I retired 8 months ago after years and years of saving all my pennies, and then this year happened. I really thought I'd be enjoying my retirement, doing lots of travel (I haven't) and getting things done, but mostly I've been a slouch and avoiding my 'to do' list.
First, let me say that I have a huge loss aversion. For example, I'm a runner, and when my running shoes wear down and the hard plastic sheath that curves around the heel bone is exposed, I don't go buy a new shoe. Instead I take lint from the dryer and duck tape it onto the plastic edge and keep going. I sometimes like buying something I really need, but frequently feel about the purchase soon after.
So, for me to loose money is really hard to bear. Prior to retirement I knew I had to buy a new car, and I spent over a year trying to decide. I ended up buying a Toyota Yaris used, at $9,000, yet felt good about the purchase. But now, not so much, having to deal with some issues. Then, right after I retired, I had to visit the Emergency Room because of a failed attempt to do a backflip off a wall. Failed attempt because I landed on my head (way under rotated, my legs were weak for a 2 hour run earlier). I won't go into detail, but I had to fork over several thousand there. Next a cedar tree on my property died suddenly. Unable to fall the tree myself, I had to spend $800 to get it cut down. Then my roof began to leak this winter, because of an old chimney. $7,000 for a chimney repair. The roof will have to be next, but not right now. The roof is metal shingle and might be okay, but I suspect the wood frame under it has some rot.
And now the market shift during the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to the market downturn I went on a two week backpacking trip, and all this happened while I was gone, unable to respond. I lost 3/4 a million in two weeks. Ouch. Financially I'm still doing okay (I went from 1.9 million to 1.15 million so fast), but it really hurts to see all this money fly out my 'stache.
I can't believe I'm writing this. I'm not somebody who talk about these things, and I'm not a fan of putting myself out there on the internet, but I'm feeling so bummed about all this. I'm sad so much of the time, and it's affecting how I respond around my family. I don't really have any friends to talk to, so I guess I'm just looking for an upbeat response. Being cooped up at home is tough for me, I need to get out there, travel, move around, run ect.