I reached my sabbath decade a couple of years ago. Even before that, my long work history in federal service allowed me to take retirement. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, so I work away at things that I believe will be helpful, trying to emulate our Father in Heaven who rests and enjoys the fruits of his labor, while keeping everything on an even keel.
During the final decade of my life-cycle, maintaining an even keel looks like it will require battening down the hatches. Financial collapse looms. Best to turn liquid assets into something more permanent. The Social Security Administration tells me that if I live another 3 years, I have a better than average chance of making it to 83 years. That fails to include the life-threatening risks that accompany hard times and ecological collapse, not to mention the prospects of Social Security insolvency. I think I'll take that bird in my hand.
Financial planning should include short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Those time frames compress in the sunset years. Right now, I see them as 1, 5, and 10 years. These days, financial assets for the medium- and long-term time frames should be kept in gems or precious metals. These should be put to use as the occasion arises to purchase durable goods and property that will have near-term, as well as lasting, value in production or trade.
Working for pay should be low priority. Managing and reducing assets already acquired, i.e. having one's affairs in order, should be emphasized.
Aside from survival, the sabbath decade should be one of enjoyment. Rewards should come from diligent saving. Vacations and hobbies should be undertaken more earnestly, pets and spouses given more time and attention. Luxuries have no place in my budget, but there are some things that money can buy that could make life a bit more enjoyable. Following Ralph Nader's advice, I subscribe to Consumer Reports to know what could be worth buying, though living with less is my m.o.
I've come to put the pleasure of good cooking nearly on par with life itself. Everything around me can go to Hell, but tasty, wholesome food is my bottom line. When that basic pleasure is gone, I don't think I will last much longer. Could that be why people who lose their sense of smell die within 5 years? Smell and taste are mutual senses.
Nap time is also hugely rewarding. Sleep comes so much easier in the middle of the day, especially when I've been doing physical labor. Many days, a 10- or 15-minute nap brings wonderful relief from the tiredness that comes with age.
Naps and night sleep fill the mind with dreams, which for me have little waking value, but are valuable in and of themselves. Perhaps if food fails, I can find a way to alter my mental state to allow me to endure by consuming raw foods and pharmaceuticals, living out my remaining days with nightdreams and daydreams as a refuge from the waking nightmare of civilization's collapse.
During the final decade of my life-cycle, maintaining an even keel looks like it will require battening down the hatches. Financial collapse looms. Best to turn liquid assets into something more permanent. The Social Security Administration tells me that if I live another 3 years, I have a better than average chance of making it to 83 years. That fails to include the life-threatening risks that accompany hard times and ecological collapse, not to mention the prospects of Social Security insolvency. I think I'll take that bird in my hand.
Financial planning should include short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Those time frames compress in the sunset years. Right now, I see them as 1, 5, and 10 years. These days, financial assets for the medium- and long-term time frames should be kept in gems or precious metals. These should be put to use as the occasion arises to purchase durable goods and property that will have near-term, as well as lasting, value in production or trade.
Working for pay should be low priority. Managing and reducing assets already acquired, i.e. having one's affairs in order, should be emphasized.
Aside from survival, the sabbath decade should be one of enjoyment. Rewards should come from diligent saving. Vacations and hobbies should be undertaken more earnestly, pets and spouses given more time and attention. Luxuries have no place in my budget, but there are some things that money can buy that could make life a bit more enjoyable. Following Ralph Nader's advice, I subscribe to Consumer Reports to know what could be worth buying, though living with less is my m.o.
I've come to put the pleasure of good cooking nearly on par with life itself. Everything around me can go to Hell, but tasty, wholesome food is my bottom line. When that basic pleasure is gone, I don't think I will last much longer. Could that be why people who lose their sense of smell die within 5 years? Smell and taste are mutual senses.
Nap time is also hugely rewarding. Sleep comes so much easier in the middle of the day, especially when I've been doing physical labor. Many days, a 10- or 15-minute nap brings wonderful relief from the tiredness that comes with age.
Naps and night sleep fill the mind with dreams, which for me have little waking value, but are valuable in and of themselves. Perhaps if food fails, I can find a way to alter my mental state to allow me to endure by consuming raw foods and pharmaceuticals, living out my remaining days with nightdreams and daydreams as a refuge from the waking nightmare of civilization's collapse.
