
Glad to hear from you! I've missed your posts!
@ Laura: I completely agree! My youngest will be 21 when I am 63, but I'll need to work until age 68 to keep her insured. But one of my daughter's is a lot like Grace's: adopted older via foster care. I worry very much about her baby (and the one on the way). I'll be 73 when the new little one graduates from high school, which is, I think, about where you'll be, right, Grace?
I'm not sure I have the energy for that, but I'm thinking it may be necessary.
DeeDee
www.KidNeedsAKidney.blogspot.com
One thing I have to say, Grace, after following your blog for some time is that you will find a way to handle this latest challenge. You are an inspiration to all of us financial bloggers in that you soldier on and don't let roadblocks stand in your way. I always look forward to your posts and send you good wishes for success in this latest challenge!
Good to hear you are alive and kicking.
Remember that if you retire in the next few years- your new son will be eligible for SS as well up to age 18 or when he graduates from high school!
I so admire you.
Good to hear from you Grace. I'm sure long-time readers understand why your posts aren't as frequent. I'm just glad you peek in from time to time.
I'm glad things are going well with your finances and your son. Continued good luck!
Kids are exhausting at any age, but as a grandmother and single parent you are truly an angel in this boy's life! I don't know if I could do it! I can believe you're tired all of the time - I know when I get exhausted my blog writing is the first thing that falls by the wayside! Glad to see you back!
i'm not a financial blogger, but I echo Juliane. Your determination, courage and creative coping are an inspiration. I fall prey to neglecting my own and others blogs, too.
But we all do what we can and understand that life's challenges often simply require investments of time along with lots of other resources.
Laura's quote is so true and so you.
Don't worry about doing better. You are doing great! You have a lot on your plate and still managed to reduce debt.
I didn't start blogging til I retired. You are NOT retired and have courageously and lovingly reentered the parenting whirlwind. I saw your post as a welcomed update. I posted a month or so ago about a fast from complaining.
The subsequent comments made me think about what constitutes complaining. There are whines. Then there is the stating of fact to friends who provide moral support and wish you well in your challenges.
Just want you to know that you are missed! I suspect you are looking very forward to the end of the school year.
I just discovered your blog and love it. I hope you'll be able to post more--but I still have a bit left to read.
Thanks.
Great article! I wanted to point out a recent blog post about the potential financial benefits for seniors of installing solar. Creates income, avoids utility expenses and hedges against future increases in utility rates. Avoided costs are always tax free, which is nice! Check it out here http://blog.energysage.com/2013/06/
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