Hello, June is finally here and with it is warm weather and sunny blue skies. 🙂  I was able to maintain my goal of adding $2000.00 to my brokerage account in May and my net worth rose $4504.46.  Most importantly, my dividends for the month of May totaled $423.04!  It is still hard to believe.  I also found out some very good news.  I am able to transfer dividends from my Roth into my brokerage as long as the amount does not cut into the original amount that I added, which will never happen!  This is good news because I did not factor in my Roth dividends to help pay my monthly bills since I thought I had to wait until age 65 to access them.  But this is not true.  And even more exciting is the fact that my bills, excluding food and gas, total $570.00 per month!

I have also happened upon  my own little mantra where I state “This is part of my early retirement scheme”, whenever I buy a new appliance, attempt adjustments to my work schedule, research new ways to live frugally, or just about any other life decision.  I do this because I am so focused upon retiring early that I have subconsciously developed a “retirement nesting instinct” that guides me in the direction that will be the most likely to feather my nest comfortably.

From this point forward I believe that the more expensive financial decisions that I make will, for the most part, be some of my last since I will be living on a fixed and lower income in partial retirement.  Because of this I am attempting to work hard and purchase what I call “Large Ticket Items”, while I am still working.  A few items I will need to buy before partial or full retirement are a digital camera, dishwasher, refrigerator, window treatments, floor repair,  and hardware for my kitchen.  These items do not seem too unreasonable but they are a big deal to me and I struggle with purchasing them because I would much rather purchase dividend stocks.  But I need to have the items under my belt before retiring.  I speak of retiring somewhat nonchalantly, as though I could retire tomorrow.  I know I only have a very small dividend income stream but my survival instinct is kicking in telling me that I WILL retire soon, it is not even a question any more, I just will, I have to.  My experience has taught me that working for an employer past the age of 40 is a bad idea.  I am 42 and so thankful for my job but the daily grind is more challenging after 40!  My advice to most people would be to  avoid the daily grind after 40 if at all possible.  I am not opposed to working, just working a 9-5 because, being over 40, I fight the physical demands everyday.  I would also much rather spend time at my house.  I have endless tasks to  keep me busy there.

Over the past week I have been purchasing more items than I usual since I do not like to accumulate stuff.  When I retire early I realize I may not have the funds to allow me to travel so I am setting up my townhouse area as nicely as I can in order

to give it a “vacation like” feel.  I am a new homeowner so this is all new to me.  Some of my purchases include a 7.5 foot sky blue patio umbrella, numerous flowers, a bird feeder, and patio lights!  I also gave in and purchased a Roomba 650 which is one of the best decisions that I have made.  The Roomba cost $374 but with a few discounts I paid $320, I hope it lasts me for the rest of my life.

So what do you think?  Am I creating the “vacation like” atmosphere?  🙂  Let me know… have a good day!