What a thread!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
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What a thread!
This should start a "Fire-storm"!I am a 64-yo male, tryiny to keep my "09" Bladder Cancer from returning, and have been with the same Company for 42-years! When I retire I lose ALL Company Medical benefits!
I have a unique choice to make, and would welcome your opinions (realizing that folks of many "age-groups" might respond)!
I have a choice:
1. Purchase: F350, Ext Cab, 4x4, diesel, long-bed, 6-spd
2. 40-ft 5th wheel RV and travel with the wife
3. Pay cash for Item 1 & 2
I hate my job (Defense Contractor for 42-yrs) and retire July 2012
or
Forget the Truck & RV and:
Retire tomorrow!
What would you do!
Last edited by willee51; Dec 13, 2010 at 08:21 PM. Reason: grammer
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
Well, I don't think it will start a "Firestorm". I think it really depends on how bad you would like to travel the US once you retire. Or what your alternative to paying cash is if you retire tomorrow. I would have to seriously think about hanging in there for another 7 months to be able to have the entire rig paid in cash. But sometimes it's not about the money. When I retired from the Air Force, I wanted to stay in a couple of more years. But it was my time to go. And I don't regret the decision a bit.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,556
Likes: 80
From: Manhattan, KS
Several factors for you including the "hate the job" factor, plus the big "c" factor. What is the prognosis on that? We don't really need to know but that does come into your decision.
Also, on the truck/camper, is that new or buying used stuff. Could you retire now and find stuff that is more slightly used and still pay cash?
Those would all factor in if I was making the decision.
Also, on the truck/camper, is that new or buying used stuff. Could you retire now and find stuff that is more slightly used and still pay cash?
Those would all factor in if I was making the decision.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 9
From: Lubbock
you only live once. i would do all that i could in my limited time. i would make sure my priorities are in line. make sure my loved ones are going to be taken care of... probably not well off but taken care of then live life to the fullest. im 31 this year and i have lived longer than my father did. he had lukemia and after being diagnosed we spent the next 5 yrs of his life as a very close family participating in just about everything he felt was important. from traveling west and seeing the sights to learning how to manage a horse motor cycles and cars. i was 5 when he was diagnosed and my sister was 6mo old. you really have to do all you can, make memories, mend bridges etc.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
You do need to consider your medical coverage when making the decision. Keep in mind you can do COBRA for up to 18 months at near the same cost as your company pays for the group health insurance plan. That would give you time to explore other options.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Florida
We've always been of the belief that living is for now. Too many folks wait for retirement, then fall ill or worse. Do whatever you can, (buy used maybe?) but get out of that job and go enjoy yourselves.
By the way, the best paying job I ever hated was with a defense contractor. I won't mention their name, but it rhymed with crockpeed!
By the way, the best paying job I ever hated was with a defense contractor. I won't mention their name, but it rhymed with crockpeed!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Marinette, WI
I have some good friends who had close to the same situation you have. Their solution was to SELL EVERYTHING and buy a new truck and 5th wheel, they live in it year round and travel the country!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
Im with Randy,
Make sure your life is in order. When i say that i mean don't leave any financial burden on your loved ones. Make sure all your (and wifes) finances and material objects are in order and easy for your loved ones to finalize and figure out. then go with your gut and live life now.
Make sure your life is in order. When i say that i mean don't leave any financial burden on your loved ones. Make sure all your (and wifes) finances and material objects are in order and easy for your loved ones to finalize and figure out. then go with your gut and live life now.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
I retired after 32 plus years of being a cop. I was sick of it. Within 95 days I was diagnosed with cancer. You need medical coverage and even with it my bills have been a nightmare. However medicare and medicaid should be available soon for you. I wished I could say the same. I would buy both and see the country. I have two friends that have bladder cancer and both have been cancer free for over ten years.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Country, Ca
Welcome to FTE,
I lost my Dad to Pancreatic cancer, from diagnoses to death was 3 weeks. Life to me is very very precious. I would give up the world to have him back. But enough of that. Since you have things hopefully under control as far as Cancer is concerned. It all depends on how you feel. If you hate the job but need it to pay for the SUPERDUTY or the 5'ver or medical INS. Thats a desicion you will have to make. If you really hate the job that undue stress is something to think about. If you do not mind the job or it is something that keeps you busy and moving that is another thing to think about. Could you retire buy a F150 and a smaller trailer and stay stress free and healthy.
For me thinking about the things you asked about in your OP. If you can retire with medical Ins and can swing a F150 with a smaller trailer and go and enjoy life with your family and travel, this is what I would do. This comes from someone who really was affected by someone who had Cancer and completely understands that life can be hard sometimes but it is still a wonderful thing to enjoy.
Hope this helps in the desicion making. Just a point of view.
I lost my Dad to Pancreatic cancer, from diagnoses to death was 3 weeks. Life to me is very very precious. I would give up the world to have him back. But enough of that. Since you have things hopefully under control as far as Cancer is concerned. It all depends on how you feel. If you hate the job but need it to pay for the SUPERDUTY or the 5'ver or medical INS. Thats a desicion you will have to make. If you really hate the job that undue stress is something to think about. If you do not mind the job or it is something that keeps you busy and moving that is another thing to think about. Could you retire buy a F150 and a smaller trailer and stay stress free and healthy.
For me thinking about the things you asked about in your OP. If you can retire with medical Ins and can swing a F150 with a smaller trailer and go and enjoy life with your family and travel, this is what I would do. This comes from someone who really was affected by someone who had Cancer and completely understands that life can be hard sometimes but it is still a wonderful thing to enjoy.
Hope this helps in the desicion making. Just a point of view.