Is RETIREMENT All That?

[@jeanc819]

I'm sold! This year, I figured I'd give myself a special birthday gift: freedom. That's why I've decided to quit my job on my birthday. Thank you for your videos.

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! That sounds like the best birthday gift ever! 😀

[@kathrynhoppers5737]

Congratulations! I retired on my birthday last month. Best birthday present ever!

[@r.joseph8911]

❤❤❤

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

@@jeanc819 love it. I am a proponent of early retirement

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

@@kathrynhoppers5737I did not make it to my birthday but I retired at the earliest moment possible and still keep my healthcare for life with the federal government

[@JIMDAVIS-z2h]

I retired 5 years ago at 57. Yes retirement IS all that !

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree!! 😃

[@carolinechronowski6080]

I love your introvert humor!! lol I feel the same way! I semi-retired in September 2024 at age 59.5. Now I work part-time. Your videos are so helpful! Especially with retirement investments. So important to stay healthy and enjoy life!

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome - thank you!! Yes, stay healthy and enjoy life! 😁

[@dianetoth5311]

You are so right! I just retired at the end of December, and I get a big smile on my face when I realize I am not just on holidays and I never have to go to work again. What a joyous feeling!

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay!! Congrats! 🎉 I agree it is a joyous feeling! 😀

[@Chris-hw2nx]

Your comments on the stress of work (trying to achieve unrealistic expectations) is so spot on!

[@HappyonMonday]

Yeah I think most people experience this! 😕

[@wildnfrantic1015]

@Chris-hw2nx for me, it's been the toxic work atmosphere, commute, and a complete lack of interest in my job after 25 years - I go in 8 weeks, aged 60

[@rosemarykingpate7832]

April 1st for me, and I can't WAIT!!! I'm tired of being tired every weekday morning. And then having to sit in this "open plan" office with annoying, chatty co-workers with whom I would never socialize in the outside world. Looking forward to getting enough sleep, eating healthier and joining a gym - things I find next-to-impossible to do while working.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay! Congrats in advance!! 🥳

[@TracyB-d9y]

Yes, I 100% agree with your entire video! I’m only on day two of no alarm but love retirement already! I’ve taken walks, exercised, grocery shopped, and cooked healthy meals, all things I didn’t have time for while working. I will not be bored either. My introvert self loves the quiet time and I can meet up with friends when I want to socialize.

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome - congrats!! Wow you've done a lot in 2 days! 😁

[@AJESB]

I don’t live to work. I go to work because I have to. I can’t wait to retire. Love your video.

[@HappyonMonday]

That was my mindset too! Thank you! ☺

[@charleswatkins6402]

On my first couple of retirement work days this month, woke up at the usual work day time, then rolled over and went back to sleep for 3 more hours.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! 😄

[@annadavis6361]

😂😂😂😂

[@stevegeek]

Greetings from UK. I retired early in 2023 and still loving it. The freedom is great. Tomorrow I'm taking the train to a nearby town that I don't know very well, together with my wife and son (who has this week off work) and we will take our time to look around, visit a museum, look at the shops and get something to eat. No fixed agenda. No rush. Totally recommend retirement.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's great! Thanks for sharing! I agree the freedom is wonderful! 😁

[@garethwalters2909]

I think those people that make comments about you 'still working' probably have this notion of doing nothing or sitting on a beach or playing golf all day and the reality is that those things become boring after a while. People need to spend time in the lead up to retirement to really think about what their purpose in life will be, what are the things that truly bring them joy. If you can retire 'to' those things rather than running away from the job then I think more people would find a happy retirement in the way that you have Julie. Keep up the great work and keep enjoying what you do, it's your life!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you so much! I completely agree. You need to retire to something! ☺

[@kathrynhoppers5737]

Thanks for another great video Julie. Very inspiring and motivating. I retired from my full time job in December, but I feel like I need a little more time to fully retire, so I took a part time job, that will be much less stressful, and give me more time for my self. Still a great situation for me.

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome and good for you! Congrats! Part time is a great alternative! ☺

[@dee4435]

I retire next week at age 63 1/2.

[@HappyonMonday]

Congrats to you!! 🎉

[@leisure057blank3]

Before even hearing this, I am leaving my comment. YEP, IT IS ALL THAT

[@HappyonMonday]

😄I agree!!

[@Lulusvideos1]

Yay! So glad to hear this! I’m counting down, end of February and I put the corporate world behind me for good. I plan on doing side hustles because I enjoy working, I just want to work for myself from now on. People who say that you’re not really retired are thinking too old fashioned. These days, many people are finding ways to make extra money in retirement,especially if you retire while you’re still young enough to enjoy it. I’m seeing more KZbin videos popping up from people in our age group and that’s very encouraging. I like where you say you don’t miss the alarm, during the week my alarm goes off at 4:30am. I’m looking forward to the Monday when I don’t hear that loud alarm ⏰. I’ll be happy on Mondays too, instead of dreading them.

[@HappyonMonday]

It'll be here soon! I also wanted to work for myself. Oh gosh 4:30 is early! You will love not having an alarm! 😀

[@Lulusvideos1]

@@HappyonMondayThank you! Appreciate your videos!

[@lisam9934]

Retirement IS all that! I retired early at 56, so I am five months into this, but I am loving it! No alarm clocks and I fill my days with gardening, kayaking and crafting. And a bonus was being able to go off my blood pressure medications that I was taking due to job stress. I love your videos and your positivity, have a great day Julie!

[@HappyonMonday]

I love this! Thanks for sharing! Going of your meds is AMAZING!! 😃

[@Mightyluna]

Yes, retirement IS all that, and I'm not even retired yet! 😆 Have a great week, Julie!

[@HappyonMonday]

LOL I love it! You have a great week too! 😁

[@johnsacker1139]

I CAN'T WAIT!! I've been working for 39 years now, and I made the "mistake" of watching a retirement video about a year ago. Needless to say, I'm INFECTED with the thought! lol!! Sadly, I'm not the nerd you are, Julie! It drives me crazy to get into the weeds you have to prepare and stay on course (I HATE EXCEL!). But, I know I need to, and I'm encouraged by the few of you who I am subscribed to that have retired "early" (or RIGHT on time!). Thanks for the refreshing look at retirement. Oh yeah, I think a YT channel is in my future, too! 🤪

[@HappyonMonday]

It's the BEST! I became obsessed with the thought before I retired too. You're welcome and yay! You should start a channel! 😁

[@70qq]

i remember my last doctor checkup while working in late 2023 at 8am ... when i was leaving and scheduling my appointment for the next year they said you want 8am like usual ??? ... i said hell no , ill never be going to work after one of these visits again , make it 10am ... its so nice being out in the world doing shopping and everything from 9am-2pm , while most are at work and off the road ... if i can , i make it 9am-11:30 am , before lunch traffic is on the road and all the deadbeats that never worked get up and go out into the world

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! I make my appointments for late morning or early afternoon now too! 😁

[@woodsparker7902]

Not setting the alarm clock on weekdays would be so sweet! Often times I wake up in the middle of the night. I then have a tough time getting back to sleep knowing the alarm will sound in a couple of hours. I then move through the entire day feeling tired. Looking forward to no alarms in retirement!

[@HappyonMonday]

I did exactly that when I was working!! Now I sleep much better. On occasion, if I wake up at night, there's no stress because I know my alarm will not go off! 😁

[@maryrudelich9000]

Retirement IS all that! Feeling blessed every day. Retired Trucker Mary

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree!! 😄

[@anthonybutler3157]

I had the same thought this morning. I was a bit tired and for a moment thought what if I had to go to work, but I didn't 😊. It is a feeling that 6 plus years into retirement has not diminished. Thanks again for your thoughtful and encouraging channel. Greetings from portugal Wine Country. .

[@HappyonMonday]

I'm glad to hear that feeling lasts! It's a wonderful thought first thing in the morning. ☺

[@7SideWays]

So much more to retirement than math. Thank you for emphasizing freedom!

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes for sure! My health is my #1 priority! 🙂

[@jackiebowen6239]

Totally, totally, totally agree with you, Julie! I feel I could have written the script for your video today. It is hard to describe how GREAT it is to be retired. I feel like I was not really living before, only I never realized it; certainly never knew what stress I carried and how it hurt my body. Crazy, wonderful, and an amazing surprise. I feel just like you and it'll be 4 years this March for me since working. It really is a wonderful life.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing this! I completely agree it really is a wonderful life. ☺

[@maryrudelich9000]

💯!

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Love the graphics.👍 Brings back good memories 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks! I really enjoy adding them. ☺

[@trailslug893]

I'm retiring February 28th and in hindsight I wish I hadn't have given a 60 day notice as these next 7 weeks are going to drag by. Looking forward to sleeping in and well resting for a few days.

[@HappyonMonday]

Congrats to you!! 🥳 At least you have a light at the end of the 60 days! ☺

[@Lulusvideos1]

Yay! Me too, that’s my target date. I’m using up all my PTO and those days are my ‘pretend retirement’ days. 7 1/2 weeks to go, so happy and thankful. Congratulations to you, 🎉 it’ll be here soon!

[@wildnfrantic1015]

Same here - Feb 28th and I'm done

[@TheWoodworkerwhopaints]

Hopefully you still feel the same way after another 12 to 24 months. At 52 I tried the retirement thing (during covid) and at the beginning I was content with plenty to do (renovations, vege gardening, woodworking, watercolor painting etc) but after 18 months the 'is this really all there is' doldrums became overwhelming and I have returned to casual work (20-25 hours a week) in an unrelated field very close to home that has no pressure associated with it. This is working very well for me and gives me a sense of purpose ( and has the added benefit of funding overseas yearly travel). Everyone will handle retirement differently and if you are the type of person where the job you do defines you as a person, then you will struggle the hardest.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you for sharing this! I agree everyone will handle retirement differently. I do think you need something to retire to. Something fun that gets you out of bed in the morning! Part time work is a great option! ☺

[@bcusaaus4749]

This is my year!! I’m so ready 9 months to go🎉

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay! So excited for you!! 😃

[@scratchingkentucky2370]

I retired on 12/31/2024 so I'm just starting . Unfortunately we had a big snow storm , and I'm pretty much staying inside . My biggest regret was waiting til the end of the year , when I was eligible on 1/1/2024 lol . But my journey is just starting after 30 years at same place !!

[@HappyonMonday]

Congrats to you!! 🎉At least you don't have to go out and drive to work in the storm now! ☺

[@garmin1488]

Glad it's working for you, I "retired" at 55 from healthcare but continued to work 2-3 days part time. problem I have is I'm burnt out at work and bored at home on my days off. I can't seem to make over the hump to full retirement. I'll be 58 in 3 months and dread sitting around 7 days a week. I thought it was a good way to transition to retirement but can't seem to let go.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes I really believe you need something to retire to. Something fun that gets you out of bed in the morning! Good luck! ☺

[@ArmyVetlady-m6k]

It’s okay to have a part-time job if that’s your personal choice! Some people have hobbies, you have a part-time job to fulfill your purpose of boredom/loneliness or whatever! Retirement today, isn’t locked into just staying home all day! It’s doing or not doing what YOU want! It’s not a one-size fits all journey! I retired at 60 in 2023. After a few months of boredom, I signed up to do volunteer work at the VA food pantry, joined some classes at our community recreation center and eventually got a part-time weekend day job! I love the job, volunteer work and gardening! It’s about what you feel is your purpose in this chapter of YOUR life! No one but you can define what your retirement activity or non-activity will be! Sometimes I have a “Do nothing day”! You are the captain of YOUR ship and steering it to YOUR DESTINY! Thanks Julie for your great videos! I wish everyone a happy, healthy , peaceful, prosperous New Year 2025! 🎉😃🙌🏾🇺🇸

[@HappyonMonday]

@@ArmyVetlady-m6k Well said!! Thank you!! ☺

[@garylandau9416]

Day 2 of retirement. I was a fed ex contractor for 10 years sold my routes at age 59 and drove for the new contractor for the last 5 years. I think it's going to take time to lose that anxiety that I had to get up early and be some where(work). Everyone asks "what are you going to do now"?" And I'm not sure but I have thought a lot about it after I get done on some up-keep for the house. I got to say as I'm writing this it feels like a gigantic relief . I have a feeling I'm going to need a long period of desensitizing after 48 years of working and feeling the pressure to produce. Not sure how long that will be. Money shouldn't be a problem unless the US economy(market) went 1929 but I need to really get a grip on having a schedule eventually for all the time I have.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks so much for sharing! It does take time to decompress for sure. It took me several months but it takes some people years. Congrats to you! 🎉

[@user-sandyh]

Been over a year for me after 38 years working. Took a few months to feel ok with not being "productive", but my body needed that time and space to let go of stress and recover. Don't feel like you must have a daily schedule or to-do list right away. Even 2-3 things planned per week can be a good start to give yourself breathing room.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@user-sandyh Great advice - I agree! 👍

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

I love introvert humor. 😊😊😊

[@HappyonMonday]

😁

[@lost-south-lake-crafters]

Love your introvert humor! I am not yet retired, but I have so many activities I enjoy, especially hiking and being outdoors that can never imagine ever getting bored. Thanks for sharing!

[@HappyonMonday]

I also can't imagine getting bored! Thank you and you're welcome! ☺

[@maxmuller1585]

I am oh so ready to retire. I am stuck in the 'do i have enough' fight right now.

[@HappyonMonday]

I get that! That's a tough fight! 🙂

[@maxmuller1585]

@@HappyonMonday What was the point for you when you said 'enough' and decided you had enough money, no matter what?

[@HappyonMonday]

@@maxmuller1585 I just couldn't do it anymore. I knew money might be tight, but I felt like working was really affecting my health and wellbeing. So I just went for it! ☺

[@danjobry333]

I agree with everything you said!! Now to convince my husband to retire!! ❤

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome! It's hard to convince someone else how to feel. 🙂

[@ryanclark6602]

Omg I just can’t wait! I am very similar in regards to the stress both mentally and physically I deal with because of my 50-55 hr work week. I know I will be much healthier when I have the time to eat better and work out. The decrease in stress alone will do wonders for me I’m sure.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes, for me the difference in my health and stress level isAMAZING! 😀

[@angelaland4759]

I'm 61.5. On Monday, I cut my hours back from 40 to 20 a week. It feels SO good to get to leave when I know everyone else is stuck there for another 3 to 4 hours. I actually went straight home today and took a nap. This is the life! It's so nice only working 3 short days a week. I can honestly say that I don't think I could EVER go back to 40 hour weeks. When it starts to get in the way of my life, I'll just quit. I think I have enough money, I just have to take the leap. I love your show. It's one of the ones I always look forward to. Yer pretty awesome and I love the way you teach. Thanks for a great outlook on retirement. :) ang

[@HappyonMonday]

That's amazing - I bet it feels wonderful! Part time is a great option!! Good for you! Thank you so much! 😁

[@carolinechapman3247]

Love your content. Hello from Australia 🇦🇺

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Hello from the U.S.! ☺

[@theresaegbuniwe5808]

Great video!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! ☺

[@Shilling_guitar885]

I'm at 6 months and totally agree !

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome - thanks for sharing! 😀

[@jimrinard1969]

@@Shilling_guitar885 I’m at six months too!

[@ibenglish]

Good timing but I have 3 years and 8 months till retirement 😬😁. I did however just take all of December off for vacation and set my mind to being retired for that 4 weeks. Usually I would do projects that needed done and what have you but not this time. I wanted to see how I would handle the slow, quiet lifestyle if I had nothing to occupy my time because those times will happen. Would I miss that phone call to work? The answer is a resounding NO! If you are nearing retirement and concerned about how you would handle it then I definitely recommend trying this out. I feel mentally refreshed and refocused on the end goals and the course I must stay on to make that happen. Thank you Julie and smile today. 👍🏻🌹✌🏻 12.2k subscribers already and climbing. Excellent 👍🏻

[@HappyonMonday]

That's wonderful! What a great experiment! Thank you for sharing this. ☺

[@ibenglish]

@ thank you for inspiring 🌹👍🏻

[@JoseRodriguez20242]

Introverts rule! Exercise lubricates the joints strengthens the muscles and helps with bone density. My typical day... Morning exercise for 90 mins walk 3miles or cycling 12 miles push ups crunches planking, dead bug modified push ups deep knee bends, jumping jacks dumb bell strength training. Whatever, projects daily 2- 4 hours, play my guitar 1 hour or more then daily power nap very important. Just living my best life.

[@HappyonMonday]

Wow I'm impressed at how much exercise you do! Good for you! Love it! 😁

[@tammy9964]

Hi Julie, I like being retired. Retired at 54, and I am know 65. Married, no kids, just a beautiful cat. If in sometime, could you do a video on Long-Term Care. That’s one thing I don’t have, mostly because it’s quite expensive and my mother had it, but died without ever using it. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@HappyonMonday]

I love being retired too! I have a video coming out on Friday where I talk about LTC! ☺

[@tammy9964]

@ looking forward to it. ❤️

[@nortonr]

I'm retiring in February 🙌 Thanks for your motivation and advice ❤

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay that's coming soon!! Congrats and thank you! ☺

[@Coach2win]

I love the being by myself joke!!! Laughed so hard at that. Also, I totally get the mean grump part because of lazy students.

[@HappyonMonday]

😁

[@danncorbit3623]

Somebody hit a home run, knocked it clear out of the park. Cleared all the fences and bounced around in the parking lot. Your fans are cheering for you! YEAH!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! ☺😁

[@GravInducedSleepTrac]

I am praying that I can get to this point too. I really agree that our health is definitely affected when we stress.

[@HappyonMonday]

100%! Our health is definitely affected when we stress! 👍

[@chuckkendall7407]

Great video Julie, you have what I call “retired from competitive employment”. You put aside all the stressors of the daily grind and now do things that make you happy and if they make some money all the better. I did the same at 55, now 61 and the last 6 years have been wonderful, I work how, when and if I want. Keep up the great content..subscribed. 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! I totally agree! Working on a hobby job, when you feel like it, is the best! 😁

[@CathyBailey-r5r]

Hi Julie. I find your views helpful, and has given me good information. It's also helping me to be brave and consider taking the leap into retirement..

[@HappyonMonday]

Hello! Thank you! I'm glad I've been helpful! ☺

[@tophatbanjo]

Hi, Julie! Great video! "Is retirement all that," you ask? Holy moly, you better believe it is, heh! And it continues being all that! I do what I want when I want for how long I want, and I feel absolutely zero percent guilty about it. I worked my buttocks off for years--as many others have done, of course--and I did a whole lot of things I didn't much want to do. Now, that pendulum is on the other side, and that's where I'm a-gonna keep it! 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree!! Good for you!😀

[@r.joseph8911]

Definitely resonates with me. I am very happy because not only will I be hopefully retiring in 2028, but I just loosely set up a situation where I can do some of my hobby for a little per diem gig. I’m someone who hustles up money, so I will be good in retirement with my retirement savings plan, my pension, and any incidental income.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's great!! I can tell you working on a hobby job does NOT feel like work! 😃

[@Firefly-lx1nj]

I’m glad to have found your videos and I enjoy your positive spirit! I soon may be forced into early retirement with my job. You are helping me feel less stressed about that possibility.

[@HappyonMonday]

I'm glad you found my videos and I'm glad I'm helping! ☺

[@bigbobby5555]

It sounds wonderful and I'm happy for you! For me, it's just dealing with the next approximate 1.75 to 3.45 years of work to get there! Not that I'm counting. 🙃

[@HappyonMonday]

It is wonderful! That's not too long - you'll get there! 😀

[@bigbobby5555]

@@HappyonMonday Thank you! I always appreciate your channel and how you interact with your viewers!

[@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx]

I am enjoying sleeping in. Sometimes bored cause I am not on my own schedule since I am taking care of a parent. Started riding my stationary bike and watching videos! I will work later on for one job I want to try, but that could be years from now! Otherwise, I like doing my own thing like morning coffee and hanging out! Two thumbs up!

[@HappyonMonday]

I LOVE waking up without an alarm! Bless your heart for taking care of your parent. That is hard work. Enjoy your time! ☺

[@krisbeedle2818]

I am 62, just over 3 months into retirement. I love it!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome! Congrats!! 🎉

[@michelleg4715]

Love this! I feel exactly the same as you do about my early retirement 😁

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome! It's great! 😃

[@beatricerights]

Excellent video as always.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! ☺

[@stfankaren]

Thanks for this video. I love the positivity!

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! ☺

[@ArmyVetlady-m6k]

I love my freedom and best of all PEACE! Every day is a weekend! 😃🙌🏾❤️ Living my best life, after leaving that soul sucking hospital management job after 22 years in 2023 at 60 years old!

[@HappyonMonday]

That's fantastic - thank you for sharing!! 😃

[@billholden5271]

Hello Julie, I had the last 2 weeks of December off from work for the holidays, and boy was I bored. It made me think what would I do if I do retire in 2025. Then I remembered you did a video about having something to retire to. So that is my mission. I need to identify what can I do when I retire. Thanks for confirming that retiring can be fun. All the best to you.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes, it's a great idea to discover what hobbies and activities you enjoy before you retire! You're welcome! ☺

[@wildnfrantic1015]

7 more weeks, and I'm done - yes, retirement is a big change and brings its own eorries and anxiety, but enough of work and the unhappiness that's been bringing for several years

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay! Congrats to you!! 😃

[@noreenn6976]

Sounds wonderful Julie! Congrats!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@DeeJay-t2g]

I was in the retirement mindset at 25 and saw work as an impediment to living my life and dragging me out of my comfortable home. Now at 60, I don't feel that same urge, perhaps I'm institutionalized.

[@HappyonMonday]

Well maybe you love your job? Or maybe you don't have a clear picture of what you want to do in retirement? You have to do what feels right for you! ☺

[@recoveredconservative]

Nice video 💙

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks! ☺

[@JRZ67]

Great message!Everything you said helps me to stay motivated the next 3.5 years I’m grinding out my teaching career.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! I'm glad it helps you stay motivated! 😁

[@DavidOssorio]

"Every day that I don't have to go to work is a gift beyond measure!" Yes this is EXACTLY SPOT ON! I've never been able to really explain this to people who ask me "Won't you be bored when you retire?", "I'd be so bored if I didn't have a job", "But what are you going to DO?". I like my job, but I have about a year left of working, and I'm counting the days. Even a job that you like is stressful.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes!! I also got that question a lot. I knew I wouln't be bored. And yes, even a job that you like is stressful! ☺

[@tmm4782]

I’m so happy for you … do the days and weeks move slower or faster than when you worked?

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! I feel like they move faster. Work dragged on. But time flies when you're having fun! 😃

[@angelareagan7971]

4 more years for me...I cannot wait😂. I am preparing now, getting all financials in order. Realistically I could probably pull the trigger now, but I have a plan and will be 60 when I retire. Been with the same company 33 years. All the things you talk about are what I dream about. I just went back after having 2 weeks off and it was so HARD 😢 i had the Sunday night blues as my momma use to say. I lOVE watching your Channel😊 However I am a little envious 😅

[@HappyonMonday]

That's great that you are getting your finances set up! Just knowing that you could retire probably helps a lot! Sunday Scaries were the worst. ☺

[@lynnvinnai2560]

Love your channel. Can u share a “typical” day. I need to get in better shape! Thanks again

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! I do have a video about my typical day with exercise and health. ☺ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHPIn4ughZKngqs

[@lynnvinnai2560]

Oh I’ll check it out. Retirement is so great and I loved my job! I love this more. lol

[@HappyonMonday]

@@lynnvinnai2560 Me too! ☺

[@guythecat490]

Love it! Retiring this June!😂

[@HappyonMonday]

@@guythecat490 Awesome! Congrats 👏 😀

[@gisteve32]

I am also retiring in June - early congrats to you! I have several friends that are retired and they encourage me to retire. Good luck!

[@sallyrobbins7770]

It is ALL THAT!!! :-)

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree!! 😃

[@troubleintrouble]

People that spent all their lives in highly stressful jobs are genuinely appreciative of retirement. Now as far as investing, I am taking a cautious approach. The stock market has had a meteoric rise and historically, it will not last. As a fixed income retiree, it is not a chance I’m willing to take. BTW, I was in television production for 40 years and witnessed a ton of innovation. You’re doing a lot of production for your vids. Don’t let it get the best of you. I see a lot of KZbinrs cranking out twice or thrice a day talking head videos. Makes me wonder why I got a bachelors degree, but it was a ticket to a good job in back in the day.

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree I'm very appreciative of retirement! Yes, I enjoy video editing. If it stops being fun I will stop doing it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

[@joeyichinagaattnet]

Hi Julie, new subscriber but occasionally caught your videos. I totally agree with you. Just retired end of December. Guilty pleasure is watching commuters while I’m on my morning walk.😊🫡

[@HappyonMonday]

I love that!! 😆I've seen them out walking too! 😄

[@Brian-nb6fb]

You sound just like me talking about retirement.😎 Headaches only happen from a little too much 🍷

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! 😄

[@mynewjourney6803]

I’ve been on leave to take care of parents for a month and a half. I dont think I can go back to work. I just dont think my mental health will survive after getting a taste of freedom. I’ll be 64 in a few months and I think I’ll just ride off into the sunset from work when my leave is up lol

[@HappyonMonday]

Bless your heart for taking care of your parents! You lasted longer than I did! 64 is a great age to retire! 😀

[@lilangel5056]

I follow you and I love your advise. I have decided to retire in one year! January 2026. Can you talk about the Bill HR82 and how you understand it and is true? Thank you for your advise.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! That bill has just recently passed and I don't know a lot about it. From what it sounds like, it repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). I only just heard about it recently! ☺

[@daveschmarder-US1950]

The only thing worse than thirty 8 year olds in the third grade is thirty 12 year olds in the third grade.

[@HappyonMonday]

😆That wouldn't be good!

[@tophatbanjo]

Heh! I feel you! I had classrooms of thirty 18- and 19-year-old 10th-graders, none of whom could read and some of whom did not know the alphabet! And I'm supposed to talk about adverbs and Macbeth?? Mmm-hmm.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@tophatbanjo Oh my! 😯

[@richards5280]

Two years in and I’m enjoying retirement (more so when the weather is nice, tbh)…my biggest stressor is paying out of pocket for health insurance- $$$/month even with ACA because Colorado is just expensive overall (and my teacher pension amounts lowered my subsidy) still glad I retired early 😎👍

[@HappyonMonday]

That's great! Yes, health insurance is a pain. But worth is to be retired! 😁

[@gatewayz75]

The biggest extravagance in life is to no longer work , I don’t mind if I have to live more frugally, any sacrifice I have to make is better than working, can’t wait to retire 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

That's exactly how I feel! I don't mind living frugally at all. I'm FREE! 😄

[@nellybrown9127]

I am a teacher from Scotland who took early retirement 13.5 years ago. I am sensible with my time and money. The nuns in my high school said. “An intelligent mind is never bored”😂 So glad you are enjoying being free. A day doing nothing is as enjoyable as being busy.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! I love that saying!! 😀

[@Mightyluna]

That's a great saying!

[@khumminapumphrey3076]

I'm counting down - June 2025

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay!! I had a calendar on my wall at home that I crossed days off each night! 😁

[@khumminapumphrey3076]

@ good idea

[@rachelcrossen8136]

I quit my corporate job yesterday. Still have a private consulting very part time job that I enjoy. I am worried I will get bored and watch too much tv

[@HappyonMonday]

Well congrats!! 🎉You definitely need hobbies and activities to keep you busy! Good luck! ☺

[@garmin1488]

Keep doing your part time job, you're lucky to have a job you enjoy doing .

[@mountaingarden8823]

7 months into retirement tomorrow, it’s all that and MORE! 🎉

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay! I agree!! 😃

[@AverageJoeDividends]

Don't listen to the retirement police!

[@HappyonMonday]

LOL I don't anymore! 😁

[@michelled3867]

I wasn't really sure where to ask this, but I did not see an email. How do you get ACA with only $800 pension. My teacher pension is $759 (also retired this year) and that with part time after school care job $500, they said I do not make enough to be able to qualify for ACA...?? So I'm terribly confused since it is federal and you are able to get it but I was not. Thank you for any insight

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes, you have to have enough income to qualify. Premium tax credits are available to people whose income is at least as high as the federal poverty level. For an individual, that means an income of at least $15,060 in 2025. I have KZbin income, a pension, and will pull pretax money from retirement accounts. this will put me around 36K net income for 2025. I have a video about this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGTOhHuZlLCFp6s

[@michelled3867]

Yes, it is above that amount and I spent 45 min on the phone with ACA, only to find out each state also has their own amount you have to be above. So you think if I was pulling money also from a pretax account then I could qualify? Also, I have watched ALL your videos 😊 Had to since you are almost identical to me and a teacher!!❤

[@HappyonMonday]

@@michelled3867 Yes, it really makes a big difference what state you live in! I would look up the minimum amout for your state and then look into pulling some pretax income to get up to that amount. I would contact ACA or a broker to find out exactly what you need though. Thank you and good luck! ☺

[@gratefulplanning8217]

Yea, retirement is all that.

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree!! 😀

[@cyoishi]

Oh, you had to deal with unrealistic work expectations too? lol.

[@HappyonMonday]

😆Yep!

[@amycolucci6769]

I’m 41 and I should feel blessed since I work from home, but I’m in the healthcare insurance field and well you know how that’s going. I’m 41. I wish I started investing when I was 20 I’d be retired by now. Probably still another 10 years ago.😂😢

[@HappyonMonday]

I wish I had started investing when I was 20 too!! I tell my kids to invest all the time. But to be fair, I think my mom told me that too. 😁

[@mandypdx]

I am 47 and started investing at age 22. I have a lot in my retirement accounts but I still have a mortgage (I still owe $512k). I am working to pay that off and build my brokerage account. My goal is 5-7 years. I am single so healthcare is an issue too :)

[@Another_Bad_Creation]

What more proof do you need?

[@silentnot4812]

Would you keep putting out videos if you no longer received compensation from KZbin?

[@HappyonMonday]

I totally would! 😁

[@HarveyCreggett-i3k]

Hallajulla Girlfriend

[@HappyonMonday]

Yay! 😁

[@Tallmartin180]

This video literally sickened me…. I so want to be retired 😢 and I can taste the joy of every statement . Only 3 more years on the hamster wheel to go so I can dream! Great video 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

I felt like that for the last 3 years I was working too! Thanks! 😁