Planning for Retirement

It's that time in my life where I need to start thinking about what to do in my retirement years.  I've changed my career from Teacher/Psychologist (though I maintain my licenses) to Real Estate.  I'm licensed as a broker in both Texas and Louisiana and work with Realty Associates in Harris and Montgomery Counties of Texas and McBryde & Associates in Many, Louisiana.  I think this can be some retirement income that isn't driven by age. 

In addition to thinking about income, my husband and I are trying to plan where we want to live and to do in our retirement years.  Choices are: to build a house on our lake property in Many, Louisiana, build something on my farm in Texas, or stay put in Houston.  Another choice that my husband Mike keeps throwing out is a partial relocation to Equador.

on top of that, we are trying to evaluate our hobbies which tend to cost a bit to see what we can afford.  I love family history and the travel that involves.  I love photography and I love music.  We have also recently discovered the world of cruising.  I love beautiful countryside and taking pictures that I'll probably never sell.  Finally, I have always wanted to write a novel, but I'm not even strict enough with myself to write a blog daily.

Our first hope is to build the home at the lake, but if anyone has been following any of my blogs, I have spent over a year designing the perfect retirement home only to discover that I can't afford to build it.  We are currently in the process of talking with builders and also evaluating the idea of owner built.  Whichever project I go with should give me ample subject matter to blog about. 

So hopefully, this will be one of many blogs to come.  I appreciate all comments and suggestions.