7 Signs That Now's Not the Right Time to Retire

[SheilaT]

5. Another thought here.

Just because you have a mortgage is not in and of itself a reason not to retire.

I bought a house at the tender age of 61. 30 year mortgage. Even given my excellent health, I have no intention of continuing to work until I'm 90. But I will be paying careful attention to what my expenses are compared to my income before I do stop work, whenever that may be.

Actually, what I'm going to be very tempted to do once I'm eligible for Medicare, is leave my current job and do temp work. Take a job for a few weeks or months, then take time off to do other things, such as travel. Still haven't decided on that. What I will want to do is have good sit-down with the temp agencies in town and see what they tell me. I know that they can't guarantee steady temp work, but if they think it's realistic, I may do it.

Currently I work part-time and have benefits meaning health care and leave accrual. I'm very fortunate.