And the camper hunt stops again... for now

[Queen]

Whew, what a few days! Our "poor as church mice retirement plan" consisted of moving to the 55+ rent controlled apartments here in town, we went to visit on Friday and found they had a change in management and now the place is dirty and smelled of urine, it was awful. Guess the old managers would meet with family members when it was time to consider a move to assisted living, the new company ignores this and just lets people sit there, unable to care for themselves properly, for as long as they can get the rent payment. So a great big NOPE to that.

It has caused us to step back and take a long look at our future, and we've decided to put home ownership back on the table. When the condo in FL sells we could pay cash for a nice smaller house, continue working (or in my case, go back to work) until we have it fixed up the way we want and a savings account we're comfortable with, then retire for real.

It feels good, considering a home again. I didn't want to take care of one... but faced with the uncertainty of renting and being at the whim of a management company, it just makes this feel right. Things feel peaceful.

[havingfunnow]

That's the awful thing about renting -- you have so very little control. I lived for a while in a 55+ apartment that really went downhill. I was so happy to leave!

[Queen]

That's the awful thing about renting -- you have so very little control. I lived for a while in a 55+ apartment that really went downhill. I was so happy to leave!

That's what surprised us so much, only 18 months between visits and it was like a different place. I feel so bad for the people who are stuck there.

[BirdbyBird]

Sometimes we are lead to what we want by deciding what we don't want. Decisions feel better when the options have been examined. Glad that your hearts are more at peace with your current journey.

[Queen]

Thanks, Tina. It tells me we're on the right track when that tight ball of stress in my chest eased up, and I started feeling peaceful.

[Bethers]

Thanks, Tina. It tells me we're on the right track when that tight ball of stress in my chest eased up, and I started feeling peaceful.

and that means you're doing what is best for you... Just as moving back was. It's good to follow the path that works for us. Sometimes we don't keep open to it. I'm glad you are.

[Queen]

Beth, it's been a slog, I've wanted to stamp my feet and yell "but I WANT to live at the beach" and "I don't want to own a house anymore". But when seeking out what we think we want, it should give us some peace. Instead, for me, it was just hard. Following this other path just feels good and right.

Hopefully we'll still get out on the road, it just may be in a different way than we thought.

[IrishIroamed]

Sorry to hear the camping dream is on hold for the time being, but glad you're sticking around IL (snow & all ) Ya never know, you may be able to get to an midwest GTG anyway, just tenting instead.

[Queen]

Sorry to hear the camping dream is on hold for the time being, but glad you're sticking around IL (snow & all ) Ya never know, you may be able to get to an midwest GTG anyway, just tenting instead.

Sounds great, or have it at a state park with cabins!!

[Bethers]

I totally understand.

[gingerK]

Mickie, sent you a pm.