The next chapter, one week at a time
Figuring out retirement. Sharing it as I go.
I'm Ken—one of the oldest Gen Xers, getting ready for whatever comes after a lifetime of work. Follow along as I sort through the decisions, plan some travel, and find out what retirement looks like on a real-world budget.
Latest episode
First episode coming soon
The first episode hasn't been published yet. It will appear here as soon as it's up.
I'm filming the first episode now. It covers where I am right now: still working, still deciding, and closing in on the year when claiming Social Security early becomes a real option.
Watch on YouTubeWhat you'll find here
Four threads I keep pulling on
- 01
Getting Ready
Decisions, questions, and practical preparations before retirement.
- 02
Money & Work
Personal experiences with budgets, earning income, and deciding when to step back.
- 03
Travel Within Reach
Planning worthwhile trips without an unlimited travel fund.
- 04
Life After the Job
Relationships, routines, interests, and making time count.
Recent diary entries
From the notebook
The first entries are being written
Nothing is published yet. New diary entries will show up here as soon as they're ready.
A brief introduction
Hello from Maine
I'm Ken, and this is my retirement diary. Patti and I live in Maine, and I'm approaching the point where retirement becomes a real decision instead of something far off. I don't have it all mapped out. That's why I'm documenting it—the questions, the adjustments, the trips, and the ordinary days in between.
Read my story
Travel within reach
Trips planned on a real budget
What we're saving for, what a trip actually costs, and what I'd do differently next time. Planned trips and finished ones, kept separate and honest.
See the travel plansFollow along
New episodes and entries, week by week.
One update a week
One update a week. A new story, a new episode, or something I learned along the way.
Email updates aren't open yet. Until then, YouTube and Facebook are the best way to keep up.