Where are all the 50 year olds?

This year I am turning 50 and with this milestone has come a whole lot of self-reflection and a whole lot of questions. I assume that anyone around my age never thought when they were 20 that we would need to consider all these decisions so soon.  I know I didn’t and I always thought I was the ultimate planner, WRONG. Now that I have arrived I guess it’s time to research, get some advice (please feel free to comment), and put together a 5 year plan.

1. How many more years do I need to work?
   • How many more years do I want to work?
     • Five- I have worked fulltime since I was 14, I’m tired

2. Can I take money out of my retirement accounts without paying a penalty?
   • I am currently waiting on responses from providers
3. What do I love and want to pursue for the next 20 years?
   • My three tops things I love in life, Wine anything, Thrift Shopping, and sharing stories
     • Maybe my blog could become an income stream
     • Library and you tube here I come

4. Should we sell our house and take the equity to pay cash for a pre-built home on a piece of property?
   • Can we find an affordable property that is not in the middle of nowhere?
   • I live in the Pacific Northwest and property prices are currently out of control
     • There is actually a housing crisis with 500 people a day moving to the Portland Oregon area
     • This would indicate that now is NOT the time to buy property (question answered, re-evaluate in a year)

5. Since my husband is not ready to retire will I be bored out of my mind?
   • I believe that I could find plenty of things to do to keep myself busy
     • I have always wanted to transform pallets and wine barrels into usable furniture (pinterest has plenty of ideas) why not now
     • I love wine crafts, motivational and funny quotes, I could produce products for all my kindred wine friends (I know you’re out there)

6. How much money do I really need to live?
   • If I can eliminate my few credit cards and pay off the balance on my car in 2 years all that would remain is a house payment
   • Dave Ramsey I hear you talking to me

As I discover new information I will share it with you

photo credit given to davidfranklinstudioworks