Today is July 17th. I have officially been retired for 1 day, as I filed for Social Security yesterday at this time. It took me 16 days to decide to file, but adding up all the numbers, it made sense to do so. With social security, FRS and unemployment, my net is the same as my net working. So, essentially, we are no worse off, cash-flow wise than before. The difference is in the amount of DROP money I would have received as a lump sum and a slightly larger payout from social security if I’d waited until age 66. However, when I did a quick calculation yesterday, the difference between now and full retirement at 66 was such that I’d have to wait until age 78 just to break even with the money I’ll be receiving from the US government over the next 42 months. Somehow that didn’t make much sense to me.

Since Ma’s been having some health issues of late, it’s actually useful for me to be around to shepherd her to her doctor appointments for tests. I hope she continues to be as independent as she can and not become too dependent on me. She has thrived in the past year, being on her own and having to arrange for transportation to doctor appointments and such. But she needs more company from the people she loves. So anyone reading this – family or otherwise – give her a call and by all means, come see her. You’ll be glad you did!