Future Retiree--You said it so well!! God Bless!!

Another chapter closes, albeit a very lengthy one, and a new one begins. Best of everything in all your future endeavors. If anyone hears any updated news on the incentive bonus, please post. thanks, and take care all

Edited by author 10-31-2009 03:29 AM
Congratulations, on everyone who took the VER. I have no regrets, I retired on July 31,2009. I had 28 years with the government(24 of them with the P.O.) I was a carrier for 24 years and loved my job in the 80's and 90's. However in the mid 2000's I felt less enthusiasm for this wonderful job I was always so proud of. So many changes, some necessary and some not. I went out, somewhat on a leap of faith, unfortunately I didn't have the age to get my full pension, but by the grace of God I put in for part-time work, and this company hired me full time, with wonderful people and in a beautiful office where I no longer have to do all that physical work, which has caused a back and hip problem over the years. With that salary and my annuity I am bringing home about $200.00 more a month, just doing easy and unstressful clerical work. I added more years to my life and family and friends have noticed the new me! So there is hope for everybody. Good Luck to all!

Hello All! Well, I survived the 5:00PM witching hour(no pun intended,as today is Halloween) and today, every day is Saturday! I am surprised that my previous question regarding my apprehension over retirement sparked so many replies. It lightens my heart that so many of you care and took the time to hold my hand by offering your views on the retirement process and how you are enjoying your new lives. It has been most appreciated and to all of you, a long,happy and healthy retirement. God bless!

Edited by author 11-01-2009 06:54 AM
It's That Time of Year - No not Christmas, FEHB Time. Here is a link some of you might find interesting in making your selection.

http://www.plansmartchoice.com/Registration.aspx?logout=Y

DazedandConfused-Thanks for the link-I think it will help! The choices can be rather confusing although I know I am not going to pay 400 a month for health insurance; no matter what!! Can't afford that high price now!! I checked on lite-blue yesterday to see if I could log in. I got the message that my account was terminated. I guess that means all is well with the retirement!! How about you?

Sashamae, you made it! That is a great site and to my suprise the health plan I currently have came up only #6 when I ran the Medical Plan Tools. I just got a booklet from NALC which came up #1 on my list. I have been retired going on 5 years in April, and I have been working ever since for the state. I have to be especially careful choosing a plan because it becomes my secondary plan, and I have to coordinate pharmacy benefits, or I could end up mixing Caremark and Medco.

DazedandConfused-This is unbelieveable to me! I've never retired at anything(except maybe childbirth-Ha Ha). I still don't know how everything will play out yet. For me it's a guessing game right now. When OPM gets everything figured out and the checks start rolling in-then I'll know whether I need a part-time job or not. I don't need much to live on-my home is paid for and I only plan to travel a day trip now and then; so we will see. My husband wants a Pontoon Boat out of this deal-we both love to fish-so that will be my last major purchase (God willing). I sure appreciate you being on this site and sharing the information and experience you have. It should make it a little easier for those of us that are just getting their feet wet with this retirement thing!!

Sashamae: Isn't it a wonderful feeling to wake up and not be "stressed"? We took a 2 day trip to Atlantic City-for 50.00/nite! Never could do that before....My hubby also loves to fish-as well as I. He has gotten to go with my son and wife, while, I was scheduled....Now, the four of us can enjoy going. It is so nice to go shopping-and not have to rush. I already started addressing my Xmas cards--something I always did, while working, so that it would ease all the hustle and bustle of the holidays! I Thank God, each and every day-that we were blessed with the opportunity to retire early. Take Care and Have a Wonderful Day. In Pennsylvania-it is going to be in the high 60's today---and Sunny!

The person that retired with me received their form 50 today showing they are retired. What was interesting was the remark at the bottom.

this is a direct quote;

"OPM AUTHORITY 2008-072 DURATION JULY 31, 2008 THRU SEPTMEMBER 30, 2010"

Yes September is spelled wrong!

so for anyone who thinks the early outs are over, there could be many more before September 30, 2010.

here is hoping that who ever wants to go will be given more money and will get to go!

GREETINGS ALL...HOPE EVERYONE HAS ENJOYED THEIR FIRST WEEK OF RETIREMENT...OPEN SEASON BEGINS MONDAY, AND I AM CHANGING MY HEALTH PLAN, BUT I BELIEVE I NEED WHATS CALLED A CSA NUMBER, WHICH I HAVE NOT RECIEVED AS OF YET. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT, PLEASE POST. AND IF ANY OF YOU HAVE EITHER HEARD OR KNOW ANY NEW INCENTIVE PAYMENT UPDATED INFO, PLEASE POST. THANK YOU AND ENJOY

kjs- you will not get your CSA # until your retirement is finalized. could take 2-3 months. Go to OPM.gov and call the 800# and ask them how you can switch w/o a CSA #. I would guess you could use your SS# in that case but I am sure OPM could tell you.

 the paper that my friend received said that the CSA number will be issued before the end of the month or in about two weeks.

thanks much vet. we have until midnight, dec. 14th, so i hope to get that number by at least the 13th...stay postin'

Edited by author 11-08-2009 05:09 PM
hey hacker, thanks for that info...i'm going to call opm in the morning...always appreciate all updates and will do the same. good night

postalvet- Believe what you want but I have been there and done that. I left July 3 and got my CSA number in a booklet that was prepared September 7th. A lot longer than two weeks.