Alliepoo has a good point - after I left my last job, I kept the coverage by paying the premiums under COBRA. However, it was expensive, very expensive. You might want to ask a benefits person with the district how much it would cost you to keep your coverage if you left early, then you could factor that in to your decision. If it is too expensive, you can get a stop-gap emergency policy on your own that would only cover major stuff, not any regular check-ups or tests or whatever. That's another option. I had to cover one of my sons that way after my COBRA coverage was done and before I could move him to England. We got it through BlueCross. I don't think going without coverage is really a good idea, even if you never have used it in the past. All it takes is one accident - like a broken leg - and suddenly you're looking at thousands of dollars in bills. I believe the "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" idea is a good one. But that's just me.

I like Jewells' idea, too.

Let us know what you decide and how things go, either way. Your experiences will help someone else here.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Our county lets teachers keep the insurance in retirement, it is the same as when I taught, just pay more for the premiums. I can keep it until 65 and is around $300 a month. It isn't considered Cobra, just a benefit after we retire. Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy.

Thank you for all of your good advice and input to my question. I resigned from my teaching position and am still anxious about the future financially but mostly about things I can't control anyway. My coworkers were nice and gave me a good send off and I managed to get on the stage at the final assembly without tripping and crying too much and got the retirement teacher bell, yes, they give you a brass hand bell, which by the way my dogs come running too, which was funny to watch. I left of my own accord which empowered me and I am getting over the guilt of leaving work and becoming retired.
I actually backed up the truck and hooked up the hay trailer by myself this morning and hauled hay from a neighbor's until we got rained out. He actually said I was faster than my husband used to be coming back for the next load. That made me feel good as I was nervous that I had to do it by myself. It is wonderful being home and not having to race to work and race home again.
I think I made the right decision to retire and I have no regrets because I left on a high note in my career. It was also my choice and right or wrong it felt good to make a decision just for me and my health and well being. I have been a care giver, first in the medical field and now in teaching and it was time to pass the torch to the younger ones. I can now concentrate on my own interests and plan a new life. My husband will always be with me in my heart but the reality is that he isn't coming back. He used to always tell his widowed sister, it's not WE anymore but ME and you have to make decisions for your own life now. I will keep you posted on how I survive! Thanks again for all your caring and sharing on this website.

Hi Hon, in my opinion, I think you made the right decision for you. I pray it all works out for you. You sound as if you researched everything and you have a great outlook. Very positive.
Life is short . As we all know.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your retirement very much. Lu

I think you made the right decision and gave it a lot of thought. Sometimes money isn't so much a issue, when you have faced a tragedy. You'll learn what's important to have and what isn't.

I gave up my business 2yrs. before my husband passed to be his caregiver and our income dropped quite a bit, but he was more important. Now that its just me and not us, I took the past yr. not working just to have the time to regroup. As I was totally worn physically and mentally, and so far I've survived. At this point of life as long as I have roof over my head and food on the table that's all I need.

Enjoy your retirement as life is too short!!

I tink you will wonder how you possibly could have gotten everything done, while you were working. I wonder that....cause now it seems there not enough time in the day to get thinngs done, without working too. Make sure you make time for you....don't run yourself down....

My wife and I had discussed closing out the last of my dental practice and had agreed that it would be soon. After her accident I kept working thinking I needed to stay busy. Each day there was misery, I already was sick of it and my sadness over my loss just made it worse. I decided I could be miserable at home without having to go to work to help it along. This week was my last day, talk about feeling liberated, I only wish I had done it sooner.

I have no regrets at all about retiring at 55, I have worked for 34 years and want to enjoy my family and friends. It is just so freeing not to have to go back. I so needed this change after the sudden death of my husband.

I think you have thought this through but needed some input on your decision.

1) Did you research the pros and cons
Your state usually in your capital has a teachers retirement section that can give you input on what would be now and what would be later.

2) A good retirement/estate planning lawyer would be a good one just to ask for help ....even a law accountant

3) You have to way the expenses like you did staying at work: car expenses, bla blah

4) AND mostly your happiness sadness and just not happy takes you down emotionally thus physically....that counts in your decision.

5) You should be able to collect SSI as a widow...see a SSI lawyer if you are not certain....they can help It may be worth it.

HUGS from PNW