Retirement Plan... Suggestions Advice

[ford4x4fun]

So,

I have exactly 7 years left till I can retire out of the military. And am starting to think about what I want to do when I get out. Here is my thoughts, because after this I want something stress free, fun and make a little bit of an income. I am not trying to become a Millionaire I just want something to do, where I am my own boss.

So Eastern Ky is big on it's pay lakes. I have the land, I have drain off into a pond. I would have to dip the pond out and make it a little bigger but I don't think I need a permit to do that on our land. I am thinking sidewalks with handicap accessible areas, a little hot dog stand, and shaded fishing shanties for comfort. I would make this a family thing, getting help from all of my immediate family so construction dozer work and most everything else would be done at cost or near it. I have been playing with this idea since I took my kids to one about 3 years ago. We showed up, the place was full of trash, actual trash and people. Guys where casting across the pond to where my son was fishing, and I ended up about getting in a fight when one of the guys snagged my sons line and than started throwing an alcohol induced temper tantrum. So fishing is suppose to be a family event and if you run a business it should be neat and orderly and look good. So what are your all's thoughts on this. I have a loan through the VA in the works, but need to do my research first. I have also posted it in some other discussion forums from the local area to see what kind of feedback I get about it.

[Mancar1]

Sounds like a plan. As long as it is something you know you will enjoy, why not. When I retired from the Navy, we moved back where I was raised. Town of 800 in a county with a small population where we could get by on the pension. I worked for myself as a handyman, (already had the tools), for a few years. Now I take care of a small cemetery, (7 acres), a one man show, Me. Hopefully your investment in $$$$ will not be to high. I figure that the least you invest in $$$, the less you stand to loose. I am like you in the since of, be comfortable, I do not care to get rich. Best of luck with the rest of your sevice time, and your retirement plans. Once again thanks for your service.

[Ranchero50]

I think it could turn out pretty nice but not sure if it would be a viable or self sustainable if the insurance maggot get involved. Depending on the geography you shouldn't have too much trouble with the Govt. over the dam structure. The retired senior chief I work with says his best fishing trips include a cooler of bear and just a sinker tied to the end of his line. That way the fish don't distract him from his relaxing.

Jamie

[Mancar1]

Yes, I go fishing for the fun of it. Catching fish is a bonus. I release em so I don't have to clean em.

[STROKER69]

Not trying to sway you in any way, but father- inlaw did this when he retired from the Air Force. Bought land here in So. Georgia and put in 4 nice catfish and bream ponds. Kept them well stocked, and clean area.No fishing on Sunday, that was a day for family and rest. People would climb over gate with large sign and beat on door asking to fish on Sunday. Also they would try to hide fish they had caught so they wouldt have to pay the price per pound they charged. That is just asmall part of it, they closed down because of the hassle. Just some food for thought. But if you come to so. ga. let me know and we will go fishing.

[fastEdsel]

We have a saying here and it is very true, "With family you walk and talk." Family can easily become the other "f" word. I think anytime you improve your property and invite someone else there to fish, camp or whatever it opens up a huge liability thing anymore. The world is fast moving to the "lottery attitude" where someone sees something you have and they don't and they will take it from you and all it takes is a sprained ankle or a fish lure in the eye. My property here is 3 miles off the Alaska Highway and the slope of the land is perfect for a drive in theatre. 30 acres, lots of space and the sewer and water infrastructure is already here. It would be great, but just read the papers and litigation reports. Have someone trip over another guys beer can while he was on his way to the popcorn stand and that's all it takes to lose your dream and maybe your property. My property is just that, my property. We got into heavy haul after I sold off the spray planes and sold off most of our farmland, and rented a shop for the truck in a nearby city. Next I took and graduated from an appliance repair course and that is going along too but everything is off the property, which I can come back to each night, be by myself, the Queen Bee and my dog. When the Grandkids are here then that is my crowd and it is all good. 20 years ago I had a farm auction here. The posters went out and my name was plastered all over Southern Alberta and Northern Montana. And they came. And they stole. And they broke into buildings, even getting to my '59 Edsel which I thought was safe and someone grabbed the radio knobs and cigarette lighter out of it. Any one of you folks out there just try to find that stuff now.

All I can say is to hang onto your dreams and the answer will come, but keep your powder dry and enjoy YOUR property. They're not making any more of it. Best of luck to you and your family.