Starting Retirement Planning at 58

                                                                   

                            Starting Where I Am: My Retirement Journey at 58

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I’m 58 years old, and here’s the truth: I don’t have much saved for retirement. My 401(k) is sitting at less than $10,000, and while I do contribute a little each month, it’s not exactly the picture-perfect retirement fund you read about in financial magazines.

For a while, that thought really weighed me down. I’d catch myself thinking, “What’s the point? It’s too late.” But then I reminded myself—it’s never too late to do something. And honestly, something is always better than nothing.

So here’s where I’m at: I plan to work until at least 65, maybe longer if I feel good and enjoy it. In the meantime, I’m looking for little ways to set myself up better. For example, I’m trying to save just a little more each paycheck, even if it’s $50 or $100. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up.

I’m also being more mindful about spending. Those little extras—like streaming services I barely use, or takeout when I have food at home—add up faster than I realized. Cutting back gives me more room to save, and honestly, it feels kind of good to be intentional with money.

Another thing I’m exploring is earning a little extra on the side. Whether that’s selling things I don’t use anymore, picking up a small side hustle, or even freelancing, it feels good to think about money coming in that can go straight toward my future self.

And of course, I’m thinking about Social Security and how to get the most out of it. Waiting until full retirement age could make a difference in the monthly check, so I’m learning all I can.

Most importantly, I’m taking care of my health. Because what good is retirement if I don’t feel good enough to enjoy it? Walking more, eating better, and keeping up with doctor visits is part of my “retirement planning” too.

I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s okay. I’m starting where I am, and maybe that’s exactly what someone else needs to hear. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

Company, picnic and Amish auction adventures

 This past Saturday was packed with fun, food, and plenty of memories. Our company picnic was held at Cornerstone Kids Ranch in Ada, Oklahoma from 10 AM to 2 PM. The ranch had so many activities for everyone to enjoy— Face painting, bouncy, houses, hay rod, petting zoo, zip lining, and even rock climbing. Inside we played bingo with lots of surprises up for grabs, and outside at the pavilion a lovely band kept the energy going all afternoon.

Sheila and I!

Mindy and I.

Brandy and I.

The highlight, of course, was the food trucks! We had five to choose from Smashed OK, Okie, Jack’s, KJ BBQ, Nacho Biznec, and Carnival Eats & Treats. I decided on a chopped brisket sandwich with real-cut french  fries from Smashed OK, and it was absolutely delicious explanation point! I also tasted the strawberry funnel cake from the Carnival Eat & Treats truck. Before leaving, I’ll grab some street tacos from Nacho Biznec To take home, and now I know that if I see any of these trucks at another event, I’ll definitely be a Repeat customer. 

⚡Shelby, Mindy, and Sheila rode with me, and our first top of the day was 7Brew in Duncan Oklahoma. They just opened up, and with the purchase of a large drink you got a free T-shirt. I ordered a chai tea with sweet cream and picked out a soft purple shirt that says Bahama Mama such a fun little stop before our drive! 

After the picnic, we headed 30 minutes down the road to Clarita Oklahoma for the annual Amish school auction. It had been at least six years since I last went, so I was excited to finally be back. The quilt exhibit was stunning— One quilt sold for $4000 and later another went for $6000. Amish quilts are truly worth of art, and I would love to own one someday.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up some Amish goodies! I treated myself to pink lemonade, homemade ice cream, noodles, chicken base, apple bread, and an Apple fried pie and two brownies. amish baked goods never disappoint. We browsed the vendor booths, but since it was pretty hot outside, we didn’t stay as long as we might have liked. 

By the time we made it back to Duncan around 5 PM we were tired, but full of laughs and memories. It was a perfect Saturday filled with good company, great food, and a little adventure.

My Everything Shower Routine

These are the products I chose for my shower routine tonight. I am enjoying using summer scented products.  Finding the products at Tjmaxx,Bealls and Burlington’s at a steep discount price makes me SO happy. 
 

I’ve realized lately that my showers have turned into more than just a quick in-and-out. I’m spending more time in there, and honestly, I don’t mind one bit. What I’ve started doing is what I like to call an “everything shower”-basically, it’s when I take care of all the things at once. 

It’s not just a rinse and go. This is the kind of shower where I pull out the hair mask, do a good  exfoliation, shave, and throw in a little extra skincare. It feels less like a chore and more like a mini self-care session right in my own bathroom. 

There are a few reasons I love doing this: 

* Self-care. Taking the extra time makes me feel calm and relaxed, like I’m giving myself a reset button. Add in a nice-smelling body wash or scrub, and suddenly it feels like a spa day. 

* Hydration. My skin and hair feel so much better after. Exfoliating, moisturizing, conditioning-it all makes a difference when I do it throughly instead of rushing. 

* Mental well-being. There’s something about the whole routine that just clears my head. The steam, the scents, the little rituals—they always leave me in a better mood. 

By the time I’m done, I feel squeaky clean, super refreshed, and honesty a little pampered. I’ll wrap up in a fluffy towel, slather on body oil along with lotion, and it’s like the cherry on top.

A September day in my life

There’s something about September that feels like a gentle reset. The mornings are cooler, the days a little shorter, and I find myself slipping into routine routines that feel both familiar and comforting. Today, I thought I’d share what a typical day looks like in my mind~the SimpleJoys, everyday moments that bring me joy. 

I usually start my mornings early. With a warm cup of tea in hand, I take a few minutes to check emails and catch up on the news. There’s something cozy about being wrapped in a sweater while the sun slowly makes its way up Mr. C and I share breakfast together. ~ nothing fancy, but always filling and made with love.

The heart of my day often revolves around small projects. This weekend I’m working on rotating out my clothes.~from summer to fall season. I also will go through and donate clothes. I’m no longer wearing..

I will also continue to work on my journal for Swap~Bot. This always helps me embrace my creativity. Taking pen of paper, Phils grounding, especially when paired with the rhythm of fall slowly settling in around me. 

Afternoons are a mix of chores and rest. Some days is kitchen, cleanup, or tackling a corner of the house; other days i’ll sit down and write letters to my penpals. I love staying connected that way putting thoughts on paper feel so much more personal than a quick message.

Evenings are slow and cozy, often a favorite show on TV and something warm for dinner. September nights carry their own kind of magic.~ The air crisp, the sky darker a little earlier, and the reminder that fall is truly here.

It may not be a glamorous day, but it’s mine~filled with little rituals, gratitude and the quiet beauty of September. 

 

Sunday Funday: shopping, sweet treats, and birthday finds.

Yesterday was the perfect Sunday Funday!  I’m headed down to Marlow at 11:30 AM, picked  up Cherrie and we headed out to Lawton Oklahoma for an adventure of shopping. Both of us were on a mission.— Birthday gift for our daughter-in-law’s. Cherrie was shopping for Haley and decided on a Victoria’s secret gift card at Central Mall. We had no idea that the mall was deserted, except for a few stores. I was shopping for Savannah and thought it would be fun to create a green-Themed gift basket filled with bath items from Bath & body Works.

Our next stops were Ollie and Ross before hunger hit. Panera bread was calling our name! I ordered the broccoli and cheese soup with half an Italian steak and mozzarella sandwich, plus a strawberry basil lemonade Fresca that was so refreshing.

Fueled up, we headed to Bath & Body Works where I picked out the Sunrise Woods collection for Savannah. The buy 3, get 3 free deal was too good to pass up, so I grabbed some Warm Vanilla Sugar products for myself—such a cozy fall scent! We also browsed 5 Below to see if I could find a few extra touches for Savannah’s basket

Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at Nothing Bundt Cakes. I grabbed two caramel apple cider cakes—fall in dessert form! By 4:30 p.m. we were back in Marlow, and I dropped Cherrie off at her truck. On my way home, I picked up Taco Mayo for Mr. C. and then called it a day.

It was such a fun outing, and I’m so glad Cherrie went with me. Best of all—I was able to get everything I needed for Savannah’s birthday gift. Mission accomplished! 

Oklahoma State Fair 2025

Jessica took Logan, Brooks, and Hattie to the Oklahoma State Fair. They were joined by Jessica’s parents, John and Sherry, along with one of Logan’s friends. It looks like they all had a great day of fun and memories!

Hattie was so cute in her sunglasses, and Brooks looked sharp dressed up as a police officer. I’m sure they walked until they were worn out, but that’s part of the fair experience. I love seeing the little ones enjoying themselves. Jessica does such a wonderful job of giving the kids new adventures and experiences.

Logan and his friend are having fun as well. I remember going to the fair at their age. Was always so much fun to explore everything the fair had to offer.

Brooks is so happy to rock his police uniform.

Hattie and Brooks getting to pick out a duck for a prize. 

Playing in the sand box was probably their highlight of the day. These smalls love playing in the dirt. Was told everyone had a great day and can’t wait to go back next year! 

 

Good Girl Gone Badd ( Badd Brothers Series #4)

By Jasinda Wilder

Fantasy Romance

Published August 3, 2017

I recently finished good girl gone bad, the fourth book and Jacinda Wilder’s BADD BROTHERS series, and it was an absolute whirlwind of passion, fnami  ily drama, and opposites-attract-chemistry.

The story follows Evangeline Du Maurier, the very definition of a “good girl.” She’s polished, comes from money, and is grown for a life of privilege-including becoming the perfect wife to a future senator. But sometimes, even the most well-behaved women need to break free. Evangeline decided to step away from her carefully laid-out path. That’s when she collides with none other than Baxter Badd.

Baxter is everything her world warns her against-rough around the edges, hard-drinking, unapologetic bad, and part of the infamous Badd brothers. He’s magnetic, raw, and completely irresistible to Evangeline. Their worlds couldn’t be more different- high society good girl versus rugged, rebellious bad boy-but the sparks, between them? Absolutely undeniable. 

This book is a fun, fast paced, and oh-so-steamy read. Wilder blends together, sizzling romance with past pain, family, expectations, and the possibility of love that defies the odds. What makes this serious stand out is that each of the Badd brothers has his own story, personality, and baggage, Which keeps the readers hooked book after book.

Good girl gone bad was particularly fun because of the intense chemistry between Eva and Baxter. It’s filled with popular romance tropes-good girl meets bad boy, opposites attract, and a touch of forbidden passion-all wrapped up in Wilders signature storytelling style.

If you love, romance with heat, drama, and unforgettable characters, then this book (and the series as whole) deserves a spot on your TBR list. Just be-it’s going to be hot in here. 🔥🔥