_GOTOBOTTOM
Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
Planning for retirement
crossracer
Visit this Community
Delaware, United States
Joined: April 26, 2005
KitMaker: 117 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 01:17 AM UTC
Just curious, I'm getting close to retirement (within 6 years) and I've started to build up my model stash with on sale items. Mostly just 1/35 items that I really want to build and I'm picking up a lot of these models now for 1/2 off. Since I have been building my whole life I'm not afraid that they won't be used. Since when I retire I'll be earning a bit less, but mostly my bills will be fully paid.

Anyone else out there doing or thinking the same?

Bill


Tojo72
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Joined: June 06, 2006
KitMaker: 4,691 posts
Armorama: 3,509 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 01:55 AM UTC
Yes,I'm retiring in 6 months,so every model purchase I make I tell my wife,"you know I have to buy them now,because pretty soon we will be on a fixed income."

Seriously,I still should be able to buy after I retire,but I do have some retirement builds set aside,that retirement will allow me the time to work on.
ivanhoe6
Visit this Community
Wisconsin, United States
Joined: April 05, 2007
KitMaker: 2,023 posts
Armorama: 1,234 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 02:55 AM UTC
I've been retired for about 18 months now. Leading up to the "big day" it seemed I went to the LHS every 2 weeks (payday)and bought a new kit, with one big purchase, a complete Grex airbrush system. But with all the new kits that just never seem to stop being released I must have purchased at least 10 kits since the big day.
Everybody's situation is a bit different....
A word of advice...... When the day comes have yourself a routine in place. I didn't and in a short time I put on 10 pounds quickly. I adopted a "it'll be there tomorrow" attitude. I built a bunch the first month or 6 weeks then kinda burnt out. I build about the same amount now as I did while working.
Now I get up at 6. By 8 I do housework, lunch, build for 3 hrs run a couple of errands, fix supper then dog walk with my neighbor (those 10lbs have come off but not much else) a little TV then bed about 11. I've also taken to volunteering around my community too. A great way to meet new people much like myself, see lots of music, experience new things being out of your comfort zone. Now I'm helping the girlfriend take care of her 87 year old parents and that eats up 3 or 4 days every week.
I know I know TOO much information !
Bottom line is : GET YOURSELF INTO A ROUTINE !!!!! Whatever you do ! Be physically active too !
GOOD LUCK you future retirees !
Tom
Logan
Visit this Community
British Columbia, Canada
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 523 posts
Armorama: 400 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 04:08 AM UTC
Hi

Enjoy your retirement. I've retired about seven months ago and it has flown by.

I found the opposite happened for me. My eye sight has changed and my essential tremor has worsened. I thinned my stash by approx 2/3 because I knew they would never get built.

Even though I now have the time for research, I have found I get far more joy building out of the box or adding a missing detail or two.

Your mileage may vary.

Tom
panzerbob01
Visit this Community
Louisiana, United States
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 05:33 AM UTC
Retired 18 months ago.... Thought that I would have more time for models, but actually haven't seen much increase in that! I have started to abandon some of the "OCD" and am enjoying building the big and parts-rich armor kits mostly OOTB (a few added details, and detail-refinement on kit parts when useful) - of course, many of the newer kits (I'm on a Trumpeter / Takom / Meng / Tiger modern Russian kick right now) are chock with details and very big part-counts, and build up into super models almost OOTB, so maybe the OCD isn't needed as much as it used to be to get great outcomes!

But I plan on MORE time in the future... My past 18m have seen me rebuild my house for selling, pack and move a huge pile of stuff, start re-building my future retirement home, and a host of other stuff (including helping a good pal restart the local model club) - and as some of those big chores will be done, and my retirement place will be essentially a NEW house, I expect that I COULD actually have more model time! But...

The wife expects a bit more travel and tourism time, the Pinzgauer truck beckons, I need to rev up my shooting a bit, I'm restarting my home-brewing, I have a book or 2 I committed to write and need to maybe actually do that... And that darned clock just keeps ticking away!

My advice for whatever it could be worth: Don't over-plan your retirement. Learn to live and be happy, set and achieve modest goals and keep eyes open for having some fun and adventures as you go along. And keep buying those cool kits which call you - you'll have the pleasure of having them even if you don't build them. We live in a true PLATINUM AGE of modeling!

Model On, Friends!
Kevlar06
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 06:17 AM UTC
Well, I retired 11 years ago from the Army, then took a part time job as a labor counselor for injured workers. Quit that job about two years ago when my wife started having health problems. I also started building for commission in 2006, more on a whim after recovering from major surgery to keep busy, and at the same time worked part time for a friend in a LHS. So I guess I've been busy in retirement. Now I'm finding it's harder to get things done as I age, it takes me longer to do things around the house. and things keep breaking on the old bod-- I've got a new knee and shoulder now. I guess the point of this is I thought I'd have lots of time for building models in retirement, but that's less true as time passes. Getting older requires more time to do things, and knowing I would never get around to all the models in the stash, I've thinned it to a point where I might be able to finish the good ones-- which brings me to another point. I'm much more selective in the kits I buy now, and have slowed buying quite a bit. I'd rather build a good kit than struggle with a dog, although I have a few dogs in the stash because there are no alternatives. Life is short-- don't waste time if you don't have to. Remember, there are some things you can foresee in retirement and plan for-- but there are others you cannot.
VR, Russ
TopSmith
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: August 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,742 posts
Armorama: 1,658 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 08:57 AM UTC
I have about 50 I guess in the pile and I keep getting suggestions to thin them if you know what I mean. I still have 7 more years to go before I retire but now that I am 60 I understand about slowing down. Like Russ I only have a couple dogs in the stash because there are no other choices. I do note that as I age I am less interested in 10,000 piece kits and want to do more "Shep Payne" old school type upgrades.
PzDave
Visit this Community
United States
Joined: November 28, 2012
KitMaker: 319 posts
Armorama: 285 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 09:00 AM UTC
Why wait to retire to build. Start now.
TopSmith
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: August 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,742 posts
Armorama: 1,658 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 09:23 AM UTC
Oh we still build but I can collect faster than I can build and they keep putting out new kits I like and my taste in kits evolves. I kringe at wingie things. I have NEVER gotten the panel lines scribed to my satisfaction but like a moth being drawn to the flame I keep looking and sometimes buying those damned things. I think I am going to leave a note in my stash that if I pass before I wake, give all my kits to the local IPMS.
erichvon
Visit this Community
England - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Joined: January 17, 2006
KitMaker: 1,694 posts
Armorama: 1,584 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 11:48 AM UTC
I effectively retired 12 years ago (aged 38) due to ill health which over the years has got worse but in different ways. When I was working I didn't get much time for modelling at all due to working shifts (I was a copper) and my evil ex seemed to spend my wages before they were earned. Once I'd kicked her out and had control over my money again I could actually spend on me then fell ill and had to leave work. These days modelling is my main form of enjoyment. I can't eat out and don't drink anymore as I suffer from chronic pancreatitis, amongst other things, so nights on the town are a thing of the past so all my spare cash goes on kits and associated supplies. I can't remember the last time I bought a kit from a retailer as I trawl ebay daily Some of the bargains I've picked up over the years are incredible so have built up a huge stash. I was showing a friend at the weekend who models wingy things and he was gobsmacked at the stash and he works full time. In my building stash alone there's about 32 Miniart buildings and I paid less than half price for all of them off ebay. (I never pay more than half price) Some I got for about a fiver! It just goes to show that even after you're retired you can get real bargains if you're patient. When I was working I didn't have a stash but you cut your suit according to the cloth so to speak. If I see a bargain and think I'll be able to use it at a later date I buy it (hence so many buildings) as there's no rush to use them up. I've got over 100 boxes of DML figures in another stash (they're all in different cupboards)which may seem excessive but with having multiples which I paid very little for I can kitbash and create figures specifically for dioramas that aren't standard. Same again , I'll buy them cheap even if I don't have a plan at that point as I know they'll come in later on. What I'm basically saying is that you don't really need to stock up before retirement as you get used to having less money and shop differently and because you have time on your hands you have more time for kit hunting, more time for research and above all more time for building.
Recon
Visit this Community
Wisconsin, United States
Joined: October 19, 2002
KitMaker: 1,571 posts
Armorama: 764 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 06:15 PM UTC
I retired 5 1/2 years ago and love it. I have found so many other things to do. I still model but not as much as I used to.
I still do shows and I am getting ready for the IPMS Nationals.
I do not buy as much stuff as I used too either. There is so much more to do than modeling.
Biggles2
Visit this Community
Quebec, Canada
Joined: January 01, 2004
KitMaker: 7,600 posts
Armorama: 6,110 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 08:51 PM UTC
Don't spend too much time at your workbench - that's how bloodclots in the legs happen. Don't ask me how I know!
d6mst0
#453
Visit this Community
Texas, United States
Joined: August 28, 2016
KitMaker: 1,925 posts
Armorama: 601 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 09:07 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Just curious, I'm getting close to retirement (within 6 years) and I've started to build up my model stash with on sale items. Mostly just 1/35 items that I really want to build and I'm picking up a lot of these models now for 1/2 off. Since I have been building my whole life I'm not afraid that they won't be used. Since when I retire I'll be earning a bit less, but mostly my bills will be fully paid.

Anyone else out there doing or thinking the same?


Bill



Hey that is my plan LOL!

I am two years away from retirement and been busy collecting models and outfitting my hobby room while I have the income in preparation of having a reduced income. I believe now the only things I will need to purchase are consumable items such as glue, paint, putty, etc. from now on.

I started building three years ago after picking up a copy of FineScale Modeller. My main focus has be 1/350 Ships and 1/35 Armour with a few odd aircraft I have a fancy for. I don't plan on having model building my only thing to do in retirement but has a means to keep my mind and hands active.

Marcus
Bodeen
#026
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 09:45 PM UTC
I'm planning on retiring in a little over three years. I will never build all of the kits I have.I have a lot of options though. When I can no longer build, I have a grandson who loves the hobby...when I die they are all his.
Hohenstaufen
Visit this Community
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: December 13, 2004
KitMaker: 2,192 posts
Armorama: 1,615 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 10:04 PM UTC
I took early retirement on health grounds in Feb 2014 at 56. I thought I would have plenty of time for modelling, but I have to say my output has fallen to virtually nil! I find there are too many distractions; yes I do the housework (although I draw the line at ironing) as my wife is still working (she is 6 years younger than me), but I have lately been occupied working on my bikes and riding them when the weather is fine.
Last year I belatedly studied for an MA in Military History, in which I achieved a Merit. The research and reading required for this fully occupied me for a whole year. However I wanted to do it to keep the brain working - this certainly happened and is recommended.
I can relate to those caring for elderly relatives; we had to care for my Father for 6 months after my Mum died unexpectedly - she had been his full time carer. This was actually a good thing in a way, as he had retreated into himself due to his various illnesses and we "got him back" for 6 months until his own demise.
Bravo36
Visit this Community
Arizona, United States
Joined: January 11, 2002
KitMaker: 247 posts
Armorama: 229 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 10:16 PM UTC
This may be a question for a follow-on post, but I too am retiring soon. I don't want to be a maudlin modeler (LOL), but I've been wondering what will happen to not only my inventory, but all of my paints, tools and spares/parts when I depart this earth. There's a lot of money tied up in there, and a lot of good stuff for a like-minded modeler.

My wife and kids will have no clue what to do with it all. Heck, I don't have any idea. I've thought about contacting my local chapter of IPMS, but not sure if that will work. Any ideas?
Logan
Visit this Community
British Columbia, Canada
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 523 posts
Armorama: 400 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 10:24 PM UTC

Quoted Text

This may be a question for a follow-on post, but I too am retiring soon. I don't want to be a maudlin modeler (LOL), but I've been wondering what will happen to not only my inventory, but all of my paints, tools and spares/parts when I depart this earth. There's a lot of money tied up in there, and a lot of good stuff for a like-minded modeler.

My wife and kids will have no clue what to do with it all. Heck, I don't have any idea. I've thought about contacting my local chapter of IPMS, but not sure if that will work. Any ideas?



Hi

A few of my friends have asked that their fellow modeling friends help out with the disposition of their kits. From what I have read, and only as a general rule, your built-ups will likely get binned and your unbuilts will get pawed through and sold for pennies. If you are lucky, your LHS will buy your stash but again, for a lot less than it is worth.

Unless a buddy wants your paints and tools, they too will likely become landfill.

Tom
joepanzer
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Joined: January 21, 2004
KitMaker: 803 posts
Armorama: 740 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 10:30 PM UTC
I'll never be able to retire. So I build NOW!!!


I've wondered about my kits/tools/paints as well. Would be nice if Modelers had a place where their kits/gear could be "donated" to a central location and experienced folks could bid on it.
Kevlar06
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 11:00 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

This may be a question for a follow-on post, but I too am retiring soon. I don't want to be a maudlin modeler (LOL), but I've been wondering what will happen to not only my inventory, but all of my paints, tools and spares/parts when I depart this earth. There's a lot of money tied up in there, and a lot of good stuff for a like-minded modeler.

My wife and kids will have no clue what to do with it all. Heck, I don't have any idea. I've thought about contacting my local chapter of IPMS, but not sure if that will work. Any ideas?



Hi

A few of my friends have asked that their fellow modeling friends help out with the disposition of their kits. From what I have read, and only as a general rule, your built-ups will likely get binned and your unbuilts will get pawed through and sold for pennies. If you are lucky, your LHS will buy your stash but again, for a lot less than it is worth.

Unless a buddy wants your paints and tools, they too will likely become landfill.

Tom



Well... funny you'd ask. I belong to a group of modelers here in the NW, some of whom are reaching advanced age. We try and make it a practice of giving stuff away when we can, to modelers who need it now. We have an informal group who takes in collections on occasion form widows and children of those who have passed, and sell it off to fund the club. You can always donate to IPMS chapters as well (I'm not a member, but benefit from the local shows). They will know what to do with it. I personally have given whole kits to modelers who are looking for something in particular here on Kitmaker-- you can always do that. Our group also makes it a practice to distribute built ups to those who will appreciate them-- if they are good quality builds, museums, Veterans groups and other organizations may take them. We display models of long gone members in our local shows and expositions as well, who says you can't add another modeler's masterpiece to your collection? As for tools, I have tools on my bench that have passed through two and three owners and are still serviceable-- your local IPMS or club will know what to do with them. And finally, if you have a LHS, they may take stuff in trade-- that's how I turn my "dogs" and stuff I won't be building into kits and materials I need, and I also trade with other modelers.
VR, Russ
panzerbob01
Visit this Community
Louisiana, United States
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 11:25 PM UTC
How to dispose of your stuff after you leave is an important - if somewhat melancholy - question.

The majority of realistic disposition routes include or feature donation of your stuff.

For those with sizable stashes of un-built kits, a good place to donate and help people AND also benefit your heirs is to give them to GoodWill or another recognized charity organization who will do good with them (They WILL sell them and get some money for good causes for them. I've bought a few kits over the years at GW stores... they come cheap, but those dollars go to really HELP people.). Donations to these places are tax-deductible and a sizable stash can be some good tax-cut.

Veteran's groups are also great donation sites - and the kits go to help folks needing help. Same with paints and supplies. It is less likely that your whole pile can go to one such place, however, as they may be able to accept only a small amount of stuff.

Giving kits away to other modelers is always at least likely rewarding - I give nice kits to younger modelers who are working to develop their skills and interests and are getting ready to tackle the bigger and more-complex stuff. (But this route probably doesn't really serve for a real stash - )

As others mentioned, your heirs could give them to some LHS or vendor. That's a route for a larger stash, too, but I personally see less social value in simply funding someone else to make a profit by giving them free inventory. But that's me. If you have a fav LHS and you want to help the guy out, that's a route.

Probably most of us older modelers don't have any family members who are actually interested in taking up our hobby. But you could consider giving your stash to your kids for them to maybe sell and get some money... My kids sell stuff on eBay as a side-line, so they could well get some money by hawking my kits.

Whatever you think you might wish to do... My suggestion is to get your wishes clear and on paper for your heirs - AND try to make their lives as simple as possible with some good instructions or suggestions as to what to actually do with your pile after you leave. They don't need any added stress and bother caused by having to try and figure out what they can do with "dad's pile of model kits and junk".

I'm leaving my wife and kids a list of possible donation-recipients and some suggestions for how to make the most of the pile for the least effort and stress on their part. And as a final note for them, I'll offer that I wouldn't mind a viking send-off from a pyre of styrene, albeit they need to think about whether the EPA might fall down on them and make the burn site a super-fund clean-up site!

Cheers! Bob
Sunbeamrapier
Visit this Community
Vejle, Denmark
Joined: April 17, 2015
KitMaker: 59 posts
Armorama: 19 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 11:46 PM UTC
I turne 65 and retired on feb. 1st this year and had a lot of ambition to get building - a have a modest stash of mainly autos and racers, but also armour, and that B-17 i bought ages ago......but I also have an old House and a garden to tend to, and a 10-year old daughter to keep me on my toes (yeah, yeah, I know...) so building time has been rare. However, come autumn and winter, I promise to get starte - I made a deal with my brother that we both get started on something - anything - and keep a blog running with out progress. Almost like work, then!

Cheers, HH



Kenaicop
#384
Visit this Community
Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 12:04 AM UTC
I retired on May 1st of this year, but pretty much stopped modeling and packed everything up just over a year ago. I did thin out my stash quite a bit, but still wound up shipping 4 large boxes of models to Nevada from Alaska. We are settled into our new home now but I probably wont be doing any modeling for a while. I also packed and shipped all my built models, over 100 pf them! They are all still packed up and in the garage. My son does wargaming and stuff like that, so he got all my paints, finishes and glues. Dont know when or if I'll be building again.
igorstravinsky
Visit this Community
Canada
Joined: May 26, 2017
KitMaker: 1 posts
Armorama: 1 posts
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 12:16 AM UTC
I will be retiring in a year. I have been buying kits and accessories off and on for the past several years. I remember a colleague at work remarking that I was buying a lot of stuff and another colleague merely stated that I was preparing for my retirement. When I DO eventually stop working I will have quite a few to build. I just wonder where I am going to put them all. If this is my biggest problem, I don't really have any problems. Cheers!!
Kevlar06
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 12:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I retired on May 1st of this year, but pretty much stopped modeling and packed everything up just over a year ago. I did thin out my stash quite a bit, but still wound up shipping 4 large boxes of models to Nevada from Alaska... Dont know when or if I'll be building again.



You will. You've got the bug, and when you least expect it, you'll be walking by those 4 large boxes and get the urge to pull one or more out. I go for long periods when I don't build, then something gets my interest up and I'll hit the bench. I started with well over 2000 kits from 50 years of collecting and not building much, I'm down to a more reasonable 200+ kits, probably won't build them all, but they are there when I want them. Look-- the proof is here-- you could be enjoying the Nevada sunshine, but you are trolling Kitmaker Network!! Of course you could be sitting by the pool trolling Kitmaker Network, with a drink in one hand-- that's the beauty of the Internet!
VR, Russ
Kenaicop
#384
Visit this Community
Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 01:41 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

I retired on May 1st of this year, but pretty much stopped modeling and packed everything up just over a year ago. I did thin out my stash quite a bit, but still wound up shipping 4 large boxes of models to Nevada from Alaska... Dont know when or if I'll be building again.



You will. You've got the bug, and when you least expect it, you'll be walking by those 4 large boxes and get the urge to pull one or more out. I go for long periods when I don't build, then something gets my interest up and I'll hit the bench. I started with well over 2000 kits from 50 years of collecting and not building much, I'm down to a more reasonable 200+ kits, probably won't build them all, but they are there when I want them. Look-- the proof is here-- you could be enjoying the Nevada sunshine, but you are trolling Kitmaker Network!! Of course you could be sitting by the pool trolling Kitmaker Network, with a drink in one hand-- that's the beauty of the Internet!
VR, Russ



Lol, a bit of all that Russ! Getting the honey-do's done first, sitting in the sun on my deck, and trolling here! The wife is loving me home full time, all the laundry is done, house is clean and dinner is waiting when she gets home. I'm kind of digging this retirement thing
 _GOTOTOP